This resurgence in Oklahoma City has also brought new names to our lovely town, including 'Cinderella' city - rising from the ignored younger sister status, to the magical, beautiful belle of the ball. The season opener of Oklahoma City Ballet's 2014-2015 season showed just that - a magical rise to 'Cinderella' status.
My 9-year old daughter was my date to the Saturday, October 18, matinee production of 'Cinderella', featuring Soloist, Dayoung Jung, in the title role. Jung was not only lovely as the main character, but her technique was exquisite - a true example of a ballerina displaying both class and elegance.
The sets were wonderful and allowed the story to be told in grand scale. My daughter even commented on how 'cool' it was that she was able to see through the cottage windows, allowing the audience to view characters arriving and leaving the stepmother's house.
The stepsisters, played in classic 'ugly girl' fashion by Robert Mills and Ronnie Underwood, were the scene stealers of the show. Not only were they over-the-top in their movements and gestures, but they played off each other so well. I loved that although they were ugly, they weren't 'evil'. They came across more as spoiled brats that expected the prince to fall at their feet - a little easier for the younger crowd to understand and accept.
Ah, the younger crowd! I loved looking around to see dozens of girls wearing various Disney princess costumes to the show, holding hands with dad, mom, grandpa, grandma. And kudos to Executive Director Shane Jewell for playing to the audience by including the Okc Ballet hippo mascot greeting everyone at the door. An added bonus included craft tables, allowing patrons to make magic wands and paper pumpkins - a truly memorable event for all in attendance. And special thanks to corporate sponsor, Braum's, for the milk and cookies in the lobby after the performance. All free for the taking! (ps - did I mention how much I love my city?)
1. Sophia: The costumes were so pretty!
1. Me: With the exception of the Fairy Godmother's costume, I thought all the costumes in the show were fantastic! Just to clarify, the Fairy Godmother's dancing was exquisite, but was veiled by a very unfortunate giant piece of sequined teal fabric and purple tulle drape. The ball gowns, the gentlemen's military dress, the stepsisters' costumes, Cinderella's ballgown and dazzling overcoat - wow! Even the corps de ballet costumes were as beautiful as the soloists. I loved that no matter who came on stage, the standard was one of excellence.
2. Sophia: The leaves falling from the ceiling during the Autumn Fairy and the snow falling during the Winter Fairy.
2. Me: Agreed! And can we talk about the four fairies of the seasons? Easily the most powerful dancing in the show - sharp, strong, exquisite in their movements. Kudos to these lovely corps de ballet ladies on their incredible work. By the way, I had to giggle when the Winter Fairy came on stage....so many little ones in the audience whispering (not really whispering), "It's Elsa! It's Elsa! Daddy look!"
3. Me: Can I get an amen!? I am beyond excited at the future of this company. For the first time in a long time, I can be proud to bring my "big city" friends to a performance of our ballet company and know that our talent ranks up there with any other "big city". An example, is the incredible work shown by Soloist, Alvin Tovstogray, as the Court Jester. His attack and energy were so strong, his petite allegro movements so precise, his ability to portray his character was so enjoyable. Whether interacting with the overly zealous stepsisters, or performing for the Queen, Tovstogray's Jester was a dynamic character that I wished would have had even more stage time.
The rest of Oklahoma City Ballet's season looks to be as strong as their opener. The much-anticipated revamped 'Nutcracker' (presented by Devon Energy), the romantic 'Romeo & Juliet' in February, and the triple bill 'Nine Sinatra Songs' in April.
Am I excited? Does Oklahoma City have one of the best NBA teams in the league? Does Oklahoma City have one of the best up-and-coming ballet companies in the US? Yes, and amen.
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