Fancy a night out filled with fabulous costumes, moving music and daring dance moves? Then Swan Lake on Ice is just for you…
If you haven’t seen the production before, treat yourself to a delightful night out this festive season to witness some of the most astounding talent on stage; I you have seen it before, you’ll appreciate this new adaptation that pulls you in to a magical world of glamorous palace balls and enchanted, misty lakes. It’s simply sublime!
We’ve probably all seen the mesmerizing Swan Lake ballet, and been transfixed by Tchaikovsky’s moving musical score, as well as by the intricate costumes and delicate dances. It’s impossible not to appreciate the grace and ability with which dancers perform this age-old fairytale, and, as if that isn’t enough, here The Imperial Ice Stars have taken the original production up several notches as they dance similar choreography on a specially built ice rink. The result is a breathtaking combination of athletic skill and heart-breaking on-stage romance.
Artistic director and choreographer Tony Mercer has breathed new life into this celebrated production, both through his use of Tchaikovsky’s score and his adaptation of the original story. Here, he separates the two rival swans, Odette and Odile, something that isn’t normally attempted. However, in this version it works perfectly. The Swan-Maiden Odette, played by Olga Sharutenko, is the epitome of grace and gentility. And, the production handles her final transformation to human form particularly well, with a flurry of white feathers scattered from the stage.
Odile on the other hand, played by Maria Mukhortova, is edgy and seductive – the two make a perfect pair and their separation is essential to the tale’s plot. While these characters dominate stage presence, there are some exceptional performances from Prince Siegfried and the evil Baron Von Rothbart. Both show strength and ability in gravity-defying leaps and unbelievable lifts in the Pas des trois, plus, look out for an exciting trick with fire on ice! Of course, an unforgettable highlight is the quintessential Dance of the Little Swans performed in the second act. These dainty cygnets are perfectly synchronised and effortless, even on the slippery ice.
Swan Lake on Ice is on at Montecasino’s Teatro until 10 January and at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town from 14 to 31 January. Book at www.computicket.com
