Ballet Lubbock to perform storybook classic 'Cinderella'
Join Ballet Lubbock, in conjunction with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, for a magical adaptation of the storybook classic "Cinderella."
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at Buddy Holly Hall, 1300 Mac Davis Lane.
The classic fairytale tells the story of Cinderella, a young woman whose stepmother forces her to act as a servant in her own home. Cinderella helps her stepmother and two stepsisters to prepare for the Spring Ball, at which it is rumored that the Prince will choose his bride-to-be.
When her fairy godmother grants her a wish, Cinderella is transformed beyond recognition into a beautifully dressed princess and heads to the ball, where she not only wins over the crowd, but also the Prince.
The original ballet was composed by Sergei Prokofiev between 1940 and 1944 and has gone on to become one of his most popular compositions, inspiring many choreographers since its inception.
In her first named role, Evelyn Fisher will be portraying Cinderella.
"It is challenging to embrace the role of Cinderella and portray her emotions effectively on stage," Fisher said. "It is also difficult to keep a straight face when the stepsisters are fighting with each other!"
"I have been enjoying every moment of rehearsal, especially the scenes which require more acting," she added.
Ballet Lubbock Artistic Director Yvonne Racz Key shared her views of the upcoming production and how her dancers and staff bring the production to life on stage.
"The music! I love the acting scenes that follow the music," Racz Key said when asked her favorite part of the production. "The score is so narrative. Prokofiev was an amazing storyteller with his music and I love to see dancers using their movement to create emotion whether it is dramatic or comedic."
Taking on two roles as the Autumn Fairy and ball scene attendant, Leah Lieberman shared the challenges she is maneuvering in her dual roles.
"I love both of my roles!" Liebmeran said. "The speed of the autumn fairy is definitely not new for me but with the amount of steps in only a few counts is definitely a new and fun challenge."
How do you tell the story without speaking in the production? Racz Key has a simple answer: Through the music.
"The score informs all of the choreography," she said "It is the responsibility of the dancers to convey all of the pantomime, gesture, nuances, and emotion clearly to the audience."
Tickets for this production range from $25 to $80 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating.
For more information on the production or to purchase tickets online, visit www.buddyhollyhall.com
If I had a fairy godmother, I would ask for:
• Evelyn Fisher, who portrays Cinderella: "Endless time to dance, read and play the piano."
• Noble Nguyen, who portrays the Prince: "I would ask her to give me my dream of going to MIT."
• Leah Lieberman, who portrays the Autumn Fairy: "An endless supply of pointe shoes."
• Xaria Atienza, who portrays the Winter Fairy: An unlimited food supply to share.
• Hope Acrey, who portrays the Winter Sprite: I would ask her for another puppy!
• Ginger Hunt, who portrays the Summer Sprite: The power to stop time.
'Cinderella'
• When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10
• Where: Buddy Holly Hall, 1300 Mac Davis Lane
• Tickets: Range from $25 to $80; www.buddyhollyhall.com
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Ballet Lubbock to perform storybook classic 'Cinderella'
