ALADDIN - The Victorian State Ballet - Canberra Theatre Centre Playhouse.

Elise Jacques (Princess Jasmin) in "Aladdin"

Choreography by Michelle Cassar de Sierra & Martin Sierra Robles.

Music by Carl Davis with excerpts from Minkus score for La Bayadere.

Costume design by Felicity Kerr, Jill Kerr, Jan Tredrea – Lighting Design by Martin Sierra

Canberra Theatre Centre Playhouse, April 23^rd & 24^th.

Performance on April 23^rd reviewed by BILL STEPHENS.

The Victorian State Ballet's production of "Aladdin"

Victorian State Ballet’s production of “Aladdin” is a spectacular, playful, fantasy ballet created and choreographed by the company’s founders, Michelle Cassar de Sierra and Martin Sierra Robles incorporating Arabian elements and segments from the classic Petipa ballet, “La Bayadere”.

This One Thousand and One Nights extravaganza is a feast for the senses blending classical ballet elegance with the magic and wonder of a timeless tale told with glittering jewel-encrusted costumes, and impressive settings enhanced with evocative projections that transport its audiences into a fantasy world of bustling markets and opulent palaces, bathhouses, harems and a cave with dancing jewels.   

Josh Steinke (Aladdin) - Elise Jacques (Princess Jasmin) in "Aladdin"

Michael Scott-Kahans is a dashing Aladdin. His dancing is secure and impressive, initially displaying a winning boyish charm and enthusiasm, then maturing into an attentive partner as his love blossoms for the Princess Jasmin, delightfully portrayed by Elise Jacques. Their superbly danced Grand Pas Classique in the second act is a thrilling highlight.

An impressive showcase for the Victorian State Ballet, “Aladdin” boasts a cast of 43 dancers, among whom Tristan Gross impresses as the mysterious Jafar, introduced in the prologue, then eventually revealed as the dastardly villain intent on stealing Aladdin’s magical lamp.

Daniel Sierra as The Genie in  "Aladdin"

As the genie, Daniel Sierra uses his wiry frame to excellent effect to create a memorable characterisation, while also displaying impressive partnering skills in his ‘Diamond” duet with the tall, stately Maggie de Koning in the Cave of Riches sequence.

The Cave of Riches scene is one of many highlights in this ballet. Four couples, each accompanied by a trio of attendants, all costumed in magnificent jewel-encrusted costumes to represent a specific jewel. Grace Kefford and Felix Milewski dance Emerald, Alana Puddy and Connor Beavis dance Sapphire, Courtney Taylor and Thomas Spencer dance Ruby, and Maggie de Koning and Daniel Sierra dance Diamond.

All acquitted themselves superbly in a gorgeous sequence designed to display the richness of talent in the present company.

Throughout, the many ensemble dances are a spectacle, performed with confidence and admirable phrasing and precision.

Stand-out moments which linger include the spectacular jetes executed with eye-popping precision by the six Guards in the first scene, the human magic Carpet, and the delightful laugh-out- loud section when Aladdin’s mother, played by Charlotte Jones, decides to take over the organisation of the lavish wedding of Aladdin and Princess Jasmin.  

Just two elements of this impressive production jarred. Although well-executed and easily justified, the overuse of traditional mime tended to slow down the storytelling rather than enhance it; and abrupt cuts at the end of some orchestral selections tended to leave the audience confused as to whether to applaud. 

Those reservations apart, this is a spectacular production by Victorian State Ballet that is destined to become a family favourite.  

                                                   Images by Enpointe Productions  

   This review also published in AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW. www.artsreview.com.au