Dance Review: Ballet Theatre of Maryland adds comic flair to ‘Coppélia’ at the Maryland Hall 

Subtlety has by no means been thought-about a attribute of “Coppélia,” carried out with flash, acrobatics, coronary heart, and an enormous dose of comedy by Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTM). Based mostly on the 1870 French rendition by Arthur Saint Leon—with Russian touches by Marius Petipa—BTM’s charming model closed the corporate’s season this night on the Maryland Corridor in Annapolis.

…charming…dedication to element by choreographer Dianna Cuatto, with help by BTM’s present director Nicole Kelsch…

Maybe we should always name “Coppélia” the primary feminist ballet, led by Swanhilda who outwits her fiancé. Franz, a village gadfly, ditches sweetheart Swanhilda for a extra docile mechanical doll created by Dr. Coppelius (referred to as “Dr. C” on this ballet). Swanhilda responds by turning the doc’s workshop into chaos, and wins again her errant lover.

Each sleepy little village wants a dwell wire to maintain its townspeople awake, particularly if the primary store on the town belongs to an outdated, disillusioned doll maker, a job to relish on this model. Enter Swanhilda, the feisty feminist, and you understand proper from her first solo dance that that is the lass who retains the village lively and engaged.

As Swanhilda final night time, Emily Carey delighted each younger and outdated along with her fast steps and her comedic touches. She sparkled on stage all through the three acts, not often faltering in her a number of pirouettes or high-flying jets, all danced to the attractive music by Leo Delibes. Ryan Massey is pure in his motion and completely plausible because the city’s lover boy. Sadly a few of the lifts have been awkward however have been corrected shortly, as he partnered one woman after one other all through the village.

Due to Swanhilda’s daring and creativeness, her boyfriend Franz sees his mistake and marries the heroine in a marriage celebration of dance. Massey appeared as buoyant because the character he performed.

Most instances the plot is humorous, however when Alexander Collen sensitively portrays Dr. Coppelius together with his hopes for an actual daughter in lieu of the doll, you need to scream on the frantic conduct of the ladies as they romp within the attic the place his treasures are saved. Right here the wretched outdated man takes on a humane, caring characterization, and by the tip of the ballet, he’s welcomed by all…even a kiss from Swanhilda.

From an historic level, Act II is kind of vital. Not solely are the gestures fascinating, however the alternative of dolls—the Scottish lass, the cute Jack-n-Field , a soldier (Isaac Martinez delights), Hannah Hanson as an Arabian Princess, the Chinese language duo (Cassandra Hope and Michael West), and naturally, the soulful Coppelia, portrayed exquisitely by Olivia Fohsz who held completely nonetheless regardless of so many distractions.

What makes the foolish story ballet work is the dedication to element by choreographer Dianna Cuatto, with help by BTM’s present director Nicole Kelsch who spoke earlier than curtain with a particular nod to her mentor. Among the many standouts within the ballet have been Emily Carey, partnered by Ryan Massey in “Love,” and ballerinas Cindy Case, Hannah Hanson, Cassandra Hope, Sarah Jung, Celia Merritt, Cornelius, and Victoria Siracusa who was beautiful in her solo. As for the lads, I couldn’t preserve my eyes off Michael West who dazzled us together with his tough strikes and fabulous smile. Burgomaster Roman Mykyta saved issues transferring together with his narration and management.

This “Coppélia” offered far more alternative for character dancing than seen in some productions. It’s particularly evident within the third act wedding ceremony scene the place a lot of the acquainted dancing takes place, particularly the Mazurkas and Czardas. Beloved the colourful costumes, boots and head items by a BTM staff, together with Brian Walker, Calder Taylor, Meagan Helman, Alyssa Johnson-Taylor, Karen Kralik, Karissa Kralik, and Aaron Bauer. Kudos too to the lighting designer Stacie Johnson-Leske an whoever created the units to make us really feel we have been a part of the ballet.

Working Time: Two hours and 10 minutes with two brief intermissions.

“Coppélia” ran April 22-23, 2022, introduced by Ballet Theatre of Maryland on the Maryland Corridor, 801 Chase Road, Annapolis, MD21401. The corporate will carry out within the gardens at Hammond Harwood Home Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 4:30 pm. Subsequent season will embrace “Les Sylphides” and Different Works on October 7-9, 2022, adopted by “The Nutcracker” in December. “Momentum” returns February 24-26, 2023 and the full-length “DonQuixote” rounds out the ballet sequence on April 28-29, 2023. For data on BTM performances and particular occasions, name 410-224-5644 or go to right here.