Louisville Ballet Performs Comedic, Light-Hearted 'Coppelia'
Take a life-sized doll, an eccentric inventor and small-town love affairs and you have the making for the comedic, family-friendly production of the ballet "Coppélia" by the Louisville Ballet. The heart-warming tale of the ballet "Coppélia" begins when the unusual Dr. Coppelius creates a beautiful doll and sits her on the balcony of his workshop. Villagers begin to wonder about this girl, who they believe to be a live person who never leaves the shop.
One particular local becomes smitten with the doll — which doesn't go over well with his fiancee. The ballet follows the drama of Franz and Swanhilde, the young couple, as they both try to find out more about the mysterious girl on the balcony. Even Dr. Coppelius is tricked into believing Coppélia has come to life — for a while, at least.
"Everyone can relate to this plot," says artistic director Bruce Simpson. "It's very similar to something that you'd find in a fairy tale like the Brothers Grimm."
Simpson says he selected "Coppélia" for this season for its timeless story and beautiful music. "Like 'The Nutcracker,' it's accessible to all ages," he says. "It showcases the warmth and joy of classical dance while also being a comedy filled with fantastic plot twists."
The Louisville Ballet's staging of "Coppélia," by Alun Jones and Helen Starr, celebrates its 35th anniversary with this production.
Based on two stories by E.T.A. Hoffman, also the author behind "The Nutcracker," "Coppélia" was first choreographed by Arthur St. Leon in 1870 when it premiered at the Paris Opera. The Louisville Ballet production will feature the original score by Leo Delibes, and is based on the 1884 re-staging by Marius Petipa.
"'Coppélia' is one of the great masterpieces of the Romantic period and contains not only amazing choreography but also some wonderful acting and mime," Simpson says. "The score is also considered a masterwork in its own right."
Starring in the production are Erica De La O and Natalia Ashikhmina, sharing the female lead role of Swanhilde. Mariano Albano and Kristopher Wojtera will both dance the role of Franz.
"We all have the capability to embrace fantasy and magic," Simpson says. "And 'Coppélia' provides the audience with a little magic in their lives."
"Coppélia" runs for three performances at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Show times are Friday, March 4, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 5, at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$95 and can be purchased online at www.kentuckycenter.org, by phone at (502) 584-7777 or in person at the Kentucky Center.
Posted on Mar 2, 2011 by Tracy Harris
