Nora loves ballet.
Nora loves to twirl around our house in front of an imaginary audience, choreograph moves to the “ballet” (classical) radio station, and- for that one session at the Chicago Park District- take an actual ballet class.
But up until last week, the only “real” ballet she’d ever seen was The Joffrey’s Nutcracker (for three years in a row which, admittedly, is an unbelievably beautiful show). I was curious to see how she’d respond to a ballet she didn’t know inside and out- and one which boasted a full three acts.
I really shouldn’t have worried.
The Joffrey’s season closer, the stunning Cinderella, is an absolutely fantastic classic- and surprisingly great for even the kindergarten set, regardless of the deviations from the traditional story line. (“Where are the mice?” Nora asked.)
Sir Frederick Ashton choreographed Cinderella for what’s now The Royal Ballet in 1948 and it’s remained one of his most popular and greatest works. (It was last seen at The Joffrey in 2010.) And they pull no punches with this one; a full company of 45 dancers tells the rags-to-riches tale with humor, beauty, and more than a little magic.
Nora’s favorite parts?
- The moment when a simple pumpkin turns into a sparkling carriage, racing around the stage. (I won’t ruin it for you, but man, it’s a show-stopper. Like a “am I alone in gasping aloud? No, no I am not” moment.)
- The comedically adept “stepsisters” (played, as is traditional, by two male dancers) and their scene-stealing antics at the ball.
- Every little thing Cinderella (the charming and beautiful Victoria Jaiani) did onstage.
- The four graceful and powerful Seasons, who danced their solos as the Fairy Godmother prepared her magic.
- The Sour Patch Kids she was treated to at intermission.
- Taking in the atmosphere at the elegant Auditorium Theatre.
- And boy oh boy- that ending. (Again, no spoilers, but Nora asked if we could recreate an effect like that in her bedroom. I said we could ask Dad, but that much glitter might be hard to vacuum up the next day.)
Just like the Fairy Godmother’s spell, this show ends soon– this coming Sunday, in fact. Get your tickets here and go believe in magic for a night.
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If you go:
Runs through May 22nd, 2016
at The Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress Pkwy
www.joffrey.org
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