There is a personal preference to Romeo and Juliet regarding Prokoviev's ballets, however Cinderella like the story it is based upon is a charming and wholly enchanting ballet. While the 1969 production of the ballet is better this is still very good and is more than a historical document really. The DVD doesn't do it justice, it's very grainy to look at and the music can sound underpowered, and with the production there's actually very little to criticise but there are some ensemble sequences that did seem on the under-rehearsed side. The costumes and sets are lovely to look at especially in the second act, with the end of Act 1 being simply magical. While there are cuts Prokoviev's very distinctive music still shines through which the orchestra play with jauntiness and ethereal beauty that matches the enchanting nature of the story and of course the step-sisters' hilarious antics. The choreography is graceful and extremely witty, and the dancers dance with elegance and with personality. Margot Fonteyn shows such beautiful lines, expressive acting and great musicianship, she was considered one of the great ballerinas and you can't argue that seeing her here. Michael Sommes is a virile and powerfully danced Prince, and the chemistry he has with Fonteyn doesn't disappoint either, there is the sense that the two characters love one another and that Fonteyn and Sommes had a lot of trust between them. Frederick Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan bring such characterful dancing, and while they suffer from the worst of the cuts their acting is comedy gold regardless. Lovely to see Svetlana Beriosova, though her appearance is sadly rather brief. All in all, the DVD disappoints but on the most part this historical production does not. 8/10 Bethany Cox
1 Review
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews