John Neumeier Brings Spectacle, Soul to Grown-Up Fairy Tale by Pamela Feinsilber This month’s most theatrical production—the one with the most electrifying performances, eye-opening sets and costumes, and heart-wringing story—is not at a playhouse but in the opera house. That would be San Francisco Ballet’s “The Little Mermaid,” with choreography (plus scenic, costume, and…
Helgi Tomasson Sets Petipa’s Classic with Sumptuous Beauty by Pamela Feinsilber Whether fairy tale, Disney film, or classic ballet, “Sleeping Beauty” is a story of love trumping hate. It starts with the curse of the Fairy of Darkness, who, angered at not being invited to baby Beauty’s christening, proclaims that the girl will die…
Cathy Marston’s Riveting Dance Warms Wharton’s Frosty Story by Pamela Feinsilber Two words come to mind after watching “Snowblind,” a gripping dance tale inspired by Edith Wharton’s 1911 novella Ethan Frome. Immediately after: Wow. Once its spell lifts slightly: More. Not more of the ballet itself, which at 31 minutes is perfect, given its…
Tomasson & Possokhov’s Crowd-Pleaser an Eye-Popping Pleasure by Pamela Feinsilber San Francisco Ballet kicks off its new season with a whooshing, leaping, swirling, castanet-clicking flourish. The company’s version of “Don Quixote” is so light and lively, so well danced and so much fun, I ‘d recommend it to anyone, even ballet novices. After a…