Last performed as the season opener for the 25th anniversary of DanceAspen, the Ballet West/Ballet Florida joint production, "Lady of the Camellias," returns with an 8-day run beginning Friday, Nov. 3.
All performances will be accompanied by the Utah Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Terence Kern, with solo piano by Jedd Moss." `Lady of the Camellias' is interesting because so many people have come to me and said they saw something different," said John Hart, Ballet West artistic director. "It has a contemporary look to it, and I think in terms of the future of ballet the contemporary feel is important."
Choreographed by Ballet West resident choreographer Val Caniparoli, "Lady" was inspired by the tragic story of Marguerite and her lover Armand as found in the Alexander Dumas fils autobiographical 1848 novel and 1852 play, "La Dame Aux Camelias," the 1853 opera "La Traviata" and the 1937 Greta Garbo classic "Camille."
It was first conceived for West Palm Beach's Ballet Florida by Norbert Vesak and associate Robert-Glay de la Rose. After Vesak's death, Ballet Florida invited Caniparoli to choreograph and complete Vesak's vision, making the ballet a joint venture.
"We took advantage of offer because it came about when we were thinking of a good, full-length ballet Val could do for us," said Hart. "He had choreographed five or six one-act ballets for us over a period of six years, and we wanted him to do something full-length. The offer also gave us a chance to share the costs like we did with this year's Cincinnati Ballet sharing of `Peter Pan.' "
Caniparoli was much more interested in the choreography aspect than anything else, Hart said.
"This production was good for him because he was able to concentrate on the dancers," he said. "Val choreographed at least 3/4 of the production with Ballet West. We filmed it and he took the tape to Florida and completed the show. He didn't really have to worry too much about the other technicalities, such as costumes and sets."
De la Rose designed intricate costumes reaching back to the crinoline period of the late 1800s, and the sets were designed and constructed by David Gano. Musical variations of Frederic Chopin wrap Caniparoli's choreography with the rest of the production to create what some critics are calling a ". . . passionate yet refined classical ballet with contemporary movement . . ."
"We chose to do this work again because it was very successful, and we had a great response," Hart said. "The ballet also gives a challenge to the dancers. You see, Val's work is never easy. And we've got one of the strongest companies now that we've had for a long time."
Evening performances of "Lady of the Camellias" will begin at 7:30 p.m. and run Friday, Nov. 3, and Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 8 through 11. Matinees begin at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Nov. 4 and 11. Tickets range from $10 to $45, at the ArtTix box office, 50 W. 200 South, or by calling 355-ARTS (2787).
- A PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM on "Lady of the Camellias" will be held, Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Capitol Theatre, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. A talk will be followed by a dress rehearsal of the first act, with refreshments served during the break. Admission is $2, and early arrival is suggested.