This fast Puck stars in ballet, not hockey

By Erin Philips

Erin Philips
Erin Philips

SAN DIEGO– Fairies and players and lovers, oh my! Adapted from Shakespeare’s play, California Ballet’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is full of magical woodland creatures, romantic entanglements, and plenty of comedic fun.

The ballet was created in 1977 by California Ballet’s Founder and Director Maxine K. Mahon, who added musical compositions by Felix Mendelssohn to craft a third act. One of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic era, Mendelssohn was born into a prominent Jewish family and is the grandson of Moses Mendelssohn, the great Jewish philosopher. The Overture and the Wedding March he wrote for the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream are two of his best-known works.

The ballet unfolds in three acts, with three tales within the tale. First is the story of Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the Fairies, who are arguing over a changeling child. Next is the story of two star-crossed couples – Hermia and Lysander, and Helena and Demetrius – wandering through the fairies’ forest realm. Finally there is the wedding of Theseus, Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the captured Amazon Queen, and the ragtag band of players on their way to provide the ceremony’s entertainment. Puck, a sprite in the service of Oberon, meddles in every affair, wrecking hilarious mischief and mayhem throughout.

Although the narrative is complicated, the ballet is easy to follow, with clear storytelling choreography supported by a cast with impressive acting skills. During Friday night’s preview, Jordan Bialock was particularly memorable as Puck, embodying the charming and impish character in looks, movement and physical comedy. Allyson Barkdull, Vitaliy Nechay, Tess Lane and Jeremy Zapanta were talented and appealing as the four lovers, and principal dancer Trystan Merrick was an appropriately powerful and benevolent Oberon.

Another highlight was guest artist Violeta Angelova as Hippolyta. A stunning Bulgarian ballerina with impeccable technique and a regal bearing, her performance was a rare treat.

The production value is high, with fanciful forest and palace sets, rich and colorful costumes, a large cast of dancers from both the ballet school and company, and good lighting and special effects. The cast is clearly well rehearsed, with clean formations and precise timing. Overall the ballet is fun, funny, and visually appealing, the perfect introduction to ballet for young audiences or first-time ballet-goers, and a pleasant surprise for seasoned patrons of the arts.

Don’t miss the Saturday night or Sunday matinee performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the San Diego Civic Theatre this weekend.

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Philips is a freelance writer specializing in the dramatic and culinary arts. Your comment may be sent to erin.philips@sdjewishworld.com, or posted on this website per the instructions below.

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