Gorgeous Midsummer Night’s Dream Stuns at Houston Ballet

Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox . Courtesy of Houston Ballet.A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Officer Demetrius is in love – unrequited – with Hermia, much to his ex-fiancée Helena’s chagrin. Lysander gives Hermia a letter asking to meet in the woods, a letter that Helena finds and shows to Demetrius. Hippolyta spies the interactions of the four, before a group of craftsmen led by weaver Bottom arrive to pitch a play they wish to perform on the wedding day. Bottom momentarily catches Hippolyta’s attention but soon her intended arrives.

Houston Ballet Principal Chase O’Connell as Oberon, First Soloist Harper Watters as Puck, and Demi Soloist Estheysis Menendez in John Neumeier'sIt is, of course, a testament to the brilliance of John Neumeier, that this ballet, quickly approaching 50 years old, feels so modern, fresh and innovative. Not only does Neumeier’s choice to do character doubling bring an added complexity to Shakespeare’s work, so does his world building.

O’Connell is a bit aloof as Theseus until that pas de deux in Hippolyta’s room, which begins with O’Connell dancing with a sleeping Sisk. It builds into something triumphant, with Sisk lifted, carried, steadied, and adored. But as Oberon, O’Connell is commanding and powerful. Of course, shows of strength and athleticism are nothing new at Houston Ballet, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken for granted.

McMurray’s Bottom leads the craftsmen, a group made up of dancers Samuel Rodriguez, Neal Burks, Jack Wolff, Aaron Daniel Sharratt, Elivelton Tomazi and Nikita Baryshnikov. Synchronized and coordinated, their movements are artfully artless and perfectly match the musicality of the organ grinder. At court, their nerves show in their feet. In the forest, they are prone to pointing, foot stomping, and becoming tangled together, lending the production a beautiful chaotic energy.

Entertainment Entertainment Latest News, Entertainment Entertainment Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

The Hilarious Reason Warren Beatty Turned Down Boogie NightsBeatty turned down the film for an odd reason.
Source: screenrant - 🏆 7. / 94 Read more »

Boogie Nights (1997) | ScreenRantBoogie Nights is a comedy/drama that follows a young high-school dropout named Eddie Adams in the '70s who stumbles into the porn industry after a fortuitous meeting with a filmmaker. The film chronicles his career and life, illuminating the problematic stigmas and troubles facing the sector heading into the 1980s.
Source: screenrant - 🏆 7. / 94 Read more »