The Russian State Ballet always bring their full orchestra (complete with harp and huge drums), directed by Alexander Yudasin, which is wonderful. With music by Peter Ludwig Hertel, choreography by Jean Duaberval, Alexander Gorsky and Mark Peretokin, libretto by Jean Dauberval, revised by Mark Peretokin and design by Dmitry Tcherbadzhi this is a ballet for everyone.
And this was a very pleasing, delightful production. La Fille mal gardee is a love story and puts a new twist on single parenthood as Widow Simone struggles to persuade her wayward daughter Lise to accept her Mother's choice of fiance - Alain the son of Thomas who is a wealthy vineyard owner. Lise is in love with Colas, a young farmer, who returns her affection. Well, in spite of Simone's efforts and the ensuing comedic antics, love triumphs and we have a happy ending.
The Principal Dancers in last night's production were: Alexander Kuimov (Widow Simone), Anna Germizeeva (Lise), Vyacheslav Kapustin (Colas), Arseny Bormotov (Thomas), Denis Pogorely (Alain), and Alexei Zevin (the village notary).
The 'corps de ballet' dancers in the ballet company were a delight to watch and the ballet was very amusing indeed. I loved the village notary who changes places with Lise's boy friend Colas to fool Widow Simone regarding the marriage contract - he looked exactly like a Daumier drawing. (If you have never come across Daumier please google him). To be fair, members of the legal profession in France still wear similar garb.
I also enjoyed what must be one of the most elegant and quiet clog dances, performed by Widow Simone.
The fantastic Russian State Ballet of Siberia are currently on an extensive tour of the UK from Dartford to Edinburgh, Southend to Darlington. The Company are to be applauded for it cannot be easy keeping fit and supple with so much time spent travelling. When they arrive at their destination, not only do they have to set everything up, but they also need to do strenuous ballet classes and rehearsals - not much time to relax, sleep, eat or look round. Their performances of our best-loved ballets give us so much pleasure - thank you so much to everyone involved - we love you!
The Company will be back in Blackpool on 18th and 19th March with Sleeping Beauty and Giselle. Please see our previous report on the Russian State Ballet of Siberia for dates, times and venues.
Grand Theatre, Blackpool: 01253 290190.
