Arts

Rousing the Beauty

by Jules Becker
Thursday Jun 1, 2023

Ji Young Chae as Princess and Jeffrey Cirio as Prince  in Boston Ballet revival of "The Sleeping Beauty."LIZA VOLL
Ji Young Chae as Princess and Jeffrey Cirio as Prince in Boston Ballet revival of "The Sleeping Beauty."LIZA VOLL  

The Sleeping Beauty, Boston Ballet, Citizen Bank Opera House, Boston, through June 4. 617-695-6955 or bostonballet.org

Did "The Sleeping Beauty" prove a quick public favorite after its 1890 St. Petersburg, Russia premiere because it has a happy ending? After all, the fairy tale-based ballet ends with a wedding rather than the sad conclusion of the other Tchaikovsky-orchestrated masterwork "Swan Lake"(1877 premiere)—a gem that was surprisingly not as well-received at first. At the same time, the third act includes appearances by such well-known characters as Puss in Boots, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. Amusing elements notwithstanding, the Marius Petipa "The Sleeping Beauty"—with additional choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton—is blessed with several demanding signature sequences that Boston Ballet is re-awakening in an enchanting new revival at the Citizen Bank Opera House.

Those sequences are kissed with superb technique and rich spirit well before the entrance of title Princess Aurora or Prince Desire who will awaken her. The Lilac Fairy—danced with angelic charm and striking turns by Viktorina Kapitonova (casts alternate throughout the run)—headlines the benevolent fairies who attend the christening of baby Aurora during the Prologue. All six dancers—dressed in elegance by costume designer David Walker—deliver their respective greetings with strong extensions and expressive hand moves. Thanks to John Cuff's artful lighting, the arrival of evil fairy Carabosse— portrayed with evocative malevolence by Chrystyn Fentroy—has the right ominous effect. "Nutcracker" fans may call to mind the mouse brigade in that ballet as Carabosse's creatures do a brief set of antics around her.

The first act opens with a handsome garland dance as well as efforts to prevent Carabosse's spindle-connected curse from affecting now 16 Aurora. With the entrance of four suitor princes, a rose-accompanied meeting takes center stage. The ballerina dancing the role of the princess is called upon to remain en pointe as she greets prince after prince. Ji Young Chae not only brings fine extension and remarkable control to this challenge but also even holds en pointe for a time after her standout sequence. The bridge-like second act gives notable attention to tutored Prince Desire, who of course eventually awakens the century-sleeping Aurora with his kiss. Jeffrey Cirio brings fitting thoughtfulness to the role as well as his gifts as a superlative principal dancer.

Those gifts and Ji Young Chae's come together in the grand pas de deux that crowns the wedding festivities of the alternately amusing and stirring third act. Children and adults alike right chuckle as Abigail Merlis as White Cat and Isaac Akiba as Puss in Boots vividly spar. Seo Hye Han as Princess Florine and Sangmin Lee as Bluebird dance gracefully as celebrants. Lauren Herfindahl, Addie Paul and especially Paul Craig bring distinction to the singular wedding pas de trois.

Best of all are Chae and Cirio—both convincingly in love as the wedding couple and excitingly eye-catching in their form. Chae captures Aurora's simple joy in her artful turns and extensions. Cirio displays exciting speed—particularly on one-foot turns. Their ease accomplishing complex configurations makes their pairing breathtaking.

A century may pass before a prince awakens the title beauty. "The Sleeping Beauty" may be a long if vivid ballet. By contrast, Boston Ballet's rousing revival is an occasion to celebrate in its own right.