I have enjoyed dance performances before (see Day 90) and I have
seen several ballets but not the tragic
love story of Romeo and Juliet. My blog
inspiration, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book, reminds us to “be romantic”. As this season comes to close,
I was excited to experience the romance and passion of this first time Pittsburgh Ballet production
of Romeo and Juliet.
Reflection
We all know Shakespeare's story of the two young lovers
who would rather end their life than live without each other but this
production was so grand. It had 13 scene
changes in 3 acts. The sets were magnificent with an elaborate market square, a stone castle home, a garden with the famous balcony, floor to ceiling stained glass in the chapel, beautiful arches in Juliet’s bedroom, and finally, a crypt. An ornate tapestry- like 7 paneled curtain, which rose and fell in sections between each scene, directed the audience's focus on the character(s) by the pattern used. It looked just like a painting each time!
The costumes left a lasting impression. I was particularly awestruck by the vivid red velvet costumes of the guests at the masked ball in Scene III.
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| Capulet Crypt |
Having the live PBT Orchestra increased the passion of the
entire ballet and entertained during the scene changes. There was so much action in this ballet with several choreographed danced fencing fights and the busy movement in the market square scenes
but it all halted when Romeo and Juliet met at the
masked ball. They stood still, fixed on each other, captivated. I thought, I want to feel that (love at first sight) way some day!
The love story of Romeo and Juliet, with the artistic direction of Terrence S. Orr, and the dance interpretation of the Pittsburgh Ballet under the direction of Derek Deane, came alive like no other version that
I have ever seen! I felt Romeo’s agony when he finds Juliet laid to rest in the
crypt (she drank a potion that put her in a deep sleep, mimicking death). The ballet in the crypt scene was amazing as a limp “dead Juliet” was lifted and twirled until Romeo's painful grief reached a crescendo, resulting in his self-affliction.
This Pittsburgh Ballet impressive production was a perfect finale to the
season (April 21-23, 2017). I would definitely keep the ballet in my survival tool box. I can’t
wait for the Pittsburgh Ballet 2017-2018 season that opens with Dracula!
Other source
Romeo and Juliet at www.pbt.org,