Spring Break
Death steals the show in 'Dracula' ballet
Kristiane Smith
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE
The Texas Ballet Theater presents Ben Stevenson's "Dracula" under the headline "Be thrilled and be chilled - It's a ballet to die for."
Stevenson's "Dracula" premiered in 1997 at the Wortham Center in Houston and was performed around the globe, gaining international critical acclaim.
The Texas Ballet Theater's marketing director John Turchon said Ben Stevenson, the theater's artistic director, originally created "Dracula" for the Houston ballet. It was then performed all around Europe, as well as for the Boston ballet and twice for the Texas Ballet Theater.
"Dracula" features pieces written by the renowned Hungarian composer Franz Liszt and arranged by John Lanchbery, including "Dance of Death" and the Mephisto Waltzes.
The ballet, which is recommended for mature teens and adults, contains three acts, which each feature a distinct and dramatic atmosphere: first in Dracula's crypt, the second in a village and the third in Dracula's bedroom, Turchon said.
"I was totally blown away by the sets and the costumes," he said. "Dracula's 17 brides all look so ghostly, and Dracula is flying around with a 30-pound cape that has a 15-foot wing span when he raises his arms. It's truly spectacular. This is a huge show that absolutely draws you in. It's mesmerizing."
Cyndee Weeks, mother of ballet dancer Lonnie Weeks, who plays Dracula's hunchbacked henchman, found the production very interesting because of its look and feel, which mimicked the romantic era.
"You really get the feeling that the brides are dead and floating around," Weeks said. "The passion is so evident. There are times when you want to look away, but you can't because you're so drawn in."
Turchon was thrilled with the performances given in this uncommon ballet production, he said.
"I was particularly impressed with such an appropriate creation of mood, feel, tension, humor, sensuality and the way they've each collectively created their roles," he said. "It's so intense and wonderful."
Weeks was also particularly impressed by the acting the ballet performers displayed during "Dracula," she said.
"Stevenson does well in bringing out the best in not only the art, technique and athleticism of dancing, but also in the art of acting," Weeks said. "The really cool thing about ballet is it's drama without speaking one line."
Dracula will be playing at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall April 18, 19 and 20. Tickets start at $18, for more information visit www.texasballettheater.org.
Stevenson's "Dracula" premiered in 1997 at the Wortham Center in Houston and was performed around the globe, gaining international critical acclaim.
The Texas Ballet Theater's marketing director John Turchon said Ben Stevenson, the theater's artistic director, originally created "Dracula" for the Houston ballet. It was then performed all around Europe, as well as for the Boston ballet and twice for the Texas Ballet Theater.
"Dracula" features pieces written by the renowned Hungarian composer Franz Liszt and arranged by John Lanchbery, including "Dance of Death" and the Mephisto Waltzes.
The ballet, which is recommended for mature teens and adults, contains three acts, which each feature a distinct and dramatic atmosphere: first in Dracula's crypt, the second in a village and the third in Dracula's bedroom, Turchon said.
"I was totally blown away by the sets and the costumes," he said. "Dracula's 17 brides all look so ghostly, and Dracula is flying around with a 30-pound cape that has a 15-foot wing span when he raises his arms. It's truly spectacular. This is a huge show that absolutely draws you in. It's mesmerizing."
Cyndee Weeks, mother of ballet dancer Lonnie Weeks, who plays Dracula's hunchbacked henchman, found the production very interesting because of its look and feel, which mimicked the romantic era.
"You really get the feeling that the brides are dead and floating around," Weeks said. "The passion is so evident. There are times when you want to look away, but you can't because you're so drawn in."
Turchon was thrilled with the performances given in this uncommon ballet production, he said.
"I was particularly impressed with such an appropriate creation of mood, feel, tension, humor, sensuality and the way they've each collectively created their roles," he said. "It's so intense and wonderful."
Weeks was also particularly impressed by the acting the ballet performers displayed during "Dracula," she said.
"Stevenson does well in bringing out the best in not only the art, technique and athleticism of dancing, but also in the art of acting," Weeks said. "The really cool thing about ballet is it's drama without speaking one line."
Dracula will be playing at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall April 18, 19 and 20. Tickets start at $18, for more information visit www.texasballettheater.org.
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