Music uplifts ballet

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34099, 11 March 1976, Page 18

Music uplifts ballet

“Coppelia.” threeact ballet directed by Lorraine Peters for the Southern Ballet Theatre Company with the Canterbury Orchestra, conducted by Dobbs Franks. Running time 8 p.m. to 10.15 p.m.

■ Live music, which stimulated and challenged the dancers, lifted this spectacui lar production of “Coppelia” ! into a gay, exciting performiance at' the James Hay [Theatre last evening. The, ' popular comedy classic is [good festival fare — all fun [and frolic, with a lovers’ I quarrel that ends happily for j ever after. It was indeed fortunate for [the Southern Ballet Theatre [that Dobbs Franks was ap- [ pointed conductor of the [Canterbury Orchestra. He I has a wide experience in [working with dancers over|seas and is extremely symi pathetic to their particular! [needs. It was pretty obvious! ' at times that the ever- i j watchful conductor helped I younger dancers through! [some of their movements by! [subtly adapting the tempo! I of the music to suit their I steps. [i But what would this com-! pany of keen and promising ! students do without the lead-;; ership of its three talented [ professional principals? Gil-; lian Francis, as Swanhilda. I showed her brilliant flare fori, comedy that is not seen often [. enough. She projected mis- [ chief, petulance and radiant!; happiness in turn throughout i her roie as the pert peasant 1

I girl who disguises herself as I the doll “Coppelia,” to win | her lover back. She danced, whatever her mood, with [strong, fluid technique and [finesse. David Peake, who also choreographed the ballet for the company and produced it, danced the prankish role of Frantz with his usual verve, fine partnership and sensitive acting that always charms his audience. Top acting honours went to George Williams, however. as the tragi-comic old toymaker, tormented by the young and cruelly deceived by them in his efforts to breathe life into his beautiful

doil. His timing and reactions were “spot on.” After a slow and lomew hat heavy start (chilling firstnight nerves, no doubt) the company of 28 girls and boys suddenly caught the happy mood of the story and danced for the sheer joy of living to the final curtain. Outstanding soloists were Robyn Wenborn and Deborah Olley. And the audience adored four little girls who flitted about the stage all too seldom. The sets and costumes were well designed and very' ■ colourful, but one felt the lighting missed cue at times. The Canterbury Orchestra gave a very creditable interpretation of Delibes's lively score after very few rehearsals with the dancers. “Coppelia,” which will run till next Tuesday, is a “festival must.” The second cast of principals, Julie Day, Douglas Fitzgerald and Russell Bern., ..will dance Swanhilda, Frantz [ and Dr Coppelia this evening ;and on Saturday afternoon. [lAnd it says much for the [■Southern Theatre Ballet that i iit has been able to produce .[three young dancers to the of taking lead roles [in the short time it has been ; working as a company. 1 ; Let us hope that future ■; audiences will show louder . appreciation of such a high J quality production earlier in [the performance than was , heard last evening when the . thunderous applause and the “bravos” came mainly at cur- ' I tain fall. II —Tui Thomas.