Ballet West's revamped 'Swan Lake' a keeper

"SWAN LAKE," BALLET WEST, Capitol Theatre, Feb. 12, additional performances through Feb. 20 (801-355-2787).

This one's a keeper.

Ballet West premiered a new version of the beloved classic "Swan Lake," conceived and produced by artistic director Adam Sklute.

Sklute's arsenal included ballet master Mark Goldweber and ballet mistress Pamela Robinson-Harris, who at times had choreographed new variations in the various acts and scene.

The result is a "Swan Lake" that not only feels fresh, but is sleeker and full of dance that gives the audience a chance to understand the characters.

Principal Christiana Bennett was born to dance Odette. She was also born to dance Odette's evil twin, Odile.

Bennett's long lines and extensions, alone, gave her that avian quality. But her interpretations of the graceful Odette and the conniving Odile — coached by the legendary ballerina Cynthia Gregory — captivated Friday night's audience, who sat at the edge of the theatre's seats.

Prince Siegfried, danced by Christopher Ruud, became more than a pouting lead, but a boy on the verge of becoming an adult and, more importantly, king. During the opening birthday party scene, the audience could see the weight of responsibility pushing down on him when his mother urges him to find a wife.

Although this is a new version of the ballet, the trademark Petipa and Ivanov segments — namely the pas de trois, the Cygnets' variation and the pas de deux — are dutifully and proudly intact.

One major change can be seen in the arrival of the swans. The slow, deliberate and meticulous entrance, as stunning as it can be, has been replaced by an entrance that is not only light as a feather, but also the way a wedge of swans would land on the peaceful water of a moonlit lake.

Another adjustment comes during Act III when the ballroom scene unfolds. Sklute goes a step further and adds some ethnic flair to the variations that include Spanish matadors, the Neapolitan duo and the Hungarian lords and ladies.

The performers seemed to dance on every inch of the Capitol Theatre stage during this act, craftily raising the ante for the grand showcase of the evil Baron von Rothbart (Jason Linsley) and the cunning Odile.

The Baron's role has been fleshed out and, instead of becoming just a wasted villain, interacts more personably with Siegfried and the Queen Mother.

Costumes and sets by Peter Cazalet and lighting by Nicholas Cavallaro brought out the romantic feel of the work. Furthermore, Maestro Terence Kern, who conducts the Utah Chamber Orchestra for "Swan Lake," had his work cut out for him as he re-arranged and, at times, edited the music to fit Sklute's vision.

The result was a "Swan Lake" that was light on melodrama and focused on characters, story and dancing.

Bravi, Ballet West. Bravi.

e-mail: scott@desnews.com