Ballet West opens with 3 strong works

"THE DREAM," "THREE PRELUDES," "SONGS OF THE VALLEY," Ballet West, Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, Oct. 30, additional performances through Nov. 7, (801-355-2787)

Ballet West has experienced cutbacks to deal with the troubled economy. But as the opening performance for the 2009-10 season proved, it hasn't cut back on the quality.

It opened with former Ballet West artistic director Bruce Marks' 1976 ode to Utah, "Songs of the Valley." The piece is just as entertaining as it was 30 years ago. The ballet, which was touched up with modern and folk steps, is a physically challenging work. Still, the tenderness and humor were all intact and backed by Aaron Copland's "Old American Songs." The Utah Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Kurt Bestor and featuring bass baritone Darrell Babidge, gave the piece soul.

The audience watched Ben Stevenson's "Three Preludes" in pin-drop silence. Principal dancers Romi Beppu and Michael Bearden were accompanied only by pianist Jared Oaks in the captivating selections, which had their world premiere in 1969. The first segment featured a dance barre over which Bearden lifted Beppu, who even used the barre as a dancing surface. The other two selections featured the duo engaged in touching pas de deux, dancing for the love of movement.

The "headliner" of the evening was Sir Frederick Ashton's classic "The Dream," based on Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream."

Capitol Theatre's stage magically transformed into the forest of Fairyland as the comedic story of mistaken identity, mischief and love unfolded. Principal Christopher Ruud's regal and technically sound Oberon served as the perfect straight-man for demi-soloist Christopher Sellars' wild-eyed and nimble Puck. The graceful Titania was danced by guest principal artist Sara Webb, and artist John Frazer donned the donkey head and black pointe shoes for the humorous Bottom. The Utah Chamber Orchestra returned for the Mendelssohn score and was led by Terence Kern.

If this performance is any indication of what the upcoming Ballet West season is going to be, then you'd better get your tickets now.

e-mail: scott@desnews.com