Cinderella Review by David Lyman

'Cinderella' perfect for Valentine's Day weekend
By David Lyman • Enquirer Contributor • February 13, 2010 

Yes, it’s a ballet. And a fairy tale.

But who knew “Cinderella” could be such rollicking entertainment?

The Cincinnati Ballet’s production, which opened Friday at the Aronoff Center, has all the expected elements; the good-hearted Cinderella, the evil stepsisters, the dashing prince and a fairy godmother to set all the pieces into motion.
But artistic director Victoria Morgan, who choreographed the ballet, hasn’t given us just another ho-hum re-telling of a classic kids’ tale. At times, in fact, “Cinderella” feels less influenced by Balanchine than by “Cars” or “Ratatouille.” And that’s a very good thing.

The show very nearly gets hijacked by Cinderella’s stepsisters (Selahattin Erkan and Stephen Jacobsen). There is a longstanding tradition in balletic versions of “Cinderella” that the stepsisters be played by male dancers. And these two guys make the most of it, filling their performances with a glorious mix of pratfalls, collisions and assorted buffoonery. Along with Kelly Yankle as the stepmother, this sometimes cruel family trio occupies a dramatic realm somewhere between the Three Stooges and the Ringling Brothers Clown College.

Morgan plays a artful balancing game, though.

Too much emphasis on giggles and you risk losing the devoted ballet audience. Too much of the serious stuff and the kids are going to take a snooze.



Opening night, though, there were still plenty of small who were wide awake and perched high on their complimentary booster seats when the ballet finished at 10:15 p.m. 

Morgan has succeeded with the other half of the balancing game, as well.

The title role is one that is perfectly suited to principal dancer Janessa Touchet. Her Cinderella is capable of ebullience in the face of unspeakable cruelty. The optimist in all of us can be buoyed by the idea that a kind and generous heart might be enough to succeed.

The same with the prince, danced by Oğulcan Borova. Regal and stately, he still manages to infuse the character with a level of humanity that broadens the character.

But Morgan doesn’t stop there. Many ballets claim to be works created for an ensemble.

Morgan has really done it. There are several roles that give dancers an opportunity to stand out.

When Sarah Hairston – the Fairy Godmother – appears, it is a little like the first time we meet Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wizard of Oz.” Reassuring and refined, she fills the stage with a palpable sense of goodwill.

There are many others, too; Cervilio Miguel Amador as a flitty Jester, Zack Grubbs and Anthony Krutzkamp – hilarious as two proper gentlemen stalked by the amorous stepsisters and James Cunningham as a flustered and foppish wardrobe advisor.



“Cinderella” really is a pleasure; hilarious, touching and – perfect for Valentine’s Day weekend – a heartening tale of love conquering everything standing in its way. Not for pessimists, to be sure. But for the hopeful souls among us, a treat.



“Cinderella” will be performed at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday Feb. 13 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Aronoff Center. 513-621-5282,