Glorious “Eugene Onegin” Is Not To Be Missed

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

The Joffrey Ballet and San Francisco Ballet co-produced “Eugene Onegin”, based on Alexander Pushkin’s novel. Set to music by Ilya Demutsky, with libretto by Valerie Pecheykin, and choreographed by Yuri Possokhov, this Russian delight is hauntingly evocative. 

José Pablo Castro Cuevas is superb as the arrogant Onegin, who has no scruples; the immaculate Victoria Jaiani as Tatiana Larina, smitten by Onegin, is exquisite – her expressive, ethereal presence commands the stage. Nimble Xavier Nunez is Vladimir Lenski, and his onstage fiancee Olga Larina is gracefully portrayed by Anais Bueno.

The ballet takes us through the four seasons in the form of colorful fluttering sprites by costume designer Tim Yip, an Art Direction Oscar recipient for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. Tom Pye’s beautiful scenic design conception features natural trees and snow, with ballrooms and a carriage, luminous illuminated by the lighting design of Jim French. “Eugene Onegin” is a must see feast for the eyes, but is only playing at the Civic Opera House until June 14th, so please visit www.joffrey.org for tickets or more information.

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