Joffrey’s “Golden Hour” Sheds Much Light

By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel

At the Civic Light Opera, the legendary ballet company opened with “Under the Trees Voices” – it is “golden”! Choreographer Nicolas Blanc created a hypnotic, mesmerizing interconnectedness of the dancers to the leaves that took center stage and communicated with their presence to the soothing score of Ezio Bosso. The leafy lighting brilliance designed by Jack Miller alluded a depth of subtle expression, “speaking/dancing” as they, too, moved up, down, sideways – asymmetrical, diaphanous – changing hues from blue to magenta to shades of gold…

This was followed by Chicago favorite Cathy Marston’s interpretation of Wagner’s poem “Seigfried Idyll”, inspired by the birth of his son. Called “Heimat”, Ms. Marston took the meaning for the German word to be home in terms of creative and spiritual anchorage.

Next was the piece “Andante”, an international debut, choreographed by Yuri Possokhov to a Shostakovich music score with three intertwined dancers – the amazing Victoria Jaiani, Alberto Velasquez, and Xavier Nunez – in an interplay of expressive, emotional intricacies. 

And lastly, also making its first appearance here, “Princess and the Pea” was designed by Dani Row with libretto by Garen Scribnerl. A whimsical, playful, athletic storytelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale updated, it features scenic and costume design by Emma Kingsbury – creative, fun, green cans and unique mattresses…

As always, Joffrey entertains, excites, and pulls us into the cerebral rollercoaster of their endless creativity. It is a must-see production, so hurry as it ends March 2nd – for tickets or more information, please visit www.joffrey.org.

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