'Swan Lake' Flies Into L.A. for its Tenth Anniversary

It was 10 years ago that Matthew Bourne’s groundbreaking version of “Swan Lake” hit the stage, signaling a triumphant re-imaging of the classic tale, as well as announcing the arrival of a visionary new creator/director. While both of these things still hold true – Bourne’s “Swan Lake” is still a triumphant re-imagining, and Bourne himself is a visionary – they are also dated in their own way, lacking the kind of punch and awe that accompanied the show when it premiered, in this new tour which celebrates the show's Tenth Anniversary.

Currently running at the Ahmanson theatre until March 19th, if you haven’t seen this creative and enjoyable version of “Swan Lake,” you really should. Bourne has adapted the tale to tell the story of a Royal prince, unloved by his cold, unfeeling mother, who – when he is about to commit suicide – is saved (or is he?) by a swan, who finally gives him the love and emotional support he has always sought. Neil Penlington, who plays the Prince (alternating with Simon Wakefield), was spectacular, emoting the story quite vividly simply through his body language, facial expressions and, of course, dance. This is a difficult thing to pull off, as the character can come across as whiny and petulant. But Mr. Penlington overcomes this pitfall with his superb acting and dance, creating a nuanced persona that simply wants to be loved.

The lead Swan, which role always seems to be an audience favorite, played by Jose Tirado (alternating with Alan Vincent), also does a commendable job, making the audience both fear and love him. Oddly, he is at his best as the Swan when he isn’t dancing, as he creates such a strong masculine archetype simply with his presence, in both the opening scene, where he emerges in the Prince’s nightmare, and in the final moment of the piece (which I will not divulge here, to protect the story). The only criticism, however, was the visual difference when he was the Swan, covered in white make-up and dressed beautifully in the imaginative Swan costume of Lez Brotherston (who also designed the stylish, minimalist set), and when he was dressed as the party crasher in second part of the show. In the later, he came across less as a somewhat dangerous/mysterious stranger that draws you in, but more as a kind of leather-clad, ‘Soprano’-esque character one would normally wince at if encountered in a bar or club.

This show has always historically been misrepresented as the “all-male ‘Swan Lake’,” which is a true shame, because in this staging the two stand-outs happen to be Oxana Panchenko, who plays the Queen (alternating with Saranne Curtain and Nina Goldman/>), and Agnes Vandrepote, who provides incredible comic relief as the wannabe girlfriend to the Prince (alternating with Leigh Daniels). Ms. Panchenko has the formidable task of being the villainess you love to hate, but makes it difficult to do so when she dances with poignant grace. Ms. Vandreport, has just the opposite problem – you love her and her incredible comic timing, but her character’s utter lack of grace, makes her seem lead-footed when she dances (to great comic effect).

The rest of the company looks as if they have been cast from an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog shoot, but luckily have the skills and training to pull off the Bourne choreography. Purists, however, will be annoyed at their lack of precision timing and coordination during the routines, which sometimes found some men a half-step behind, and others seemingly just trying to recreate the staging with little passion. Sometimes I felt as though I could hear them counting the steps in their heads. One wonders is this is indicative of Mr. Bourne’s lack on involvement in the piece (this version is “re-staged” by Scott Ambler, Etta Murfitt and Vicky Evans), or of a less experienced corps. Overall, however, Matthew Bourne’s “Swan Lake,” is a treat to experience, and even 10 years on, still dazzles the senses and delights the audience.

NOW PLAYING at the Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles (135 N. Grand Avenue), through March 19th. Performances Tuesday – Saturday @ 8:00p, Sundays @ 7:30p, and Saturday and Sunday matinees @ 2:00p.

For tickets visit, www.taperahmanson.com, or for a tour schedule, visit www.swanlaketour.com.

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