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Cranko'sOnegin
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By Don Kolman
The untimely death of John Cranko in 1973, at the age of 45, deprived the ballet world of its most talented choreographer of story ballets. He created lovely ballets of seamless beauty which are a joy to behold. No other twentieth century choreographer has been as consistently successful in this genre, and that is a fact. Onegin, presented by the Stuttgart Ballet at Segerstrom Hall of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is a prime example of everything wonderful about Cranko's ballets.
Though this ballet is lovely, the principal partnership is not. In a ballet where chemistry between the two principals is supremely important, there is none in this pairing. Ivan Cavallari (Onegin) is a slight danseur who at times seems almost frail. Mr. Cavallari has lots of technique but manages to make difficult lifts look difficult. During the first two acts, Cavallari does not appear bored and detached, he appears lost. In the last act, he changes from lost to harried.
Sonia Santiago (Tatiana) also has lots of technique, but there it ends. She seems to tower over Cavallari though she is not actually taller. She also appears to physically dominate the partnership, and that is not as it should be. Santiago looks and dances much older than the sixteen year old the role calls for. It is not a good role for an otherwise excellent ballerina.
The partnership of Robert Twesley (Lensky) and Elena Tentshikova (Olga) is considerably more successful. Tentshikova is a lovely dancer with superb technique who is right on target, capturing the thoughtless, shallow charm of Olga. Tewsley's Lensky is, as it should be, ardent and passionate in his relationship with Olga. He is a marvel to behold dancing, especially in his solo in the deserted park of Act II, Scene II. His line appears to go on forever, and he can hold some incredibly difficult positions for what seems an eternity. One hopes to see a lot more of Tewsley in the not too distant future. He is the shining light of this visit of the Stuttgart.
The corps de ballet dances extremely well, is involved and spirited, and one can ask for nothing more. James Tuggle conducted the orchestra with verve, though at times the tempo seemed overly fast.
Onegin, presented by the Stuttgart Ballet at Segerstrom Hall, The Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 740-7878. Closes February 6.
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