Dvorovenko, Beloserkovsky Photo by Gene Schiavone

American Ballet Theatre opens its current run of seven performances of Giselle, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Tuesday evening, November 3rd, with a stellar cast headed by Julie Kent and Jose Manuel Carreno.  Even though Kent and Careno are ably assisted by this excellent supporting cast, the age of this production is beginning to show. The scenery by Gianni Quaranta, in particular, is looking tired and dated. 

Giselle is a staple with all traditional ballet companies, and American Ballet Theatre is no exception.  This old warhorse of a ballet, a favorite with balletomanes and audiences in general, has been in Ballet Theatre's repertoire almost from the company's inception. Its poignant story of a young girl who loves to dance but does not survive to marry her lover can be uplifting if handled well.

Although Julie Kent seemed a trifle detached in the first act, she is totally focused in the second.  Miss Kent's technique is as strong as ever, and her big solo in Act II is a dazzling display of speed and beauty.

Careno is one of the few danseurs noble who, besides being a wonderful partner, is also a marvelous technician. Mr. Careno proves himself strong and confident in his support of Miss Kent. In his solos he is both powerful and restrained at the same time.

In the Act I peasant pas de deux, Maria Riccetto and Jared Matthews are nicely matched and dance well together. Mr. Matthews had some minor difficulties in partnering, but he recovered nicely.  The only criticism that might be directed at their performance is that they danced without much passion. In fact, the one major criticism of the entire evening is that Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie's direction lacked passion, and much of the dancing appeared to be synchronized by the numbers.

Gennadi Saveliev's as Hilarion acts well and dances even better. Mr. Saveliev has become an outstanding dancer and actor with A.B.T. and specializes in numerous supporting roles.

Myrta, the Queen of the Wilis (ghostly young virgins who have died of unrequited love and rise from their graves to welcome Giselle), is a role that calls for a ballerina who can portray cruel ruthlessness and dance with icy precision. Veronika Part is wonderful. Her demeanor is cold and heartless and her dancing precise and swift.

Over the years the corps de ballet at American Ballet Theater has had its up and downs – some years excellent and some years not.  Right now is definitely an up period. The Wilis danced, as they should, in precise unison and were truly lovely.

All in all, it was an enjoyable performance although not a great one.  To have been great it needed more heart and emotional content.

A.B.T. will continue at the Orange County Performance Center Wed., Thurs., and Fri. Nov 4-6 at 7:30 p.m., Sat. Nov. 7 at 2 & 7:30 p.m. and Sun Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are on sale at Segerstrom Hall box office starting at $17, 714556-2787