A colleague once suggested that if I see anything at Pacific Northwest Ballet, be sure to catch “Romeo et Juliette.”
He was certainly right.
PNB premiered this ballet in 2008. Afterward, artistic director Peter Boal said he received hundreds of requests to bring the ballet back. Well, Boal listened and I am grateful.
I don’t know how many times the word “spectacular” came to mind as I watched. I found so much in this performance that was just plain remarkable: the height these dancers could leap; the stunning beauty of the costumes, especially those clingy sheath-type garments that made me wish I were 6 feet tall; the modern minimalist set; the lovely strains of Sergei Prokofiev.
“Romeo et Juliette” is a brilliant confluence of Prokofiev, choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot and William Shakespeare. Against the blank canvases of this sculptured set by Ernest Pignon-Ernest with haunting lighting that was subtle and sometimes warm by Dominique Drillot, the dancers gave a spellbinding display.
Some of the scenes that were truly emotion-filled include anything where Romeo and Juliette danced together. James Moore and Kaori Nakamura — as ethereal as smoke — portrayed their love with such passion it was otherworldly.
Another highlight of “Romeo” was watching Jonathan Porretta capturing the puckishness of Mercutio; Porretta was captivating.
Also, the surreal puppet show and the dance with the prop that looked like a long piece of bendy gauze gave that element of surprise and delight in Act II.
This is the last weekend for “Romeo et Juliette,” so take my colleague’s advice — catch a performance. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
“Romeo et Juliette”
7:30 tonight, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle; $25 to $160; 206-441-2424 or www.pnb.org.
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