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REWIEW
SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE
Monday, February 11
Moscow City Ballet: Romeo & Juliet
At its best, ballet can tell a story and convey a real sense of narrative just as effectively - if not more so - than physical theatre, contemporary dance or mime.
Moscow City Ballet have been visiting the Grand for some years, but never having see this company before I admit to being blown away not only by their technical skills and overall presentation, but also by their acting ability and the apparent ease with which they are able to relate a story purely in terms of movement, gesture and expression.
Given the fact that Shakespearean drama relies heavily upon the rhythms and nuances of the spoken word to draw audiences into another world, it is no mean feat for performers to interpret the subtleties of the Bard's immortal tale of star-crossed lovers without recourse to dialogue.
Victor Smirnov-Golovanov's fluid choreography veered smoothly between the traditional and the determinedly naturalistic, clearly establishing the relationships between the characters - among whom Romeo (Mikhail Mikhaylov) and Juliet (Natalya Padalko) stood out as the symbols of warring factions - and their moods and motives.
Talgat Kozhabayev, as the sword-wielding protagonist Tybalt, struck an especially loud chord with the crowd, as did the comic sequences involving Juliet's nurse (Varvara Garagulya). The production oozed class from beginning to end and I would heartily recommend that anyone seeking an introduction to ballet should seek out this company when they next visit the Grand.
Graham Williams
REVIEW
Bristol evening post, Wednesday 20 February 2008
"Nutcracker is still dazzling"
Moscow City Ballet: The Nutcracker
Matthew Bourne - the innovative choreographer who created a production of Swan Lake with all-male birds - has just reworked Tchaikovsky's classic with an opening in a orphanage and a Hollywood music finale.
Nothing so adventurous for the Moscow City Ballet whose visits are as much of a Bath half-term tradition as the pantomime at Christmas.
Visitors can be assured of dazzling scenery, sumptuous costumes and conventional dance sequences.
Valeria Bystrova as Clara and Talgat Kazhabayev as the Prince brought welcome experience to the principal roles and Gennadiy Batalov was a youthful Drosselmeier, the magician who conjures p all kinds of adventures.
The Nutcracker's around-the-world sequence stood out and there was some impressive corps-de-ballet work, particularly in the lavish forest scene.
The company continue with The Nutcracker until tomorrow and will perform Prokovievs Cinderella on Friday and Saturday.
Alan King
REVIEW
LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE
"They've cracked it!"
Saturday 2nd February 2008
Moscow City Ballet: The Nutcracker
The Moscow City Ballet pirouetted into town, and suddenly it was Christmas again.
If you want to experience The Nutcracker at its sumptuous, glittering best, then look no further. For a couple of hours, the stage was transformed into a Victorian parlour with twinkling tree, candy canes and toy soldiers, then an enchanted, snow-frosted forest as richly-drawn sets with some pretty magical effects created a super atmosphere.
Tchaikovsky's timeless score jumped and leapt joyfully from the orchestra pit under the baton of conductor Leonid Shavruk.
Nevertheless, neither could steal the limelight from the star attraction - the company itself.
Valeria Guseva in the lead as Clara was stunning.
A wisp of a thing, she is that curious blend of twig-like fragility and iron hard strength that's exclusive to ballerinas.
Dashing in the male lead, the Nutcracker Prince, Sergiy Zolotaryov, was the perfect partner, commanding the stage with his skilful routines but allowing his beloved Clara to shine at just the right moments.
It was a captivating performance by all.
Lorraine Gibson
REVIEW
BOURNEMOUTH DAILY ECHO
"Show of power and beauty"
Tuesday 29th January 2008
Moscow City Ballet: Romeo & Juliet (Poole, Lighthouse)
Prokofiev's beautiful score fits this tale so beautifully, it's difficult to see a bad production of this particular ballet - and the fantastic Moscow City Ballet's grandeur and perfection ensured the almost full house was not disappointed.
Victor Smirnov-Golovanov's wonderful choreography flowed like a river, complemented nicely by a huge dollop of comedy included in each of the three acts.
Juliet's "naked" scene was simply mesmerizing, displaying as it did not only Krasnova's incredible control and emotion, but everything it is that makes this company's productions so special.
Slightly odd were the death specters which, although menacing, seemed to verge on the shambolic.
Nevertheless, this talented company overcame any such issues arising, including the frankly abysmal lighting errors (spotlighting often missing the soloist, and nearly always coming late) to produce a stunning theatrical display of power and beauty all rolled into one.
Angela Young
REVIEW
THEATRE ROYAL BATH
Bath chronicle Thursday 21 February 2008
"It's a cracker of a ballet"
Moscow City Ballet: The Nutcracker
When a ballet comes around as often as The Nutcracker; one learns to recognize early on the sings of a production that either has just what it takes or, more likely, simply doesn't live up to expectations.
And because the world's major companies have all had a crack at it - so to speak - with all the modern day theatrical wizardry that is now available, the standard we expect is pretty high.
Having said that, I don't think anyone would be disappointed with this Moscow City Ballet production. It is simple, straightforward but looks stunningly beautiful.
There is no fancy stuff with the Christmas tree and the grandfather clock but when we leave the drawing room for the forest we can feel an icy chill in the air.
The dancers were all as good as you'd expect from a company that although quite new - it only started in the early 1990s - has gained a reputation for excellence all over the world.
However, do watch out for the Nutcracker Prince himself sensationally danced by Talgat Kazhabaev.
His beautiful, sweeping movements can scarcely be contained on the small but beautifully formed Bath stage.
You can see The Nutcracker today at either 2.30pm or 7.30pm and Cinderella tomorrow and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Christopher Hansford
REVIEW
DORSET ECHO
"Rave rewievs for sumptuous ballet"
Wednesday 30th January 2008
Following years of international sell-out success, the Moscow City Ballet is staging its latest UK tour at the Lighthouse in Poole this week with productions of Romeo and Juliet and The Nutcracker.
Under artistic director Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, these world-class dancers offer a sumptuous feast of colour, spectacle and excitement with two of the most famous and best-loved classical ballets.
Romeo and Juliet, which finishes tonight, is a particular treat.
The company performed its version of the Shakespeare classic set to music by Prokofiev for the first time in the UK only last year.
Choreographed by Smirnov-Golovanov to celebrate his 70th birthday, it received rave rewievs.
The Nutcracker, which will be performed from tomorrow to Saturday, is set to Tchaikovsky's rousing score, with sumptuous sets and costumes adding to its sense of pure make-believe.
A former soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet, Victor Smirnov-Golovanov founded Moscow City Ballet in 1988.
The company of more than 70 is drawn from graduates of the finest choreographic academies and schools in Russia and the Ukraine.
