Even though I studied British literature in college, I have a great passion for Russian literature and Alexander Pushkin is one of my favorite Russian authors. I would have to say that The Captain's Daughter is my favorite piece by Pushkin but Eugene Onegin would definitely be a close second. I love the opera based on the novel with music by Tchaikovsky (I wish Utah Opera would program it again) so I have been looking forward to Ballet West's production of Onegin since they announced their season. I was lucky enough to see it last night and it was absolutely glorious! I loved everything about it including the story, the music, the choreography, the performances, the sets, and the costumes. A young girl named Tatiana (Katie Critchlow) is preparing for a ball in honor of her birthday with her mother (Emily Adams), her sister Olga (Jenna Rae Herrera), and friends from the countryside. Lensky (Joshua Shutkind), a poet engaged to Olga, arrives with Onegin (Adrian Fry), his friend from St. Petersburg. Onegin is worldly and sophisticated and Tatiana falls desperately in love with him. She impetuously writes a passionate letter declaring her love to him and has her nurse deliver it. Prince Gremin (Dominic Ballard) attends the ball and falls in love with Tatiana but she ignores him in favor of Onegin who, thinking her a silly girl who has read too many romantic novels, rejects her and tears up her letter. Onegin soon grows bored with the company and flirts outrageously with Olga. Lensky challenges him to a duel and Onegin ends up killing him. Years later a disillusioned Onegin visits Prince Gremin in St. Petersburg and is shocked to discover that his friend has married Tatiana. He realizes that he is in love with the beautiful princess and writes her a letter. In a reversal in fortune, she rejects him and tears up his letter. The magnificent music by Tchaikovsky is the perfect backdrop for this tragic love story. It isn't as well known as some of his other more iconic scores but it is no less dramatic and passionate. I especially loved the music during the duel because it is so heartbreaking. The choreography is incredibly innovative. I enjoyed the wild abandon of the folk dances in the countryside, particularly the leaps across the stage by the women in the ensemble, juxtaposed with the elegant and stately waltzes at the ball in St. Petersburg. I was blown away by the tumultuous and acrobatic final Pas de Deux between Onegin and Tatiana. Critchlow and Fry danced their roles brilliantly, executing some of the trickiest throws and maneuvers I've ever seen with such emotion! The elegant sets and beautiful costumes in muted jewel tones transport the audience to imperial Russia for a few hours and it is a journey that I definitely recommend taking! There are two more performances today at the Eccles Theatre (go here for tickets and more information).
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