Come Unto These Yellow Sands

Ballet West Brings to Life a Brave New World of Myth and Magical Mayhem

By Melissa Rasmussen

This November will mark the first time Emmy Award-winning choreographer Michael Smuin’s The Tempest charms the stage of the Capitol Theatre.  Ballet West invites you to “Come unto these yellow sands” and enter the “Brave New World” of Prospero and his daughter Miranda.  Though on this island there is “rough magic” please “Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.” (Quotes from The Tempest)  This production of The Tempest not only masterfully grasps the poignancy of Shakespeare’s words; it captures the wild, playful sense of mystery which makes this story such a delight.  This is a show that, like The Nutcracker, will appeal to a wide range of dance lovers.  It’s grand ballet with all the spectacle, romance and enchantment that implies. 

The more than 80 costumes, designed by Tony Award-winner Willa Kim (who won an Emmy for them when The Tempest was presented on PBS’s "Dance in America"), and music originally composed by Henry Purcell then compiled and enhanced by composer Paul Chihara, capture the power, whit and whimsy of Smuin’s choreography - as does the incredible scenery designed by Tony Walton.  One of the early scenes in the ballet presents an enormous ship tossing about in a raging, boiling sea of blue silk.  The ship soon succumbs to the storm, splitting in two.  The fragments then fold back, transforming into the magnificent rock-strewn peaks of the island and Prospero’s cave.  This is only the beginning of the fantastic technical elements that enhance this mesmerizing production of The Tempest. 

Though Prospero may rule his island, the ballet is rife with visits from Gods, Goddesses and a myriad of other mythological creatures who roam the magical landscape.  In the lavish celebration that is the second act, they provide our dancers with a multitude of opportunities to characterize these beings while showcasing their skills and technical abilities.  Be sure to join us in this thrilling, magical journey that will delight young and old alike. With this show's popular appeal, you will want to get your tickets early and may even decide to see it twice! 

The Tempest runs November 7 – 15, 2008 at The Capitol Theatre. 
For tickets call 355-ARTS. 
For a discount on Groups of 10 or more, call 323-6966.