American Ballet Theatre: Cinderella

FREDERICK ASHTON'S BALLETIC TRIUMPH RETURNS FOR 2015

Captivating costume and an Art Deco-inspired set design works hand-in-hand with Sergei Prokofiev's hauntingly beautiful score to make this American Ballet Theatre production of Cinderella a visual feast for both children and the most ardent of ballet enthusiasts alike.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

There's really no helping you if you don't know the age old tale of envy and vanity, but here goes! Cinderella is the maltreated heroine of the tale, who is forbidden to attend an important ball at the palace. Her cruel stepsisters harangue Cinderella's father when he tried comforting her, as he fears them. The humorous and grotesque stepsisters are played by male dancers, a traditional feature of Cinderella ballets and one which introduces a playful pantomime element to proceesings. When an elderly woman knocks at their door, they try to send her away, however the kindly Cinderella sneaks her a piece of bread.

After her family have left for the ball, the mysterious woman appears again; however this time she is young, graceful and shining; she is Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, come to send her to the ball. Together with the Four Seasons, she takes Cinderella to the stars where she is given the ultimate makeover, and dressed in a shimmering white dress. On earth, the Godmother transforms a common pumpkin into the famous coach of legend.

At the ball, the grotesque stepsisters are trying to make a play for every man there, including the Prince! - however it is to no avail. Once he spots the disguised Cinderella, his heart is lost to her, and they dance all night long. But at the stroke of midnight, the spell suddenly starts to fail, and Cinderella must flee before she is recognised by her family; she runs away, leaving behind a glass slipper and the Prince is determined to use this to find his love.