MATTHEW BOURNE'S SLEEPING BEAUITY

Key Bank Series--Playhouse Square--Palace Theatre
October 1-13, 2013
216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org

Bob Abelman

This romantic tale about a beautiful princess, the enchantment of sleep, and a handsome prince has been told and retold.   It is being told once more at PlayhouseSquare by master storyteller/choreographer Matthew Bourne.  It takes the form of dance theater set to Tchaikovsky’s score and is placed in a darkly gothic setting that mixes fairies with vampires and ballet with contemporary dance.  It is wonderful in conception and gorgeous in execution.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article: http://www.news-herald.com/arts-and-entertainment/20131007/second-opinion-sleeping-beauty-meets-twilight-in-glorious-gothic-retelling-at-playhousesquare


Roy Berko

Matthew Bourne’s SLEEPING BEAUTY: Gothic fairy tale, is a ballet not only for the ballet aficionado, but for the person who knows nothing about the dance form, but wants to see a well told tale, marvelously performed, as one will probably never see it again.  As a male acquaintance, who only initially went because he had subscriber’s tickets said to me the day after the performance, “I never thought that I’d go to a ballet, but would say that it was one of the best things I’ve ever seen on stage.”   Yes, this is an absolute MUST SEE!
 
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Kerry Clawson

Lush staging, elaborate storytelling and thrilling dance are more than enough to sweep audiences away in Matthew Bourne's stunningly dramatic version of Sleeping Beauty.
This gothic spin on the original 1890 Tchaikovsky-Petipa ballet combines high danger and awesome beauty in an all-new version of the classic fairy tale that fleshes out Princess Aurora’s love story and humanizes the heroine.

To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Fran Heller

 Is Matthew Bourne's "Sleeping Beauty" dance or theatre?

 The answer is a bit of both.

 Bourne has seized upon a success formula that contains all the elements of drama (character, mood, emotion, conflict) and legerdemain stagecraft without sacrificing any of the fabulous dancing, from classical ballet to more contemporary movements.

The result is a evening of great theater AND great dance. 

To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News

Mark Horning

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty is an amazing production of epic proportions that will dazzle even those who have never seen Classical Ballet before.  It has all the elements needed to take your breath away.  Order your tickets now!

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.


Christine Howey

Every movement of the dancers, from the grandest leap to the smallest twitch, is done with an exactitude that is marvelous to watch. And the eye-pleasing scenic design—which ranges from an ornate bed chamber to a misty birch tree forest to a pulsing nightclub bathed in red—keep one engaged throughout.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan

Kory

Is this a traditional night of Broadway? No. Is it an unforgettable, beautiful, eye-popping spectacle? Absolutely. I would recommend everyone (even those who don’t “get” traditional ballet) see this show immediately.

To see a full review of this show, read Kory's blog here.


Andrea Simakis

The piece is extraordinary, unlike anything you have ever seen, if what you've seen is presentational, classical ballet.  If you think the art form is stuffy and old-fashioned, a boring relic from the 19th century, you must buy a ticket and count the seconds before Borune and his New Adventures company change your mind.

To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Art Thomas

 You don't need to be a fan of ballet to enjoy this production. Princess Aurora, first seen as a puppet with personality, is kissed by her true love before she falls asleep. In a nod to contemporary culture (the final scenes are the present) the happy couple march not off to church but to a bed as the curtain falls. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife