Manon

Sun Herald

Sunday December 7, 2008

Julie Huffer

Manon

The Australian Ballet

Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Until December 17

Tickets $30-$145

Bookings (02) 9250 7777

Critic's rating 8/10

MANON is a sumptuous frocks-and-coats ballet billowing with layered fabrics, bonnets and wigs. It's easy to imagine this production with Peter Farmer's designs opening in Covent Garden on a bitter winter's night but even here in balmy summer Sydney it's well received and makes an ideal pre-Christmas treat.

Kenneth MacMillan's ballet in three acts tells the tragic tale of a naive young woman torn between the lure of wealth and her love for a poet. There's death, drama, betrayal, lust and lies, set to a beautiful score woven from Jules Massenet's music. MacMillan's clever choreography drives the action forward without being showy or frivolous.

There's a sexy pas de trios danced by opening-night principals Kirsty Martin and Robert Curran and guest artist Steven Heathcote, an example of MacMillan being ahead of his time.

Heathcote's return to the stage, as the wealthy Monsieur GM, is a breath of fresh air and I miss his presence in leading roles. As Manon, Martin is strong and vulnerable, feisty and delicate, transforming from lover to waif with seemingly effortless technique. Curran, as Des Grieux, doesn't outshine her skill but is a sensitive, confident partner. Danielle Rowe gives a powerful show as Lescaut's mistress and Tzu-Chao Chou is a nimble beggar chief.

The production succeeds on many levels and should make audiences feel they are getting value for money.

© 2008 Sun Herald

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