The San Francisco Ballet will present the U.S. premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella in May. Photo courtesy of the SF Ballet
By Paul Duclos
Published: May, 2013
The San Francisco Ballet will present the U.S. premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella this May. Co-produced by SF Ballet and the Dutch National Ballet, Cinderella had its world premiere in December 2012 with the Dutch National Ballet performing at the Amsterdam Music Theatre. The production was met with rave reviews—the Financial Times called it "a triumph of storytelling and stage design firmly in touch with the 21st Century."
Set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev, Wheeldon’s interpretation combines parts of both the Charles Perrault and Brothers Grimm versions, along with some new elements. In this Cinderella there is no fairy godmother, pumpkin coach, or clock striking midnight. Rather, Wheeldon provides us with a magical tale of another sort—one that is stunningly visual and deeply moving. Wheeldon gives depth to the story’s characters by portraying Cinderella as more in charge of her destiny than she is traditionally depicted, and the prince plays a bigger role than in other productions.
We see both characters as young children and glimpse Cinderella’s life before her mother dies. And, in this adaption, Cinderella plants a hazel branch on her mother’s grave. Watered by Cinderella’s tears, the branch grown into an enormous magical, dancing tree that, along with four spirits, watches over Cinderella and grants all her wishes.
"This Cinderella is different from other ballet versions of the story," said Wheeldon. "We’ve combined elements of the Grimm and Perrault versions of the tale and added some of our own—the production is comical, romantic and theatrical. We want to take audiences on a magical journey."
"Wheeldon created the choreography for Cinderella in an unusual way—part of the choreography was created in San Francisco and part in Holland. In creating a world for his characters to inhabit, Wheeldon assembled an artistic team with imaginations as big as his own. The libretto is written by Craig Lucas, a renowned playwright, director and screenwriter who began his career as an actor. Among other awards, Lucas was nominated for Broadway’s 1990 Tony Award as author of Best Play nominee Prelude to a Kiss and again in 2005 for the book Light in the Piazza.
The approximate running time for Cinderella is two hours and 33 minutes.
Running
The running time for another May event may take a bit longer for most participants. Bay to Breakers is now part of the "San Francisco Originals" run series—which also includes the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and the Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run.
This "San Francisco Originals" run series is a joint venture to celebrate all that is admirable about San Francisco and its famed running traditions. Each race takes runners on a visual tour of San Francisco—through eclectic neighborhoods, scenic parks and along waterfront trails. The first 2,500 athletes who register and complete in all four iconic running races this year will receive a commemorative medal acknowledging this truly San Francisco athletic accomplishment.
Interested participants are encouraged to register now, to make the commitment to all four races, and start training. Beginning with the city’s oldest footrace, the 102nd Bay to Breakers 12K race will warm things up on Sunday, May 19; followed by the Wipro San Francisco Marathon on Sunday, June 16; then on to the San Francisco Giant Race on Sunday, August 4. The series will wrap up with the Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run on Sunday, October 6.
Running
For those who would prefer to watch other animals race, there’s always Golden Gate Fields this May, where the "Run For the Roses" can be viewed from the comfort the tracks’ storied turf club.
While sipping a mint julep and wagering on local contests, patrons can engage in convivial conversation with scores of beautiful women wearing gorgeous hats fashioned for the occasion.
GGF recently abandoned its plan for "Bottomless Saturdays," which would have permitted adults to drink unlimited amounts of wine, beer, and spirits for $30. If the venue is ever to feature scheduled ferry service, this idea might be revisited. The "sport of kings" deserves such a designated driver alternative. http://www.goldengatefields.com
