Much-loved fairytale returns with even more sparkle

Much-loved fairytale returns with even more sparkle

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s much-loved production of Cinderella is back! Renowned British choreographer Christopher Hampson’s ravishing interpretation of the timeless rags-to-riches romance is everything you could wish for and more. The TOWER Season of Cinderella will tour to seven centres throughout the country from 2 August – 9 September.

The critically acclaimed production, which was last seen in New Zealand in 2007 and also toured to China, was hailed as a ‘masterpiece’, that was ‘breathtaking, and sublime’ with ‘lucid storytelling’. It was the RNZB’s most popular show ever, before last year’s near sell-out Meridian Season of The Sleeping Beauty.

“As one of the most loved fairytales, Cinderella has been enchanting audiences of all ages around the world for many years. Our rendition of the story lifts the magic from the page and embraces the belief that dreams can come true, whilst elegantly showing off the dancers’ talent and versatility,” says RNZB Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel.

London-based choreographer Christopher Hampson creates ballets in the traditional style, with rich classical choreography and clear storytelling. He has created five ballets for the company, Cinderella was his fourth. After opening night he heads to Glasgow to take up a new role as the Artistic Director of the Scottish Ballet

“The story is classic... the cruel stepmother, the comedic stepsisters, a handsome Prince and a magical Fairy Godmother. But composer Sergei Prokofiev has given us more than this. For me his score shows growth, honesty, humility and love. It is a tale that shows us a journey from dark to light,” says Christopher Hampson.

Auckland-based international set and costume designer for opera, ballet and theatre Tracy Grant Lord’s sumptuous costumes and lavish sets wowed audiences in 2007 with their beauty and opulence, with one reviewer calling her the next Kristian Fredrikson.

The costumes include more than 100,000 Swarovski crystals which were made especially for the RNZB by the Swarovski factory in Austria. Cinderella’s tutu and the cloak that she wears to the ball have been remade for this production and will have more crystals than ever before. Crystals have also been used to give sparkle to insect costumes and wings, the Stepmother’s negligee and the spider’s web.

ENDS

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