BalletMet Columbus opened its 2001-2002 season with a family classic, Coppélia.
Coppélia is the story of young Franz, a man who finds himself attracted to a female lodger of a mystifying doll maker, Dr. Coppélius. Franz, unaware that Coppélia is a lifeless doll filled with Dr. Coppélius’ magic, desperately pursues her love. Swanilda, Franz’s spirited fiancée, is the only obstacle in his path to capture the beautiful Coppélia’s love.
“Coppélia’s storyline explores the power of superficial beauty and everlasting love and should interest audiences of all ages,” said Paul Collins, communications manager for BalletMet.
“College people might especially enjoy the fact that in addition to being theatrical and beautiful the show is intellectually stimulating,” Collins said.
According to BalletMet Columbus artistic director, Gerard Charles, Coppélia is a deep-rooted ballet that first appeared on May 25, 1870 at the Paris Opera.
“Somehow its context has gotten lost over the years, but I don’t think going back to the way it was first produced would work with today’s audiences,” Charles said. “Especially if we had the male lead character, Franz, danced by a woman, as it was first done.”
Dancing to such classical pieces as the mazurka (a lively Polish dance) and the polonaise (a slower Polish dance) will be several well-known BalletMet performers. In alternating presentations, the role of Swanilda will be danced by Rebecca Rodriguez, one of BalletMet’s 27 professional dancers and Hiromi Ushino, a seven-year member with the company. Richard Tullius, a graduate of The National Ballet School in Toronto and Dimitri Suslov, who trained with The Bolshoi Ballet, will dance the role of Franz. Suslov and David Paul Kierce, entering his fifth year with the company, will alternate the role of Dr. Coppélius.
The ballet, which is set to a melodic score by Léo Delibes, is based on original choreography by Arthur Saint-Leon. Charles is producing the show with contributions from Robert Post, a Columbus-based performance artist. Post, best known for his skilled acting, witty satire, and gifted mind will enhance the comedic atmosphere of the production. John Bohuslawsky, a guest lecturer with the Ohio State University dance department, is the show’s lighting designer.
Barbara Zuck, senior critic for the Columbus Dispatch, noted the collaboration between Post and Charles has led to a more festive version of the ballet, complete with a happier ending than most traditional adaptations of the romantic comedy.
Coppélia will be performed until Sept. 23 in the Capitol Theatre, at the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus. Tickets are $25 and $35. Student tickets are $10 in advance.
