Rudolf Nureyev’s colourful, “movie-star” version of Prokofiev’s Cinderella retains the classic Perrault story but sets it in America during the difficult years of the Great Depression in the 1930s and 1940s. Agnès Letestu stars as Cinderella who, living with her alcoholic father, tyrannical stepmother and two spiteful stepsisters, dreams of escape and stardom in Hollywood. After a promising screen-test during which The Film Star, suavely portrayed by José Martinez, falls head over heels in love with her, she is fearful that her new-found happiness is too good to be true and will vanish with her youth. Fortunately, her magical protector (in the form of The Producer) and her lover move heaven and earth for a ‘happily ever after’ ending. This is Paris Opera Ballet at its very best.
Cinderella: Agnès Letestu
The Movie Star: José Martinez
The Sisters: Laëtitia Pujol & Stéphanie Romberg
The Mother: Stéphane Phavorin
The Producer: Wilfried Romoli
Paris Opera Ballet
Paris Opera Orchestra
Choreographer: Rudolf Nureyev
Conductor: Koen Kessels
Recorded live at the Palais Garnier, Paris on 24, 26, 28 April 2008.
Reviews
‘More than a traditional full-length ballet, Nureyev’s Cinderella is a musical fantasy overflowing with vitality.’ Le Figaro
Awards
Opus d'Or (January 2009)
