The Messiah – Pennsylvania Ballet

On Sunday 11th March 2012, I went to see Pennsylvania Ballet in their production of  “The Messiah” in the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Choreographed by Robert Weiss, set to the timeless music of Handel, the production tells the biblical story Jesus Christ through classical ballet in Three Acts.

I would first like to mention the sophisticated venue, the Academy of Music, with is gas lit, torch like lanterns that surround the theatre, you get an air of class, which is also echoed internally.  One of its main features, is an immense chandelier that is suspended above a mixture of scarlet velvet seats and stunning gold leaf pillars, surrounded by three rows of balconies.  The curtain, also deep red and flamboyant gold, features a decedent fleur de lis pattern hides the vast stage, causing eager anticipation for the show.

The show started by announcing that some dancers were injured and who was covering them, unfortunately the fire alarm decided to wildly shriek.  After a minute or so, the fire alarm stopped and another announcement was made telling us we were to see shortly what caused the problem, lets say whoever was in charge of the dry ice, could not contain themselves.

The dancers displayed their immense dance ability through passion and performance.  All the members of the company have very able bodies, that Balanchine would have approved of, with everyone having long skinny legs that go on for days.

"[Pennsylvania Ballet] has never lost its all-American look of clean, strong body lines and simplicity of attack."

Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times

I think that telling the story took a little long and wondered off course, rather than sticking to the story.  Also, I expected a more neo classical style of dance from looking at the advertisement.  There was a lot of Corps de Ballet work and at some points too many people on stage. 

Photo: Alexander Iziliaev

I would like to mention Jong Suk Park, who played a soloist role in the ballet, did an excellent job, showing his range of ability through out the ballet.  Furthermore, Jermel Johnson, did very well in the role of Jesus, really showing the emotions Jesus would have felt through out the ballet.

"[Pennsylvania Ballet] brought special maturity of style and rapturous absorption."

Alastair Macaulay, The New York Times

I feel the costumes were a bit strange as the entire ensemble wore white unitards that appeared to be yellow due to the lighting.  The unitards on the ladies featured a short skirt, also white, that helped to separate them from the boys, yet I feel that the combination of unitard and skirt was a little odd and almost seemed to cut the line of the dancer.

In conclusion, I feel that the show was a little too long, yet I feel the level of dance talent more than made up for that!  I would look forward to seeing future productions by this company.

Photo: Alexander Iziliaev