SPECIAL TO VIEWThe Nevada Ballet Theatre will present "Cinderella" this weekend at UNLV.
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It is a simple tale, really.
A benevolent princess, sorely mistreated and taken advantage of by her nefarious stepfamily, never loses hope, finally winning her prince and a happy ending.
The story of Cinderella is one of triumph over adversity and hope in the darkest circumstances. It's a story that people can get behind. Perhaps, that accounts for the narrative's far-reaching impact and multiple incarnations.
Although the Charles Perrault fairy tale has been told and retold through animation, literature and moviemaking for decades, the Nevada Ballet Theatre's interpretative dance manifestation lends the fable new life.
The ballet's production of the classic yarn will premiere at 8 p.m. Friday at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre, 4505 Maryland Parkway.
The company performed the tale with a Russian theme in 2004, but according to Emmy Award-nominated guest choreographer Peter Anastos, this year's production will far exceed any performance to date.
"We have completely overhauled the set and costume design to make the ballet lighter and more fun," Anastos said. "The last production we did featured a stuffy 16th century Russian setting. It was very colorful and beautiful, but we felt that we wanted to go a different way this time around."
The new setting will be reminiscent of the 18th century English countryside, with light, vibrant colors and windswept landscapes.
"It's all very Jane Austen," Anastos said. "That time period is very pretty. The clothes are beautiful and fluid. The empire-waisted gowns are gorgeous, and the men are elegantly dressed. We are very excited about this new interpretation."
To keep in tone with the production's lighter ambience, the company cast male dancers in the roles of the evil stepsisters.
"In modern society, I think people are uncomfortable seeing the way Cinderella is treated by these other women, but it becomes comical, more palatable, when you put it in this context," Anastos said. "It's a fun moment for audiences to see male dancers in drag."
Anastos said that audiences can expect to see a beautifully choreographed tale with comic relief mixed in.
"It's beautiful, yes, and we have a wonderful cast," he said. "But, we want people to walk away feeling good. That's what fairy tales are about: teaching you to believe in the goodness that exists in the world."
There will be additional shows at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $29, $49 and $72 and can be purchased by calling 895-2787 or visiting www.nevadaballet.com/performances.
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