Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's 'Cinderella' is magical

Friday night was an enchanted evening at the Benedum Center with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Cinderella.”

The show, which runs through Sunday, marks the United States premiere of this production, choreographed by Jayne Smeulders. The ballet features music by Sergei Prokofiev, performed by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra.

Every moment sparkled with magic.

The story of “Cinderella” is well-known by most. The amazing thing about this production is how clearly the story is told, even without a word of dialogue. Dance, gesture, facial expression and musical cues conveyed every emotion and plot point with perfect clarity — and beauty.

Opening night’s Cinderella was Tommie Lin O’Hanlon. She was every inch a graceful Disney princess come to life, able to convey a range of emotions through mesmerizing movement. Rooting for her to win the prince in the end was natural — she radiated sweetness and warmth, even in scenes where she was using a broom to sweep the stage. When she entered the ball in a gorgeous white costume, the audience held its collective breath.

Fortunately, her Prince Charming lived up to his name. Colin McCaslin gave an impressive turn — in fact, many impressive turns — in that role. Making a grand entrance in Act II at the ball, McCaslin was charismatic, passionate, and, at times, extremely funny.

The show’s biggest scene-stealers were Cinderella’s two stepsisters, played by Jessica McCann and Erin Casale. Dressed in bright salmon and seafoam green, the pair managed to dance phenomenally even while rolling around on the stage, kicking their legs and performing hilarious feats of physical comedy. They seemed to delight in the silliness of their scenes, especially the ones they shared with their mother, played by Madeline Gradle. She enhanced their antics with the poise and haughtiness she brought to her character.

Grace Rookstool played dual roles as Cinderella’s mother and the Fairy Godmother. Her every gesture was filled with a delicacy and sincerity that added emotional power to her scenes with Cinderella. As Fairy Godmother, you could practically see the magic swirling at her fingertips.

The show included a bevy of birds, ball guests, unicorns and nymphs, all leaping and turning together in perfect step to make the production look effortlessly breathtaking. Even in moments of chaos — almost always involving the two stepsisters — every movement appeared artfully planned. Smeulder’s choreography was really a revelation.

Another practically perfect part of “Cinderella” was the costuming. Costume designer Marie Chantale Vaillancourt deserves a standing ovation for the floaty, flowing, glittering, feathered beauty of the costumes fit for a fairytale. The scenic design (Simon Guilbault) and lighting design (Marc Panent, original Paul Miller) were both functional in creating the atmosphere and beautiful. Most memorable was the set of twilit steps where Prince Charming and Cinderella dance in the ballet’s final scene. When, in front of those stairs, Prince Charming lifted Cinderella high as they twirled together, hearts all through the theater swelled along with the music.

Speaking of that swelling music, principal conductor and music director Charles Barker, along with all of the PBT Orchestra, were vital to the success of the production. Especially memorable was the anxious tick-tocking of the woodblock, counting the seconds down to midnight — and Cinderella’s hastened departure from the ball.

Before the show, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artistic director Adam McKinney and executive director Nicholas Dragga took the stage to introduce “Cinderella.” McKinney said, “I hope you’re wearing two pairs of socks because one will be knocked off.” He wasn’t kidding — and as artistic director, he played a big part in said sock-knocking.

“Cinderella” proved that ballet is fun, fantastical and enjoyable for all, regardless of age. Don’t let the clock strike midnight on the opportunity to see this show.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Cinderella” will run through Sunday at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh. For more information and tickets, visit pbt.org.