Hong Kong Ballet’s Wizard of Oz opens new season
Hong Kong Ballet opened its new 2024/25 season as usual with a show catering for children enjoying their summer holiday – the premiere of a new production of “The Wizard of Oz” by its artistic director Septime Webre. Webre first created this production in the last decade for the Colorado Ballet and Kansas City Ballet.
This spectacular two-act production lasting two hours pays homage to the famous 1939 Hollywood MGM movie starring Judy Garland. Young Dorothy and her dog Toto are swept away by a twister from their Kansas farm and landed in an otherworldly place called Oz. She offends an evil witch, but befriends another good witch. After grouping with three more sidekicks – a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Lion - Dorothy makes her journey along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to find the Wizard of Oz who can help her get back to her home.
“Wizard” is a spectacular theatrical production with innovative visual effects enhanced by stunning projections on the backdrop and imaginative lighting. New technology like LED walls and holographic projections are dazzling. The tornado is Act 1 is excitingly depcted by video projection.
Other visual effects like wire-flying are spectacular. The Evil Witch is seen riding on a bicycle high in the air. Toto the dog is unexpectedly a small dog-sized puppet manipulated with a pair of rods by a male dancer.
The narrative is straightforward. The story is relatively easy to follow and scenes move along smoothly. The final defeat of the Evil Witch however lacks conviction and seems too quick and easy to be true.
Webre’s choreography is workmanlike though occasionally repetitive. In the scene set in a field of poppies just before the interval, the fine classical divertissements evoke a soothing fantasy dreamland which brings to mind the Kingdom of the Shades scene in the classic “La Bayadere”. The best choreography all evening is the expressive duet for a leading couple in the Emerald City scene.
On the opening night, Yang Ruiqi was excellent in the leading role of Dorothy. She was practically on stage all evening in this demanding role. Her dancing and acting were impressive. This is another high point of Yang’s career after her performance in the title role of “Coco Chanel” last year.
Ye Feifei was a beneficient Good Witch, her expansive dancing projected a calmness.. She was also superb in the Emeralds duet, well partnered by Ryo Kato who has rejoined the company this season. Wang Qingxin was menacing as the Wicked Witch.
As for the male leads, Garry Corpuz was likeable as the tame Lion. Shen Jie, who has also rejoined the company, impressed as the Tin Man, and Yonen Takano was lively as the Scarecrow. The corps de ballet impersonated grasshoppers, munchkins, flying monkeys, popcorn girls etc.
Matthew Pierce’s cinematic score was propulsive and rhythmic, and well performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Julian Pellicano. The colourful costumes were by Liz Vandal, while the sumptuous set designs were by Michael Raiford.
This spectacular extravaganza is life-enhancing and celebrates the goodness of mankind. It generates a warmth and optimism which is most welcome in the current world. All in all, “The Wizard of Oz” is a terrific start to Hong Kong Ballet’s new season which celebrates the company’s 45th anniversary.
photo – by Tony Luk - Yang Ruiqi as Dorothy
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