Cleveland San Jose Ballet. - State Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio - dance reviews

Dance Magazine, Oct, 1996 by Wilma Salisbury

STATE THEATRE, CLEVELAND

MAY 24-JUNE 7, 1996 REVIEWED BY WILMA SALISBURY

It's been a long time since Cleveland San Jose Ballet has mounted a production as popular as Blue Suede Shoes, artistic director Dennis Nahat's toe-tapping tribute to the music of Elvis Presley. Glittering costumes and clever sets by Hollywood designer Bob Mackie make the $1.1-million premiere look like a lavish Broadway show. But it's the music by the King of Rock 'n, Roll and the effervescent choreography by Nahat that give the ballet its rousing spirit.

With the assistance of Hollywood composer William Ross, Nahat chose thirty-six master recordings and wove them into a simple scenario about three 1950s high school buddies who join the army, learn about life and loss, and come back home to find the world changed. Despite scenes of street violence and a disco brawl that lands the trio in jail, the ninety-minute extravaganza ends happily with a celebration of Elvis's golden records, a reprise of each character's signature steps, and a parade of fabulous costumes executed in shining gold.

The choreography skillfully blends classical technique with popular dances from the fifties and sixties. Though the dancers shake, rattle, and roll, the women are on pointe, and the men do plenty of bravura steps. Every member of the large cast plays a clearly defined role, and the acting is as exuberant as the dancing.

Heading the cast as the nerdy teen who falls in love with the prettiest girl in school, Raymond Rodriguez tosses off triple turns while projecting an impish personality. His tenderest scenes are danced with his loving mother, gracefully portrayed by Lisa Alfieri. Ramon Thielen brings deep emotion and strong athleticism to his role as a sensitive young man from the ghetto. His finest moment is a danced pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Matthew Gasper gives a winning performance as the handsome jock who watches the twirling mechanical dolls in a German clock and sees a vision of his sweetheart spinning off in the arms of her new love. Ballerina Ana Lobe plays the drop-dead-gorgeous girl who is corrupted by a persuasive pimp, elegantly played by Mark Otloski. A showstopper every time she makes an entrance, Lobe is especially eye-popping as a sexy jailer in black leather who wields a mean baton over drooling male prisoners.

A huge box-office hit with wide audience appeal, the production was set to return to Cleveland in September, premieres in San Jose next April, and is expected to tour nationally for the next two seasons.