newportbeachindy . com MARCH 17 , 2023 3
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Segerstrom Center Presents the North American Premiere of American Ballet Theatre ’ s ‘ Like Water for Chocolate ’ March 29-April 2
Cassandra Trenary and Daniel Camargo in “ Like Water for Chocolate ” / photo by Fabrizio Ferri
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy Like water for chocolate . It ’ s a Spanish expression that means one ’ s emotions are on the verge of boiling over ( in Mexico hot chocolate is often made with near-boiling water ).
“ Like Water for Chocolate ” is also the name of a 1989 novel by Mexican writer Laura Esquivel , who later turned her popular work into a screenplay for the 1992 film version of “ Like Water for Chocolate .”
The novel follows the story of a young woman named Tita , who longs for her beloved Pedro but can never have him because of her mother ’ s upholding of the family tradition : the youngest daughter cannot marry , but instead must take care of her mother until she dies . Tita is only able to express herself when she cooks .
The novel and the movie were created in the style of magical realism , which combines a realistic view of the world with magical elements .
The novel is divided into 12 chapters ( one for each month of the year ) and each chapter comes with a Mexican recipe that correlates to a specific event in the book .
The novel has sold more than 4.5 million copies around the world and has been translated into more than 30 languages . The film become the highest-grossing foreign-language film ever released in the United States at the time .
Now , Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents the North American Premiere of Christopher Wheeldon ’ s latest ballet “ Like Water for Chocolate ” from American Ballet Theatre for six performances from Wednesday , March 29 through Sunday , April 2 . Center audiences will be the first in the country to experience this magical Mexican love story with the stellar dancers of ABT translating this richly layered story .
Co-presented by the Center and ABT , led by Artistic Director Susan Jaffe , this three-act work is set to an original score by Joby Talbot and inspired by Laura Esquivel ’ s novel of the same name .
According to Esquivel , “ Having Christopher and his team transform my story into a ballet is truly magical for me . It was a great pleasure to have them visit Mexico for extensive research and to develop the scenario together . I am amazed at how Christopher can translate deep emotions into movement , and I can ’ t wait to see this wonderful creative adventure unfold .”
“ Like Water for Chocolate ” received its World Premiere from The Royal Ballet on June 2 , 2022 , at the Royal Opera House , Covent Garden , London .
Following the North American Premiere engagement at Segerstrom Center for the Arts , the New York Premiere will take place Thursday evening , June 22 at the Metropolitan Opera House .
Lindsay Winship in The Guardian said “ The expertly crafted ensemble scenes are full of buoyant energy , action , and rhythmic dancing . And the pas de deux are playful , with inventive imagery . The solidity of the production and the imagination of Esquivel ’ s world keep this ballet an engrossing , propulsive , fulfilling watch .”
In the New York Times , Roslyn Sulcas said that “ It ’ s testament to his skills and his team of regular collaborators that Christopher Wheeldon has succeeded in creating a big-spectacle ballet . Joby Talbot ’ s commissioned score ( impressively conducted by Alondra de la Parra , who served as music consultant ) is serviceably lush , making
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use of guitar , varied percussion , and Mexican instruments like the ocarina . Crowley ’ s décor , influenced by the Mexican architect Luis Barragán , is spare and ingenious ; Natasha Katz ’ s lighting adroitly suggests changes in time and place .”
Susan Jaffe , Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre , commented , “ Putting together a production the size and caliber of ‘ Like Water for Chocolate ’ has been both an exciting and challenging process . The dancers are working so hard and so beautifully to bring this deep , moving ballet to life on stage .”
“ Like Water for Chocolate ” is a co-production between The Royal Ballet and American Ballet Theatre and is Christopher Wheeldon ’ s latest full-length ballet , marking a reunion of the creative team who delivered the critically acclaimed Royal Ballet productions “ Alice ’ s Adventures in Wonderland ” ( 2011 ) and “ The Winter ’ s Tale ” ( 2014 ).
Wheeldon is celebrated for his expressive choreography and theatricality and has worked extensively with the world ’ s leading dance companies . In 2014 , he directed and choreographed the stage version of the musical “ An American in Paris ” and recently directed and choreographed “ MJ The Musical ,” winning the Tony Award for Best Choreography .
According to press material , Wheeldon worked closely with Esquivel to reshape her story of magical realism into an entertaining and engrossing new ballet with a newly commissioned score by Joby Talbot and designs by Bob Crowley .
Mexican conductor Alondra de la Parra will lead Pacific Symphony with the addition of featured Mexican musician Tomás Barreiro on solo guitar .
Cassandra Trenary * ( Tita ), Herman Cornejo * ( Pedro ), Christine Shevchenko * ( Elena ), Hee Seo * ( Rosaura ), Catherine Hurlin * ( Gertrudis ), and Cory Stearns * ( Dr . John Brown ) lead the opening night cast .
Single tickets for American Ballet Theatre ’ s “ Like Water for Chocolate ” start at $ 29 and are available online at www . SCFTA . org , at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Dr . in Costa Mesa , or by calling ( 714 ) 556-2787 .
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