Halloween Spooktacular

Halloween Spooktacular
Colorado Symphony
Boettcher Concert Hall
Denver, CO
October 27, 2013

Every year, the Colorado Symphony presents Spooky Symphony, a special Halloween concert. This is a special family event where all the kids and many of their parents, come dressed up in their costumes. When I arrived it turned out that the members of the symphony were also dressed up. W were especially impressed with the conductor who came out dressed as a Jedi. He even used his light saber to conduct the first piece.

The music selection was done with the holiday and kids in mind. It included pieces from the Harry Potter films and several classical pieces. The conductor introduced all the music in a kid-friendly manner.

This was a fun way to introduce children to classical music. I would be happy to go again!

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Theatre-Hikes Colorado
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver, CO
October 4-27, 2013

After a fun show this summer, I was interested to see how Theatre-Hikes Colorado handled a classic monster story. October seems like the perfect time for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

We chose to see a performance at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The show started in the evening, half an hour after the gardens close to the public. As the sun set, the weather turned cooler and the empty gardens were a bit spooky.

As we walked from scene to scene, we had a guide and a flute player leading us. This version of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson story was adapted assuming the audience knew the story already. From the beginning, Mr. Hyde is hovering around, watching everything and laughing menacingly. Dr. Jekyll, played by another actor, seems unaware of him most of the time. There are a few confrontations between the two.

The story plays out as a mystery as the character try to figure out who this Mr. Hyde is and what his control is over Dr. Jekyll. And of course, in the end is tragedy.

The brightest spot in the show is the portrayal of Mary Reilly, Dr. Jekyll frightened and very funny maid. Her antics keep the story from getting too heavy. And when you are in a deserted garden, that is a good thing.

Giselle

Giselle
Colorado Ballet
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver, CO
October 4-13, 2013

As a new ballet fan, I have heard of Giselle, but I hadn't seen it. Before purchasing tickets, I looked up the synopsis. The story seemed a bit strange, but I decided to check it out anyway.

The ballet itself was beautiful. The set for Act One was a charming village. All the villagers had pretty costumes and the dancing was delightful to watch. The story was a simple one. Giselle, a sickly young woman, falls in love with Duke Albrecht. Unfortunately, he is already engaged to a woman of the court. Hilarion, who is in love with Giselle, tells her who her new lover is, and she dies of shock.

At intermission I think the audience was a bit stunned. Two dogs who had been on stage during Act One were brought out for the kids to pet. That helped lighten the mood.

Act Two was set in a dark forest where Giselle had been buried. We learn she has become one of the Wilis, the spirits of young women who died before they married. Far from being scary, the Wilis were gorgeously attired in while, a startling contrast to the dark forest. The complex dances they had were even more beautiful.

The dancing and visual effects of Act Two made up for the silly storyline. Giselle asks forgiveness for Albrecht, her deceptive lover while completely ignoring the cruel fate of Hilarion, who really loved her.

Even though I found the story unsatisfying, the presentation was stunning. This production was well worth seeing.