The Grand Kyiv Ballet in partnership with Seattle Theatre Group presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarves now through December 23 at The Paramount Theatre. All proceeds from this event will be directed towards the renovation efforts of the Kiev State Choreographic College in Kiev.
Snow White is a story that has been adapted many times over in every sort of medium imaginable. One of the most enduring adaptations would be Disney’s animated film. While the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s version adopts many elements from the beloved cartoon, the score by Polish composer Bogdan Pavlovsky adds a brand-new quality to the story.
When the Prince and Snow White dance together for the first time, the somewhat muddled first piece is forgotten, and you see two partners that truly know each other as only longtime partners can. Snow White, performed by Kateryna Kukhar, and the Prince, danced by Oleksandr Stoianov, are both prima ballet dancers of the National Opera of Ukraine and are partners on stage as well as off. What gives this fantastical tale of love at first sight and poisoned apples a draught of reality, is the story behind Kukhar and Stoianov. When the war erupted in Ukraine, both dancers were in other countries. They were able to evacuate their two children from Ukraine and now call Seattle their temporary home.
When the Evil Queen performs her first solo, you see the dueling aspects of her character—a soft yearning to be loved and admired, as well as a dangerous and jealous adversary. The score and lighting of this piece highlight the Queen’s menacing nature and creates a memorable antagonist. In the Queen’s entourage are two young dancers, playing her minions. Seeing children on stage brings an even more exciting quality for the young ones in the audience.
The ballet truly hits its stride when the seven dwarves are introduced. It is with their playfulness and silliness that the audience seemed to truly begin to connect with the show through laughter, cheering, and even joining the orchestra with clapping along to the music.
When I walked into the lobby during intermission, I was pleased to see children all around, some even dressed as the titular character, as well as families posing in front of the beautiful Christmas trees. The short acts and the colorful sets, costumes, and characters, make Snow White a wonderful alternative to The Nutcracker. While it may not be Holiday themed, it is family friendly and you cannot do better during the season of giving than supporting an artistic institution and artists in a war-torn country.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is presented at The Paramount Theatre now through December 23 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The running time is an hour and 35 minutes with a 20-minute intermission. Tickets for all performances are now available online.