By Peggy Phillips
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 06/14/2025 – Los Angeles Ballet is one of California’s premier ballet companies, committed to making ballet accessible to all. LAB’s Cinderella, performed exclusively at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, is a must-see for audiences of every age. It was a thrill to see so many families attending, and the excitement and joy on the children’s faces in the audience made the experience even more special.
Choreographer Edwaard Liang, internationally acclaimed and currently Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, brings new emotional depth, whimsy, and visual flair to the beloved fairy tale, all set to Sergei Prokofiev’s lush 1945 score. Liang, the first Asian American to lead a major U.S. ballet company, infuses the story with magical transformations, timeless romance, and a clear moral arc that resonates across generations.
The Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, under the expert baton of Gavriel Heine, who was a joy to watch conduct, delivers a powerful, expressive performance: rich and textured in the romantic moments, playful and crisp in the comedic and fairy-tale scenes.
Aviva Gelfer-Mundl glowed as the Fairy Godmother—graceful, commanding, and heartwarming. Once she stepped onstage, you couldn’t take your eyes off her. Jacob Soltero as the Jester infused his performance with humor and brilliance, executing technical feats while keeping the audience laughing and delighting in his mischievous charm.
The younger cast members portraying butterflies, pumpkin attendants, and village children brought youthful energy and professional polish to every scene.
The partnering between Sarah-Ashley Chicola (Cinderella) and Jonas Tutaj Prince Charming) was breathtaking. Each lift and promenade radiated perfection, amplified by their authentic emotional connection. Their pas de deux, filled with grace, trust, and genuine emotion, reached an exquisite level of perfection.
Stepmother Sareen Tchekmedyian and Stepsisters Paige Wilkey and Cassidy Cocke brought lively humor with sharp comedic timing and theatrical flair, keeping the audience laughing while never breaking the story’s emotional rhythm. Their comic interplay, vividly animated and full of theatrical flair, added delightful levity and kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
Costumes, designed by Chloée Ohayon‑Crosby and the LAB design team, were visually stunning: Spring’s gentle pastels, Summer’s vibrant warmth, Autumn’s rich jewel tones, and Winter’s silvery elegance. The Jester costume was outstanding! Another highlight was Cinderella’s magical transformation, crowned by her sparkling silver pointe shoes.
Scenic design by Dick Jaris masterfully transported the audience from Cinderella’s humble hearth to the grand royalty of the ballroom. Each set felt immersive, vivid, and tailor-made to enhance Liang’s storytelling.
This production includes all your beloved characters—the vulnerable Cinderella, the dreamy Prince, the mysterious Fairy Godmother, and the wicked Stepmother with her scheming daughters—while revealing fresh emotional depths and the enduring power of kindness, all presented with technical brilliance and artistic soul.
© Cheryl Mann 2025)
Cinderella is a triumph for Los Angeles Ballet—a must-see that combines breathtaking partnering, youthful charm, orchestral richness, and visual grandeur. With standout performances, thoughtful choreography, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a show that will appeal to longtime ballet fans and newcomers alike.
Photos by Cheryl Mann Photography. Shots are from Thursday’s Opening Night.
Los Angeles Ballet Official Website: https://www.
Dolby Theatre: https://dolbytheatre.
Gavriel Heine Official Website: https://www.
