Oklahoma Festival Ballet presents eclectic program

Beautifully personifying the seasons, with precise dance movements, in eye-dazzling outfits, were Hanna Jew as Spring, Alyssa Grimsley as Summer, Sydney Gettel as Autumn and Natalie Kischuk as Winter.

It was in the act two palace ballroom scene, however, that the production reached its greatest heights, with magnificently costumed guests performing stylized, waltz-like numbers.

Leading them were Cinderella herself, clad in a beautiful gown instead of rags, and her Prince, portrayed with easy grace and unforced athleticism by Nathan Young, wearing boots and a fancy, form-fitting outfit.

Supplying comic relief at the ball was Zachary Leighton as the Jester, who made the most of his inappropriate but hilarious interactions with Edwards and Brule as the anxious-to-please but inept stepsisters.

Ending things on a high note were brief reprises of the kitchen and forest glade scenes in which the Jester acquits himself well by making sure that the lost slipper fits — Cinderella and not her stepsisters.

Lasting some two hours including two intermissions, the Oklahoma Festival Ballet production is highly recommended, especially for fans of classical ballet.

— John Brandenburg