Madison Ballet's Dracula Sizzles
By Susan Kepecs, Cultural Oyster
October 22, 2015
They believed, so I did, too. I’m talking about the dancers in Madison Ballet’s fast-paced feast of entertainment, cooked up by artistic director W. Earle Smith and featuring his own action-packed choreography, Michael Massey’s indelible rock n’ roll score (played live onstage by his band), Karen Brown-Larimore’s slick steampunk costuming, and a big Broadwayesque aluminum-truss set by the late Jen Trieloff. It played Overture's Capitol Theater last weekend, Oct. 16-17.
“You had a rip-snorting success with your venturesome production of Dracula. Our hats are off to you for a bold and creative initiative.”
Madison Ballet's ‘Dracula' terrific
By Warren Gerds, WeAreGreenBay.com
Oct 22, 2015
A sweet young thing glides close to the flame – death in the form of Dracula. Her friend lies nearby, limp from Dracula’s vampire desires. Dracula entices his new flower and envelops her, but she slips his clutches.
“I went to your Dracula show on Friday night and I just wanted to tell you that it was awesome!! The dancing was amazing, the costumes enhanced the movement, and the music was phenomenal. And as a former stage tech, I have to say that I loved the sets too! So simple, yet so cool and effective! Loved it all!”
Madison Ballet's "Dracula" pushes the envelope with daring solos, steampunk costumes and live rock 'n' roll.
By Katie Reisner, Isthmus
March 9, 2013
The Friday night performance of Dracula by Madison Ballet was met with a boisterous standing ovation and multiple curtain calls. The obvious excitement about the ballet, a multimedia affair with a live seven-piece rock band, video projections, flashing lights and provocative costumes was merited...
“We attended Dracula this weekend and loved it!!! Superb dancing, costumes and music. I would love to see it again. Anytime.”
Dance Review: Dracula!
By Susan Kepecs
March 11, 2013
Madison Ballet artistic director W. Earle Smith took a big, bold risk with his all-new steampunk rock n’ roll production of Dracula. It paid off, in spades. Not that the ballet I saw Friday night (Mar. 8) in Overture’s Capitol Theater was perfect. There were minor glitches, a few slips and wobbles, and in several spots the choreography still needed work. But for a spanking-new show straight out of the box, Dracula was pretty damn good.
“I want to commend you on a HUGE job well done with Dracula this weekend! I saw the 2pm show and it was amazing. From the original score to the attention paid to casting dancers into particular roles, I was amazed. I would like to thank W. Earle Smith for the amazing contribution to the Madison community by creating this ballet!! The four leads were splendidly partnered and my favorite ensemble number was with the red skirts near the end - mixed partnering - awesome!”