06-26-2006 – Irish Independent – Queen at the Ballet

Get ready for Freddie

A generation of tweenies has grown up idolising a semi-naked and writhing Christina Aguilera, and manicured boy bands such as Busted. Few will remember their tunes in a few years.

But a new musical production proves that, at worst, some of the ‘older’ bands will stand the test of time. At best they will continue to garner new fans, long after the band members have stopped talking and started suing each other.

Twenty years to the day since Freddie Mercury strutted his stuff in front of 80,000 people at Slane, he is making a comeback at the Point Theatre.

Reincarnated in a ballet production, Queen at the Ballet promises to bring Freddie’s musical compositions to a whole new generation. And it has the added benefit of introducing the masses to ballet.

The epic production from South Africa performs pirouettes, leaps and arabesques to songs from the musical legends while keeping true to the footstomping, arm-raising classic rock that will always be Queen.

The show was the brainchild of South African choreographer Sean Bovim. A former ballet dancer, he saw the potential behind the highenergy songs composed by the band, and knew he could mould them to fit a new medium.

The show features 19 of Queen’s most popular songs performed by two wellknown South African singers, Duncan Royce and Luciano Zuppa.

The duo both play the role of Mercury, accompanied by a troupe of dancers from the Cape Town City Ballet.

In the final scenes, soprano Zanne Stapelberg takes on the role of Montserrat Caballe when she performs Barcelona with Zuppa and Royce.

First impressions make you question whether men in tights are an apt accompaniment to music by Freddie Mercury.

Second thoughts make you realise that nothing would suit Freddie and his philosophy better.

Although there is no story to the show, the music is instantly familiar, even to those who were born a generation too late to witness Freddie’s true genius on stage.

Up to 90 dancers engulf the set and somehow manage to move elegantly to tunes such as We Will Rock You, Radio GaGa and Bohemian Rhapsody.

The show has been playing at its place of conception for the past four years but is now about to break free (pun intended) into the western world.

Irish businessman Chris Goodey was first brought to the show by his wife, although ‘dragged’ would probably be a more apt phrase.

He readily admits that he was not looking forward to the performance, but the sheer campness, extravagance and quality of the production changed his mind.

The show opens with Death on Two Legs and features nine songs in the first act, including an intricately choreographed and performed routine that involves two bicycles.

The second act builds to a crescendo with Bohemian Rhapsody, God Save the Queen and, finally, Barcelona.

In the final scenes, soprano Stapelberg steps into Montserrat Caballe’s shoes to perform the final song with Zuppa and Royce.

The crowd is encouraged to join in, clap and sing during some of the numbers, guaranteeing an engaging performance.

Mr Goodey said that not only does the show bring ballet to the masses, but has been praised by those who are keenly interested in dance and musical shows.

“And of course, it has been very popular with fans of Queen because Freddie’s songs are the basis for all the storylines,” he added.

The standing ovation at the end of the show said it all. ‘Queen at the Ballet’ is running from July 6 to 13 at the Point in Dublin. Tickets priced from ¤ 45.50 are on sale now from www.ticketmaster.ie or by phoning 0818 220 812. Further information is available at www.queenattheballet.com.