Lizzie at the Nashville Ballet a Hit

According to Shirley Blackburn for The Tennessean, the Nashville Ballet’s rendition of the “Lizzie” was a smashing success.

In the finale, “Lizzie,” Vasterling showcased his strength as storyteller and choreographer. His spin on the life of Lizzie Borden, a Victorian spinster tried for but acquitted of the murder of father and stepmother, took the form of a dream.

This contemporary ballet, which had a folk feel, relied on effective lighting to set each scene.

The specters of her past described not only the emotional and physical brutality of her life but also the times of joy. McNamara as Lizzie with Upleger as her father and Christine Buttorff as her stepmother produced formidable performances.

Upleger and Buttorff never broke character in the modern movements that brought out the evil in their characters. McNamara danced the joyful and the tormented sections of this dance with equal facility.

Vasterling is at his best when he blends theater with dance. “Lizzie” is no exception.

Another great review of the show is here. From The Nashville Scene online.