CIPOLLINO

Premiere of the production: December 15, 2007. Mikhailovsky Theatre.

This ballet enchants you from its very first minute. The harmony of the melodic and ear-catching music by Karen Khachaturian, and vivid choreography by Genrikh Mayorov, perfect both for children and for grown-ups, made it a real blockbuster. The fairy-tale story by Italian author Gianni Rodari tells of the adventures of the Little Onion boy (in Italian, Cipollino), who fights the unjust treatment of his fellow vegetable folk (his little girlfriend Radish, old Mr Pumpkin, handyman Master Grape) by the fruit 'aristocracy' (foppish Prince Lemon, martinet Signor Tomato and twin Countesses Cherries).

Even though the ballet was created especially for young people, it never lacks 'serious' choreography of classical ballet. The principal dancers really enjoy themselves turning into 'vegetables' and 'fruits'. The rhythms of dance, the portrayal and humour of the characters, and the exceptional performances will keep everyone enthralled.