You can trust that just about any performance by The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago is going to be a thing of beauty.  The dancers are beautiful, the sets and costumes beautiful, even the orchestra is beautiful.  And so it is with "Cinderella," which the world-renowned Joffrey company has taken out of her dusty little corner and sprinkled with their particular magic to create a sumptuous and eye dazzling work of art.  As Artistic Director Ashley C. Wheater said in his opening night speech, "Cinderella" is all about dreams and possibilities.  It also helps if you have that little bit of magic too.

First performed in America by the Joffrey Ballet four years ago in a personal dream of founder Robert Joffrey, this "Cinderella" was created by Sir Frederick Ashton for The Royal Ballet.  You will notice several differences from other versions of the centuries old fairy tale.  There is no evil stepmother in this version, and Cinderella's jealous stepsisters, played in the British pantomime tradition by two male dancers, are more comical than threatening.  It is an act of kindness that allows Cinderella to realize her dreams, as the Fairy Godmother is transformed from an old beggar to a beautiful young princess without even so much as a bibbity bobbity boo.  And like "The Nutcracker," another full-length story ballet based on a children's fairy tale, an assortment of divertissements or fairies representing the changing seasons takes considerable stage time.

Even in peasant rags, Victoria Jaiani is clearly a princess through and through.  Watch her delicate entrance down the grand staircase at the Prince's ball completely en pointe.  Wow!  Jaiani is captivating to watch in this classic title role.  And could she ask for a more gallant Prince than Miguel Blanco?  This pair was spotlighted in The Joffrey's most recent "Nutcracker," and they are clearly a comfortable and appealing match.  April Daly is a lovely Fairy Prince, and Derrick Agnoletti brings impish bravado to the court Jester.  This is another character who has very little to do with the traditional storyline, but Agnoletti's energetic performance is most welcome.  David Gombert and Michael Smith chew the scenery mercilessly as Cinderella's stepsisters, galumphing about like a pair of bulls in a china shop. 

Sergei Prokofiev's haunting score is much the beneficiary of the stellar performance by The Chicago Sinfonietta, under the baton of conductor Scott Speck.  Former Royal Ballet dancer Wendy Ellis Somes has faithfully recreated Sir Frederick Ashton's choreography for the Joffrey production, providing an essential link to the 62 year-old three act ballet.  The lavish production is truly something to see, with one gorgeous drop after another revealing another tableaux.  Set and Costume Designer David Walker has truly outdone himself, with a royal ball as palatial and awe-inspiring as one could desire. 

One slight irritant was the flashing lights in the eyes of audience members throughout the overture.  Lighting should illuminate the stage and create a mood, not be allowed to distract and irritate.  Keep the focus on the stage where it deserves to be.  For fans of classical story ballet though, "Cinderella" is a must-see.  Those who enjoy a bit more diversity can mark their calendars for The Joffrey Ballet's mixed repertory, "Eclectica," which will feature two World Premieres by James Kudelka and Jessica Lang alongside a classic by the Joffrey's late co-founder Gerald Arpino.  "Eclectica" takes the stage of the historic Auditorium Theatre April 28-May 9, 2010.  Don't miss it.

"Cinderella" plays through February 28, 2010 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway.  The performance runs 2 hours 15 minutes with one intermission between Acts One and Two, and a brief pause between Two and Three.  Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets range from $25 to $145 and are available at The Joffrey Ballet's official box office, located in the lobby of 10 E. Randolph Street, as well as the Auditorium Theatre box office, by phone at 800-982-2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.  For more information about The Joffrey Ballet and current productions please call 312-386-8905 or visit joffrey.org.     

This article is also posted at www.steadstylechicago.com.