Herman Cornejo & Alessandra Ferri on Broadway

Inspired by the classic 1920 novella by controversial French author Colette, Cheri is Martha Clarke’s newest interdisciplinary work, an exciting fusion of theatre, live music, and dance featuring American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Herman Cornejo, prima ballerina assoluta Alessandra Ferri, actor Suzanne Bertish, pianist Sarah Rothenberg, and text by Tina Howe. This tragic story of forbidden love between a young man and an older woman in Belle Époque Paris is a timeless, powerful exploration of sensuality, love, and our preoccupations with youth and age.

Plot summary

The novel is about the separation of Chéri and his lover of six years, the much older Léa de Lonval (as the novel opens he is 25 and she is 49). The two believe their relationship is casual until they are separated by Chéri's marriage at which point they realize they are in love. They spend a miserable six months apart, at which point Chéri appears at Léa's home. They spend the night together and Léa begins to plan their new life together. However, when she learns that Chéri had returned for the moral strength to be a husband, she gives him courage then releases him to return home.

Adaptations

The novel has been adapted to film twice, in 1950 and 2009; and television twice, in 1962 and 1973.
A ballet of Chéri premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in September 1980. The ballet was choreographed by Peter Darrell, while the music was composed by David Earl. The ballet was danced by the Scottish Ballet with the lead roles of Lea and Chéri danced by Patrick Bissell and Galina Samsova. The set was designed by Philip Prowse. This ballet was revived by the Hong Kong Ballet in 1989.

DATES

November - December 2013

VENUE

The Irene Diamond Stage


Signature Theatre Company is located at:
The Pershing Square Signature Center
480 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 244-7529
Fax: (212) 714-9083

If you love ballet, please check out my season of outstanding ballet trips by clicking here.

GET MORE BALLET OUT OF LIFE WITH TOURS EN L'AIR

Use the buttons below to share this post on facebook, twitter, by email, or other social media.

You can sign up to have my ballet updates delivered directly to your inbox here.