March 14, 2007

EIFMAN TROUPE FETED
AT CAST PARTY

By Ann Conway
Photos: Doug Gifford

Center President Terry Dwyer with
Maria Abashova and Yuri Smekalov

Never mind a flute of fizzing Champagne. It was a tall glass of vitamin-rich OJ straight-up for Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg principal dancer Maria Abashova as she celebrated her Orange County Performing Arts Center appearance in Anna Karenina during a post-performance cast party in The Center Room.

Playing the lead in the ballet based on the tragic novel by Leo Tolstoy, the Ukraine-born Abashova- as the maritally unfaithful and depressed Anna-commits suicide at its conclusion by throwing herself under a moving train (breathtakingly portrayed by the powerful Eifman troupe). "During the two years I have been dancing this role it has been a huge experience," the euphoric but spent star said through an interpreter. "But every time I die, it's like the first time!"

Lila and Dr. Eric Nelson with
Boris Eifman, center

"Brava! Brava!" balletomanes roared as the statuesque Abashova- her flowing stage gown exchanged for jeans and a white knit top- swept through The Center Room with her left arm embracing the colorful floral bouquet she'd received onstage. Among her admirers was Boris Eifman himself, dubbed by Center Vice President Judith O'Dea Morr as "the most theatrical choreographer."

Eifman was thrilled by the repeated curtain calls given a work he said was created "with a lot of help from God." "Sometimes you create a piece and it's very beautiful but you don't get a good result," Eifman confided. "But I am very proud of this piece. Someone much bigger was guiding me. So, for me, it was a surprise too!"

Boris Eifman, center, with Richard
and Mary Cramer

Also applauding Eifman and members of the cast- who included Oleg Markov (playing Anna's husband, Karenin); Yuri Smekalov ( playing her lover, Vronsky) and Anastassia Sitnikova (Kiti)- was The Center President Terry Dwyer, who said he didn't know if he had "ever been as thrilled by the artistry and passion of a ballet- I am overjoyed for Orange County!"

Along with Center donors, the cast helped themselves to a buffet supper of prime rib, watercress salad, mini baked potatoes and tasty pastries as they buzzed about the March 14 opening night production. "I have performed here before and I love this beautiful place and beautiful city," said the dashingly handsome Markov. "And the audience has very good emotion."

Center Executive Vice President with Oleg
Markov and Yuri Smekalov

Indeed. "I was totally emotionally involved, taken away!" rhapsodized Carol Bonner of the Los Angeles Times (partners with The Center in bringing the best in dance to Orange County.) Echoed Center donor and dance supporter Mary Cramer: "I was stunned! It is such a sensuous and erotic story- and it was true to the eroticism. Just gorgeous!"

Also attending: Thomas Peckenpaugh, Dr. Eric and Lila Nelson, and Dr. Shigeru and
Cynthia Chino.