Ballet Northwest lightens up for spring with comedy 'Coppelia'

By Molly Gilmore | For The Olympian • Published May 08, 2008

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"Coppelia" is notable in the ballet world for its happy ending.

"It's one of the most light and comic ballets of the romantic period," said Bernard Johansen, artistic director for Ballet Northwest, which is performing t he ballet Friday through Sunday. "Most of the romantic ballets were really dark. Somebody had to die."

" 'Coppelia' is a really entertaining ballet," said Hannah Campbell, who dances the lead role of Swanhilda. "It's funny, and I think all audiences can appreciate it. Even if you don't know much about ballet, there is such a good storyline and acting that I think anyone can really enjoy it."

This weekend's production marks the first time in five years the company has performed "Coppelia," which used to alternate with "The Nutcracker" as the holiday show.

"Now we're doing 'Nutcracker' every Christmas," Johansen said. "I've had the scenery repainted and refurbished, so now it's spring in Norway."

The staging has changed to reflect the new season, too.

"The wedding scene isn't the ceremonial sort of thing," Johansen said. "It's more of a joyous and fun approach."

People have missed the ballet and requested its return, he said.

"It's a fun ballet," he said. "If you've ever seen it, you just really enjoy it."

Johansen dances the roll of dollmaker Dr. Coppelius, who attempts to bring to life one of his mechanical dolls, Coppelia. When Swanhilda's boyfriend, Franz, becomes infatuated with the doll, Swanhilda, a mischievous young woman, pretends to be the living doll.

Swanhilda is not the typical leading woman in a ballet.

"She has a big personality," said Campbell, 18, who will graduate from Black Hills High School this spring. "She likes to tell it like it is.

"Last spring, I was Cinderella," she said. "The two parts are very different. Cinderella is more serene. This character, her emotions are a lot more complex. This is th e most different role I've done."

Swanhilda has a happy ending in "Coppelia," and the Ballet Northwest production has another happy ending - for Campbell, who has danced with Ballet Northwest since she was in third grade and estimates she's danced in 17 productions.

"It's going to be very strange not to have Ballet Northwest in my life," she said. "It's a great show to end my Ballet Northwest career on.

"It's my favorite show, and I've always wanted to do this part. So it's a great note to end on, but I'm sad."