Ballet San Antonio Stages a New “Peter Pan”

News and Commentary

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, editor

Almost everyone knows the story of “Peter Pan” but Ballet San Antonio is about to present a new ballet version of the old tale. So, we talked to the choreographer, Brian Enos, about the upcoming show that will take over the Tobin Center’s stage for four performances.

–What version of the story have you chosen?

  • We centered our storytelling on the original book by J.M. Barrie. Just like adapting a book for a movie, transforming a book into a ballet makes it impossible to depict every action in the story.
    “Peter Pan” is a rich and intricate tale, so we needed to focus on the main plot points that drive the narrative. Nevertheless, the story we are presenting is based on the original book .
  • What did you like best about working on this ballet?
     It’s not easy to choose just one aspect of this project that I’ve enjoyed the most, but if I had to,
    I would say the time spent in the studio with the dancers has been incredible. Ballet San Antonio is a remarkable company of exceptional artists who have been fully invested in this journey with me from day one.
  • Who is portraying the title character and why was this particular dancer chosen?
  • Aidan Carrasquel will dance Pater Pan. I cast Aidan after working with him twice before when VSA performed my production of “Alice in Wonderland.” I felt, Aidan could bring the youthful exuberance and mischievous energy I wanted for the role. I also knew he would be up for the technical challenges, as the role requires not only a committed actor but also a skilled technical dancer.

  • How many dancers are in the cast?
    There are 26 company members in the cast and 42 children from the School of Ballet San Antonio.
  • Any surprises?
  • If I told you what they were, they wouldn’t be surprises, but, yes, the production will include some unexpected elements.
  • Any impressive technical feats?
    Most definitely!  In addition to the ingenuity and creative use of technology that have gone into Jayme Ditto’s scenic and costume designs, and the “one-man band” that is Zac Colwell, who has single-handedly composed, performed and mixed the original score, the technical demands of the piece on the dancers can be imposing. The company has really risen to the occasion, and I am confident that it will be a unique and exciting experience for audiences to be whisked away with us to Neverland!
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    Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 2 p.m.; Tobin Center; tickets are $20-$132; at the box office or at 210-223-862, or tickets@tobincenter.org