Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Cadillac Palace Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...It all makes for spectacular staging and both complex and perplexing thematics. Even the production's bravura finale is double-edged: The swans, instead of the original's villainous magician, turn on both the Prince and the lead swan, who tries unsuccessfully to save him."

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"..."Swan Lake" attempts to be both an homage to the original classic, and a wacky, modern, decidedly homoerotic satire on it. The result might best be described as "Forbidden Ballet" -- a dance equivalent of "Forbidden Broadway." But where the usual sendup might last 15 minutes, Bourne's work stretches to a full 2-1/2 hours (with the Tchaikovsky score more or less intact), and he loses his way well before it's all over."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...This highly expressive dance piece was breathtaking and diverse as it conveyed the prince’s fantasy. This show is so much more than merely a classic ballet; it contains many different and interesting dance styles that were deftly performed by an energetic, polished ensemble."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"... Bourne's fresh and dynamic innovation, however, stands up on its own, and whether you consider it a ballet, theatre, modern dance or some strange hybrid of each, it is an original experience. Traditional ballet purists may cringe, but those open to seeing something old through new eyes should be delighted."