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Sarah Frater's rating
, Triumph for young love
By
Sarah Frater
17 Oct 2007
Last-minute cast changes always cause a kerfuffle but it's been ages since one like this. A week ago The Royal Ballet announced that Johan Kobborg was injured and Steven McRae would replace him as the opening-night Romeo.
McRae is a fast-rising star, but he is still only a soloist and has never danced the lead. It takes weeks to learn the ballet, yet McRae had only days, added to which he would have to partner Alina Cojocaru as Juliet. This is feather-ruffling stuff, especially when you consider Cojocaru is a lofty principal who almost always dances with Kobborg.
However, Cojocaru is no fool, and modulated her performance, tailoring it to McRae's relative inexperience. This shows astute stage-craft, and professional generosity but McRae still stole the ballet, and not for the obvious reason that he remembered the steps.
As well as that, he caught what you imagine Kenneth MacMillan was after when he created this great British ballet in 1965. Romeo is young and naive, rolling wherever the romantic wind blows, first to the frosty Rosaline (a nicely imperious Isabel McMeekan), then a no-name harlot (a raunchy Laura Morera). When he meets Juliet, the air somehow buzzes with certainty. This is the moment, this is the one, this is the joyous conviction of first love. What we see in McRae we mourn in ourselves. If only we'd been that brave, that bold in love.
McRae raised everyone's game. The men were especially good, with Bennet Gartside a furious Tybalt, José Martín a convincing Mercutio (his death scene often flops), and Johannes Stepanek a courteous, then impatient Paris. Good to see David Drew as Juliet's father.
The crowd scenes, often waffle, looked purposeful, and the sword fights were sensational.
• In rep until 25 November. (020 7304 4000. www.roh.org.uk).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (4)
Steven is my little brother and I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am to be his sister. He is very passionate about his work and loves to perform. I wish I could have been there to see him do this particular role but am due to have a baby any day now and could not fly. He looked amazing just seeing a quick glimpse of him of the news over here, so I can imagine how wonderful it would have been to watch the ballet in person. I think he has really proven himself with this performance.
- Kelly Wax (Mcrae), Sydney, Australia, 19/10/2007 07:00
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I am a past ballet teacher of Stevens and a good friend of his family still. I am prouder than words can express. Steven deserves all this and more, and so does his beautiful family. Whats more he is a beautiful natured young person who loves and respects his mum, dad, sister and peers. I can only hope that my son grows up to be as wonderful! Much love Steven, from all of us in QLD.
- Melissa Lee, Gold Coast, Australia, 19/10/2007 02:58
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Steven Mcrae, is my nephew (such a proud Aunt), there really isn't any words I can say that would really express just how very proud and so happy for him I am.
Steven has so much heart and passion for his dance and for everything he does in life, for such a young man he has accomplished so much and deserves all the accolades he receives. He puts in 200%, such devotion to his craft, and he has the best devoted and most loving parents and sister I know. Well done Steven.
- Susan Hobday, Schofields, Australia, 17/10/2007 19:38
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I went to see Cojocaru, but it was McRae I'll remember.
- Tim Turnbull, London, UK, 17/10/2007 18:52
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