Sergey Prokofiev: Cinderella

“The intention behind the production is obvious: Creating again, after a few years break, “le grand theatre” for the magnificent State Opera stage as if made for ballet performances. (…) Attracting families with children and letting the music resound lively again, from a real orchestra in the pit. As live music seems to more and more disappear from ballet performances. What matters is that the production does not aspire to be a dazzling American-style show, neither remains stuck in a Russian box of chocolates. (…) Cinderella is Šmok soloist, the masterly Lucie Holánková, in the second cast Sylva Nečasová, a juvenile graduate from the Conservatory of Dancing and Béjart´s Rudra School of Dance in Lausanne. Her performance is fresh, relief-like and gracious. The role of the Prince is evenly alternated by Ondřej Novotný and Michal Chovanec, David Stránský excels as the Jester.”

(Marcela Benoniová, Právo)

“Some of the soloists made a good impression: Ondřej Novotný as the Prince, a dancer coming from Pilsen, technically assured and noble, and the naturally tender Lucie Holánková in the main role.”

(Roman Vašek, Mladá fronta Dnes)

“The latest is the product of the former dancer and figure skating champion Pavel Šmok and the State Opera Ballet chief Pavel Ďumbala. Together, they have wed earthy athleticism and some modern effects to the classical vocabulary, moving the work beyond standard storybook ballet torpor. (…) A technically-wowing Cinderella, Sylva Nečasová was charming.”

(Larry Lash, Financial Times)