Scheherazade – Courtesy of Lora Olive. Used with permission.
Experiencing Dance Kaleidoscope artistic director David Hochoy’s lavish opus, “Scheherazade,” performed Friday on the OneAmerica Stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, was great cause for reflection and nostalgia for yours truly. Since it first premiered in 1992, I have reviewed Hochoy’s dazzling creation at least five times, including the 2016 revival, titled “Scheherazade 25,” with former DK dancer Mariel Greenlee in the title role.
Emily Dyson as Sherezade – Courtesy of Lora Olive. Used with permission.
Looking back on opening night of Hochoy’s world premiere of “Scheherazade” in 1992, I recall being awe struck by the epic grandeur of the work and the statement it made about what Indianapolis could expect from the former Martha Graham dancer and rehearsal director, who was also a protégé of the storied icon. Ever since that memorable night, Hochoy has not only grown exponentially as a world-class artist but has also contributed profoundly and enormously to Indiana’s cultural life through his beloved Dance Kaleidoscope. Following the conclusion of “Scheherazade,” Hochoy is retiring after 32 years as DK’s artistic director and will be honored at a gala on Friday, June 9.
“Scheherazade,” is Hochoy’s imagining of the collected Middle Eastern folk tales “One Thousand and One Nights” set to “Scheherazade, Op. 35,” a symphonic suite by composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. The piece was just as spectacular Friday as it was that long ago premiere night, as well as the other times it has been presented by DK over the years.
Cody Miley as the Wicked Witch – Courtesy of Lora Olive. Used with permission.
Emily Dyson, who danced the role of Scheherazade, the Persian queen who is the narrator and storyteller in “One Thousand and One Nights,” moved with an elegance, sensitivity, and grace that was as regal as her royal character. For Dyson, who is retiring as a dancer, it was a spectacular and fitting conclusion to her career. Marie Kuhns conveyed boldness and passion to the role of the Princess. Cody Miley was appropriately menacing as the Wicked Witch, and based on audience response, was clearly a crowd favorite when he took his bow at curtain call. Kieran King beautifully conveyed the romantic allure and kindness of the Prince, who saves the Princess from the Witch’s cronies.
Speaking of the cronies and other characters represented in Hochoy’s masterpiece—the ensemble was tremendous at executing his exhaustive, often explosive choreography, performed at breakneck speed. The musicality expressed by each dancer in the company was exemplary as was their technique and synchronicity. Joshua Blake Carter, the newly appointed DK artistic director who is leaving Gus Giordano Dance Company in Chicago to move to Indy in late July, is inheriting a first-rate, gifted company of dancers.
A major attraction of “Scheherazade” was the piece’s magnificent original costumes, ingeniously designed by Barry Doss. Doss began his professional career with DK and worked alongside Hochoy for five years before moving to New York City, where he made his mark working on Broadway and in other high-profile capacities for nearly 18 years. Currently, Doss resides in Huntsville, Texas, and is the resident costume designer for the dance department at Sam Houston State University. As a side note, I had the happy pleasure of reconnecting with Doss in the lobby following the performance for which he was present.
Marie Kuhns – Courtesy of Lora Olive. Used with permission.
DK lighting designer Laura Glover, Hochoy’s longtime collaborator and creative soulmate, demonstrated, once again, her uncommon talent for illuminating dance, with her creation of the magical, mystical world of “Scheherazade.”
Preceding the main event was Hochoy’s moving autobiographical piece, “China Boy” (2002), set to the music of several Chinese composers. Featuring Keiran King, who has an affecting stage presence, the work also included appealing performances by Paige Robinson as Mother, Emily Dyson and Cody Miley as Grandparents, and Children danced by Holly Harkins, Marie Kuhns, Vivien Mickels, Julie Russel, and Manuel Valdes. The lyrical piece was the perfect light appetizer for an entrée that was as filling as it was sumptuous.
For tickets and information about Dance Kaleidoscope’s 2023-2024 Season visit dancekal.org.
