playbill vip

SWAN LAKE

PROLOGUE

 Odette, a beautiful princess, falls under the spell of Rothbart,

a wicked sorcerer.

ACT I – The Prince’s Birthday Party

It is Prince Siegfried’s 21^st birthday and he is celebrating with friends. At the party, the children of the village present him with a special gift, a crossbow, from the Queen Mother. Throughout the festivities, Siegfried contemplates the fact that his carefree days are at an end. He must choose a bride and accept the responsibilities of becoming King. His friend suggests a diversion, a hunting trip to use his new gift, but Siegfried prefers to be alone, seeking solace in the woods.

INTERMISSION

ACT II – Some hours later. Near the Lake

Deep in the forest, Siegfried sees a young maiden.  She is beautiful, and he instantly falls in love. Terrified by his presence, the maiden Odette begs him to leave, but to no avail. She is so charmed by his bravery that she confesses that she is a Princess under the spell of Rothbart, an evil sorcerer. Her fate is to be a swan by day, and only in the hours of darkness may she assume her human identity. Only a profession of true love can break the spell. At that moment, the sorcerer appears. The Prince reaches for his crossbow, but Odette protects the sorcerer, for she knows that if he is killed before the spell is broken, she too will die. The sorcerer disappears and Odette slips away into the forest. 

INTERMISSION

 ACT III – The Great Hall

Heralds announce the start of the ball.  Eligible young princesses arrive to be introduced to Prince Siegfried so that he may choose a bride. National dances are performed at the celebration to entertain the Prince and his guests. As Siegfried struggles with his responsibility to marry, his mind remains on Odette and he cannot choose. Suddenly, an uninvited guest arrives. It is Von Rothbart with his daughter Odile. She is the mirror image of Odette, and the Prince is seduced by her as Von Rothbart holds the court in thrall. Siegfried announces his intention to marry Odile and swears his fidelity to her. The spell on Odette is not broken! Only too late does he realize that he has been the victim of the sorcerer’s terrible plot. Grief stricken, Prince Siegfried rushes to the lakeside.

PAUSE

ACT IV – The lakeside. A great storm rages.

Siegfried, bursting into the glade, rushes headlong to Odette to beg her forgiveness. The sorcerer attempts to conceal her from him, but no power can stop the young man whose heart is so full of love. The Prince overcomes all obstacles, and the spell cast by the evil Rothbart is dashed forever on the rock of true love.