© Conrad Dy-Liacco 'Suzie Wong' reviews Leung in reviews Jorgen in reviews recent Hong Kong Ballet reviews more Natasha Rogai reviews Discuss this review (Open for at least 6 months)

Unusually, the work combines classical technique with ballroom-dancing. Kudos to the dancers for managing these transitions, especially the girls for switching between high heels and pointe work. Jive on pointe might seem a curious concept, but the jive sequence in Act 2 is the highpoint of the ballet and deservedly brings the house down.
 

The work has weaknesses. Structurally, Act 1 is a little thin, Act 2 a little long, and Jack’s character is too peripheral, which is true to the book but weakens the love story. The choreography itself is not inspired and tends to be repetitive, the strongest sequence being Suzie’s virtual rape by the sinister police inspector.

Overall, however, this is an immensely entertaining evening, which demonstrates Jefferies’ ability to create a detailed, three-dimensional world on stage, and to showcase his dancers. Faye Leung captured perfectly Suzie’s mixture of sexuality and innocence and was superbly partnered by guest artist Bengt Jorgen. The whole company was so good it seems unfair to pick out individuals, but standout performances included Crystal Costa as Suzie’s friend, Jin Yao as her rival, and Izaak David Claase as the police inspector.

A version of this review previously appeared in the South China Morning Post.