Hot-Blooded Second Cast Raises Pulse of ‘Dracula’

A century ago, when Bram Stoker wrote “Dracula,” ballet had become utterly corrupt in most of Western Europe--devoid of creative interest and almost wholly dependent on spectacle. It is this nadir of 19th century classicism that choreographer Ben Stevenson inadvertently re-creates in his lavish, empty-headed ballet version of Stoker’s vampire tale, now at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

On Wednesday, a new slate of Houston Ballet principals gave a hotter if often rougher interpretation of the leading roles than their opening-night counterparts. For starters, Sean Kelly seethed mightily as Dracula, riding the music more compellingly than his predecessor but also encountering far more partnering problems--with his brides and, in particular, with Flora.

Rather than matching the histrionic scale of this prowling animal of a Dracula, Lauren Anderson’s Flora explored the interpretive mid-range, grounding their relationship in a sense of developing attachment and dancing with impressive refinement, especially in her rapt, mesmerizing sequence with the brides near the opening of the last act--a performance of remarkable intelligence and taste.

If spotty as an actress, Tiekka Schofield brought to the role of the abducted village maid, Svetlana, a majestic yet always ravishingly soft classical style coupled with a potent technical arsenal: high-velocity pointe work and a perfectly shaped jump, for example.

As the initially shy but eventually heroic Frederick, the likable, hard-working Dominic Walsh strained to execute the bravura steps that had been a snap for his predecessor. Moreover, Stevenson’s ghastly village pas de deux suffered major partnering gaffes at his hands. However his rapport with Schofield remained strong and their interplay had an intimate tenderness that lent the whole ballet credibility.

* With changes of cast, “Dracula” continues nightly at 8 through Saturday, plus Sunday afternoon at 2, in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave. Tickets: $15-$60. (213) 972-7211.