Bourne’s Angel Is a Powerful Pilot

Matthew Bourne’s choreography for the guardian angel in “Cinderella” so specifically showcases Will Kemp’s remarkable fluidity that the biggest problem with his trying his wings as the Pilot (Adam Cooper’s part) may be adequately recasting his own original role.

On Sunday afternoon at the Ahmanson Theatre, Kemp danced the Pilot opposite previously reviewed members of Bourne’s Adventures in Motion Pictures company, finding great variety as well as vulnerability in the character’s many scenes of shell-shocked wandering--and bringing distinctive Errol Flynn-style impudence to his glamorous dream-identity in Act 2. His performance as the lead Swan in the second cast of Bourne’s “Swan Lake” two years ago proved decisively that Kemp can dance in character (a rarity in any company), but who knew until now that he could play comedy so deftly?

Kemp also partnered Saranne Curtin (Cinderella) strongly in the intense bedroom adagio, with its demanding unusual lifts, and turned disarmingly boyish in his final mime scenes. A satisfying performance in every way--even for those who missed his mercurial virtuosity as the Angel.

* Matthew Bourne’s “Cinderella” continues, with alternating principals, through May 23 at the Ahmanson Theatre, Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Saturdays, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. $22.50-$65. (213) 628-2772.