"love, betrayal, redemption and death"

Giselle” is nearly perfect, even if the ballet’s composer, Adolphe Adam, was no Tchaikovsky. It’s got love, betrayal, redemption and death, not to mention scenes of painterly dancing. As the style of contemporary ballet grows ever harder-edged, it’s comforting to return to “Giselle,” a retreat of watercolor prettiness and deeply felt emotions. If you’re lucky, the mad scene will provoke a good cry.

It’s no wonder then that the American Ballet Theatre has presented “Giselle” since its debut season in 1940. ABT's latest verion is currently at the Orange County Performing Arts Center through Sunday and the current production, staged by artistic director Kevin McKenzie after the Coralli-Perrot-Petipa standard, is certainly picturesque, with storybook sets by Gianni Quaranta and richly appointed costumes by Anna Anni.