By Saria Kraft kraft@theacorn.com

ROMANCE IN THE GARDEN-Jessica Salcido as Eve and Tim LaViano as Adam perform in "Heaven and Hell . . . the Journey."

The first full-length, original ballet with an original score ever to be produced in Ventura County will make its world premiere tonight at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Fred Kavli Theatre.

"Heaven and Hell...the Journey," a modern ballet with contemporary and classical elements, is based on the Book of Genesis. Pacific Festival Ballet will present the work with a cast of 70 dancers, vivid costuming and dramatic lighting and scenic design.

The Agoura Hills-based company mounts a family ballet each spring and a full run of "Nutcracker" performances each winter at the Civic Arts Plaza.

"Heaven and Hell" marks the first time that PFB Artistic Director Kim Maselli has choreographed two major productions in a single season. "Bambi" will perform for a younger audience on May 18.

   Inspired by Bob Selvin’s rich and moving score, "Heaven and Hell" explores the origins of life, the tranquility of Eden, man’s struggle with the forces of evil and his deliverance and ultimate triumph.

   "The company has worked for many months to witness the birth of this ballet, and we hope it has a long life beyond May 21," Maselli said.

   "You usually don’t get an untouched body of work," she added. "Creating the storyline, characters, costumes and sets has been an inspiration and a challenge."

   After struggling with the concept of the opening scene, the choreographer sought answers in the original source material.

"I went straight to the Book and read Genesis over and over again," Maselli said. "The concept for the Creation became clear—‘Be fruitful and multiply.’"

By the end of the scene, primitive life forms have sprung from the raw elements of nature. Their movements match the angular and pulsating strains of the musical score.

Sequences in the Garden of Eden are accompanied by sweeping, romantic melodies that evoke the serenity of the garden. Adam (Tim LaViano) and Eve (Jessica Salcido) discover a Paradise that is surrounded by exotic birds, zebras, leopards and cheetahs.

Suspended by drapes of silk that flow from the heavens, Adam and Eve perform an aerial pas de deux above a gathering of lilacs. LaViano, an accomplished gymnast, choreographed the aerial work.

The second act follows the descent of Eve into Hades where she falls prey to the Serpent (Gary Franco), the Dragoness (Alisan Porter) and the Beast (Jeremiah Campbell). It is a realm of conflict and chaos, degradation and despair.

In contrast to the deception that befalls his mate, Adam continues to flourish among the delicate reeds and water lilies.

Here, the score is at its most tender and beautiful. But Adam’s innocence is shattered as demons storm the garden with Eve as their prisoner.

Soon, Adam succumbs to the forces of evil and is taken captive. When the Angel of Deliverance (Elizabeth Asman) is revealed to them, Adam and Eve are released from their bondage. The Angel defeats the darkness and illuminates a path toward a new beginning.

"Heaven and Hell," conducted by Elmer Ramsey, made its orchestral debut at the Civic Arts Plaza last year. Both composer and choreographer credit Ramsey for bringing them together.

"The ballet is about the relationship between God and the individual," Maselli said. "But the message of the ballet, and it has a message, is up to the audience to interpret for themselves," she said.

"Sometimes, you have to go through hell to get to heaven," Selvin said.

"When there is overwhelming sorrow, when there is pain and suffering, you learn to appreciate the peace and heaven in everyday life on earth."

"Pas de Quatre," directed by Stanley Holden, and "Heaven and Hell...the Journey" starts tonight at 8 p.m.at the Fred Kavli Theatre, Countrywide Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks. For tickets, call (805) 449-ARTS.