3 replies to this topic

[Talespinner]

I just checked out the casting for R&J and once again I feel like we Wednesday night season ticket holders are getting the 4th string cast, just as we did for Giselle.  Perhaps the Powers That Be do not consider Vanessa Zahorian and Stephen Legate 4th string, but I cannot imagine a less exciting pair.  Good dancers, both, but without any passion.  I may try to switch my tickets.

The pair that most interests me is Sarah Van Patten and Pierre François Vilanoba.  I have not been a huge fan of Van Patten's until she blew me away in Rush (in Program 6).  I'm thinking she might have the right vulnerability for Juliet.  And Vilanoba is generally very dramatic in story ballets, so he might make a passionate Romeo.

I've seen Yuan Yuan Tan and Yuri Possokhov and liked them together, but would prefer to see a different cast this year.  Tina LeBlanc and Joan Boada will probably make a lovely R&J so perhaps I'll try to see them.  

My biggest problem with R&J is that, for me, no coreography I've seen approaches the passion and sensuality of Kenneth McMillan's.  I realize every artistic director of every company wants to put his stamp on these classics.  I just wish the entire ballet world would agree that McMillan got it right, and retire everyone else's coreography.  

[lillianna]

I had the opportunity to see Vanessa Z in Don Quixote and was impressed not only by her dancing but her acting also.  You might be very pleasantly surprised by her Juliet.  If I was choosing, I would choose to see Tina and Joan.  That is a very amazing duo, should be perfect for the roles.
  I would like to see Vanessa in the role, however.  I think that she will be great in it.  If anyone sees the Wednesday show, please post. I will be on a flight out of state at the time so not able to make it to the show.

[dirac]

I'd like to see ALL of them, but I'll have to limit myself to two or maybe even one this time around. I like Zahorian and even if she isn't the world's greatest Juliet I'm curious to see her in it.  Otherwise I'm shooting for LeBlanc and Boada.

[Globetrotter]

Dirac,

You might have no option but to see one performance only.  I've called for tickets and was told the entire week was sold out.  Oh well. That's what I get for waiting.  I'd be interested in hearing reviews from those luckier than me.