41 replies to this topic

[canbelto]

I can only echo the plaudits for the Vishneva/Gomes/Matthews/Boylston quartet last night, especially Vishneva and Gomes. Their final duet was almost feral and had the crowd in a frenzy. Beautiful partnership, and Vishneva's use of her back in her lifts was masterful. I'm so glad I could witness this performance. i went last year and it was beautiful but last night they took it to another level of passion and excitement. Diana posted on her facebook that this was her "last" Onegin at the ABT -- I hope this is not true, because this is a portrayal for the ages.

[abatt]

Diana's calendar on her website indicates that she will be doing Onegin with the Bolshoi on July 19.  Anyone know who her partner will be.  They should hire Gomes for that one performance and broadcast it.  Wishful thinking.

[Golden Idol]

Apropos absence of videos: Yes, it is really shocking in this day and age that ABT is not pursuing more video releases or HDs. I can't say whether it's because they've backed themselves so badly into a corner financially and can't afford it, or it's a lack of imagination. I suspect the latter, because the ads they've been running (I see them on NY1) this month are not very inspiring, though at least they utilize recent clips. (Last summer, the video clips looked years old to me.) The voice-over sounds tired, and the rapid clips (always showing mere seconds of one bravura moment or another) are cut together in such a way they make surprisingly little impact. Say what I will about Peter Gelb (and I won't indulge that here), I do wish ABT had someone who possessed as fierce and ruthless a marketing vision for the company. God knows they need it.

And while I'm on the subject, for those of us in New York, I'm amazed that ABT offers so few of its performances on TDF. There are enough evenings at the Met with a multitude of empty seats that I cannot imagine the downside to posting more offerings on TDF. True, some of the Onegin perfs were offered (and this rather surprised me), and I believe one of this week's Don Qs, too, Last summer, practically nothing. What could they possibly have to lose? The Family Circle may be a lost cause, but on nights when the Balcony is 2/3 full, those $45/$55 tickets could be offered for $29 and they'd sell. NYCB does this frequently and I try to take advantage when possible. Again, I suspect this is a failure of imagination.

[California]

canbelto, on 21 May 2013 - 05:47 AM, said:

Diana posted on her facebook that this was her "last" Onegin at the ABT -- I hope this is not true, because this is a portrayal for the ages.

Her Facebook statement sounds pretty final to me!  Perhaps she has been told that it's being retired from the ABT rep for a few years. It sounds like ticket sales haven't been great, so that's plausible. It's also possible she doesn't plan to renew her contract with ABT.

Quote

Last night was very special, our last "Onegin" at the MET...
Wanted to thank my dearest partner, Marcelo Gomes.
For being right there with me: in every step, every breath, every gesture... It was unforgettable.
I also want to thank ABT.
For the opportunity to dance this masterpiece on MET stage.

https://www.facebook...8061382?fref=ts

[abatt]

I doubt Onegin will come back next season. The things that remain in the rep year after year are traditional classical ballets like Swan Lake, Don Q, and the like.  Ballets like Onegin and Lady of Camellias  seem to be done for two seasons and then retired for a few years.   I'm a little surprised they have not done Manon in so many years.  That's another one that generaly has weak ticket sales, but makes an appearance every couple of years.  It's also a suitable ballet for Julie Kent.

Maybe Mussel can look into his crystal ball and give us an idea of what's in store for the 2014 season.

[California]

abatt, on 21 May 2013 - 11:35 AM, said:

Maybe Mussel can look into his crystal ball and give us an idea of what's in store for the 2014 season.

Actually, I've been hoping for a few hints in the NY Times Arts Blog about the fall 2013 season at the State Theatre! They seem to get the first public information. I can't remember when the fall 2012 season was announced, and that was a few weeks earlier in the fall. I'm guessing it won't be released until July.

[angelica]

I totally agree that last night's performance of Onegin was memorable in every way and that Diana and Marcelo delivered a dramatic and heartrending performance.

However, I want to make a special comment for the performance of Jared Matthews as Lensky. His acting, the rise of his emotions from quizzical to dismay to desperation was seamless and completely believable. His dancing in the solo before the duel was sublime, and is emblazoned in my memory, I hope forever. His performance definitely showed him ready to be promoted to principal dancer. ABT might have thought of that before inviting a cadre of foreign male principals, but as is all too often the case, ABT fails to promote its own. Promote Jared and put him on stage--he is the better mousetrap, and the people will come.

[naomikage]

might be a little off-topic but ABT will be performing Manon in the 2014 Feb-March Japan Tour.

The cast is already online.

http://www.japanarts...14/english.html

[abatt]

Thanks Naomikage.  Interesting info in that post.  I wonder if Osipova will still show up for that engagement, given her recent announcement re joining the Royal Ballet.  Also interesting that they seem to be reviving Theme & Variations and Clear.

[puppytreats]

naomikage, on 21 May 2013 - 10:14 PM, said:

might be a little off-topic but ABT will be performing Manon in the 2014 Feb-March Japan Tour.

The cast is already online.

http://www.japanarts...14/english.html

What are "Chamber Symphony" and "Clear"?

[puppytreats]

naomikage, on 21 May 2013 - 10:14 PM, said:

might be a little off-topic but ABT will be performing Manon in the 2014 Feb-March Japan Tour.

The cast is already online.

http://www.japanarts...14/english.html

I was considering going to Milan for "Manon" in the Fall. Now, maybe I'll consider Japan, or wait for NYC???

[California]

puppytreats, on 22 May 2013 - 07:25 AM, said:

What are "Chamber Symphony" and "Clear"?

"Chamber Symphony" is the second of the new Ratmansky's that premiere next Friday. Interesting - no Hallberg on the tour. Calvin Royal of the Corps seems to be replacing him.