15 replies to this topic

[Natalia]

Last night, while listening to the 185th rendition of the song "God Bless America" on TV, a crazy thought crossed my mind:

I bet that NYCB and other US ballet companies are quickly rehearsing Balanchine's "Stars and Stripes" for their winter repertoires....even if the ballet was not originally scheduled for performance this year. Anybody want to place a bet with me? If ever there was a moment for this ballet -- this is it.

[Mme. Hermine]

do you one better! i'm willing to bet it is part of some large tv broadcast or another very soon. and why not?

[Alexandra]

Why not indeed? Balanchine used to program Stars and Stripes during the 1970s, when patriotism was Out and flags were little in evidence. It bothered some people, and others seemed to think, "Well, he's an old guy and he's foreign" -- it was definitely against the mainstream mood of the country.

Have you noticed that the photographs of firemen, children, etc. are beginning to look like Norman Rockwell illustrations? I think there will be a Big Change in the arts. Whether something noble, or merely hokey, comes of it is still an open question.

[julip]

i am particulary looking forward to PNB's performance of Lynn Taylor-Corbitt's Ballad of You and Me with music by Pete Seeger. To me, at least, the music of Seeger is very timely and heeling.

[Alexandra]

I was wondering what other ballets might become suddenly popular, or rediscovered, in the present climate. Europe had several World War II ballets; we did not (we weren't involved in the same way--we at home, that is.) "Fancy Free" was quite different from what Ashton and Massine were doing.

Is it imaginable that a 30-something choreographer will do a new "Stars and Stripes?" If you had to plan a season and you wanted to match the mood, what would you program? (I remember Ed voted for "Coppelia." That's something to think about, too. The World War II period was a high water mark of comedy.)

[Mme. Hermine]

of course there's the inevitable program:
Stars and Stripes
Western Symphony
Union Jack
and
Rodeo (even though it isn't Balanchine)

a bit long but we can have a 'hooker' between the second and third ballets!!

[doug]

PNB performed the finale of STARS AND STRIPES last night at the end of their gala program. Another work was to end the propgram but the dancers requested STARS, and Francia Russell staged it for them last week. My impression was that it came over as very sincere and was appreciated by the audience.

[liebs]

I remember when the hostages were released from Iran NYCB did Stars and Stripes and in the finale everyone came out with bunches of yellow ribbons. It was a memorable moment.

I want to see Who Cares, that magic New York skyline would raise my spirits!

[Dale]

What about Eliot Feld's Variations on America? I haven't seen that ballet for a long time.

[Natalia]

Just checking in since I posted this...and I'm already winning my bet, as I see from Doug's report on PNB.

Can Peter Martins/NYCB Opening Night Winter Season Gala be too far behind? It's New York, after all...I'll be shocked if they do *not* dance STARS & STRIPES.

I might add 'Who Cares?' to Mme. Hermine's list of all-American favorites to be danced in a tribute/gala - that NYC skyline in the background and famous Gershwin score. What can be more 'I-Love-New-York' than that?

[Alexandra]

Don't forget "Fancy Free" -- how many other ballets can claim a movie as a spin off?

[Mme. Hermine]

okay, jeannie! so the gala performance is set. now how about the order? i vote for:

1. Rodeo
2. Variations on America
3. Fancy Free
4. Western Symphony
5. Union Jack
6. Who Cares?
7. Stars and Stripes

think we'll get out of the theater before 2 a.m.?

[ 09-26-2001: Message edited by: Mme. Hermine ]

[Natalia]

We're going to need at least three 'hookers' for this one. ;) And I'm not referring to Russian vodka this time...Kentucky bourbon, no doubt.

[Mme. Hermine]

that of course is along with our dinner of braised red peppers, mashed potatoes and blue fish, which we will have in a restaurant on the avenue of the americas! dessert, of course, will be apple pie...


[ 09-26-2001: Message edited by: Mme. Hermine ]

[Steve Keeley]

Originally posted by Mme. Hermine:
...which we will have in a restaurant on the avenue of the americas!  
[ 09-26-2001: Message edited by: Mme. Hermine ]

AHEM!

That's "6th Avenue."

~Steve (native New Yorker)