NinaFan

I agree that Boylston may be more suited for Gamzatti (and which she performs beautifully), but I'd love to see her Nikiya opposite Lendorf's Solor. I just hope we get to see him this season. I find it odd that they removed Lendorf from R&J, but left him in Bayadere, which precedes R&J. Something doesn't make sense.

I agree with everyone about Saturday's matinee being a wonderful performance. The dancing was all first rate from corps to principal roles. Concerto Barocco is one of my favorites, and it was danced superbly by principals and corps. Tess was perfection dancing with precision and musicality to this gorgeous piece of music. And it was no surprise that Ashley Laracey really held her own. Maria Kowroski was born to dance Agon. She was positively breathtaking. Balanchine would have had a field day choreographing for her. She was partnered by T. Angle who looked a little weightier than usual, especially next to the other male dancers. That being said, the performance was terrific. The 4 T's ended the program and was also danced to perfection, by a mixture of principal and corps dancers. I've still got Bach's Double Violin Concerto going through my head.....

You could be right if Copeland's is not selling either. Funny thing is that La Bayadere is one of my favorites. I'd like to see Lendorf's Solor, but I'm waiting on those tickets to see if he is really dancing. I figured there was no way I'd get tickets since Copeland is dancing Gamzatti. Good to know there are plenty of tickets!

I received the e-mail too, so I guess they're not selling tickets as well as they'd expected. LOL on Nikita! I just focused on Seo's name and didn't even notice the typo.

Has anyone heard any rumblings as to who Teuscher's Romeo might be? Originally Lendorf was supposed to be her Romeo, but it's been changed to TBA for a while.

Yes, it was lovely. The entire concert performance was broadcast live on PBS. Just found it on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Live-Lincoln-Center-Hammersteins-Carousel/dp/B01N1RNL6H

Yes, I've seen the comments about Fancy Free on BA. It's a strange thing, but I never thought of the teasing as menacing until I read the comments on BA. I look at it as comic entertainment as opposed to a dramatic representation. I've seen Fancy Free countless times, and usually the audience just laughs. But yes, I certainly understand that someone could take it as threatening, especially if they've encountered bullying and intimidation in their lives. Enjoy the show!

I saw Carousel yesterday and loved it! The place was packed, and the audience gave a standing ovation. Joshua Henry was absolutely brilliant as Billy Bigelow. It was a real kick to see Ramasar as a tough guy, plus it was fun to see him in a different style of theater. He danced marvelously and was a splendid Jigger. Pollack was a lovey Louise, and Salstein was terrific as he sang and danced his way through the performance. We got to see quite a bit of him. I hope that’s not the last time we see him, as he is no longer on ABT’s roster. Renee Fleming was a particular treat with that gorgeous voice. I also thought Justin Peck did a wonderful job with the choreography. Oh, and being a SYTYCD nut, I happened to spot a winner from a couple of seasons ago dancing in the corps. I’m not saying that I enjoy seeing abusive behavior of any type, but I am not sure why people are talking about the #metoo movement with respect to the show and how it should be changed. Why is it okay to show abusive behavior in a film, but not in other forms of entertainment? At the end of the day, this was how the play was originally written by Oscar Hammerstein. Yes, a different place and a different time, but an essential part of the story showing that the Billy Bigelow character was a deeply flawed individual which was portrayed superbly by Joshua Henry. The hitting of Julie was implied, and not actually seen (although we did see him almost strike her). His striking of Louise was a slap on the hand which drew gasps from the audience. I recommend this show to anyone who loves musical theater and dance. Also, seeing three ballet dancers who I happen to admire (especially Ramasar) was the icing on the cake.

I'm going to see Carousel on Saturday. Can't wait!

eduardo - I agree, the corps in the second act should be gorgeous as will Cornejo and Abrera. And as angelica says, maybe Copeland will surprise us all. It's wonderful that you are even able to fit a performance into your work schedule. Oh, and remember to watch those gorgeous chandeliers as they rise to the top right before the performance. The first time I saw it I was in awe. Have a great time!

I totally agree!

I guess I am in the minority here, but I would attend Boylston’s Giselle. In my opinion, Boylston is a far stronger and superior dancer with an incredible jump. I agree that seeing Cornejo would be the high point of the Copeland Giselle performance. However a Giselle who can’t do the choreography can ruin the entire performance, while an inferior Albrecht may only ruin half the performance. Whiteside may not project the emotion needed for the role, but he can dance. That being said, I am seeing a number of performances where I dislike half of my cast, but I’m in NY and I am able to see additional performances to make up for it. Whichever you see, I’m sure you’ll enjoy seeing your first MET performance. Have great time!

I think you are wise to hang on to your Osipova/Hallberg Giselle. You can always trade them the day before if you aren't happy with the cast. I just didn't want to buy single tickets since since it appears to be so iffy. As far as exchanging for Hee/Kim, I think you'll be able to trade or even get last minute tickets if the mood strikes you. Like you, I am very excited about Lane and the young' uns!

I have to admit that I may be going to less ABT performances than originally planned. And like everyone on here, I have no idea what's going on with Hallberg, so I decided not to spring for the Osipova/Hallberg Giselle since I just don't trust the casting. I've seen Osipova in Giselle many times, both with and without David. I am still hoping that Lendorf makes part of the season. I am already heavily booked for NYCB's first three weeks before the two companies overlap and slightly into the ABT season where there is nothing I care to see at ABT. That still leaves me plenty of opportunity to see ABT. I've only bought some my ABT tickets as I just don't trust casting. Guess I will have to get a few more soon as prices are already climbing.

They don't open Family Circle for Wednesday matinees unless the rest of the house has either sold out or has been heavily sold. I noticed that they started doing that last year. They should really put "unavailable at this time" or something similar......

My guess is that they are trying to encourage subscribers to buy a standard subscription. I don't think it has anything to do with a cast change as they are still advertising them dancing together. Single tickets go on sale tomorrow, and you should be able to grab tickets. Hopefully Hallberg will recover in time, but as with any performance, there is no guarantee when it comes to casting. And as many have noted on here, it is unlikely that Osipova would dance with someone else from ABT, however they could always import someone.

Agreed. There are a number of dancers who do not belong at the principal level already. I'd hate for ABT to continue that trend.

I hope not. I'd sooner see them bring in an established/capable male dancer from the outside, than promote a dancer to a position beyond their capabilities. He might be fine as a principal at a regional company, but ABT is still considered to be one of the finest ballet companies in the world. If they encourage and endorse a mediocre level of dancing to be "good enough" for the world stage, then I believe they are no longer interested in keeping their position as one of the world’s top ballet companies.

Thank you so much for reporting on both performances Leeyl. I can't wait to see Shevchenko's O/O!

I am always delighted to see Boylston and Lane, however there are several dancers who I avoid whenever possible. But these days it is getting more and more difficult. How both true and sad since popularity on social media does not necessarily equate to having talent. One can have celebrity status, but still only perform at a mediocre level. It’s no longer all about technical and artistic ability. But as you say, for a ballet company, it’s really all about the bottom line if they want to stay afloat. Unfortunately it seems to have taken a toll on the art form.

I agree. I can't see Osipova dancing with any other current ABT dancer either. But as you say, maybe Hallberg will be healed by then.

I can't help but agree with your concerns. I hope Kevin is working on bringing in a decent guest or two. And if Lendorf remains injured, we're really sunk. Does anyone know how he's doing?

Not me. Like everyone else on here, just about all of the dancers I care to see are scheduled to dance with an inferior partner for some or all of their performances. I would rather see my favorite dancers perform with a dud, than not see them at all. Dancer’s careers are short, and ballet is too important to me to just skip an entire MET season. So I have resigned myself to seeing some pretty unbalanced casts this season. It’s not the first time I’ve had to settle. So I’ll just try to enjoy as much of the season as possible, and hope that next year is more balanced.

Yes I remember when the performances were cancelled. I think it was a Saturday Balanchine birthday celebration that day, and the stage demo had to be rescheduled. No subways were even running.....

Unfortunately, ABT seems to reserve the Wednesday matinee slot for up and coming dancers, or less popular dancers. I don't see that with the Saturday matinee castings at the MET. However a friend of mine in DC says she always gets the third or fourth cast at Saturday matinees at KC.