Grace8

Two new apprentices are listed in the Nutcracker program: Nancy Casciano and Nicole Rizzitano.

Congratulations!

I also have mixed feelings about switching to the Balanchine Nutcracker. It sounds like they're hoping for some interest with new sets by Ian Falconer. I took my 5-year old son to see the Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker for his first time in December, and he loved it (also was my first time seeing this production live -- saw the movie version ages ago). He's still talking about it 2 months later. I agree it would be more interesting to see different versions; when I lived in DC, one had the option between whoever came to the Kennedy Center on tour or the Washington Ballet's version.

For the upcoming season, I was also noticing a number of reps or works were repeats from 2011-2012, I think. I'm guessing it has to do with how many performances of the particular work PNB is licensed to do in X number of years, plus the expense of bringing in new repertory?

sandik -- I'm with you, would love to see One Flat Thing again -- we can hope...

Saw the 2/8 evening performance with Rachel Foster as Aurora and Batkhurel Bold as Prince Florimund, which I really enjoyed. I think some people left early due to the snow, but it looked like seats were at least 80% filled. Here are my brief thoughts:

Prologue -- I thought Lindsi Dec's performance as the Lilac Fairy was good, but needed more presence. I didn't feel as much that she was "in charge." The fairies' solos were generally strong, but Emma Love Suddarth as the Fairy of Beauty looked a little stiff to me. I wonder why audiences usually laugh at the Fairy of Joy's solo? Timothy Lynch's Carabosse was well portrayed.

Act 1 -- Rachel Foster was lovely! She had no problems with the balances in the Rose Adagio -- I think there was one slightly quick hand change but she was capably partnered by Karel Cruz, William Lin-Yee, Jerome Tisserand and Joshua Grant. My only slight criticism of her was that I'm not sure I got the impression that Aurora had just turned 16 and was excited about her birthday.

Act 2 -- Ezra Thompson always seems to do well in character roles, including Gallison. Bold as Prince Florimund was consistent as always in partnering but I feel like we don't always see his character's emotions.

Act 3 -- the kids present enjoyed White Cat/Puss in Boots and Red Riding Hood/Wolf -- heard lots of giggles and laughter. Gold and Silver pas de trois -- Joshua Grant looked comfortable, while William Lin-Yee looked more restrained in his dancing. He had a few balance wobbles coming out of turns. Laura Tisserand's solo was well-executed (I wonder about some of the arm position changes in the ending turns -- seems hard to do cleanly?). Kyle Davis was outstanding as Bluebird -- nice clean jumps and elevation, Amanda Clark did well too. I enjoyed seeing this Foster/Bold pairing for the wedding pas de deux, and thought they complemented each other well.

Today's Seattle Times story is mostly about PNB retiring the Stowell/Sendak "Nutcracker" after the 2014 season, but also mentions the upcoming 2014-2015 season:

• Rep 1: Jewels
• Rep 2: Director's Choice (A Million Kisses to My Skin - David Dawson/Rassemblement - Nacho Duato/premieres from Anna Lopez Ochoa - Before After, and from Justin Peck)
• Rep 3: tentatively Don Quixote, per the PNB website
• Rep 4: All Forsythe (it looks like 2 premieres, plus In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated)
• Rep 5: Romeo et Juliette
• Rep 6: Carmina Burana, Ratmansky's Concerto DSCH and Jose Limon's The Moor's Pavane

Interesting to see that they're bringing back Romeo et Juliette so soon; looking forward to seeing A Million Kisses to My Skin again, as well as the Forsythe program.

I ended up not going to the dress rehearsal or the Sunday matinee, so am interested to hear Jayne's review!

New to this forum (have attended PNB performances for about 5 years or so) with a question for those who have gone to the Thursday dress rehearsals -- typically which cast will dance? I'm on the fence about going since it's longer and I have to be at work early on Friday.

I have tickets to see Foster/Bold on the 2nd Saturday evening, but am debating also going this Sunday to see Leta Biasucci (and 50% off!).