Because a family member is in the cast, I have now seen Peter Martin's R&J numerous times: during last year's initial run, again over the summer in Saratoga, and now this year. I have limited expertise regarding ballet, so my comments should be taken merely as my personal 'gut reaction' and 'emotional response', without much distraction others more expereinced then I may have regarding such things as comparing this choroegraphy to other R&J's, or on comparing current dancers with those of yesteryear or those from other companies. These are just the feelings one novice viewer has had viewing this particular work of art.
First off, the more I have seen the production, the more it has grown on me. This includes the choreography, the sets, the costumes.... I think this says somehting positive as to what Mr. Martins' has created, and might also suggest that over the coming years, this ballet may become more and more popular. Relatedly, I have been amazed by the growth in the performances by each of the young principals. Each dancer portraying Romeo and Juliet seems have continually grown in 'acting" the role. For example, early on I scarcely noticed any evolution in certain of the Romeos as each fell in love, or the transformation in certain Juliets as they blossomed from girl to young women in love. As each dancer became more and more comfortable in the role, and perhaps less distracted by the technicial aspects of doing the steps, these subtleties in emotion have become more and more pronounced. At least that is the sense I got. The most recent performances of each case seem generally to me to be a quantum leap above their initial perfomances.
Second, I have been amazed at how different each pair of Romeos/Juliets has been from the others. Each pair seems to tell a slightly differently nuanced story (of course, I wouldn;t be giving anyhting away to let you know that all end somewhat tragically). In some cases, I am struck by the sheer athleticism of the dancers, other times the grace and beauty. By the final perfomances, I could really feel each pair literally falling in love before my eyes.
The whole experience has been a great eductation for me, and I am now more excited to see other ballets. And each viewing fo R&J has certainly been a treat and its own unique experience. Most importantly perhaps, there are certain 'moments' or images I think will stay with me: Romeo and Juliet's first kiss leaning over Juliet, Romeo carrying Juliet sans hands, arms outstretched (portending the later lift when he tires to revive her under potion, the humorous lifts of the chambermaid, the young street performing boys, the incredible athleticism of jumps by Daniel Ulbricht ad others .... the whole experience is so unlike so many other disposable entertainment experiences (like the movie I saw last night) that I enjoyed for the moment but have already wholly forgotten.
Anyway, those are some thoughts from a new fan of ballet.
