DeborahB

Overall, I agree with Susan's comments about this cast of SB. I am glad to report that the fish dives went well yesterday afternoon. That said, they were much more cautious than the Bouder/Veyette (opening night) dives. Jonathan Stafford's solo was excellent; I didn't notice any diminishing of energy, even in the last solo and pas de deux. I thought Sterling's Aurora was charming although she made a couple of small mistakes in her solos (she covered for them well). I can't honestly comment about Tess Reichlen's Lilac because I'm an unabashed fan; I thought she was gorgeous (although I loved Sara Mearns' Lilac just as much). I also thought Tess had a nice repoire with Stafford/Desire. I really liked Rebecca Krohn's Diamond. It's so good to see her cast in more ballets (even if they have to be story ballets) this season. Perhaps Vincent Paradiso was nervous on his first night because his Bluebird was clean and well articulated. Still, I didn't come away "wow-ed" as I did on Wed. night. It was more of a "that was a pleasant afternoon" kind of feeling. I must comment on the house. It is so encouraging to see such a packed house for these Sleeping Beauties. And many of these people seem to be new to the ballet (you can tell because they always start applauding at the wrong part. I like their enthusiasm!). I am looking forward to the spring rep (bye bye story ballets!), but I'm glad the NYCB is getting some much needed revenue from this programming.

I'm a subscriber but haven't received anything by snail mail or email. Nor is the spring season ticket info on the website. My guess is that subscriber info might arrive in the next week or so. I seem to recall renewing my subscription(each year) before the end of that particular season.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/arts/dan...a.html?ref=arts

Although I am going this afternoon, I just noticed that two hours ago Kathryn Morgan posted something on both FB and Twitter that said, "Wow-- only 5 days to go until Aurora." That's a good sign.

The NYT review of Wednesday night's "Sleeping Beauty." http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/29/arts/dan....html?ref=dance

Carbro -- I understand why you felt the way you did about Ashley Bouder's Aurora. That said, I respectfully disagree with your conclusion that it "undoes her" in the Rose Adagio balances. In fact, I think it's perfectly in character. Aurora is supposed to be a 16 year old girl -- just a couple of years older than Juliet. It makes perfect sense that she'd be effervescent, and even excitable, at her 16th birthday party. She also has 4 handsome princes pursuing her, and giving her gifts (the roses). Aurora/Ashely dances with each, shows them what she can do (the balances) and is full of joy, good feeling and even a bit of pride. Afterall, she's also dancing in front or her parents (the King and Queen) and the Court.

I forgot to add that it was a true delight to see the recently retired (now working at SAB) Dena Abergel in the role of the Queen. Dena's smile and gracious presence always light up a stage. Ask La Cour was the charming King. And speaking of Ask -- he seems to be stuck in a lot of character roles lately. With his height and good partnering skills, as well as his good form and technique, why isn't he dancing more with tall ballerinas like Tess Reichlen, Kaitlyn Gilliland (who hasn't been featured enough this season), Savannah Lowery, and even Maria? (Charles Askegard is over 40 and seems to be dancing less these days). I also think that the excellent Justin Peck -- also tall and a very good partner -- needs to get out from behind the bar (LOL! I actually meant the bar in Fancy Free and not the ballet barre).

Ashley Bouder was a spectacular Aurora tonight. As soon as she appeared on the stage she livened up a rather sleepy first act. The balances in the Rose Adagio (the Martins' version) were incredible -- especially the second set. She looked like she could have held each balance for days. It was also a treat to see Merrill Ashley back on the stage. Her Carabosse was juicily evil (and that's a complement). Sara Mearns was lovely -- soft, supple and engaging -- as The Lilac Fairy. All the Fairy's were delightful, but Rebecca Krohn's Generosity was a standout. Thank goodness the second act has more dancing in it. There were so many dancing highlights here that it's hard to know where to begin. Stephen Hanna (who looked very polished!), Teresa Reichlen, Abi Stafford and Kathryn Morgan were stellar as the Jewels. Sean Suozzi and Stephanie Zungre nearly stole the show as The White Cat and Puss in Boots. Tiler Peck was brilliant in her Princess Florine solo, and Daniel Ulbricht caused audience gasps (the good kind) as The Bluebird. I especially loved Antonio Carmena, Austin Laurent and Allen Pfieffer as the leaping and jumping Court Jesters. The final pas de deux with Ashley and Andrew was simply gorgeous (Ashley's leg positions in the fish dive type lift were beautiful!). I do plan on seeing two other Sleeping Beauty casts. I look forward to other SB reviews!

This story is perfectly timed since Katie is Aurora in "Sleeping Beauty" next week. http://pointemagazine.com/issues/februarym...0/dancing-heart

Wonderful performances this afternoon of both "Agon" and "Cortege Hongrois." Wendy Whelan and Albert Evans were stunning (as always)in "Agon." I thought that Maria Kowroski was lovely and impressive in "Cortege Hongrois." Jon Stafford was a Maria's fine partner, and he also performed his solo with distinction. I especially loved Sean Suozzi and Rebecca Krohn in the "Czardas" part of the ballet. "The Lady with The Little Dog" is pure drek. And that's being kind. I felt sorry for all of the dancers, especially Andrew Veyette and Sterling Hyltin. They deserve better. Even Sterling's dog (so cute!) looked embarrassed to be in such an awful ballet (okay, I exaggerate). Does Miroshnichenko really think that the excellent NYCB corps men should be laying carpet and doing Jane Fonda's 80's aerobics on the stage? What was that about? This ballet certainly does not honor (or even resemble) Chekhov's gem of a short story. If it stays in the rep -- which I doubt -- I'll make a point to avoid it.

I saw "Fancy Free," "The Prodigal Son," and "Firebird" last night. There's no question that it was too much of a good thing (i.e. too many stories ballets. Even one act ballets). However, since I'm a fan of all three ballets I really can't complain. Robert Fairchild (in Damian Woetzel's role. Yes, I know it wasn't just Damian's, but he owned it for so long) was delightful. We know that Daniel Ulbricht can fly around the stage, but he didn't showboat (a good thing); I really enjoyed his performance. Tyler Angle brought a particular sense of fun, whimsy and even a bit of melancholy to his sailor -- it was just right. Unlike Macaulay -- whom I usually agree with -- I thought Joaquin De Luz was terrific as The Prodigal Son. Recently I watched a DVD of Baryshnikov performing the role and -- dare I say it? - Joaquin reminded me of Misha! Maria Kowroski's Siren was particularly strong. I always love her in this role, but she brought extra ice -- and a touch of fire-- to the stage last night. It was totally appropriate. Here's all I have to say about "Firebird" -- Ashley Bouder! If you haven't seen her in this role RUN to the theatre and get a ticket the next time she performs it. I mean it, too! You'll remember her performance for days (weeks, months, years...)

Casting is usually announced on Thursday or Friday of each week. I'm guessing that the second week of SB casting will be up by 1/21 or 1/22.

Thanks Carbro! I tried to post from the Viewing Room too but the link wouldn't go through. Maybe I tried at a particularly busy time.

Here's a link to the NYCB's video on "The Sleeping Beauty." It's a Facebook link so you might have to become a "fan" of NYCB on Facebook in order to watch it. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=...5195&ref=nf

Only the first week of casting for "The Sleeping Beauty" has been posted. As SingerWhoMoves mentioned, Katie Morgan will be dancing Aurora during the second week. Since Tiler Peck is featured as one of the winter season Aurora's in the NYCB's video (along with Ashley Bouder and Katie Morgan), it seems like she will be cast as Aurora the second week as well. Perhaps Maria will be cast as The Lilac Fairy then; Maria has done Carabosse before too.

Here's the link for the press release, now on the NYCB's website, announcing the retirements. Each of the dancer's will give a farewell program -- a chance for the audience to show them some love (so to speak). I would guess that still doesn't rule out others retiring without fanfare or an announcement -- now or in the future. The powers that be must be pretty certain that they can fill the seats for a farewell performance. http://www.nycballet.com/news/press/pr01-12-10.html

NYCB has a history of not announcing all of their retirements in advance. I can think of many dancers who slipped away without any sort of fanfare (I was especially upset about Maria Calegari's non-announcement retirement. I adored her!). Perhaps certain dancers -- Nilas Martins among them? -- will just be dropped from the company without a word. I also recall that Pascale van Kipnis (another favorite) left the company on the QT too. I am totally broken-heartened about Philip Neal's retirement. Like NY Susan, Philip has always been one of my absolute favorite dancers. In my opinion, he never got enough attention -and appreciation - from either the audience or the critics. Philip looked like one of the 20 something NYCB whiz kids last season as the hoofer in "Slaughter!" And his skills as a partner -- I feel so bad for Wendy Whelan. First Jock, now Philip! -- are truly exceptional.

Sara Mearns was luscious, sexy, generous and endearing last night as Titania. It's so wonderful to have her back on the stage! I don't think I've ever enjoyed Gonzalo Garcia as much as I did last night! Well maybe I have, but he was that good as Oberon. His solos were spot-on (he completes all the steps and jumps perfectly), and he was a wonderful and attentive partner to Sara. I loved them together. This is the second time I've seen Troy Schumacher as Puck (the first time was last season). He was good the first time (he filled in at the last second then), but he has grown in the role already. He was totally engaged with everything and everyone on stage (very important for this role), and combined with his fine technique, humor (he didn't overdo it either. Good!), and musicality, he was an especially fine Puck. I think this is the first time in a long while that I've actually enjoyed the shenigans that go on between Helenia, Hermia, Lysander and Demetrius. The rarely sighted (but always so pleasant) Arch Higgins was delightful -- he's a good actor -- as Demetrius. Abi Stafford really did seem like a young woman in love (with Demetrius), and of course we know that technically she can do anything! I enjoyed this pairing a lot. Andrew Veyette and Janie Taylor were perfect as the other couple. The role doesn't really allow Andrew to show what he can do as a dancer, but Janie (and also Abi) are given fine solos. I also laughed out loud several times. Ana Sophia Scheller was a strong Hippolyta (great jumps!). Despite being a small dancer, she conveyed the sense of amplitude that you need for that role. Alina Dronova -- part of the more seasoned corps members -- really shined in the role of the Butterfly. Technically, she's always been incredibly strong, but sometimes she doesn't project as much as she might on stage. Last night she looked like she was having a blast, and this translated into an arresting performance. Special kudos for Adrian Danchig-Waring. I've made no secret of the fact that he's a favorite of mine, but he was an especially cuddly Bottom. Of course, I'd love to see him as Oberon (or any leading role!), but hopefully that will happen in the near future (he'd also be wonderful paired with Sara). As I've said before, I'm not a fan of story ballets in general, but I was absolutely enthralled with last night's performance!

Perhaps they'll put some sort of multi-payment plan in place. I seem to recall someone allowing subscribers to spread the cost of a subscription over a couple of payments ... can't remember if it was NYCB or Carnegie. NYCB does allow you to pay (via credit card) in two payments -- one month apart.

Good point Abatt! That said, only Wendy Whelan danced with Morphoses at Sadler Wells and at City Center in Fall 2009. However, a couple more NYCB dancers did dance with Morphoses in Vail in August 2009.

Of course! That said, the women's roles in Fancy Free aren't the heart of the ballet. I do hope we see Kaitlyn in a lot of role debuts this coming season though!

I kept checking the casting because I have a couple of non-R&J tickets for next week (I'll miss this week. Off to London in the am). Robbie Fairchild debuts in Fancy Free on Sat. night! NEW YORK CITY BALLET PRINCIPAL CASTING JANUARY 12 - 17, 2010 TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 12, 7:30 PM (Conductor: Sill) A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: TITANIA: Mearns; OBERON: Garcia; PUCK: Schumacher; HIPPOLYTA: Scheller; THESEUS: Seth; TITANIA’S CAVALIER: la Cour; HELENA: Taylor; DEMETRIUS: Higgins; HERMIA: A. Stafford; LYSANDER: Veyette; BUTTERFLY: Dronova; BOTTOM: Danchig-Waring; DIVERTISSEMENT: Ringer, J. Angle (Soprano: Edwards; Mezzo soprano: Loeb) WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 13, 7:30 PM (Conductor: Karoui) ROMEO + JULIET: JULIET: Hyltin; ROMEO: R. Fairchild; TYBALT: De Luz; MERCUTIO: Ulbricht; BENVOLIO: Carmena; JULIET’S NURSE: Pazcoguin; PARIS: Danchig-Waring; LADY CAPULET: Kistler; LORD CAPULET: Soto**; FRIAR LAURENCE: J. Stafford; PRINCE OF VERONA: Evans THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 14, 8 PM (Conductor: Karoui) NAΪVE AND SENTIMENTAL MUSIC: I: Ringer, Borree, Somogyi, Taylor, A. Stafford, Bouder, M. Fairchild, Neal, Marcovici, Danchig-Waring, J. Angle, Veyette, Ulbricht, De Luz; II: Mearns, Kistler, Kowroski, J. Stafford, Hanna**, Askegard; III: Hyltin, Reichlen, T. Peck, R. Fairchild, T. Angle, Garcia intermission WHO CARES?: R. Fairchild, Morgan, T. Peck, Hyltin [solo piano: McDill] FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 15, 8 PM (Conductor: Otranto) ROMEO + JULIET: JULIET: Pereira; ROMEO: Peiffer; TYBALT: Ramasar; MERCUTIO: Veyette; BENVOLIO: Laurent; JULIET’S NURSE: Pazcoguin; PARIS: Danchig-Waring; LADY CAPULET: Kistler; LORD CAPULET: Soto**; FRIAR LAURENCE: la Cour; PRINCE OF VERONA: Evans SATURDAY MATINEE, JANUARY 16, 2 PM (Conductor: Karoui) ROMEO + JULIET: JULIET: Hyltin; ROMEO: R. Fairchild; TYBALT: De Luz; MERCUTIO: Ulbricht; BENVOLIO: Carmena; JULIET’S NURSE: Pazcoguin; PARIS: Danchig-Waring; LADY CAPULET: Kistler; LORD CAPULET: Soto**; FRIAR LAURENCE: J. Stafford; PRINCE OF VERONA: Evans SATURDAY EVENING, JANUARY 16, 8 PM (Conductor: Sill) FANCY FREE: Ulbricht, T. Angle, *R. Fairchild, Pazcoguin, T. Peck, *Gilliland, *J. Peck intermission PRODIGAL SON: De Luz, Kowroski, *Keenan, *Brown, Carmena, Suozzi, la Cour intermission FIREBIRD: Bouder, J. Stafford, Krohn, Seth SUNDAY MATINEE, JANUARY 17, 3 PM (Conductor: Otranto) ROMEO + JULIET: JULIET: Pereira; ROMEO: Peiffer; TYBALT: Ramasar; MERCUTIO: Veyette; BENVOLIO: Laurent; JULIET’S NURSE: Pazcoguin; PARIS: Tworzyanski; LADY CAPULET: Kistler; LORD CAPULET: *la Cour; FRIAR LAURENCE: J. Stafford; PRINCE OF VERONA: Evans * First Time in Role ** Guest Artist PROGRAM AND CASTING SUBJECT TO CHANGE (1/4/10)

NEW YORK CITY BALLET PRINCIPAL CASTING JANUARY 5 - 10, 2010 TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 5, 7:30 PM (Conductor: Karoui) NAΪVE AND SENTIMENTAL MUSIC: I: Ringer, Borree, Somogyi, Taylor, A. Stafford, Bouder, M. Fairchild, Neal, T. Angle, *Danchig-Waring, J. Angle, Veyette, Ulbricht, De Luz; II: Mearns, Kistler, Kowroski, J. Stafford, Hanna**, Askegard; III: Hyltin, Reichlen, T. Peck, R. Fairchild, Ramasar, Garcia intermission WHO CARES?: *R. Fairchild, *Morgan, *T. Peck, *Hyltin [solo piano: McDill] WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 6, 7:30 PM(Conductor: Kaplow) A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: TITANIA: Kowroski; OBERON: De Luz; PUCK: Ulbricht; HIPPOLYTA: Reichlen; THESEUS: la Cour; TITANIA’S CAVALIER: Askegard; HELENA: Krohn; DEMETRIUS: Ramasar; HERMIA: Somogyi; LYSANDER: J. Stafford; BUTTERFLY: Pereira; BOTTOM: Seth; DIVERTISSEMENT: Whelan, Neal THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 7, 8 PM (Conductor: Sill) A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: TITANIA: Mearns; OBERON: Garcia; PUCK: Hendrickson; HIPPOLYTA: Scheller; THESEUS: Seth; TITANIA’S CAVALIER: *la Cour; HELENA: Taylor; DEMETRIUS: Higgins; HERMIA: A. Stafford; LYSANDER: Veyette; BUTTERFLY: Dronova; BOTTOM: Danchig-Waring; DIVERTISSEMENT: Ringer, J. Angle FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 8, 8 PM (Conductor: Kaplow) A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: TITANIA: Kistler; OBERON: Veyette; PUCK: Suozzi; HIPPOLYTA: Lowery; THESEUS: *J. Peck; TITANIA’S CAVALIER: Askegard; HELENA: Arthurs; DEMETRIUS: T. Angle; HERMIA: Hyltin; LYSANDER: R. Fairchild; BUTTERFLY: Pollack; BOTTOM: Seth; DIVERTISSEMENT: *A. Stafford, Marcovici SATURDAY MATINEE, JANUARY 9, 2 PM (Conductor: Sill) A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: TITANIA: Kowroski; OBERON: De Luz; PUCK: Ulbricht; HIPPOLYTA: Reichlen; THESEUS: la Cour; TITANIA’S CAVALIER: Askegard; HELENA: Krohn; DEMETRIUS: Ramasar; HERMIA: Somogyi; LYSANDER: J. Stafford; BUTTERFLY: Pereira; BOTTOM: Seth; DIVERTISSEMENT: Whelan, Neal SATURDAY EVENING, JANUARY 9, 8 PM (Conductor: Karoui) NAΪVE AND SENTIMENTAL MUSIC: I: Ringer, Borree, Somogyi, Taylor, A. Stafford, Bouder, M. Fairchild, Neal, T. Angle, Danchig-Waring, J. Angle, Veyette, Ulbricht, De Luz; II: Mearns, Kistler, Kowroski, J. Stafford, Hanna**, Askegard; III: Hyltin, Reichlen, T. Peck, R. Fairchild, Ramasar, Garcia intermission WHO CARES?: R. Fairchild, Morgan, T. Peck, Hyltin [solo piano: McDill] SUNDAY MATINEE, JANUARY 10, 3 PM (Conductor: Kaplow) A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: TITANIA: Kistler; OBERON: Veyette; PUCK: Suozzi; HIPPOLYTA: Lowery; THESEUS: J. Peck; TITANIA’S CAVALIER: Askegard; HELENA: Arthurs; DEMETRIUS: T. Angle; HERMIA: Hyltin; LYSANDER: R. Fairchild; BUTTERFLY: Pollack; BOTTOM: Seth; DIVERTISSEMENT: A. Stafford, Marcovici * First Time in Role ** Guest Artist PROGRAM AND CASTING SUBJECT TO CHANGE (12/29/09)

From a press release last August on the NYCB 2010 season: "The spring season, which will feature performances of 40 different ballets, will open on Tuesday, May 4, and be highlighted by an extraordinary celebration of New York City Ballet’s unparalleled commitment to new choreography featuring world premiere ballets by Melissa Barak, Mauro Bigonzetti, Peter Martins, Wayne McGregor, Benjamin Millepied, Alexei Ratmansky, and Christopher Wheeldon. During the course of the eight-week spring season, seven of the weeks will feature a world premiere. "Four original scores have also been commissioned for the new ballets from: Bruno Moretti, who will work with Bigonzetti, his long-time collaborator; French composer Thierry Escaich, who will work with Millepied; young American composer Jay Greenberg, who will create the score for the Barak ballet; and Esa-Pekka Salonen, who composed a violin concerto for Martins’ spring season world premiere which has been co-commissioned by NYCB, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where the score premiered in April. "In addition, the acclaimed architect Santiago Calatrava will also collaborate with NYCB during the 2010 spring season festival of new choreography." I infer from this that the spring season will be much different than the winter season. Good news! Thanks for the info RUKen!

Although I am not a true fan of story ballets, I am anxious for the winter season to start. I will miss the first week (will be in London. Will see The English National Ballet and Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake this time. ), but will catch the last "A Midsummer's Night Dream." That said, I had to exchange nearly all of my tickets (4 subscriptions) to get around the story ballets that I'd like to avoid. I understand, of course, that the story ballets bring in money, and younger audience members (a good thing), but I do wish that the programming was more diverse. I certainly hope that the spring season doesn't follow this pattern. Thoughts Ballet Talkers?