Wednesday, May 25, 2011

It’s Fleet Week in NYC...but no ‘Fancy Free’

So to begin, it’s Fleet Week in New York City again....and I got this quick shot as the parade of ships was coming down the Hudson River (with an air escort).  A heartfelt thank you to the men and women of the US Navy and all of the other members of our armed forces serving and retired.

In less important news, tonight will be my second, of at least nine, trips to see American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House this season.   Reservedly looking forward to tonight’s mixed bill repertory program, which includes Shadowplay, and new pieces by Millepied, Ratmansky and Wheeldon.  Based on last night’s twitter activity, no one seemed to enjoy the first three but the Wheeldon won over some hearts.   Unlike last year’s repertory which included the always pleasing “On the Town”-esque “Fancy Free”, I’m told that tonight’s rep is almost entirely abstract and without story.  Sounds like more of a NYCB program....but I’m hoping to be pleasantly surprised.  What I am really looking forward to is seeing some more of the glorious members of ABT’s corps de ballet and soloists in featured roles.  With all the guest principals descending on NY this season, in part due to unfortunate injury to Herman Cornejo and Ethan Stiefel’s withdrawal from the season, I really hope tonight’s program lets some of the younger dancers shine.  Fingers crossed that next season we will see more than one matinee with real leading roles danced by Stella Abrera, Jared Matthews and Yuriko Kajiya and maybe even some principal performances by Isabella Boylston, Simone Messmer and Sarah Lane.   

Stay tuned on my thoughts of tonight’s performance!

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