Tuesday June 24, 2008 - A new Prodigal and Siren and cast changes in THOU SWELL and BRAHMS-SCHOENBERG QUARTET made this evening at New York City Ballet a necessity.
Sara Mearns in THOU SWELL with Jared Angle, Charles Askegard and Nilas Martins (Paul Kolnik photo). Amar Ramasar was the forth tuxedoed gent tonight. Sara has now moved into Darci Kistler's role and Rebecca Krohn has taken over from Sara. Yvonne Borree and Faye Arthurs retain their usual roles. Rebecca surprised me with her convincing jazz-baby-vamp and she looked stunning in the slit black-and-red gown and black toe shoes. Sara was simply grand in her new role, spinning off some gorgeous turns. Faye has a great opportunity to shine here - the role seems tailored to show off her soaring extension - and Yvonne also has a congenial role. But the ballet itself doesn't hold up so well with repeated viewings.
Kaitlyn Gilliland and Joaquin de Luz (Paul Kolnik headshots) gave us a vivid and moving performance of PRODIGAL SON. The ballet is nearly nearly eighty years old but seems fresher than ever; the remarkable Rouault sets could never be improved upon and Balanchine's use of the Prokofiev score in terms of both dance and narrative is perfect. Joaquin's skills as a virtuoso assured that all the leaps and turns in the opening scene were brilliantly executed. What amazed was the power of his characterization: his boyish stature and clarity of expression and the growing sense of vulnerability as he ventures out of his depth and falls victim to seduction and deceit. The scene of his degradation and his shattered, pathetic return home were rendered with extraordinary poignancy by Joaquin; he really showed us the Prodigal's soul. Kaitlyn's youthful Siren played perfectly off Joaquin's interpretation; in a way they both seemed like lost children. But the Siren has learned to be shrewd and manipulative at an early age - out of necessity. Kaitlyn looked superb: pale and aloof. Her dancing was authoritative using her long legs to hypnotic effect. How fortunate we are to have two top-class Prodigals (Ulbricht and de Luz) and no fewer than three grand Sirens (Maria K, Tess Reichlen and Kaitlyn) all in our own Company. Dena Abergel, Pauline Golbin, Ask LaCour, Kyle Froman and Antonio Carmena added so much to the atmosphere of this very impressive performance. Despite sustained applause and numerous bows, we could not persuade Joaquin to step out for a solo call.
In the first movement of BRAHMS-SCHOENBERG we could welcome soloist Ellen Bar back after what seems like a very long absence. I'd almost forgotten what an attractive dancer she is. Rachel Rutherford has newly assumed the principal role in this section and it suits her superbly. She has in fact never seemed so luminous onstage as she did here, swept thru the music by the dashing Philip Neal. Another B-S Q newcomer, Sterling Hyltin gave a beautiful yielding quality to her swoons and danced with a nice lightness of touch. Stephen Hanna was her ardent, protective partner. Yvonne Borree and Andrew Veyette moved persuasively thru the changing musical moods of the third movement which goes from romantic restraint to bursts of extroverted joy. In the finale, Sara Mearns and Amar Ramasar threw caution to the winds and danced with full-out bravado, relishing all the gypsy flavour of the score. BRAHMS-SCHOENBERG is a great corps-watchers ballet; the girls look prettier than ever in their glorious Karinska costumes. It seemed like the first movement was a virtual role-call of favorite dancers. Later the two trios (Muller/Beskow/Abergel and Golbin/Dronova/Laracey) brought so much grace to the stage picture - each girl so distinctive in her own right. An additional flutter of excitement accompanied the 3rd Movement tonight as the newest Apprentices, Lydia Wellington and Megan Johnson, have stepped into the corps here, looking perfectly at ease among their more seasoned 'sisters'. I wish bonne chance to these two young dancers.
Great to see you last night! I must confess that I sat out Thou Swell. It's too long, and the choreography is dull. The costumes are lovely, and the dancers give it their all, but the singers were off-key (a week or so ago) and it made for an unpleasant viewing. That said -- Joaquin!!! My goodness. He was, as you said, simply spectacular. I was so disappointed that he didn't come out for a solo bow, but it just shows what a gentleman he is. What do you think about Antonio possibly being another "Prodigal?" I think he'd be pretty terrific.
I love Brahms-Schoenberg. Everyone was wonderful but Sara and Amar were truly outstanding. I am so happy that Rachel is dancing more principal roles. Make her a principal already! (along with all the other folks we agree on). I also missed Adrian last night (I don't think he was dancin. And Sean needs more roles!
Andrew Veyette did a wonderful job with Yvonne (it seems like he was able to calm her nerves a bit). Yvonne has been gorgeous this week! And how fun to see the new apprentices! I was also happy to see Ellen Bar. Welcome back!
See you Friday night!
Posted by: Deborah | June 25, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Yes, I think Antonio would be really exciting as the Prodigal...
Posted by: Philip | June 25, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I am still in a post-Joaquin Prodigal glow this morning.
He really did a tremendous job. It's amazing how much talent is in the company - I am with Deborah on her observations - and I've decided that if Sara Mearns is not promoted by the end of their time at Saratoga, I will officially being a "Sara Mearns for Principal" petition and deliver it to Mr. Martins myself!
Posted by: Sarah | June 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Sarah - I sit in front of Peter so I'll hand it to him! (he's incredibly nice and friendly too!).
Posted by: Deborah | June 25, 2008 at 01:01 PM
I sometimes shake my head at how quickly some people are promoted while others seem to languish...so deserving of a promotion but having to wait so much longer. At any rate - I LOVE Joaquin and had forgotten how wonderful he really is. I am so happy to have him back!
Posted by: Laura | June 25, 2008 at 01:44 PM
My friend Rob was surprised that Sara isn't already a principal since she has been the star of every performance he's gone to this season. Wasn't there a five-week period where she danced every single night?
An announcement has to happen soon...maybe at Dancers' Choice?
Joaquin is fantastic, we're so lucky to have him in the Company.
Posted by: Philip | June 25, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Yes. And I won't name anybody, but some people promoted in recent months / yearsr were in the corps or soloist rank for such a short time. I just don't get it.
Posted by: Laura | June 25, 2008 at 03:09 PM