More MidsummerMagic from SPAC

Paul Kolnik's photo of Tiler Peck and Andrew Veyette in the New York City Ballet's production of COPPELIA. MidsummerMagic reports from Saratoga:

"SELLOUT! Saturday's matinee of COPPELIA at SPAC played to a packed house and lawn. Saratoga's own ballet, local children in the cast, excellent marketing, all contributed to the best day that I've seen there in years. We've learned that the standard repertory brings in the fans and curious adults, but the full lengths bring in the families that are the future audience. Many Saratoga children have grown up on SPAC's lawn. Some of them move on to others interests in adulthood, but for many the ballet becomes a lifelong love.

 

Mission accomplished. SPAC's attendance figures are way up.

 

The huge audience (almost double the capacity of the Koch Theater) had the chance to see the new gold standard in the role of Swanhilda. Tiler Peck was expressive in putting the character across, technically brilliant, and radiantly beaming all the way to the back row.

 

SCOTCH SYMPHONY is one of those ballets that looks especially beautiful in our sylvan setting. I would have preferred to see it earlier in the evening, as the sun was setting, befitting the dusky atmosphere of the Scottish Highlands (I did not care for the new backdrop by the way). Although Kathryn Morgan was injured (and her performance here was SO eagerly awaited), any chance to see Jenifer Ringer in the ballerina role is a good day. Partnered by Robert Fairchild (whose Saturday evening performance was stunning, compared to a serviceable Thursday matinee), this gem of a ballet, not seen here for many years, was breathtaking. Erica Pereira (tiny and sprightly) and Brittany Pollack (taller and a "bigger" dancer) shared the Highland girl solo. Both were outstanding, each in her own way--and the small corps was a joy to watch.

 

The season ended as it began--girls in white or black or pink leotards, guys in white t-shirts and black tights, a simple blue background, and the startling (no matter how many times you have seen it) and stark SYMPHONY IN THREE MOVEMENTS again looking outstanding with this cast.

 

Hello, and goodbye. We miss you already. Come back soon. Stay longer."

Comments

[Laura]

Thanks for the review! I am so happy to hear the crowds were huge at SPAC...twice the size of Koch Theatre?!?! Amazing!! Counting down the days to the Tokyo tour so I can follow casting and performance updates again!!

[Anne Coburn Whitmore]

Thanks so much, MM!
I love Saratoga - it's a dear place.