The New York Times reports
that ABT will announce tomorrow that it will establish a Nutcracker franchise at the Brooklyn Academy of Music
beginning in 2010. The new choreography will be by Alexei Ratmansky and will be
in residence at BAM for at least five years – starting with a two week run and
increasing to four weeks!
Costumes and sets will be by The Lion King
collaborator Richard Hudson. Jennifer Tipton will design the
lighting. David Koch will put up the initial $2.5 million –
50% of the initial costs of creation and rehearsals.
Thank you, Mr. Koch.
This will not only be a tremendous boost for ABT,
but it will be a huge shot in the arm for Brooklyn. Assuming that NYC can
finish with the street construction around BAM by next year, a major residency
like this will truly help to transform and enhance the neighborhood.
An ABT
Nutcracker was on Haglund's Wish List, but a two to four week ABT residency up
the street from his pad was more than he ever hoped for. He feels so
blessed. And last night, Shoeless Joe emerged from a corn field to visit Haglund in his dreams and urged
him not to stop wishing for Mayerling - "It too will come," he said.If we wish for it, it will come.
I was at the Met gift shop yesterday, and I saw a DVD of ABT's "The Nutcracker." I wondered if ABT would ever perform this ballet again. I'm guessing they don't want to compete with NYCB's but the BAM solution is perfect! I can't wait to see the wonderful David Hallberg as the Cavalier (and Gillian, Michelle and Paloma -- I adore Paloma -- as the SP fairy and Dewdrop). I hope they cast Hee Seo (love her!) in a major part. Oops... I'm getting carried away. BAM is wonderful; I'm lucky enough to be a member.
I do hope that Shoeless Joe comes to you again in your dream to tell you that the Yanks will win the W.S in 2010. I'm getting a little nervous that the Sox are serious contenders for Halladay (boy am I going through baseball/Yank withdrawal!).
Posted by: Deborah | November 30, 2009 at 05:42 AM
I hope it will be a traditional(or semi-traditional)production and Mr R. will not be too modern in his concept.
I get worried when they hire Broadway-based designers(remember the Sleeping Beauty fiasco).
Posted by: jose | November 30, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Hi Deborah!
Listen, Halladay WANTS to be a Yankee. Yesterday, it was rumor-reported all over the internet that he says he's willing to waive the No Trade Clause in his contract in order to come to the Yankees. That's exactly what Roger Clemens did to get here! Fingers crossed!!
Haglund can't wait until next December for ABT's new Nutcracker. Two weeks of performances – with weekday matinees for school kids – could turn into 25 performances! Imagine the youngsters in the corps who will get an opportunity to shine in principal roles. This will be very exciting!
Posted by: Haglund | November 30, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Hi Jose. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Yeah, Haglund is a bit nervous about the Broadway-based designers waltzing into ballet and opera because the results are usually more disney-disappointing than pleasing. Let's hope for a fearsome Rat King from Richard Hudson that doesn't resemble Mickey Mouse.
Haglund trusts Ratmansky with The Nutcracker. A-Rat has artistic common sense and knows what the ballet means to kids and to the child in all of us.
- Haglund
Posted by: Haglund | November 30, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Ooh I can't wait!
Posted by: Rebekah Diaddigo | December 29, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Hi Rebekah! The excitement about the new Nutcracker is building already. It definitely will be one of the highlights of the next holiday season.
- Haglund
Posted by: Haglund's Heel | December 29, 2009 at 09:35 PM
What's better than an ABT vs Mark Morris' Hard Nut battle in Brooklyn, 2010?
Posted by: Joe | March 24, 2010 at 10:58 AM
LOL! It would really just be one more battle over the gentrification of the neighborhood, wouldn't it? Hope those Atlantic Yards protesters keep their distance.
Posted by: Haglund's Heel | March 24, 2010 at 05:02 PM