Whoa, this almost got by old Haglund.
We knew that the Royal New Zealand Ballet planned to take its new Stiefel/Kobborg production of Giselle to China next year, but now it seems that there is a trip to NYC planned also. In a filmed interview for TVNZ, AD Ethan Stiefel and the director of the new RNZB feature film, Toa Fraser, spoke about filming the production while the company tours New Zealand "before heading to China and New York next year."
The interview includes some brief footage of Gillian Murphy in Acts I & II (watch the huge lift by Qi Huan's Albrecht) and, of course, what would an interview with Stiefel be without footage from Center Stage - except this footage shows Radetsky!
Who could possibly be surprised that Stiefel is bringing RNZB and its Giselle starring Gillian Murphy to NYC? Well, possibly Kevin McKenzie who has never given her the chance to dance the title role in her 16 years with ABT. There's nothing like having your bad decisions shoved in your face in the center of Manhattan.
I see a Royal New Zealand Ballet Marathon in my future. So glad you're giving us this to look forward to.
Posted by: Angelica Smith | November 30, 2012 at 09:39 AM
We'll have to keep a sharp eye out for potential venues. My guess is that City Center might be a bargain for touring companies right now given the defections of Paul Taylor and ABT, but the New York State Theater is still a possibility.
Posted by: Haglund | November 30, 2012 at 09:44 AM
Oh, goodness me. Happy for everyone at RNZB!
Posted by: Kit | November 30, 2012 at 10:40 AM
Hi Kit. They are going to China, too. It may be close enough for you to catch a performance.
Posted by: Haglund | November 30, 2012 at 10:43 AM
Woo hoo!!
Posted by: Rachelmarch | November 30, 2012 at 10:54 AM
I've been waiting for some announcement from the Lincoln Center summer festival for 2013 and wonder if RNZB might come in July or August under their sponsorship. In recent years, of course, they brought POB and Mariinsky. With a headliner like Murphy, they could do well at the State Theater.
Posted by: Julie | November 30, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Julie, you are absolutely right, and LC Summer Festival loves to bring smaller, unique groups as well as the big POB, etc. I hope we get lucky.
Posted by: Haglund | November 30, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Haglund, China is close enough for a couple of hours flight--if I had the money. Alas, no (and will likely be that way for years). So I will live vicariously through pictures and videoclips and reports. Still, I am very happy for the company--and our boy Ethan :)! Perhaps if they release a DVD later on, I might be able to order online...
Posted by: Kit | November 30, 2012 at 02:37 PM
... or, Kit, the wide international distribution of the movie that RNZB says has already been arranged just might include your area. Keep your fingers crossed.
Posted by: Haglund | November 30, 2012 at 04:05 PM
There's a hopeful thought! :)
Posted by: Kit | November 30, 2012 at 06:33 PM
Another interview with Toa Fraser confirms that RNZB's Giselle will be shot in New York next year following shooting in Auckland and Shanghai, and that the movie will be released later in 2013!
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/artsonsunday/audio/2540278/toa-fraser.asx
Posted by: Haglund | December 06, 2012 at 11:11 PM