Smart move by ABT to upload its casting earlier than in years past. Had hoped to see some principal casting for Curley, Frenette, Klein, and Ishchuk. They may show up in underpants in Petite Mort but would rather see them suited up in the royal regalia of Ballet Imperial and Etudes.
Cornejo, Bell, and Roxander in the more virtuosic solo in Etudes should be electrifying if they all can get those arabesque legs up and hang onto their double tours. Remembering Ahn's bravery in his knock down, death-defying Ali in Le Corsaire a few years back made Haglund think that he'd be pegged for this role, but he'll be fine in the other role in both the second and third casts. Hopefully, Cornejo, Bell and Roxander will understand that the audience won't care if they accelerate the double tours past the tempo; just get the damn eight in -- or do nine if there's time. Not sure what to expect from the corps which generally gets from Point A to Point B cleanly in white acts, but needs to dance from Point A to Point B in the Etudes finale. Fingers crossed. So happy to see Devon Teuscher leading opening night.
It will be great to see Michael de la Nuez's beautiful jumps as Olga's Fiance in On the Dnipro, but it's a shame that room couldn't be made for Eric Tamm's reprisal of the role, too.
Shevchenko, Royal, and Misseldine in Ballet Imperial on a program with Cassandra Trenary and Aran Bell in The Dream will make for two glorious performances.
Not much to complain about; so, we won't. Tickets on sale Wednesday, September 6th at noon.