observations 8/28

        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.

 

Comments

[Jennifer]

I wonder when promotions will be announced. They are certainly featuring Roxander this fall. Loved him as Mercutio.

[Haglund]

Don't know, Jennifer. It's hard to judge how Susan Jaffe is going to make her decisions, especially whether they will be made based on merit or other socio-political reasons. Over the past decades, we've seen many instances of "FtF" - Featured then Forgotten - at ABT. One of the most heartbreaking examples was Joseph Phillips who had a similar physique to Roxander but with much cleaner classical lines. And the ABT soloist ranks have always been loaded with FtF. Among the most inexplicable instances: Joaquin de Luz and Erica Cornejo. Hopefully, that degree of myopia has been cured with Jaffe's fresh lenses. Right now, there are a half dozen corpsmen who have already thrilled us in soloist & principal roles who should be recognized with promotions. Fewer women have had opportunities. I wonder just how long we're going to have to wait for Elisabeth Beyer who has been achieving principal "artist" performances since she was 14 years old.

[NorthHudson]

"whether they will be made based on merit or other socio-political reasons"

We all know what the answer to this is. However, I see something significant occurring in the next 1-2 years that will cause a massive sea change in the way these things are being approached.

[Haglund]

and that is ______?

[Solor]

"We all know what the answer to this is." A cheap shot. Why not wait and see?

[Bowver]

Curious if you have any thoughts about the NYCB Orchestra labor issue? It's always been so nice how you recognize the quality of the music.
I wonder if Local 1 would cross a picket line if there is a strike. Might be moot if the dancers refuse to cross.
I was told by a member of the orchestra that the NYCB used taped music at the last musicians' strike...

[Haglund]

Cannot believe this is happening again! The main media hasn’t mentioned it - that I recall. I suppose this is connected with the belt tightening at SAB last week with the cutting of Darla Hoover, Susan Pilarre, and Sheryl Ware. It’s hard to tell what the current state of the endowment is, but the company’s total assets are down by about $40 million from the previous year. I do think that it will be a very hard sell if the orchestra tries to use the pandemic a second time in its negotiations and public outreach.

[Bowver]

You're right-- the West Side Rag has given it more coverage than anyone!
And yes, the orchestra is still vocal about the pandemic cutbacks.
We'll see soon...