Single tickets for ABT's Kennedy Center run are now available for purchase. ABT finally found the courage to list the casting for Symphony in C (on the KC site, not ABT's site). Right now, it appears that the opening performance has a fairly good chance of embarrassing all involved when it comes time for the finale. Maybe they will change the choreography to accommodate the new principal who can't do jeté battu or any battu on her good days and maybe they'll slow down the third movement so that couple can muscle their ways through it or perhaps even throw in a 540 for the crowd's pleasure. Whatever happens, however, it's not going to look like Symphony in C when that finale comes barreling around that bend. Oh, Lordy. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Herrera, Lane, and Matthews who will do very well.
The second night's cast looks quite promising except for the fact that the missing link, Stella Abrera, has not been cast in the First Movement yet which is still TBA. Is it really possible that this brilliant ballerina will only get one performance of this ballet in remote Hong Kong and none in the U.S.? It's already a crime that we'll miss her in the Met casting even though she is far more qualified to meet the demands of the First Movement without muscling her way through it. Has McKenzie forgotten about her outstanding successes in Balanchine's Symphony Concertante and Ballet Imperial — or is he just ignoring them?
A snapshot of the Le Corsaire sales shows that at this particular moment the cast of Herrera, Gomes, Abrera, Cornejo is outselling the Osipova, Vasiliev, Simkin performance 39% to 49% (seats remaining) with the Saturday night cast that features Joe Phillips' debut as Ali with only 52% remaining. Wow, is it possible that naive ballet wahoos everywhere are finally tiring of the O/V/S circus? Maybe ABT should get busy with its free ticket handouts for Sunday to insure that enough screamyboppers show up to make noise for O/V/S.
So, Haglund'eelers, let's all drum our fingers on whatever surface one pleases until that final TBA in Symphony in C gets posted. Don't hold your breath waiting for Abrera to get it, but be grateful if she does. As a precaution, be sure to see Symphony in C at NYCB this week — that is, if you want to be sure to see how it should be danced.
4 responses to “ABT @ Kennedy Center”
It is inconceivable to me that Simkin is cast in Symphony in C. I thought this program, especially the first night would be safe.
In the KenCen brochure for this month, there is a picture of Vasiliev as Ali. After photos of Corella and Carreno, this just looks crude.
I haven’t given them money this year and I have not renewed my Met subscriptions. I am genuinely sad and in grief about the ABT situation.
It is inconceivable to me that Simkin is cast in Symphony in C. I thought this program, especially the first night would be safe.
In the KenCen brochure for this month, there is a picture of Vasiliev as Ali. After photos of Corella and Carreno, this just looks crude.
I haven’t given them money this year and I have not renewed my Met subscriptions. I am genuinely sad and in grief about the ABT situation.
dc, “crude” is a very good description of Vasiliev’s dancing; there certainly is not an ounce of grace in it. Just wait until the folks at KC get a glimpse of him in white tights as Conrad at the Sunday matinee.
I think you’re with the majority who doesn’t understand Simkin’s casting in Symph in C — especially when there are so many other dancers in the company who could dance it well, if given the opportunity.
dc, “crude” is a very good description of Vasiliev’s dancing; there certainly is not an ounce of grace in it. Just wait until the folks at KC get a glimpse of him in white tights as Conrad at the Sunday matinee.
I think you’re with the majority who doesn’t understand Simkin’s casting in Symph in C — especially when there are so many other dancers in the company who could dance it well, if given the opportunity.