Swan Lake Samba Girl - Latest Comments in MORE BEAUTIES

Re: MORE BEAUTIES

Michael Northrop — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:06:01 -0000

Ah, you are so lucky to have seen all of those casts! I saw Katie's Morgan's debut as Aurora, which was fantastic, of course.

I hear what you're saying about the acting, but I really thought Tyler Angle was a perfect fit as Prince Desire: He always has such a courtly quality anyway, and as you said, he was a perfect partner, solid and supportive. And that's really my interpretation of the role. I mean, this isn't Romeo and Juliet, with co-billing for co-leads: It's Aurora's world. Which is not to say that the prince should be a bloodless automaton, but my take is that he's the perfect, supportive, princely partner. And that was Angle to a t.

Anyway, you're right: Katie was amazing. Compared to Peck and Bouder, she has a softer more vulnerable quality. (Can you imagine the sort of magic it would take to keep Bouder motionless for all those years?!) Again, it seems to fit the role and was especially effective in the Vision scene. I also thought Megan Fairchild was flawless as Princess Florine and Ulbricht was astounding as a jester but DEAR LORD IN HEAVEN get that man some longer roles—it's like being allowed to watch only one burst of a fireworks display!

Re: MORE BEAUTIES

TeriMcCollum — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:42:44 -0000

Hello from San Francisco! All I have to say is FINALLY New Yorkers are "getting" Gonzalo Garcia's talents. I write the SFB Fan Newsletter (going to go full "Blog" any minute) and can tell you we left-coasters have been sick and tired of the poor (or NO) Gonzalo reviews over his last couple seasons at NYCB. It is entirely clear to me that NYCB (Mr. Martins) hasn't known what to DO with Gonzalo-how to "mine" his many extraordinary talents. As a former ballerina, I can tell you that Gonzalo's "Apollo" at SFB was one of the most amazing characterizations I've ever seen. Personally, I think there's a bit of NY "uppityness" and petty jealousy about ABT and NYCB somehow being "better" companies than SFB. And all I can say to those peeps are: Ever see the wealth of talent in SFB? Seen our guys lately?No...didn't think so. Times have changed and SFB's dancers' many strengths top (sorry) NYCB's recent roster on so many levels...even on a bad day. Admittedly, Gonzalo was not our finest technician, but his magnetic presence and energy made him a star...and still should, if Mr. Martins gets a clue. NYCB just hasn't known how to use him... He hasn't even been cast in some of his best roles! We miss you Gonzalo! And thanks for blogging about him-you just wait and see if he doesn't break your heart in upcoming roles!

Re: MORE BEAUTIES

@catchip — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:45:28 -0000

Hi, I saw the same casts you did and your comments really chimed with me - particularly re Gonzalo Garcia's Prince and the Morgan/Angle fishdives! All the Auroras were wonderful in their different ways. Will look out for your Swan Lake review, the Martins version will be a first for me too. Nice site!

Re: MORE BEAUTIES

Bob — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:05:02 -0000

I saw only two performances - the Bouder/Veyette partnership and the Morgan/Angle partnership. Ashley and Katie were distinctly different in their interpretations of Aurora but both were, in my opinion, simply magnificent. As for the partnerships themselves, I would have to agree with you in casting my vote for Katie and Tyler. Their chemistry and rapport on stage was extraordinary and their wedding pas de deux was pure perfection. I also agree with Philip in expressing the wish that the company would do a week of Sleeping Beauty every year in lieu of an extra week of Nutcracker.

Re: MORE BEAUTIES

Philip — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:10:24 -0000

I think it's difficult - and actually rather pointless - to say someone was 'best' in a given role. Much better just to savor all the variety of interpretations we were offered duriung the two weeks. As Sarah said to me on Sunday: "We are so spoiled." Yes, we are spoiled rotten by this wealth of talent.

Joaquin was beautiful of course and Megan Fairchild was perfection as Aurora. I sometimes think they should do BEAUTY annually in the week between Christmas and New Year, rather than an additional week of NUTZ.

Re: MORE BEAUTIES

vanessaveronica — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:02:14 -0000

Very interesting analysis...I wasn't fortunate enough to see all the casts, but I absolutely agree with your insights on deeper, fuller acting. It makes such a world of difference for the audience. I was still thinking about the Peck-Garcia performance days later, thanks to those special touches they added.
Thanks to you for articulating their artistry so beautifully! Your reviews are always so much fun to read! All best, Vanessa

Re: MORE BEAUTIES

www.martinemussies.nl — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:41:14 -0000

Beautiful pictures and a very, very interesting post! Best wishes from the Netherlands, xMM