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Showing posts from December, 2017

Met's Hansel and Gretel is a Full Course Delight

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The cast of Hansel and Gretel take a bow I've come to accept that the Met opera seasons are like a curate's egg. You can't expect a consistent level of quality and inspiration anymore. But once in awhile, you might stumble upon a totally delightful performance. And such was the case with their holiday presentation of Hansel and Gretel . Despite a mid-performance substitution (Tara Erraught, the production's Hansel, sounded wan in the first two acts and was replaced after intermission by Ingeborg Gillebo) the overall performance was one of the best things I've seen the Met do in, well, quite awhile.

Nutcracker Season: Sweets Amid Turmoil ...

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The blindingly beautiful Snow Scene, photo @ Paul Kolnik This year I went to an unprecedented seven (!!!) NYCB Nutcrackers . Don't ask how it happened, it just did. First of all, when I bought the tickets to the Nutcracker , I just wanted a happy, uncomplicated experience. But then, well ... #metoo happened to NYCB. It's AD Peter Martins was accused of sexual harassment and abuse and  took a leave of absence from both SAB and NYCB . The charges turned more serious with accusations of physical abuse . I hope the board acts quickly to fully investigate these charges. With that being said I admire the company even more for carrying on with their level of professionalism and high standards amidst the turmoil. There is an element of comfort food to  Nutcracker  season. Every year I laugh at the funny, skittish mice, I marvel at the beauty of Balanchine's Snowflakes, I go squishy at the adorable bunny pulling the tail of the Mouse King, blah blah blah. I also revisit my fa