Christopher Hampton (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Sunset Boulevard,The Talking Cure): “The world is full of people telling you how to rewrite your play. Generally that has a homogenising effect because the advice people give you is based on their experience of other plays. … it all takes away those jagged edges that really cut into the audience.”
Tag: 06.02.16
Guillaume Côté Choreographs His First-Full-Length Ballet – $2 Million’s Worth
“Although Côté has staged short dance pieces before, Le Petit Prince‘s world premiere on Saturday marks his full-length ballet debut as a choreographer. Carrying a hefty $2-million price tag (covered by a single private donor), it’s also the first new full-length production by a Canadian choreographer that the National Ballet has staged in a decade.” (includes video clips)
Top Posts From AJBlogs 06.02.16
So simple to fix
In my recent posts, I’ve noted a lack of real physicality in most opera stagings, which — to cite just one problem it causes — can lead to violent moments not looking violent. Which then … read more
AJBlog: Sandow Published 2016-06-02
Review: Meet Rob Clearfield
Rob Clearfield, Islands (ears & eyes records) Pianist and composer Rob Clearfield is a member of Chicago’s under-30 jazz community, admired for work as a sideman with bassist Matt Ulery and pianist-singer Patricia Barber, among … read more
AJBlog: RiffTides Published 2016-06-02
So you want to see a show?
Here’s my list of recommended Broadway, off-Broadway, and out-of-town shows, updated weekly. In all cases, I gave these shows favorable reviews (if sometimes qualifiedly so) in The Wall Street Journal when they opened. … read more
AJBlog: About Last Night Published 2016-06-02
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Is The Internet Making You Dumb? So Says This Study
“This study suggests it may not be the screen time that’s at fault for lessened abilities—it’s the low quality of most online content. The IJBA study suggests that people who read more low-quality content had lower sophistication, syntax, cadence, and rhythm in their own writing.”
Louvre Shuts And Evacuates Art As Seine Floods
“The Louvre will remain closed on Friday to allow staff to evacuate tens of thousands of “reserve” paintings and sculptures in its underground store rooms. Fears had been growing all day of serious flooding in Paris as the European football championship approaches – despite official assurances that all should be well.”
“Hamilton” Original Cast Start Planning Their Exits
“On July 9, less than a month after the Tony Awards, where Hamilton has a record 16 nominations, the contracts of many members of the current company — including Miranda, who also wrote the show’s book and music — will expire, sources close to the production tell The Hollywood Reporter.”
Alex Ross: What The Choice Of Nezet-Seguin Means For The Met
“What is needed at the Met — as at many other big organizations, notably the New York Philharmonic—is not some magical charismatic personality who will pacify all parties but a fundamental rethinking of the institution.”
Can The Met Opera Really Wait Four Years Without A Music Director?
“What is surprising… and concerning, is how long the Met is willing to go without a music director, even an interim appointment. After becoming director designate in 2017, Mr. Nézet-Séguin does not officially begin his tenure until the start of the 2020-21 season.”
Attorney General Report: Here’s Why You Can’t Buy Tickets To Popular Shows
“In his January report, New York state attorney general Eric T. Schneiderman looked at the number of tickets available to the general public. Analyzing the top grossing shows in New York between 2012 and 2015, it found that fewer than half of tickets sold were typically available to the general public for any given concert.”
It’s Official: Yannick Is Met Opera’s Next Music Director – But Met Must Share Him With Philly For At Least Ten More Years
“Nézet-Séguin, 41, will phase in his Met duties gradually, becoming music director-designate in the 2017-18 season with two productions, and music director in 2020-21 leading five, the opera company announced Thursday. In a simultaneous development, the conductor and the Philadelphia Orchestra have extended his contract with a deal keeping him in the post through 2025-26 – at least.”