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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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.”

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.”