Sunday, May 6, 2007

Review: Romeo + Juliet (NYC Ballet)


This Saturday, I decided to take advantage of the culture in my own backyard by seeing the New York City Ballet's production of Romeo + Juliet. It took place at Lincoln Center and was a classical rendition of the ballet (Peter Martin, choreographer), to Prokofiev's score.


Our seats were up high, and rather than this being a disadvantage, it really allowed us to see how everything came together to create a beautiful production. In ballet, there are no words; it is up to dance, expression, and costumes to 'tell the story': to tell us who each character is, what their position is, what they are doing, and how they are feeling. From up high, it was possible to note the intricate choreography and the formation of the dancers. The costumes were vibrant and looked spectacular from the birds-eye view. Even from a distance, we were able to tell the fabrics and textures. The costumers dressed the Montagues in cool colors and the Capulets in warm, easing interpretations during full-cast scenes. The music and the lighting, swelling and waning together, added to the emotions experienced in the story of the star-crossed lovers. The entire production was beautiful and moving - it amazes me that all of this talent is put together for a mere 2-week run; and whilst it seems a shame that it doesn't run for longer, it also makes my opportunity to share in the event even more meaningful.

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