Comments on: Photo Preview: San Francisco Ballet’s Swan Lake

By: jolene

jolene — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:30:19 +0000

Ah yes. Is Kevin McKenzie’s production the same one that was released on DVD with Gillian Murphy and Angel Corella? I felt like it fell in the common trap of an artistic director who thinks WAY too much about the details but misses the glaring obvious things. He thought so carefully about making Von Rothbart danced by two dancers, yet missed the mark about the swamp thing get-up that has been the subject of much debate.

I do think it is a difficult job though, to revive a well loved, extremely traditional ballet. There’s huge pressure to stick to the original not to offend its fans, with equally strong pressure to make it “different” often only for the sake of making it “modern” and “cutting edge”. Despite mixed reviews, I still love the ballet and its music (and the company!), and I still think this will be one of the best programs of the year for SFB.

By: Philip

Philip — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:46:05 +0000

Here in NYC we have a choice between ABT’s basically traditional production with a few bad patches (Rothbart’s swamp-creature get-up) and the very controversial Peter Martins production with its eyesore sets and some questionable costuming but which is really dance-oriented and has an extraordinarily powerful conclusion. I will be curious to read more about the SFB production but at first glance I would say the swans’ headpieces urgently need to be changed.

By: jolene

jolene — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:34:54 +0000

Awesome! Thanks for the in-person preview. I can’t imagine how heavenly Yuan Yuan Tan is – she seems to be the ideal for the role. Her balances during the gala performance made people gasp out loud. I’ve missed Helimets too, and I’m glad he’s back on stage. Do tell me how Tina and Lorena are as well – I’m really curious how they both will interpret the role. Hm, I’m intrigued by what you say about the production and the sets. The SF Chronicle review also seems to point out a few problems as well – giggling during Swan Lake usually isn’t a good thing.

I can’t wait to see it…!

By: Jerry Hill

Jerry Hill — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:13:19 +0000

Ho! I’m one of the many hits looking for your thoughts. I saw the opening night with Yuan Yuan, whom I now call Swan Yuan. Simply put I thought it was the most extraordianry performance by a prima ballerina I have ever seen (of hundreds). Her balances and acting were beyond imagining. For me it is virtually impossible to imagine a more compelling performance. Tiit was a secure partner, which is the role in this ballet. See Tina on Tuesday and Lorena on Wednesday. The production and sets are a different story, which will take more time to absorb. Read somewhere that this production must last 15 years. Good grief, that may be hard! Thanks so much for your thoughtful reviews.