7 Jul 2011
Swan Lake & Book of Mormon
Last Wednesday, Sarah and I went to see a production by the American Ballet Theatre at Lincoln Center for the first time since we participated in their Under 30 summer deal two summers ago (a great option for anyone wanting to get a chance to see ballet on the main stage by the way!). This time we saw a production of Swan Lake featuring principles Marcelo Gomes and Paloma Herrera. It was if not the best, one of the most wonderful productions I have ever seen in person of any ballet.
Like some of you, three hours of a show with no words and just dance can easily put me to sleep after a long day of work if done wrong, but this was certainly not the case with this one. It was captivating and gorgeous, and a large part of that was due to the amazing skills of Paloma Herrera. Anytime she was on the stage, I don’t think there was a set of eyes that wasn’t watching her glide across it. Just stunning.
This Wednesday, my partner in culture and I followed up our previous week’s Swan Lake performance with a showing of the Tony award winning, hottest ticket on Broadway, The Book of Mormon. As suspected, it truly lived up to all the hype. Having seen this year’s other showstopper/Tony Award winner, Anything Goes, earlier in the season - it was fun to compare how different and equally excellent they were. Last night’s production was completely hilarious, brilliantly casted, and filled with songs that you immediately wanted to know all the lyrics to. The leads played by Tony-nominated Josh Gad, Tony-winner Nikki M. James, and Andrew Rannells were absolutely fantastic; particularly Gad who just couldn’t have been more perfect for the part of Elder Cunningham keeping the cast in stitches throughout the two and a half hours.
These days, at the end of shows - no matter how great they are - audiences tend to bolt for the doors to get the first available cab or race to the subway before giving the production the credit its due. One indication that both of these shows were every bit as excellent as I felt they were is that the audiences at both stood clapping and cheering from the second each one ended - with each standing ovation lasting long past the final bow. Such a pleasant and well deserved surprise at both of the shows I was lucky enough to take in this week. If you get the chance, get yourselves over to the west side and see a ballet at Lincoln Center or find a way to score tickets to Book of Mormon soon!
