An odd evening at La Scala saw Balanchine’s pure, sparkling choreography for Symphony in C sandwiched between two new contemporary creations on music which has already had phenomenally successful choreographies set to it: Ravel’s La Valse (Nijinska, Lifar, Balanchine, Ashton) and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade (Fokine). This new La Valse was choreographed by Stefania Ballone … [Read more...] about Balanchine saves the day – a triple bill at La Scala: La Valse, Symphony in C and Scheherazade
Stephen Sondheim
Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson to star in Sweeney Todd in London
After the success of Sweeney Todd in concert with the New York Philharmonic in March of this year, Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson return in their roles for thirteen performances at the London Coliseum. It will be the first musical under the new collaboration between English National Opera and the GradeLinnit Company, which will see several semi-staged musicals and one fully … [Read more...] about Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson to star in Sweeney Todd in London
Alessandra Ferri’s classy comeback
There are comebacks and comebacks: the rather sad, end-of-the-pier affair, because money's run out and there's alimony to pay; the small cameo 'because I miss the applause'; and Alessandra Ferri. Ferri's various comeback projects are classy with a piece being created for her by Martha Clarke based on Colette's novel Cherì with ABT's Herman Cornejo, a new ballet about … [Read more...] about Alessandra Ferri’s classy comeback
Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? At age 8. A short time ago. Why did you start dancing? Apparently I preferred it to walking; actually I still do. Music was frequently played at home. My mother loved musicals and I think she secretly would have wished me to be in musical theatre. BUT, I saw Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn on television and wanted to be Margot. … [Read more...] about Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
A new Mama Rose gets her turn in Italy’s first ever ‘Gypsy’
On 15 January, Milan will welcome a new Rose to the stage as Gyspy opens in Italy. Loretta Goggi has been a household name in Italy for half a century. She made her début in television as a girl and hasn't been far from the small screen or stage since. Starting out as a child actress, she found her talent for singing when she was a small girl, and later a talent for … [Read more...] about A new Mama Rose gets her turn in Italy’s first ever ‘Gypsy’
Dame Judi Dench takes bit part in school play
Judi Dench is to be the voice of the giant in the Giggleswick school production of Into the Woods. She delighted pupils at the North Yorkshire boarding school by agreeing to take a part in their school play. Pupils wrote asking her to take part with the cast of 90 schoolchildren. She is patron of the Richard Whiteley Theatre that opened about 18 months ago, set up with money … [Read more...] about Dame Judi Dench takes bit part in school play
Elaine Stritch at the Town Hall: an idiosyncratic mix of old-fashioned patter and perfect timing
The Los Angeles Times have many wonderful entertainment journalists, the sort that have you reading a review of something you'd never want to see. Christopher Smith writes about Elaine Stritch's latest venture at Manhattan's vast Town Hall who, at 86, has still got what it takes. Here is part of Smith's sensitive and sensible review: Wearing her trademark man's long-sleeved … [Read more...] about Elaine Stritch at the Town Hall: an idiosyncratic mix of old-fashioned patter and perfect timing
Stephen Sondheim to receive the Handel Medallion from Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Stephen Sondheim is to receive New York City's highest honour for achievement in the arts. The award is given by the City of New York for contribution to the city's intellectual and cultural life. Previous recipients include Leonard Bernstein, John Lennon and choreographer Merce Cunningham. The Handel Medallion will be presented by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and actor Alec … [Read more...] about Stephen Sondheim to receive the Handel Medallion from Mayor Michael Bloomberg
London’s new Mrs Lovett, Imelda Staunton, on loneliness
Imelda Staunton has returned to the musical stage as Mrs Lovett in Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd. She talked to The Telegraph: “I read somewhere that, if you want to be different, you have to be prepared to be lonely. That’s how I feel. At school, I wasn’t particularly different, but I went off on a completely different path to other children. “Though I had a lovely … [Read more...] about London’s new Mrs Lovett, Imelda Staunton, on loneliness
Four artists who influenced Patti LuPone
The Los Angeles Times asked Patti Lupone to name four people who have influenced her artistically: Edith Piaf I'm an Italian and my emotions are just under my skin.... There's just a purity and rawness in her singing that goes straight to my heart and my gut and it always has. There's such expression in her voice. Bette Davis I grew up on Long Island ... and they used to … [Read more...] about Four artists who influenced Patti LuPone