Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend Then there was Joffreys 2017debut collaboration with the Lyric Opera, in Neumeiers Orphee et Eurydice.. Performance Schedule: Thursdays - 7:30 p.m. Fridays - 7:30 p.m. Saturdays - 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 2:00 p.m. Note how the sets seem to close in on her, in contrast to the open expanse of the ocean. The Joffrey Ballet ensemble in a production of "The Little Mermaid." (Credit: Cheryl Mann) The tale being told here is a very adult one, which is somewhat too long in its first act and not always easy to follow. But it is clear to her that she could never harm him. Sad and despondent, the little Mermaid witnesses the developing affection between the Prince and Princess, and mirroring the Poets soul, her desire for the Prince turns to desperation. This lovely sea creature watches a ship pass on the waters surface, and dreams of the earth world. In the News. This production also would not have been possible without the milestone, career-defining performances of the principals, starting with Jaiani, who is onstage for nearly the entire ballet in the title role and displays extraordinary endurance and commanding and unwavering stage presence. The Mermaidlike the Poetisnt going to take this lying down. The little Mermaid is determined to be a woman, but the closed rooms of the earth world stifle her attempts. Today's shows start at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lyric Opera House. Joffrey Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" is an ambitious, bold reimagining of a familiar story. Heartrending romance. Mourning his separation from Edvard, a tear rolls slowly down the Poet's cheek, falling into a sea of memories and fantasies. Jos Pablo Castro Cuevas, Anais Bueno and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. Greg Abbott to halt transports of migrants to Chicago, Bears draft review: Pieces in place for Justin Fields. For tickets, visit joffrey.org or call (312) 386-8905. The show undertakes a haunting version of the tale we're all familiar with. The Joffrey Ballet proudly presents "The Little Mermaid". This ballet is an adaptation of the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, telling the story of a young mermaid who falls in love with a human prince and makes a dangerous deal with a sea witch to become human herself. 'The Little Mermaid' April 19, 2023 - April 30, 2023 A gripping tableau of shadows and colors, Neumeier's beautifully haunting interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairytale follows the tormented mermaid heroine on a journey between the divergent worlds of land and seaone utterly complex, the other magnificently serene. Most unusual and perhaps the key ingredient is Auerbachs use of the theremin, an electronic instrument invented in 1928. It is only then that there is a duet suggesting real connection, as the Poet and Little Mermaid (Victoria Jaiani) each clasp their hands above their bodies in a circular gesture, oscillating back and forth, the Poet then wrapping his circled arms around the Mermaid and resting them on her outstretched arms in the same pose. High drama. The Little Mermaid. Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final shows happening this weekend https://cbsnews.com/chicago/news/joffrey-ballets-the-little-mermaid/?taid . Follow her @Araceli1010. She seeks out the Sea Witch for help. In 2015, Joffrey presented theAmerican premiereof his adaptation of the 1876 ballet Sylvia an unpopular work I happened to love. Tickets: $36-$200 at 312-386-8905 and Joffrey.org. With sets and costumes of the grandest scale and an original score by composer Lera Auerbach, this fantastical love story, based on Andersens original and decidedly complex themes, makes its long-awaited Chicago debut. Texas plans to resume busing migrants on Monday. This Little Mermaid is a macabre deep-dive into Hans Christian Andersens 1837 literary fairy tale. Migrant children have been put to work in hazardous jobs, in violation of child labor laws, according to recent news reports. The only real joy arrives at the very end, when the Poet and his mermaid creation come together in a mystical realm floating in the stars. And watch for her interactions with both the Prince and the Poetwhat do they tell us about her? First created in 2005 for the Royal Danish Ballet, Neumeiers Little Mermaid was made in homage to Andersens 200thbirthday. To understand and appreciate the Joffrey Ballets new production of The Little Mermaid, its important first of all to understand that it has little to do with Walt Disneys hugely successful if anodyne animated version from 1989. Joffrey Box Office 312.386.8905. Watching John NeumeiersThe Little Mermaidis like stepping into another world, or an alternate dimension. Ever since we started our season back in October, running through The Nutcracker and then Anna Karenina, we have seen our audiences come back.. This act is all about the Mermaids psychology. They are onecreator and creation. Look closely at The Little Mermaid and one can glimpse all these influences. Choose another item. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend In the News. We conducted a brief survey of the entire field showing 41% in November of 2022 are still seeing significant revenue loss for their organization, said Rice. Araceli Gmez-Aldana is a reporter and host at WBEZ. Expanded Educational Programs. a resemblance to Henriette. The Joffrey Ballet presents John Neumeier's The Little Mermaid. On board the passing ship, sailors are exercising. She tentatively wakes him. April 29, 2023 at 7:31 AM. What Should I Look for? The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad' | Joffrey Ballet Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances The Joffrey Ballet. The Little Mermaid, which premiered in 2005 at the Royal Danish Ballet, is a fresh, fiercely original work by John Neumeier, the longtime director and chief choreographer of the Hamburg Ballet. It turns out to be a raw deal for the Mermaid, for whom the human world shows little kindness or understanding. Yoshihisa Arai and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. Heartrending romance. The Joffrey Ballet The Little Mermaid'. During the celebrations, the Sea Witch appears as part of a strange entertainment. The Little Mermaid. Joffrey Ballets Little Mermaid unsettles as it entrances, Willie Nelson inhales the love at his 90th birthday concert at the Hollywood Bowl, A marvelous, minimalist Into the Woods puts focus on Sondheims music, The Edgar haircut is one more thing kids, parents can disagree on, Hyde Park store owner puts Black beauty vendors in space to thrive, Dear Abby Man keeps secret from fiance: He has kids from donating sperm, Dear Abby: When I travel, friend checking my home also snoops through my things, Shoplifter stabs Loop Target employee, leading to store closure, A workplace shouldnt be hazardous to anyones health, Mayor Lori Lightfoot urges Texas Gov. So, as much as the ballet is a story of a mermaid who longs for love and pines to be human, it is also about the power of fantasy, imagination and words. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. South Loop Studios. Meet the creative team behind 'The Little Mermaid'. Your Ultimate Guide to 'The Little Mermaid', The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad'. The Joffrey Ballet caps a spectacular 2022-23 season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeiers The Little Mermaid. Those headed to the Lyric Opera House hoping to encounter a certain seafaring ginger princess are in for a surprise. The Joffreys Little Mermaid reaches for audience with its largest non-Nutcracker production. The only knock on this work is that some of the scenes arguably run a bit long even when taking into account that the action is meant to be iterative as it sometimes reaches a kind of manic frenzy. Oral Sex Is a Leading Factor in the Throat Cancer 'Epidemic' in the United States, Doctor Says Conductor Scott Speck is in top form, propelling the ballet forward and drawing the absolute best from the Lyric Opera Orchestra, which delivers in-the-moment playing that piercingly conveys the musics turbulent, ever-changing flavor. But upon awakening on the beach, the Prince sees not the Mermaid, but a Princess with (surprise!) The Little Mermaid is currently at the historic Lyric Opera House (20 North Upper Wacker Drive) in downtown Chicago, only staying for ten performances (April 19-30th, 2023). The Joffrey Ballet will present 10 performances of "The Little Mermaid" at the Lyric Opera House. Germane to Neumeiers aesthetic is an uncompromising commitment to the world he seeks to create often at the expense of what ballet audiences might typically consider beautiful. It is a huge, huge undertaking in terms of scenic and in terms of choreography, said Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet Ashley Wheater. Heartrending romance. Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. Neumeiers beautifully haunting interpretation of Hans Christian Andersens 1837 tragic folk tale follows the tormented mermaid on a journey between the divergent worlds of land and seaone utterly complex, the other magnificently serene. But the creative mind of John Neumeier, truly, is like no other; iconoclastic to the core, Neumeier is consistently weird and wonderful but not everyones cup of tea. Perhaps most striking are the suspended, curved lines of inlaid LED lights that elegantly evoke waves when combined with blue general lighting and a watery backdrop. 'The Little Mermaid' A gripping tableau of shadows and colors, Neumeier's beautifully haunting interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairytale follows the tormented mermaid heroine on a journey between the divergent worlds of land and seaone utterly complex, the other magnificently serene. WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad' A Tale of Memories, Fantasies, and Longing PROLOGUE During a sea voyage, a Poet remembers the wedding of his dear friend Edvard to Henriette. Wheater hopes big productions like The Little Mermaid meet the audiences longing for live performances post-pandemic. As it turns out, deals with the devil rarely pan out. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid, Civic Opera House, Chicago, April Abruptly he departs for his wedding night with the Princess. The ballet company is reporting a strong season so far and hopes the massive production brings in pre-pandemic level audiences. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows - YouTube Expanded Educational Programs. Somehow, we voyage from a ships deck to an enchanted underwater sea world, to what looks like the French Riviera without leaving our seats. This prologue serves as a framing narrative for the rest of the ballet and introduces us to the Poet and Edvard. So the Sea Witch offers a solution: he says if she kills the Prince, shell get her tail back and be able to go home. The Little Mermaid runs now-April 30 at the Lyric Opera House. Joffrey leadership welcomes you to 'The Little Mermaid', with additional notes and insights from the artists. What Will I See? One major complication for the choreographer in creating this ballet was how to make dancers look like they had fins, not legs. A violent ritual results in the Mermaid gaining legs, but even a single step on land causes extreme pain. He dives into the sea to retrieve a golf ball, but a storm created by the evil Sea Witch causes him to nearly drown. Yoshihisa Arai, who retires at the end of the season, is magnificent as the conniving, evil Sea Witch. Each seems the shadow of the othereach abandoned by the object of their intense love. Skonie Skoop on Twitter: "RT @cbschicago: Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Live music will be performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet. The deck of a cruise ship, for example, is simply and effectively suggested by a railing, the outline of steam chimneys and blue in the distance. Neumeier also led the set design, costumes and lighting and called for a grand scale of sets and costumes. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fable about a mermaid willing to sacrifice everything for the man she loves, this ballet is a modern take on this classic tale. Although the Prince is unable to see the Mermaid, her presence embraces him. Dylan Gutierrez is an obvious choice for the Prince, but the role a bumbling machismo one minute and profoundly sensitive in the next fits him like a glove, as does an uncommon pairing with Anais Bueno as the love interest who frequently finds a fishy girl in her way. Look for the way her movement conveys pain and agony. During their farewell, the little Mermaid wonders whether the Prince feels, just for a moment, the depth of her passion. A gripping tableau of shadows and colors, Neumeier's world-renowned production of Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 tragic folktale follows the tormented mermaid heroine on a journey between the divergent worlds of land and seaone . At the bottom of the sea, the Poets longing for Edvard takes the form of a little mermaid. 1920 South Wabash Avenue . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Where: Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Running time: 2.5 hours with one intermission. Bravura Ballerina Leads a Strange but Stunningly Performed Take on 'The All casting is subject to change. That effect is created both choreographically and through production elements. After all the guests have departed, the little Mermaid encounters the Prince. Read about John Neumeier's adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's well-known tale, 'The Little Mermaid'. Determined to become human, the little Mermaid searches for the Sea Witch. The Joffrey Ballet. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid Visit the ballet performance calendar to view dates of all showings of this program. Intense theatricality. . RT @cbschicago: Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final shows happening this weekend https://cbsnews.com/chicago/news/joffrey-ballets-the-little-mermaid/?taid . Victoria Jaiani practicing for her performance as the Little Mermaid. Much more in keeping with the darkness of Hans Christian Andersens 1837 fairy tale, this nearly 2-hour adaptation is meditative, intense, unsettling and sometimes even grim. Lera Auerbachs glorious original score is the icing on this cake in what is likely the biggest, most ambitious of Joffreys projects to date (Christopher Wheeldons Nutcracker notwithstanding). The Joffrey Ballet will close its 67th season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's hauntingly . Jos Pablo Castro Cuevas, Anais Bueno and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. With sets and costumes of the grandest scale and an original score by composer Lera Auerbach, this heartbreaking tragedy, based on Andersens original and complex themes, makes its long-awaited Chicago debut. The Little Mermaid | The Joffrey Ballet While the ballet and the Disney film share certain narrative landmarks, you wont find thingamabobs or dancing lobsters here. One of the girls, a Princesslooking very much like Henriettediscovers the Prince. Holding the Princes unconscious body, the Mermaid, whose frolicsome play has now turned to love, cannot resist kissing him. But the creative mind of John Neumeier, truly, is like no other; iconoclastic to the core, Neumeier is consistently weird and wonderful but not everyones cup of tea. Theyve danced together earlier in the ballet, but not with this kind of uniformity, almost as if one is the shadow of the other. A tear rolls down his cheek and he follows that tear as it falls into the ocean. Because of that, and the sheer difficulty of everything about this production from Neumeiers unnatural movement language to undulating LED color-changing light tubes depicting the oceans surface to Auerbachs gorgeous, unforgiving (and nearly uncountable) score has to be perfect to be legible. Intense theatricality. Read full article. Performances & Tickets 22-23 Season 'The Little Mermaid' Program Book 'The Little Mermaid' Program Book Beyond Borders The Nutcracker Anna Karenina The Little Mermaid Winning Works 2023 Joffrey leadership welcomes you to 'The Little Mermaid', with additional notes and insights from the artists. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. And Dylan Gutierrez is at his finest as the Prince, who is present in nearly every scene but still comes off as blithely disconnected to everyone including his wife. 'The Little Mermaid' The Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera of Chicago 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago Tickets: 312-386-8905 or Joffrey.org Runs: 2 hours, 30 minutes Closes: April 30. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. CBS Chicago on Twitter: "Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final
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