joffrey ballet little mermaid
2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Read full article. As the love between the Prince and Princess intensifies, the little Mermaid suffers the intense pain of human disappointment. The ballet, choreographed by world-renowned John Neumeier, is inspired by Hans Christian Andersens 1837 tragic love story in which a mermaid willing to sacrifice everything for love trades in her tail for legs to dance on land. While the ballet and the Disney film share certain narrative landmarks, you wont find thingamabobs or dancing lobsters here. The little Mermaid is determined to be a woman, but the closed rooms of the earth world stifle her attempts. What Will I See? What Should I Look For? Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend. But not all arts organizations are feeling Wheaters confidence in audiences. The Plot:The ballet opens on a boat, where we see the Poet thinking about his best friend Edvard. The Joffrey Ballet proudly presents "The Little Mermaid". 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. Notice how people on landboth the Mermaid, once shes transformed, and the humansmove differently than the creatures under the sea. Choose another item. To come and see these beautiful dancers that are at the top of their professional life deliver such extraordinary performances. Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final shows happening this weekend https://cbsnews.com/chicago/news/joffrey-ballets-the-little-mermaid/?taid . And finally, Joffrey looks to Hans Christian Andersen with the company premiere of The Little Mermaid, John Neumeier's spellbinding, unflinching adaptation of the fairy tale that features music by contemporary composer Lera Auerbach. One major complication for the choreographer in creating this ballet was how to make dancers look like they had fins, not legs. It is a huge, huge undertaking in terms of scenic and in terms of choreography, said Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet Ashley Wheater. The Plot:We meet the Poet at the bottom of the sea, where his desire for Edvard takes shape as a mermaid who dreams of visiting the human world. The Joffreys Little Mermaid reaches for audience with its largest non-Nutcracker production. Intense theatricality. Lightfoot warns the Texas governor to pause new transfers of migrants as the citys resources are stretched thin. The Joffrey Ballet presents John Neumeier's The Little Mermaid. At the same time, Yoshihisa Arai (retiring at the end of the 2022-23 season) could hardly be more menacing as the Sea Witch, with his white-and-black face paint and his lurking, crouching and serpentine moves. Their Captain, a Princestrongly resembling Edvardis absurdly playing golf. This time, the Prince finds the Mermaid washed up on the shore and takes her onboard his ship. Somehow, we voyage from a ships deck to an enchanted underwater sea world, to what looks like the French Riviera without leaving our seats. Accidently hitting a ball overboard, he dives into the sea to retrieve it. See casting information for 'The Little Mermaid'. A terrible ritual follows, and taking her beautiful tail as ransom, the Sea Witch violently transforms her. This Little Mermaid is a macabre deep-dive into Hans Christian Andersens 1837 literary fairy tale. It seems her dream has been realized. We can do more to protect workers, a labor executive writes. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances Date April 20, 2023 Category In the News In keeping with the darkness of Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale, this adaptation is meditative, intense and sometimes even grim. Studios . Courageous, they search for a new world. Live music will be performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet. Tickets: $36-$200 at 312-386-8905 and Joffrey.org. Instead of some kind of prosthetic fish tail, the Little Mermaid wore billowy blue pants with huge bell bottoms that trailed 2 or 3 feet beyond her feet. April 29, 2023 at 7:31 AM. WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Jaianis shaking new legs collapse beneath her as she navigates a place she clearly does not belong. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid Visit the ballet performance calendar to view dates of all showings of this program. The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad', Your Ultimate Guide to 'The Little Mermaid'. The Joffrey Ballet will close its 67th season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's hauntingly . Neumeier also led the set design, costumes and lighting and called for a grand scale of sets and costumes. 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. 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. Rice said the pandemic exacerbated some of the downward attendance trends affecting theaters but now could be a time to reimagine the way arts institutions can engage audiences. Visions of the sea cross through her dream. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens fable about a mermaid willing to sacrifice everything for the man she loves, this ballet is a modern take on this classic tale. Intense theatricality. Magical sets. Administrative Offices . 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. Carolyn McCabe / Courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet, Spring 2023 art and culture guide: Find nearly 60 concerts, plays and more, Nine great ways to see the best of Chicago dance this spring, Edgewater man started creating crossword puzzles to ward off pandemic boredom, gets published by The New York Times, How Chance the Rappers Acid Rap changed an industry and Chicago, Illinois assault weapons ban enforcement blocked by federal judge in southern Illinois, West Side travel agent takes Chicago youth on field trips at home and abroad. 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. Joffrey Box Office 312.386.8905. The Joffrey Ballet The Little Mermaid' When: 7:30 p.m. April 21, with eight more performances through April 30 Where: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive Tickets: $36-$200 Info: joffrey.org 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. Then theres Victoria Jaiani, who just two months ago was dancingthe lead role in Anna Karenina. I didnt think she could get better than that, but here we are. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Neumeiers first professional gig was at the Lyric Opera in 1961, where he performed Ruth Pages choreography in the world premiere of Vittorio Gianninis English-language opera The Harvest. He trained at Chicagos revered Stone-Camryn School of Ballet and danced in the company of modern dance legend Sybil Shearer, but has spent the bulk of his life in Europe. Note: The next Joffrey production will be "The Little Mermaid," a ballet by John Neumeier running April 19-30 at the Lyric Opera House. But hislove for her is platonic, seeing the Mermaid more like a chummy little sister by stealing her nose and palling around amid a few gorgeous pas de deux. The Plot:Now both the Mermaid and the Poet are alone, rejected by Edvard/the Prince but unable to go back to life before this intense love. After treading water since 2021 in response to pandemic concerns, The Little Mermaid will finally be on stage through April 30th in what the Joffrey Ballet says is one of the biggest non-Nutcrackerproductions in the companys history. The Little Mermaid. What Should I Look For? Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. And next week (Feb. 23-25), the Hamburg Ballet of Germany will bring another Neumeier ballet, "The Glass Menagerie," to the Harris Theater. 10 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Victoria Jaiani practicing for her performance as 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. This isnt the animated film version, but instead a sophisticated take on Andersens fable with a little twist: Neumeier adds a biographical gloss to the story, adding in a Poet, based loosely on Andersen himself. 10 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. I cant explain the Samurai and wont try. 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. Wheater said Joffrey is confident that large audiences are ready to come back out for live arts and support the production. Joffrey Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" is an ambitious, bold reimagining of a familiar story. Watching John NeumeiersThe Little Mermaidis like stepping into another world, or an alternate dimension. During the celebrations, the Sea Witch appears as part of a strange entertainment. Realizing this, Mermaid tries to reverse course and return to the sea, pleading with the Sea Witch, who will give her tail back only if she kills the Prince. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid . 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. All of her work is interconnected as part of a cohesive and comprehensive artistic worldview. After treading water since 2021 in response to pandemic concerns, The Little Mermaid will finally be on stage through April 30th in what the Joffrey Ballet says is one of the biggest non-Nutcracker productions in the companys history. Deeply in love with the Prince, the little Mermaids desire to be loved in return is now clearly in vain; today he will marry the Princess. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Audiences are craving the live experience in the theater, Wheater said. 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. We had over 50,000 people come to The Nutcracker. With sets and costumes of the grandest scale, this critically acclaimed production is the largest-ever in The Joffrey Ballet's history. And about these two men? 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. Recommended Stories. 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. April 19, 2023 After treading water since 2021 in response to pandemic concerns, " The Little Mermaid " will finally be on stage through April 30th in what the Joffrey Ballet says is one of the biggest non-Nutcracker productions in the company's history. A gripping tableau of shadows and colors, Neumeiers beautifully haunting interpretation of Hans Christian Andersens 1837 fairytale follows the tormented mermaid heroine on a journey between the divergent worlds of land and seaone utterly complex, the other magnificently serene. They leave together. Joffrey's release emphasizes that . 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. Season Performances. 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. In short:High drama. When the Sea Witch appears, a terrible storm erupts and the Prince is in danger of drowning; the Poet wills the little Mermaid to rescue him. 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. 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 . Jos Pablo Castro Cuevas, Anais Bueno and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. Note how the sets seem to close in on her, in contrast to the open expanse of the ocean. Its gut-wrenching, often sardonic and bizarrely beautiful. However, instead of happily ever after, she now has a front row seat to watch his developing relationship with the Princess. 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. The Sea Witch agreesbut at a cost. Heartrending romance. What Should I Look for? Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Look closely at The Little Mermaid and one can glimpse all these influences. Continue Shopping Item details Date. The Joffrey Ballet caps a spectacular 2022-23 season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's "The Little Mermaid." Those headed to the Lyric Opera House hoping to encounter a certain seafaring ginger princess are in for a surprise. But the Mermaid cant do it. '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. For tickets, visit joffrey.org or call (312) 386-8905. 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. Believing the Princess to be one who saved him, the Prince seems to fall in love with her. The Poet clearly thinks of Edvard as more than just a friend and is in despair over his wedding to Henriette. Ever since we started our season back in October, running through The Nutcracker and then Anna Karenina, we have seen our audiences come back.. 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. But upon awakening on the beach, the Prince sees not the Mermaid, but a Princess with (surprise!) She is also a published poet and an exhibited visual artist. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg) The Joffrey Ballet closes its 67th season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier 's beautifully haunting interpretation of The Little Mermaid. All casting is subject to change. Choose another item. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. The Joffreys move in 2020 from the Auditorium theater to the larger stage at the Lyric Opera House opened up the possibility of a grand production with 46 dancers spread across two casts, and enormous set designs including a boat with a 28 foot chimney. The Joffrey Ballet closes its 67th season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's beautifully haunting interpretation of The Little Mermaid. Most unusual and perhaps the key ingredient is Auerbachs use of the theremin, an electronic instrument invented in 1928. As it turns out, deals with the devil rarely pan out. Chicago is right to honor Neumeier, who marks his 50thand final season as head of Hamburg Ballet this year. 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. Jos Pablo Castro Cuevas, Anais Bueno and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. / CBS Chicago, CHICAGO (CBS) -- Time is running out to watch the Joffrey Ballet's performance of "The Little Mermaid.". The little Mermaid now has legs. Mourning his separation from Edvard, a tear rolls slowly down the Poets cheek, falling into a sea of memories and fantasies. 1920 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60616. In 2015, Joffrey presented theAmerican premiereof his adaptation of the 1876 ballet Sylvia an unpopular work I happened to love. He gives the little Mermaid a lethal knife, promising that if she kills the Prince, her tail will be restored, and she will be able to return home in the deep sea. Her body is crumpled into itself and she tentatively extends and examines her new legs and wobbles as she tries to stand up. Heartrending romance. 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. Lyric Opera House. Meet the creative team behind 'The Little Mermaid'. And watch for her interactions with both the Prince and the Poetwhat do they tell us about her? Darryl Kubian offers a virtuosic performance here. Administrative Offices 312.739.0120. . "The Little Mermaid" is playing at The Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, through April 30, 2023. 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. 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). Jaiani falls in love with him and seeks to be part of his world. She barters for human legs with the Sea Witch and is dropped on the beach to figure the rest out on her own. Unable to be with the Prince, whos now engaged to the Princess, and trapped by the rooms and walls of the human world, she becomes desperate. After all of the angst and torture of the earlier scenes, how does this ending, in which these two depend on each other, create a new sense of hope? 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. The Plot:Most of this act shows the Mermaids torment. 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. Victoria Jaiani (center, as the title character) and the company of The Little Mermaid at the Joffrey Ballet. During their farewell, the little Mermaid wonders whether the Prince feels, just for a moment, the depth of her passion. The semi-abstract sets, designed by Neumeier, who also served as costume and lighting designer, are both low and high tech. This hauntingly beautiful production blends dance, dramatic storytelling and. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. She really does love him. Her pain reflects the Poets own painful situation. Migrant children have been put to work in hazardous jobs, in violation of child labor laws, according to recent news reports. April 29, 2023 / 9:36 AM One of the girls, a Princesslooking very much like Henriettediscovers the Prince. Academy 312.784.4600. The Prince, passing by, takes pity on this strange creature and carries her on board his ship. CBS-Chicago . Today's shows start at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lyric Opera House. Adorned in an aquatic-hued bodice and extra-long, silky Hammer pants, Jaiani swims through an undulating, underwater playground with the assistance of three tall men dressed like Samurai. Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. The Joffrey Ballet The Little Mermaid'. The Joffrey Ballet caps a spectacular 2022-23 season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's "The Little Mermaid." Those headed to the Lyric Opera House hoping to.