Good morning, all! THE NUTCRACKER ended about 11:50, and so did I. Last night I watched the 1968 broadcast of the Royal Ballet in a "version" by Nureyev. I must say that, while the original ballet makes a mess of ETA Hoffmann's story, Nureyev's playing several roles and mucking about with the score screws up the storytelling more. The later Royal Ballet production by Peter Wright from the 1980s is much better, but I'm still partial to Balanchine's, even if he destroys the construction of the final pas de deux. If it weren't for Balanchine in 1954, there wouldn't be the plethora of "Nutcrackers" around December that there are today. Unfortunately, most of the choreographers lack the genius of Mr B.
So, Happy New Year to all of you! I'm glad the festivities on HHW went on endlessly and extremely happy that I did not
This morning, I need to close out my account books and then work a bit on "The Lady Of the Slipper." Around 2:15 or so, I shall wend my way southward to a New Year's Day Event chez DR FJL and Skip, something I've been looking forward to all week.
TOD:
SLAP SHOT
BREAKING AWAY
DAMN YANKEES
BULL DURHAM