WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. They are onecreator and creation. On board the passing ship, sailors are exercising. Others were kind of a hot mess on opening night and could have benefited from a bit more time in the studio. Determined to become human, the little Mermaid searches for the Sea Witch. 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. Today's shows start at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lyric Opera House. This act is all about the Mermaids psychology. A terrible ritual follows, and taking her beautiful tail as ransom, the Sea Witch violently transforms her. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend The beauty in Neumeiers often awkward choreography comes from an awareness that every finger and toe is meticulously placed in service of the wild aesthetic world at hand. Its really going to take a confluence of both audiences coming back, but then additional government support for this important work, philanthropic support and reexamination of the business model, said Rice. The Director and Chief Choreographer of The Hamburg Ballet has continually focused on the preservation of ballet tradition while giving his works a modern dramatic framework. Heartrending romance. As the Mermaid watches in despair, the Prince falls for the Princess. THE LITTLE MERMAID Choreographer: John Neumeier Joffrey Ballet + Add to Google Calendar + iCal / Outlook export Tags: Joffrey Ballet, Joffrey Ballet 2022-2023 Season, John Neumeier, Lyric Opera House, 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. Intense theatricality. 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. Her body is crumpled into itself and she tentatively extends and examines her new legs and wobbles as she tries to stand up. She is also a published poet and an exhibited visual artist. Then there was Joffreys 2017debut collaboration with the Lyric Opera, in Neumeiers Orphee et Eurydice.. 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid 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). Thousands of American workers are sickened or injured on the job every day. There is much to praise, starting with her amazing technique and athleticism, which is shown again and again, including a combination in which she peers out from between the legs of the Prince and the rest of her body is flat against his back. In short: High drama. 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. 1920 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60616. Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final shows happening this weekend By Jeramie Bizzle April 29, 2023 / 9:36 AM / CBS Chicago CHICAGO (CBS) -- Time is running out to watch the Joffrey. 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. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. The Little Mermaid | The Joffrey Ballet Tickets start at $36. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Note: The next Joffrey production will be "The Little Mermaid," a ballet by John Neumeier running April 19-30 at the Lyric Opera House. This hauntingly beautiful production blends dance, dramatic storytelling and. 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. Joffrey Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" is an ambitious, bold reimagining of a familiar story. Jos Pablo Castro Cuevas, Anais Bueno and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. All of her work is interconnected as part of a cohesive and comprehensive artistic worldview. 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. 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. (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. The Joffrey Ballet will close its 67th season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's hauntingly . The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad' | Joffrey Ballet A renaissance artist for modern times, Auerbach is a widely recognized conductor, pianist, and composer. 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. Yoshihisa Arai, who retires at the end of the season, is magnificent as the conniving, evil Sea Witch. 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. 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? 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. Neumeier also led the set design, costumes and lighting and called for a grand scale of sets and costumes. What Should I Look For? Please enter valid email address to continue. What Should I Look For? The Joffrey Ballet closes its 67th season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's beautifully haunting interpretation of The Little Mermaid. Notice how people on landboth the Mermaid, once shes transformed, and the humansmove differently than the creatures under the sea. CBS Chicago on Twitter: "Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final Continue Shopping Item details Date. It seems her dream has been realized. While largely following the original plot, it adds the Andersen-like character of the Poet (Stefan Goncalvez), an odd, anachronistic and socially inept figure who shapes and intervenes in the tale that follows but also fearfully shirks from it at times. While the ballet and the Disney film share certain narrative landmarks, you wont find thingamabobs or dancing lobsters here. He dives into the sea to retrieve a golf ball, but a storm created by the evil Sea Witch causes him to nearly drown. Choose another item. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. The little Mermaid is determined to be a woman, but the closed rooms of the earth world stifle her attempts. The Plot:The ballet opens on a boat, where we see the Poet thinking about his best friend Edvard. And watch for her interactions with both the Prince and the Poetwhat do they tell us about her? 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 . Somehow, we voyage from a ships deck to an enchanted underwater sea world, to what looks like the French Riviera without leaving our seats. That includes visual arts all across the art spectrum, so I think its even higher for the performing arts folks.. Your Ultimate Guide to 'The Little Mermaid', The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad'. In 2015, Joffrey presented theAmerican premiereof his adaptation of the 1876 ballet Sylvia an unpopular work I happened to love. 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. "The Little Mermaid" Joffrey reviewed by Julia W. Rath First created in 2005 for the Royal Danish Ballet, Neumeiers Little Mermaid was made in homage to Andersens 200thbirthday. Sunday, April 30, 2023 2:00PM . 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. Choose another item. By Kyle MacMillen, Chicago Sun-Times April 20, 2023 The Joffrey Ballet closes its 67th season with the Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's The Little Mermaid. Darryl Kubian offers a virtuosic performance here. A look at where the rebuilding Bears stand after general manager Ryan Poles second NFL Draft. Tickets: $36-$200 at 312-386-8905 and Joffrey.org. 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. 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. Lightfoot warns the Texas governor to pause new transfers of migrants as the citys resources are stretched thin. Where: Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Running time: 2.5 hours with one intermission. (Cheryl Mann / HANDOUT). Her pain reflects the Poets own painful situation. Waking naked on the seashore, she finds her first steps unbearably painful. But it is clear to her that she could never harm him. But not all arts organizations are feeling Wheaters confidence in audiences. 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. 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. Notice how the Poets movements seem slower and more deliberate than those of Edvard and the wedding party, and how both groups have different stylized movements that convey their thoughts and emotions. Chicago's Joffrey Ballet stages 'The Little Mermaid' | WBEZ Chicago People. Accidently hitting a ball overboard, he dives into the sea to retrieve it. Joffrey Ballets Little Mermaid unsettles as it entrances, 'Chicago Tribune' Review: Enchanting Little Mermaid is one of Joffrey Ballets most ambitious projects yet, Bravura Ballerina Leads a Strange but Stunningly Performed Take on The Little Mermaid. 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 Little Mermaid runs now-April 30 at the Lyric Opera House. In the News. 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. 'The Little Mermaid' Program Book | Joffrey Ballet Intense theatricality. Joffrey Box Office 312.386.8905. Joffrey Ballet Presents "The Little Mermaid" - Concierge Preferred a resemblance to Henriette. Administrative Offices 312.739.0120. . Visions of the sea cross through her dream. Bravura Ballerina Leads a Strange but Stunningly Performed Take on 'The Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. What Should I Look For? 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. The Joffrey Ballet proudly presents "The Little Mermaid". Notice how these costumes act almost like props and change the way the dancers move. It is also unfailingly beautiful. Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. They leave together. Jaianis shaking new legs collapse beneath her as she navigates a place she clearly does not belong. We know that people are really wanting to come back to the theater, said Wheater. During a sea voyage, a Poet remembers the wedding of his dear friend Edvard to Henriette. As it turns out, deals with the devil rarely pan out. '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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Watching John NeumeiersThe Little Mermaidis like stepping into another world, or an alternate dimension. Yoshihisa Arai and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. By extension, we as viewers are left to wrestle with our own choices and painful compromises made in pursuit of desire. So she leaves without harming him. 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. Its gut-wrenching, often sardonic and bizarrely beautiful. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid Visit the ballet performance calendar to view dates of all showings of this program. 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). Victoria Jaiani projects fear, doubt and vulnerability in the title role of The Little Mermaid, by the Joffrey Ballet. In the News. Each seems the shadow of the othereach abandoned by the object of their intense love. Joffrey Box Office 312.386.8905. It is a huge, huge undertaking in terms of scenic and in terms of choreography, said Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet Ashley Wheater. 10 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. 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 Little Mermaid | The Joffrey Ballet Expanded Educational Programs. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances And about these two men? 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. 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. 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. South Loop Studios. 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. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances The little Mermaid now has legs. 1920 South Wabash Avenue . Courageous, they search for a new world. 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. 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. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend. April 29, 2023 at 7:31 AM. Intense theatricality. 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. Audiences are craving the live experience in the theater, Wheater said. 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. 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. We had over 50,000 people come to The Nutcracker. 10 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. 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 show undertakes a haunting version of the tale we're all familiar with. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. . With sets and costumes of the grandest scale, this critically acclaimed production is the largest-ever in The Joffrey Ballet's history. We can do more to protect workers, a labor executive writes. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend 'Chicago Tribune' Review: Enchanting 'Little Mermaid' is one of Joffrey Joffrey leadership welcomes you to 'The Little Mermaid', with additional notes and insights from the artists. (Cheryl Mann / HANDOUT). Wheater said Joffrey is confident that large audiences are ready to come back out for live arts and support the production. The Joffrey's 'Little Mermaid' reaches for audience with its largest non-'Nutcracker' production The ballet company is reporting a strong season so far and hopes the massive production. In 2015, Joffrey presented theAmerican premiereof his adaptation of the 1876 ballet Sylvia an unpopular work I happened to love. Yoshihisa Arai and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. Joffrey Ballet mounts an ambitious, melancholy reimagining of The The Poets love gives the Mermaid a soul, making her immortal; the Mermaids story will make the Poet immortal. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. 'The Little Mermaid' | Joffrey Ballet 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. Joffrey Ballet to Presents Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's THE 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. All casting is subject to change. Lyric Opera House. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Season Performances. Araceli Gmez-Aldana is a reporter and host at WBEZ. This Little Mermaid is a macabre deep-dive into Hans Christian Andersens 1837 literary fairy tale. This time, the Prince finds the Mermaid washed up on the shore and takes her onboard his ship. Moments of this Little Mermaid are, indeed, perfect. A ship passes by and its captain is a Prince who bears a startling resemblance to Edvard (see where this is going?).