March 16th, 2011 
You may recall that I attended opening night of The Joffrey Ballet’s rendition of “The Merry Widow.” The performance of this classic story was phenomenal. I enjoyed the comedic twist on a well-known dilemma- a woman torn between two loves: the familiar love (in this case her husband) and the unknown albeit painfully attractive and undeniably enticing love. The costume pageantry was just as exhilarating as the plot…
Photo from "The Merry Widow" by Herbert Migdoll
I won’t tease you with much detail because “The Merry Widow” was only here for a limited engagement. The good news is that, you, my darlings, can always treat yourself to The Joffrey Ballet, a Chicago staple! Whether you live in Chicago or will vacay with us, The Joffrey is a must-do. Don’t miss the final production of the 2010-2011 season, “Rising Stars.”
The Chicago Chic ladies at Ask Miss A are always one step ahead…
Grab your calendars. Here are deets on the company’s 2011-2012, titled “New Generation”:
“Don Quixote” by Yuri Possokhov, October 12 – 23, 2011: The plot revolves around a poor barber, Basilio, an innkeeper’s daughter, Kitri, and Don Quixote, an aging nobleman who imagines himself a valiant knight off to rescue the damsel Dulcinea along with his trusty sidekick Sancho Panzo. Set to a score by Ludwig Minkus and complete with matadors and gypsies, this lighthearted ballet is full of themes of rivalry, bravery, fantasy and love.
Photo from "The Merry Widow" by Herbert Migdoll
“The Nutcracker” December 8 – 27, 2011. Chicago’s most popular holiday tradition and America’s #1 Nutcracker, returns to transform the Auditorium Theatre into a winter wonderland filled with magical presents, waltzing flowers and exotic sweets. Accompanied by the Tchaikovsky masterpiece, the full company will once again be joined on stage by local children’s choruses and 120 young dancers from Chicago and beyond.
“On the Threshold” February 15 – 26, 2012. The mixed repertoire will feature the U.S. Premiere of Wayne McGregor’s “Infra” also a company premiere for The Joffrey. Originally created in 2008 for The Royal Ballet in London with music by Max Richter, the set includes a 59-foot LED screen displaying animations designed by British artist Julian Opie. Below the screen the dancers display McGregor’s signature combination of technical complexity and exaggerated flexibility, coupled with intimate episodes with even some literal dramatic gestures.
Photo from "The Merry Widow" by Herbert Migdoll
The winter program will also feature William Forsythe’s “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated,” another premiere for the famed ballet company. This production originally premiered on the Paris Opera Ballet in 1987. With music by Thom Willems in collaboration with Leslie Stuck, this purely abstract work combines classical ballet lines with contemporary, rapid-fire virtuosity and a coolly impersonal sensibility.
Visit The Joffrey Ballet’s website for the rest of the 2011-2012 season.
