ABT'S LE CORSAIRE, MET OPERA HOUSE, NYC, MAY 27, 1999 |
| Choreography by Konstantin Sergeyev after Marius Petipa Staging by Anna-Marie Holmes with the assistance of Tatiana Legat, Tatiana Terekhova and Sergei Berejnoi Music by Adolphe Adam, Cesare Pugni, Léo Delibes, Riccardo Drigo and Prince Oldenbourg Libretto by Jules Henri de Saint-George and Joseph Mazilier in a version by Konstantin Sergeyev, based on The Corsair by Lord Byron Costume and scenic design by Irina Konstantinovna Tibilova Lighting design by Mary Jo Dondlinger Conducted by Charles Barker Nina's second Corsaire of the season proved as exciting as the first, although some changes in the cast did affect the overall impression of the piece. Paloma Herrera took over the role of Gulnara--and she displayed nowhere near the the refinement and allure of Ashley Tuttle, who danced the role in the May 4 performance. An injury to Angel Corella (sidelined for the rest of the season) brought Giuseppe Picone to the role of Ali; he put his elegant jumps and matinee-idol looks to good use in his pivotal role in the second act pas de trois with Nina and Julio Bocca. Julio was in good form, projecting Conrad's character with great energy--and he rethought that bandanna (see May 4 review), wearing it more like a headband--to better effect. Nina was her usual excellent self--this time perking up her rapid fouettés (and the audience) with doubles that looked like triples. She and Julio have been having fun with the shipwreck ending--this time Conrad scrambled up the rock to safety first-- pulling Medora up after him. |