This hauntingly beautiful production blends dance, dramatic storytelling and. First created in 2005 for the Royal Danish Ballet, Neumeiers Little Mermaid was made in homage to Andersens 200thbirthday. 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. Most unusual and perhaps the key ingredient is Auerbachs use of the theremin, an electronic instrument invented in 1928. Jos Pablo Castro Cuevas, Anais Bueno and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. In short: High drama. 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. 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. 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. The Little Mermaid runs April 19-30, 2023. by Blair Ingenthron Feb. 17, 2023. Please enter valid email address to continue. 1920 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60616. All of her work is interconnected as part of a cohesive and comprehensive artistic worldview. 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? Joffrey Ballet mounts an ambitious, melancholy reimagining of The The only knock on this work is that some of the scenes arguably run a bit long even when taking into account that the action is meant to be iterative as it sometimes reaches a kind of manic frenzy. Moments of this Little Mermaid are, indeed, perfect. During their farewell, the little Mermaid wonders whether the Prince feels, just for a moment, the depth of her passion. 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. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. As the Mermaid watches in despair, the Prince falls for the Princess. 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The scene in which the devilish Sea Witch strips of her of these pants and the rest of her garb when she gives up her tail to become human could hardly be more gut-wrenching. 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. Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday with a two-night star-studded stand at the Hollywood Bowl, where he was joined by Neil Young, Snoop Dogg, the Chicks. She really does love him. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Abruptly he departs for his wedding night with the Princess. The little Mermaid is determined to be a woman, but the closed rooms of the earth world stifle her attempts. 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). Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend What Should I Look for? Look closely at The Little Mermaid and one can glimpse all these influences. Heartrending romance. 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. I cant explain the Samurai and wont try. A look at where the rebuilding Bears stand after general manager Ryan Poles second NFL Draft. Choose another item. She finds a kindred spirit in Gutierrez, though, even as hes set to marry someone else. 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. Texas plans to resume busing migrants on Monday. 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 . (Cheryl Mann / HANDOUT). They leave together. CBS-Chicago . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2022-2023 Season | Joffrey Ballet Look for the way her movement conveys pain and agony. 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. Elmhurst Blotter: Man charged with battery for allegedly punching a security guard at a bar, Hinsdale police blotter: multiple thefts reported by patients at Hinsdale Hospital, Glenview police blotter: Harwood Heights woman charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. In the News. 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 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. Studios . The Joffrey Ballet will present 10 performances of "The Little Mermaid" at the Lyric Opera House. First published on April 29, 2023 / 9:36 AM. The Joffrey Ballet mounts largest production ever: John Neumeier's 'The 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. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend. Although the Prince is unable to see the Mermaid, her presence embraces him. Magical sets. Believing the Princess to be one who saved him, the Prince seems to fall in love with her. Joffrey leadership welcomes you to 'The Little Mermaid', with additional notes and insights from the artists. 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. Waking naked on the seashore, she finds her first steps unbearably painful. Theyve danced together earlier in the ballet, but not with this kind of uniformity, almost as if one is the shadow of the other. High drama. The Poet clearly thinks of Edvard as more than just a friend and is in despair over his wedding to Henriette. Determined to become human, the little Mermaid searches for the Sea Witch. 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. This time, the Prince finds the Mermaid washed up on the shore and takes her onboard his ship. 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. What Should I Look For? 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. 1920 South Wabash Avenue . And watch for her interactions with both the Prince and the Poetwhat do they tell us about her? However, instead of happily ever after, she now has a front row seat to watch his developing relationship with the Princess. Heartrending romance. This ballet could not exist without the rich, deeply expressive score by Lera Auerbach, a Soviet-born Austrian American composer who shows herself to be every bit a successor in this realm to Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. Joffrey Ballet Mounts Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's The Little 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. Category 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. With sets and costumes of the grandest scale, this critically acclaimed production is the largest-ever in The Joffrey Ballet's history. The Joffrey boasted $6 million in ticket sales in the 2021-2022 season, according to an impact report published by the company. The Joffrey's 'Little Mermaid' reaches for audience with its largest This lovely sea creature watches a ship pass on the waters surface, and dreams of the earth world. All casting is subject to change. The Plot:The ballet opens on a boat, where we see the Poet thinking about his best friend Edvard. Here is some information we hope you will find helpful in planning your visit. '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. 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. 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. We conducted a brief survey of the entire field showing 41% in November of 2022 are still seeing significant revenue loss for their organization, said Rice. 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. Read about John Neumeier's adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's well-known tale, 'The Little Mermaid'. Watching John NeumeiersThe Little Mermaidis like stepping into another world, or an alternate dimension. Wheater hopes big productions like The Little Mermaid meet the audiences longing for live performances post-pandemic. 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 little Mermaid is left alone. 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. Others were kind of a hot mess on opening night and could have benefited from a bit more time in the studio. 'The Little Mermaid' 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. 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. It is also unfailingly entrancing and beautiful. Then there was Joffreys 2017debut collaboration with the Lyric Opera, in Neumeiers Orphee et Eurydice.. 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. Recommended Stories. Thousands of American workers are sickened or injured on the job every day. Araceli Gmez-Aldana is a reporter and host at WBEZ. He dives into the sea to retrieve a golf ball, but a storm created by the evil Sea Witch causes him to nearly drown. This Little Mermaid is a macabre deep-dive into Hans Christian Andersens 1837 literary fairy tale. Heartrending romance. The final performance is scheduled for tomorrow at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. 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 What Should I Look For? As the love between the Prince and Princess intensifies, the little Mermaid suffers the intense pain of human disappointment. Joffrey Ballet to Presents Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's THE 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. 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. "The Little Mermaid" Joffrey reviewed by Julia W. Rath 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. 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. Live music will be performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet. . A ship passes by and its captain is a Prince who bears a startling resemblance to Edvard (see where this is going?). Your Ultimate Guide to 'The Little Mermaid' | Joffrey Ballet Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend Skonie Skoop on Twitter: "RT @cbschicago: Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little We had over 50,000 people come to The Nutcracker. 10 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Stefan Goncalvez handily secures his place as one of Joffreys leading men as the Poet, presumably embodying Andersen himself as the empathetic architect of this story. Joffrey Box Office 312.386.8905. During the celebrations, the Sea Witch appears as part of a strange entertainment. A violent ritual results in the Mermaid gaining legs, but even a single step on land causes extreme pain. The Joffrey premiere continues through April 30 at the Lyric Opera House. 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. 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 Joffreys Little Mermaid reaches for audience with its largest non-Nutcracker production. On board the passing ship, sailors are exercising. The little Mermaid now has legs. Audiences are craving the live experience in the theater, Wheater said. As resident dance company of Lyric Opera House, the Joffrey presents performances of the highest quality, in one of the most renowned venues in the world. Because of that, and the sheer difficulty of everything about this production from Neumeiers unnatural movement language to undulating LED color-changing light tubes depicting the oceans surface to Auerbachs gorgeous, unforgiving (and nearly uncountable) score has to be perfect to be legible. April 29, 2023 at 7:31 AM. Category The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad' | Joffrey Ballet The Prince, passing by, takes pity on this strange creature and carries her on board his ship. As it turns out, deals with the devil rarely pan out. Thats way below the $9 million in ticket sales reported in 2018-2019, but it is a bounce back from pandemic lows. 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. 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. It is the Poets love for his Mermaid that gives her the soul that will make her immortal, just as she, The Little Mermaid, will immortalize him. In 2015, Joffrey presented theAmerican premiereof his adaptation of the 1876 ballet Sylvia an unpopular work I happened to love. Victoria Jaiani (center, as the title character) and the company of The Little Mermaid at the Joffrey Ballet. Lightfoot warns the Texas governor to pause new transfers of migrants as the citys resources are stretched thin. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid . Bravura Ballerina Leads a Strange but Stunningly Performed Take on 'The This Little Mermaid is a macabre deep-dive into Hans Christian Andersens 1837 literary fairy tale. 10 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. By extension, we as viewers are left to wrestle with our own choices and painful compromises made in pursuit of desire. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend. 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. It is also unfailingly beautiful. The Joffrey Ballet presents John Neumeier's The Little Mermaid. But the Mermaid cant do it. A terrible ritual follows, and taking her beautiful tail as ransom, the Sea Witch violently transforms her. Wheater said its been wonderful to see the support from the audience and they feel encouraged as they stage the ambitious production of The Little Mermaid after putting it on hold for two years. That effect is created both choreographically and through production elements. Season Performances. 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. 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. Read full article. Intense theatricality. Chicago is right to honor Neumeier, who marks his 50thand final season as head of Hamburg Ballet this year. But it is clear to her that she could never harm him. The Plot:Most of this act shows the Mermaids torment. The Little Mermaidruns now-April 30 at the Lyric Opera House. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. This ballet is dramatic, visually stunning, and ultimately heartbreaking. 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. South Loop Studios. 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. Victoria Jaiani projects fear, doubt and vulnerability in the title role of The Little Mermaid, by the Joffrey Ballet. April 29, 2023 / 9:36 AM Chicago's Joffrey Ballet stages 'The Little Mermaid' | WBEZ Chicago 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. 'Chicago Tribune' Review: Enchanting 'Little Mermaid' is one of Joffrey 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. The Little Mermaid. 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. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid, Civic Opera House, Chicago, April Visions of the sea cross through her dream. 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. Mourning his separation from Edvard, a tear rolls slowly down the Poets cheek, falling into a sea of memories and fantasies. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances 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. The Little Mermaid. It turns out to be a raw deal for the Mermaid, for whom the human world shows little kindness or understanding. 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. See casting information for 'The Little Mermaid'. But not all arts organizations are feeling Wheaters confidence in audiences. Expanded Educational Programs. The Little Mermaid | The Joffrey Ballet 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. Migrant children have been put to work in hazardous jobs, in violation of child labor laws, according to recent news reports. This act is all about the Mermaids psychology. She seeks out the Sea Witch for help. 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. Notice how people on landboth the Mermaid, once shes transformed, and the humansmove differently than the creatures under the sea. 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. What Will I See? Courageous, they search for a new world. This prologue serves as a framing narrative for the rest of the ballet and introduces us to the Poet and Edvard.