Julie Kent and Marcelo Gomes/Photo: Gene Schiavone
RECOMMENDED
Ask anyone who has never seen a ballet to describe what they imagine it looks like and they’ll most likely talk about a chain of wispy ballerinas in shimmering white tutus strung together by the arms, flanking a slightly wispier ballerina in a slightly whiter, shimmerier tutu who, along with a male partner in tights, defies commonly understood laws of gravity and physiology. In short, they’ll describe “Swan Lake.” America’s cultural idea of ballet has been defined in no small part by Tchaikovsky’s 1876 masterpiece, and in great part by the American Ballet Theatre—the 70-year-old New York-based institution that once had Baryshnikov at its helm. ABT returns to Chicago with full orchestra to fill the Civic Opera with the kind of spectacle and virtuosity it was built for, performing one of the best-known ballets with choreography by artistic director Kevin McKenzie. The engagement opens with a Wednesday night program of works by American choreographers Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor and Jerome Robbins. (Sharon Hoyer)
At the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr. (800)982-2787. April 15-18. $20-125.
Related Stories
Perception Is Reality: A Preview of the Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg’s “The Pygmalion Effect” at the Auditorium Theatre Boris Eifman reimagines this antiquated tale through his unique, sensationalistic style of psychological ballet theater that philosophizes about the complex, emotional realities of human existence.
Unfading Spirit, Enduring Impact: A Preview of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Sixtieth Anniversary at the Auditorium Theatre The iconic company celebrates its sixtieth anniversary with three unique programs featuring classic works and world premieres.
A True American Family: A Review of American Hwangap at Halcyon Theatre RECOMMENDED “I wrote a poem for you, Dad,” says his son Ralph, shifting his weight from side to side, twitching with nerves. He forgot the poem in his other trousers, though, and finishes his toast ad lib, lifting a Juicy Juice juice box instead of a glass because his anti-anxiety meds are contraindicated with alcohol. It’s been a long time…
Good History: A Review of A Home on the Lake at Piven Theatre Workshop and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre Piven Theatre Workshop and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre co-produce this place-based world premiere about Evanston's racially-charged history.
Touch of Toska: A Review of Five Mile Lake at Shattered Globe Theatre Small town yearning fills this Chicago premiere at Shattered Globe Theatre.
Modern Masterpiece: A Preview of English National Ballet in Akram Khan’s “Giselle” at the Harris Theater Akram Khan's highly collaborative and unorthodox reimagining of the classic ballet has yielded a modern masterpiece.
