The unique approach of introducing each ballet number with a snippet from the old movie classic works well in the current performance of the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Broadway Festival”. For those of us who are guiltily unfamiliar with the storylines of famous classics like “West Side Story” and “Carousel” the clips from the films provided just the perfect summary to understand the storyline. Dramatic black and white movies followed by colorful live dance performances also offered a rich and colorful visual display. I hope to see the Pacific Northwest Ballet continue to combine different art forms.
The program began with George Balanchine's "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" (from "On Your Toes"). The dancers appeared to be in their element. They not only easily dove into their characters but also seemed to genuinely be having a great time. The lighting was excellent and the spicy costuming brought you into the world of a 1930s night club with ease.
The dancers created a whirling and impressive carousel in ballet form in Christopher Wheeldon's romantic, lyrical "Carousel (A Dance)", inspired by Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical. Caught up in it were Orza and Körbes, who danced a mesmerizing soft and graceful pas de deux. Their interactions told a story but there was something missing. I could appreciate the beautiful movement but it was a flat follow-up to “Slaughter on Tenth.”
However, the drop in energy was quickly replaced by Broadway choreographer Susan Stroman's boppy "Take Five," created for PNB last year. At the end of the number when my clapping hands began to sting a little, I whispered in my date’s ear, “Now that was fun!”
The final performance of "West Side Story Suite" melded together seven of the more important dances from the musical. The selected film cuts that opened the performance made me appreciate just how closely the PNB’s dancers were able to bring alive the original story. The dancers were stretched because they were required to open their vocal chords and let the famous songs come forth but they did so with impressive ease. Lucien Postlewaite brought his character to life with heartwrenching and achy young love. With Sarah Ricard Orza as a bashful Maria, the "Somewhere" duet was delightful; they seemed to be lost in their own world. As the immense cast sang the final chorus the audience quickly rose from their feet in lively applause.
Pacific Northwest Ballet's "Broadway Festival"
Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 22 at 1 p.m.
Price: $20–$150
McCaw Hall Seattle Center 321 Mercer St (206) 684-7200
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