Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Company - OCTOBER 27, 2018 The Nutcracker - Michigan Opera Theatre
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
BRAVO
FALL 2018 DANCE SEASON
Bill T. Jones/
Arnie Zane
Company
OCTOBER 27, 2018
BALLETMET
The Nutcracker
NOVEMBER 24-25, 2018
Too Hot to Handel
DECEMBER 1, 2018 The 2018–2019 Dance Season is made
possible by the Lear Corporation
ENGAGED
IN THE ARTS.
COMMITTED
TO CULTURE.
IMPACTING
OUR COMMUNITY.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
proudly supports the Michigan Opera Theatre
as part of our mission to assist organizations
creating a lasting, positive impact on our region.
CFSEM.org 313-961-6675
Contents Fall 2018
bravo
Dance Season
ON STAGE
The Official Magazine
of Michigan Opera Theatre
FEATURE STORY: ‘Tis the Season for Holiday Performances.......... 6
Profiles from the Pit: All About that Bass................................................ 7
Erica Hobbs, Editor Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company............................................................. 8
Jocelyn Aptowitz, Contributor
BalletMet’s The Nutcracker.........................................................................14
Publisher: Too Hot To Handel..........................................................................................20
Echo Publications, Inc.
Royal Oak, Michigan
www.echopublications.com MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE
Tom Putters, President
Boards of Directors and Trustees............................................................... 4
Physicians’ services provided by Welcome.............................................................................................................. 5
Henry Ford Medical Center. MOTCC: A Winter Fantasy...........................................................................19
Steinway is the official piano of the Administration and Staff..............................................................................24
Detroit Opera House and Michigan Michigan Opera Theatre Contributors...................................................25
Opera Theatre. Steinway pianos are
provided by Steinway Piano Gallery
General Information......................................................................................29
of Detroit, exclusive representative
for Steinway and Sons in Michigan.
Comet Interactive is the official
media production company of the
Detroit Opera House.
Michigan Opera Theatre is a nonprofit
cultural organization, whose activities
are supported in part by the Michigan
Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,
the National Endowment for the Arts,
and other individuals, corporations, and
foundations. Michigan Opera Theatre is
an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2018 3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018-2019
July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
R. Jamison Williams Margaret Allesee Marianne Endicott Nora Moroun DIRECTORS EMERITUS
Chairman Pernilla Ammann Paul E. Ewing Peter Oleksiak Shelly Cooper
Lee Barthel Jennifer Fischer Charlotte Podowski Marjorie M. Fisher
Wayne S. Brown Richard A. Brodie Barbara Frankel Sara Pozzi Jennifer Nasser
President and CEO Elizabeth Brooks Herman Frankel Paul Ragheb Audrey Rose
Robert Brown Dean Friedman Ruth Rattner William Sandy
Enrico Digirolamo
Chair, Finance James Ciroli Richard G. Goetz Bernard Rubin Richard Webb
Committee Françoise Colpron John P. Hale Ankur Rungta
Joanne Danto Devon Hoover Terry Shea
Cameron B. Duncan Julia Donovan Darlow Danialle Karmanos Matthew Simoncini
Treasurer Ethan Davidson Barbara Kratchman Richard Sonenklar
Kevin Dennis Thomas M. Krikorian Lorna Thomas
C. Thomas Toppin Shauna Ryder Diggs Alphonse S. Lucarelli Jesse Venegas
Secretary Sonal Dubey Donald Manvel Ellen Hill Zeringue
Michael Einheuser Ali Moiin
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018-2019
July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
Kenn and Liz Allen Douglass Diggs and George Johnson Daniel and Margaret Christopher and Susan
Robert and Margaret Shauna Ryder Diggs Jill Johnson Pehrson Wilhelm
Allesee Enrico and Kathleen Ellen Kahn Brock and Katherine R. Jamison and Karen
Sarah Allison Digirolamo Peter and Danialle Plumb Williams
Daniel and Pernilla John and Debbie Dingell Karmanos Charles and Charlotte Joan Young and Thomas
Ammann Mary Jane Doerr Stephanie Germack Kerzic Podowski L. Schellenberg
Lourdes V. Andaya Dilip and Sonal Dubey Michael and Barbara Sara Pozzi Mary Lou Zieve
Harold Mitchell Arrington Cameron B. Duncan Kratchman Waltraud Prechter Ellen Hill Zeringue
Beverly Avadenka Michael Einheuser Thomas and Deborah Paul and Amy Ragheb
Lee and Floy Barthel Kenneth and Frances Krikorian John and Terry Rakolta TRUSTEES EMERITI
Mark and Caprice Baun Eisenberg Melvin A. Lester Ruth F. Rattner Marcia Applebaum
Ginny Berberian Marianne Endicott Linda Dresner Levy and Roy and Maureen Roberts Agustin Arbulu
Debra Bernstein-Siegel Alex Erdeljan Edward Levy Patricia H. Rodzik Marvin A. Frenkel
Joseph and Barbra Bloch Fern R. Espino and Mado Lie David and Jacqueline Preston and Mary Happel
John and Marlene Boll Thomas Short Arthur and Nancy Liebler Roessler E. Jan and Pat Hartmann
Gene P. Bowen Paul and Mary Sue Ewing Stephan and Marian Audrey Rose Robert and Wally Klein
Richard and Gwen Bowlby Margo Cohen Feinberg Loginsky Dulcie Rosenfeld William and Marjorie
Betty J. Bright and Robert Feinberg Mary Alice Lomason Carolyn L. Ross Sandy
Richard and Joanne Oscar and Dede Feldman James and Marion LoPrete Bernard and Donna Rubin Roberta Starkweather
Brodie David and Jennifer Fischer Alphonse S. Lucarelli Anthony and Sabrina Paul and Janet Victor
Elizabeth Brooks Marjorie M. Fisher Denise Lutz Rugiero Amelia H. Wilhelm
Robert and Geraldine Ford Carl and Mary Ann Donald Manvel Ankur Rungta and
Brown Fontana Florine Mark Mayssoun Bydon FOUNDING MEMBERS
Wayne S. Brown and Elaine Fontana Ronald and Zvezdana Hershel and Dorothy Mr.† & Mrs.† Lynn A.
Brenda Kee Barbara Frankel and Ron Martella Sandberg Townsend, Founding
Charles D. Bullock Michalak Jack Martin and Bettye Donald and Kim Schmidt Chairman
Thomas and Vicki Celani Herman and Sharon Arrington-Martin Alan Schwartz Mr. & Mrs.† Avern L. Cohn
Michael and Mary Chirco Frankel Florence McBrien Mark and Lois Shaevsky Dr. & Mrs. John H. DeCarlo
James and Elizabeth Ciroli Dean and Aviva Friedman Benjamin Meeker and Arlene Shaler Dr. † & Mrs. David DiChiera
Gloria Clark Barbara Garavaglia Meredith Korneffel Terry Shea Mr.† & Mrs.† Aaron H.
Avern and Lois Cohn Yousif and Mara Ghafari Eugene and Lois Miller Matthew and Mona Gershenson
Thomas Cohn Richard and Aurora Goetz Phillip D. and Dawn Minch Simoncini Mr. & Mrs. Donald C.
Françoise Colpron Carolyn Gordon Monica Moffat Sheila Sloan Graves
William and Kelly Connell Reva Grace Ali Moiin and William William H. Smith Mr.† & Mrs.† John C. Griffin
Peter and Shelly Cooper Samuel and Toby Kupsky Phyllis F. Snow Mr. & Mrs. Harry L. Jones
Joanne Danto and Arnold Haberman Donald and Antoinette Anthony L. Soave The Hon.†& Mrs.†Wade H.
Weingarden Alice Berberian Haidostian Morelock Richard A. Sonenklar and McCree, Jr.
Helen Daoud John and Kristan Hale Manuel and Nora Moroun Gregory Haynes Mr. Harry J. Nederlander
Julia D. Darlow and John Eugene and Donna E. Michael and Dolores Mary Anne Stella Mr. E. Harwood Rydholm†
C. O’Meara Hartwig Mutchler Ronald F. Switzer and Jim Mr. & Mrs. Neil Snow
Jerry and Maureen Doreen Hermelin Allan and Joy Nachman F. McClure Mr. & Mrs. Richard
D’Avanzo Derek and Karen Hodgson Irving Barbara Nusbaum Lorna Thomas Strichartz
Lawrence and Dodie Devon Hoover Juliette Okotie-Eboh C. Thomas and Bernie Mr.† & Mrs.† Robert C.
David Alan and Eleanor Israel Peter Oleksiak Toppin VanderKloot
Ethan and Gretchen Una Jackman Linda Orlans James G. Vella Dr.† & Mrs.† Sam B. Williams
Davidson Don Jensen and Leo Graham and Sally Orley Jesse and Yesenia Mr.† & Mrs.† Theodore O.
Kevin Dennis and Jeremy Dovelle Richard and Debra Venegas Yntema
Zeltzer Kent and Amy Jidov Partrich Marilyn Victor
Karen V. DiChiera Gary and Gwenn Johnson Spencer and Myrna Inge Vincent
Partrich
4 BRAVO • Fall 2018 www.MichiganOpera.org † Deceased Michigan Opera Theatre
WELCOME
T M
his season marks our first without our beloved ichigan Opera Theatre has been presenting
founder David DiChiera, whose passing in September some of the world’s best dance companies
marked the end of a distinguished and notable era for for decades. And, like opera, we strive to offer
Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT). Among his many visionary a balance between exciting new works and beloved
acts, he determined in the mid-1990s that the newly- classics. This fall, we are excited to present two
formed Detroit Opera House would also serve as a venue productions that do just that: The Bill T. Jones/Arnie
for dance. Since that time, numerous Zane Company and BalletMet’s
dance presentations have taken The Nutcracker.
place in Detroit under the auspices of While founded in the early
MOT, making it one of the few opera 1980s, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie
companies in the nation to also offer a Zane Company makes its Detroit
dance program. Opera House debut in October.
For more than 25 years, the The company, known for pushing
MOT dance program has grown boundaries, will present A Letter
dramatically, including presentations to My Nephew, a powerful,
by companies such as American multimedia performance about
Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Jones’ nephew Lance T. Briggs,
Dance Theater, Ballet Hispanico, Joffrey Ballet, Dance who struggled with illness and addiction.
Theatre of Harlem and numerous others. For the past three On a personal level, I have known Bill since 1992
years, our organization has partnered with the University when I hired him to make his stage directing debut
Musical Society (UMS) with an expressed goal of working with Kurt Weill’s Lost in the Stars at Boston Lyric
collaboratively to present exceptional dance performances Opera. He is a charismatic and born leader who
in Southeast Michigan, including the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane champions diversity of all sorts, be it by race, age or
Company this fall and the Martha Graham Dance Company, body type.
closing our dance series in April. Later in the fall, Metro Detroit favorite BalletMet
For our dance-lovers who are single ticket holders, we returns for a traditional production of Tchaikovsky’s
invite you to join us for the rest of our dance series with a The Nutcracker Thanksgiving weekend. Accompanied
subscription. As a special offer, you may return tonight’s by live reindeer, treats and crafts, as well as the
ticket to have its value applied toward a subscription for the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, the performance is
remaining dance season. Please visit the box office or give a great way to open the holiday season.
us a call at (313) 237-7464. The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company is the first of
I am pleased to acknowledge the generosity of the our dance series celebrating modern dance through
following for their support of our dance program: generations of the movement. It continues in March
• Lear Corporation, 2018-19 Dance Season Sponsor with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, celebrating
• Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, its 60th anniversary with a program that continues to
principal supporter of the MOT/UMS Dance Initiative inspire and empower. The dance series concludes in
for Southeast Michigan April with one of the earliest and most iconic modern
• Joanne, Marvin and Betty Danto Family Foundation, dance companies in the country: the Martha Graham
annual supporter of MOT dance series Dance Company.
As we approach the holiday season, we look forward Last but not least, we are excited to present a
to three annual traditions for you to consider. Beginning special program this February featuring ballet legend
Thanksgiving weekend, MOT will present Tchaikovsky’s Alessandra Ferri, ranked supremely as one of the few
The Nutcracker, performed by a popular audience favorite, “prima ballerina assolutas” in the world. With The
BalletMet. December marks our 17th annual performance Art of the Pas de Deux, she joins present and former
of Too Hot to Handel, a beloved jazz gospel version of American Ballet Theatre principals, including Herman
Handel’s Messiah. Under the baton of Suzanne Mallare Cornejo and Jeffrey Cirio, for an evening of romantic
Acton, the work is performed by Rackham Choir and duets, just after Valentine’s Day!
members of the MOT Orchestra, joined by jazz artists from As you enjoy your performance, we invite you to
the metro Detroit area. In addition, we will also present join us for other productions in the season as we bring
A Winter Fantasy, featuring our Michigan Opera Theatre you some of the greatest dancers in the world!
Children’s Chorus singing holiday music.
Finally, as we mourn the passing of David DiChiera, join
us as we celebrate his spirit through the performances that
will take place here at the David DiChiera Center for the Stephen Lord
Performing Arts. Principal Conductor, Michigan Opera Theatre
Best wishes,
Wayne S. Brown
President and CEO, Michigan Opera Theatre
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2018 5
FEATURE STORY BY JOCELYN APTOWITZ AND ERICA HOBBS
‘Tis the Season for
Holiday Performances
C
hestnuts roasting on an Dec. 9, at Detroit’s Most
open fire, turkey with all Holy Redeemer Church
the fixings and wishing for Dec. 15 and at the
a white Christmas: every Macomb Center for the
family has its holiday traditions. At Performing Arts Dec. 22.
Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT), The performances are
holiday traditions span both dance part of MOT’s
and opera, with The Nutcracker, Too commitment to making
Hot to Handel and A Winter Fantasy. opera more accessible
This year, MOT will add to its holiday throughout the region.
roster a production of Amahl and The opera tells the
the Night Visitors, an inspiring opera story of a miraculous
offering a different perspective on the encounter between
Nativity story that will be performed Amahl, a poor boy with a
in select locations throughout Metro lame leg, and the Three
Detroit. Kings, on their journey to
MOT’s holiday season opens bestow gifts to the newly-
Thanksgiving weekend with a jazz gospel rendition of Handel’s born Christ child.
BalletMet’s The Nutcracker for three Messiah. A uniquely Detroit tradition, “Amahl and the Night Visitors is a
performances Nov. 24-25. The ballet the concert features Rackham Choir beautiful and ideal opera for children,
follows Clara, a young girl who dances and members of the MOT Orchestra because the entire work is seen
through a fantasy land of sweets and performing with renowned soloists through the eyes of a child,” said MOT
fairies with her nutcracker prince. Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Director of External Affairs, Arthur
With its familiar music and fairytale Karen Marie Richardson alongside White. “All the beauty, magic and
setting, The Nutcracker is the most all-star Detroit jazz legends Marion wonder are revealed in this story of
performed ballet in the United States Hayden, Alvin Waddles, and Dave faith and love.”
and has been an annual MOT tradition Taylor. The work was originally
since 2002. “Too Hot to Handel brings together commissioned as a way to bring opera
The traditional production features Detroit’s greatest classical and jazz to mass audiences. Specifically, the
colorful Victorian costumes, dazzling musicians and powerhouse singers first production of the opera was
sets, more than 122 characters on to inspire new audiences every year,” aired on television by NBC on Dec.
stage and Tchaikovsky’s classic score said Rackham Choir Artistic Director 24, 1951 and viewed by an estimated
performed live by the MOT Orchestra. Suzanne Mallare Acton. “It’s truly a five million people—the largest
The event will also feature the return community celebration, and it remains audience to ever see a televised
of a series of complementary family one of the most uplifting holiday opera. The production was an instant
activities, including live reindeer, events in Detroit.” hit, and became an annual tradition
photos with Santa and the Nutcracker, Acton also leads another MOT performed by the NBC Opera
holiday-themed crafts and treats tradition: A Winter Fantasy, performed Theatre from 1951 until 1966. This
before the show. Children will also Dec. 2 by the Michigan Opera Theatre new production of Menotti’s popular
be able to meet the characters on Children’s Chorus. Founded in 2007, family offering brings the tradition
stage during the Sugar Plum Parade the MOTCC, with children ranging of holiday operas back to Detroit
following the performance. from 8-16 years old, performs opera as audiences.
“The Nutcracker weekend at the well as music from different cultures Music, performance and art have
Detroit Opera House is a magical and traditions. A Winter Fantasy will always been part of holiday traditions,
time of year at MOT,” said Dance feature holiday music as well as a an expression of the joy, forgiveness
Coordinator Kim Smith. “With the silent auction, showcasing some of and love felt throughout the season.
theater decorated in Christmas trees the region’s best young talent. It is a time to enjoy favorite annual
and lights, in addition to family- Though the Detroit Opera House experiences while also embracing
friendly performances and activities, it is the traditional venue for MOT’s new ones. With a program spanning
is the perfect way to begin the holiday holiday series, it isn’t the only dance, opera, jazz, gospel and more,
season.” place where the company will be MOT’s holiday series offers a variety
MOT’s holiday series continues performing. MOT will present of experiences, both old and new, to
Dec. 1 with the 17th annual Amahl and the Night Visitors at celebrate the season.
performance of Too Hot to Handel, the Grosse Pointe War Memorial
6 BRAVO • Fall 2018 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
PROFILES FROM THE PIT:
ALL ABOUT THAT BASS
Clark Suttle B eing of French heritage, it is fitting
that Clark Suttle’s bass is named
“Marie Antoinette.” It is even more
began his career as a conductor. He
was associate conductor of Phoenix
Symphony and Music Director and
so since the instrument was made in Conductor for Monterey Symphony for
France in 1865 and had its head cut off. 13 years and was recently conductor
Though the bass was refurbished in for Rochester Symphony in Michigan.
1970, Clark jokes he has planned to sell He also held directing and conducting
it on and off for the past few decades positions at the University of Michigan,
when it gets temperamental. Richmond Symphony, Buffalo
“But right before I go to sell it, it Philharmonic and Phoenix Ballet.
starts playing beautifully again,” he said. “The path of a musician is often a
“I’ve played it so long, it is seasoned to varied one, and we do many things
me.” in our careers,” he said. “I returned to
The bass was a gift from his parents Michigan for family reasons and was
when he was 16 years old, a few asked to be a substitute bass for MOT
years after he had begun playing the in 2000. I took the audition in 2001, and
instrument and at the onset of a path as the rest is history.”
a professional musician. Originally from In addition to performing, Clark also
Livonia, Clark continued his studies in works as a music editor for Luck’s Music
Michigan, earning both a bachelor’s and Library in Madison Heights, where he
master’s degree in music within the prepares all new editions for Luck’s and
scope of five years at the University of Tempo press. Outside of music Clark
Michigan. enjoys tall ships, model building, history,
Though he is a bassist, Clark road biking and composing music.
Derek Weller M ichigan Opera Theatre bassist
Derek Weller has been playing
with the MOT Orchestra for 32 years,
for Derek. He frequently performs with
the Detroit Symphony as a substitute
and has gone on several tours
serving as principal for 31 of them. with them. He is also the associate
But his history as a musician began principal of the Carmel Bach Festival,
much earlier. a period ensemble based in Carmel,
Derek was introduced to music California. He says he typically plays on
singing in the boys choir at his church, the outside edge of the orchestra pit on
eventually learning the piano and a stool.
beginning bass lessons in fifth grade. “It allows me to have an excellent
As his musical training progressed, view of the stage,” he said. “I enjoy
Derek began spending summers at being close to world class artists on
the Interlochen Center for the Arts, stage and this has shaped my musical
eventually transferring full-time life.”
to graduate high school from the Outside of music, Derek enjoys
Interlochen Arts Academy. cooking, fine dining, tea from China,
Decades later, Derek now teaches Taiwan and Japan, biking, running,
bass at the school, in addition to being cross-country skiing, swimming,
a professor of bass at Eastern Michigan yoga and bird watching. He recently
University and giving private lessons at celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary
his studio in Ann Arbor. with MOT violinist Anna Bittar-Weller.
But performing remains a passion
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2018 7
Michigan Opera Theatre and New York Live Arts
present
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company
October 27, 2018
The 2018–2019 Dance Season is made
possible by the Lear Corporation
Presented in partnership with
University Musical Society
Bill T. Jones Janet Wong
Co-Founder & Artistic Director Associate Artistic Director
Featuring
The Company
Vinson Fraley, Jr., Barrington Hinds, Chanel Howard, Shane Larson, Penda N’diaye,
Marie Lloyd Paspe, Christina Robson, Carlo Antonio Villanueva and Huiwang Zhang
Music performed by
Nick Hallett (music director/performer) and Matthew Gamble (baritone)
Production Staff
Hillery Makatura, Lauren Libretti, Veronica Falborn and Justin Johnson
In
A Letter to My Nephew
Conceived and Directed by Bill T. Jones
Choreography by Bill T. Jones with Janet Wong and the Current and Original Cast
Original Score Composed by Nick Hallett
Décor by Bjorn Amelan
Lighting Design by Robert Wierzel*
Costume Design by Liz Prince
Projection Design by Janet Wong
Sound Design by Samuel Crawford
*Denotes Member of the United Scenic Arts Union (USA)
8 BRAVO • Fall 2018 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
BILL T. JONES DANCE
PROGRAM NOTES Arnie Zane Company merged with Doris Duke Performing Artist Award,
In the fall of 2015 when I had just Dance Theater Workshop to form New recognized as Officier de l’Ordre des
started working on the second part of York Live Arts of which Bill T. Jones is Arts et des Lettres by the French
the Analogy Trilogy about my nephew the Artistic Director and Janet Wong is government in 2010, inducted into the
Lance, we received an invitation to the Associate Artistic Director. American Academy of Arts & Sciences
perform in France. Instead of bringing The repertory of the Bill T. Jones/ in 2009 and named “An Irreplaceable
a pre-existing work, I decided to use Arnie Zane Company is widely varied Dance Treasure” by the Dance Heritage
this opportunity to make a site-specific in its subject matter, visual imagery Coalition in 2000. His ventures into
piece. My complicated relationship and stylistic approach to movement, Broadway theater resulted in a 2010
with my nephew would be a point voice and stagecraft and includes Tony Award for Best Choreography
of entry to reflect on the moment musically driven works as well as in the critically acclaimed FELA!, the
at hand. Our country had erupted in works using a variety of texts. Some new musical co-conceived, co-written,
protests that summer, and we were of its most celebrated creations are directed and choreographed by Mr.
going to a Europe that was struggling evening length works including Last Jones. He also earned a 2007 Tony
with the refugee crisis. It seems that, Supper at Uncle Tom’s Cabin/The Award for Best Choreography in Spring
from the very beginning, the work rubs Promised Land (1990, Next Wave Awakening as well as an Obie Award
against the conscience of this era. The Festival at the Brooklyn Academy for the show’s 2006 off-Broadway run.
night of the opening in Paris was also of Music); Still/Here (1994, Biennale His choreography for the off-Broadway
the night of the Bataclan attack. de la Danse in Lyon, France); We Set production of The Seven earned him a
A Letter to My Nephew is my Out Early… Visibility Was Poor (1996, 2006 Lucille Lortel Award.
attempt to bring together two Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City, IA); Mr. Jones began his dance training
impulses: the social/political and the You Walk? (2000, European Capital of at the State University of New York at
deeply personal. Some of the elements Culture 2000,Bolgna, Italy); Blind Date Binghamton (SUNY), where he studied
on stage - the style of movement, the (2006, Peak Performances at Montclair classical ballet and modern dance.
characters in the street, the walking State University); Chapel/Chapter After living in Amsterdam, Mr. Jones
motif, the house music – came from (2006, Harlem Stage Gatehouse); returned to SUNY, where he became
my trying to imagine a world that my Fondly Do We Hope… Fervently Do co-founder of the American Dance
nephew might have inhabited, and to We Pray (2009, Ravinia Festival, Asylum in 1973. In 1982 he formed
reference a demimonde that I did not Highland Park, IL); Another Evening: the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company
know personally but knew it through Venice/Arsenale(2010, La Biennale (then called Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane &
him. The work is conceived as a kind of di Venezia, Venice, Italy); Story/Time Company) with his late partner, Arnie
postcard sent from uncle to nephew (2012, Peak Performances); and A Rite Zane. Mr. Jones is currently Artistic
from wherever we are at the moment. (2013, Carolina Performing Arts at the Director of New York Lives Arts, an
University of North Carolina-Chapel organization that strives to create a
COMPANY HISTORY Hill). The Company is also currently robust framework in support of the
O ver the past 36 years the Bill T.
Jones/Arnie Zane Company has
shaped the evolution of contemporary
touring Body Against Body an intimate
and focused collection of duet works
drawn from the Company’s 36-year
nation’s dance and movement-based
artists through new approaches to
producing, presenting and educating.
dance through the creation and history. For more information, visit http://www.
performance of over 140 works. newyorklivearts.org/.
Founded as a multicultural dance BILL T. JONES (Artistic Director/Co-
company in 1982, the company Founder/Choreographer: Bill T. Jones/ ARNIE ZANE (Co-Founder/
was born of an 11-year artistic Arnie Zane Company; Artistic Director: Choreographer) (1948-1988) was a
collaboration between Bill T. Jones New York Live Arts) is a multi-talented native New Yorker born in the Bronx
and Arnie Zane. Today, the company artist, choreographer, dancer, theater and educated at the State University
is recognized as one of the most director and writer, has received major of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton.
innovative and powerful forces in the honors ranging from the Human In 1971, Arnie Zane and Bill T. Jones
modern dance world. The company Rights Campaign’s 2016 Visibility began their long collaboration in
has performed its ever-enlarging Award, 2013 National Medal of Arts choreography and in 1973 formed
repertoire worldwide in over 200 to a 1994 MacArthur “Genius” Award the American Dance Asylum in
cities in 30 countries on every major and Kennedy Center Honors in 2010. Binghamton with Lois Welk. Mr. Zane’s
continent. In 2011, the Bill T. Jones/ Mr. Jones was honored with the 2014 first recognition in the arts came as
Music credits: “The Greatest Love of All” written by Linda Creed and Michael Masser. Used by permission of EMI Gold Horizon Music Corp; EMI Golden Torch Music Corp. “Walk 4
Me” composed by Robbie Tronco, arranged by Peter Rauhofer and Paul Alexander. Published by Music Sales Corporation (ASCAP) in the US and Canada, o/b/o Campbell Connelly
& Co, Ltd. (PRS). “Bad Boy/Having a Party” written by Sam Cooke, Luther Vandross and Marcus Miller. Used by permission of ABKCO Music Inc. and Legs Music, Inc. “Coffee Pot
(Time for the Percolator)” by Curtis Alan Jones. Used by permission of Cajual Entertainment. “Work This Pussy” by JP Wilkerson. Used by permission of Jean Philippe Wilkerson.
“JoanCome Kiss Me Now” by Thomas Ravenscroft. “Parlez Moi d’Amour” by Jean Lenoir. “Ima Read” written by Zebra Katz.
A Letter to My Nephew is produced by New York Live Arts. The creation of new work by Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company Company is made possible in part by the company’s
Partners in Creation: Anonymous, Anne Delaney, Zoe Eskin, Eleanor Friedman, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, James C. Hormel & Michael P. Nguyen, Suzanne Karpas, Ellen Poss, Carol
Tolan, Jane Bovingdon Semel, in memory of Linda G. Shapiro, Slobodan Randjelović & Jon Stryker.
Support for New York Live Arts is provided by Con Edison, the Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts, the Ford Foundation, the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Harkness
Foundation for Dance, The Harnisch Foundation, the Alice Lawrence Foundation, the Samuel M. Levy Family Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Mertz Gilmore
Foundation, Metropolitan Capital Bancorp, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, the National Performance Network, the New England Foundation for the Arts, New York Community Trust,
Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Jerome Robbins Foundation, The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, the Scherman Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Stavros Niarchos
Foundation, the Theatre Development Fund and the Wege Foundation.
Public support for New York Live Arts is from Humanities New York, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the
City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2018 9
BILL T. JONES DANCE
a photographer when he received a NICK HALLETT (Composer) has been in dance at The University of The
Creative Artists Public Service (CAPS) a collaborator of the Bill T. Jones/ Arts as a director’s full scholarship
Fellowship in 1973. Mr. Zane was the Arnie Zane Company since 2014. recipient. While studying at The School
recipient of a second CAPS Fellowship His scores include all three evenings of Dance, she worked with noted
in 1981 for choreography, as well as of the Analogy Trilogy, A Letter to choreographers: Mark Haim, Helen
two Choreographic Fellowships from my Nephew, and Fishkill/Movements Simoneau, Mark Caserta, Tommie
the National Endowment for the Arts 1-45. Additional dance scores Waheed Evans, Wayne St. David, Netta
(1983 and 1984). In 1980, Mr. Zane was include Variations on Themes from Lost Yerushalmy and Bobbi Jene Smith
co-recipient, with Bill T. Jones, of the & Found: Scenes from a Life and Other as well as performed in the works of
German Critics Award for his work, Works by John Bernd, directed by Robert Battle, Troy Powell, and Benoit
Blauvelt Mountain. Rotary Action, a Ishmael Houston-Jones and Miguel Swan Pouffer. Chanel participated
duet with Mr. Jones, was filmed for Gutierrez, which received the 2017 as a School of Dance Ambassador
television, co-produced by WGBH-TV “Bessie” for Best Revival. Whispering at The Montpellier Danse 30 Festival
Boston and Channel 4 in London. Pines 10, an opera co-authored with in Montpellier, France and studied
artist Shana Moulton, premiered at The with Ballet Preljocaj’s Professional
PERFORMER PROFILES Kitchen in 2010, toured internationally, Training Program in Aix En Provence,
and recently launched as an online France. She represented UArts School
VINSON FRALEY, JR. (Dancer) hails video series and exhibition at the of Dance at the National College
from Atlanta, Georgia. He began his New Museum. In 2007, Hallett struck Dance Festival 2015 and made her
training at the age of 14 under the up a collaboration with artist Joshua independent artist debut presenting
direction of Lynise and Denise Heard. White, founder of the Joshua Light her choreography at the Center for
Vinson studied at Tisch School of Show, as Music Director to his live Performance Research in Brooklyn,
the Arts at New York University and performances (including at NYU NY in 2017. Chanel earned her B.F.A.
was most recently a company dancer Skirball), and composer of original in Dance with honors in May 2018
for Abraham.In.Motion. Vinson has scores to son-et-lumière presentations, and has most recently joined the Bill
been fortunate enough to work with including at NYC’s Hayden T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company
many choreographers and instructors Planetarium/AMNH. www.gutcity.com this year.
including Rashaun Mitchell, Cora
BosKroese, Gus Solomons Jr., Cindy BARRINGTON HINDS (Dancer) is from SHANE LARSON (Dancer) was born
Salgado, Sean Curran and many more. West Palm Beach, Florida. He began and raised in Minnesota, where
Vinson joined the Bill T. Jones/Arnie his training at the School of Ballet he received his training at the St.
Zane Company in 2017. Florida under the direction of Marie Paul Conservatory for Performing
Hale. Hinds holds a B.F.A in dance Artists. He graduated from New York
MATTHEW GAMBLE (Baritone) has from SUNY Purchase College and University’s Tisch School of the Arts,
established himself as an artist of has worked professional with VERB with a B.F.A. in Dance and a minor
rare versatility, with recent and future Ballets, Northwest Professional Dance in Child and Adolescent Mental
engagements including debuts with Project, and the national tour of Twyla Health Studies. During his time in
the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the Tharp’s Broadway show, Movin’ Out. New York City, he has branched out
Royal Danish Opera in Copenhagen, In 2011, Hinds was a finalist for the to collaborate with punk musicians,
Lorin Maazel’s Castleton Festival, Clive Barnes Award for young talent filmmakers, improvisational music
Princeton Festival, Ravenna Festival in dance. He has worked with leading ensembles, and site-specific visual
(Italy), Budapest Summer Festival, choreographers including Laurie artists. He also had the opportunity
Pacific Chamber Music Festival and a Stallings, Edgar Zendejas, Sarah Slipper, to study at the Salzburg Experimental
collaboration as the Baritone Soloist Helen Pickett, Thaddeus Davis, and Academy of Dance in Austria, where
with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Cherylyn Lavagnino to name a few. he was exposed to the expanse of the
Company in the development of two Hinds recently danced with Stephen European contemporary dance scene.
new works: Analogy/Lance, and A Letter Petronio Company. Hinds is also a With a new outlook on the limitless
to My Nephew, with engagements freelancer in commercial TV & print possibilities and pathways of the body,
in Singapore, Macau, France, Italy, work and is a choreographer and he hopes to continue the exploration
Boston, Wyoming, North Carolina teacher. Mr. Hinds joined the company of dance with a sense of newness and
and many others into 2019. Matthew in 2017. discovery. Shane joined the Company
has studied with Joan Dornemann in 2015.
at IVAI in New York, Martina Arroyo’s CHANEL HOWARD (Dancer)
Prelude to Performance, at Highlands Originally from Georgia, Chanel PENDA N’DIAYE (Dancer) a native
Opera Studio with Richard Margison, Howard began her dance training with of Denver, CO, ignited her love for
and noted coach Ira Siff. Roles include DanceMakers of Atlanta, under the dance at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Mozart’s Count Almaviva, Papageno direction of Lynise and Denise Heard. Theater. She has danced with Kyle
and Don Giovanni, Mr. Ford in Verdi’s While attending Dekalb School of Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion, David
Falstaff, multiple Puccini roles. Mr. the Arts, Chanel participated in the Dorfman Dance and Forces of Nature
Gobineau in Menotti’s The Medium, National High School Dance Festival Dance Theater. Penda received her
and Smirnov in William Walton’s The where she received the 2014 young B.F.A. in dance from NYU Tisch School
Bear. choreographer award. Thereafter, of the Arts which led her to study
she moved to Philadelphia to major abroad in Salzburg, Austria at Salzburg
10 BRAVO • Fall 2018 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera TheatreBILL T. JONES DANCE
Experimental Academy of Dance and
Springboard Danse in Montreal. She
has had the honor to expand her body
of work with award winning artist and
photographer, Carrie Mae Weems in
addition to performance artist, Nick
Cave. Ms. N’diaye has shared her love
for dance with students at Alvin Ailey
Dance Theater, Steps on Broadway,
Peridance, and Steffi Nossen Dance. In
2017, Penda began her own YouTube
talk show, “Glowing Up with Penda”.
Ms. N’diaye join the company in 2017.
MARIE LLOYD PASPE (Dancer) is a
native of Singapore and Philippines
Some of the world’s most creative
who grew up in Mississauga, ON,
Canada, and Bellingham, MA. She
minds suffer from one of the most
received her early dance training from
Jessica Wilson at MetroWest Ballet
devastating conditions —
and graduated summa cum laude
from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program
bipolar disorder.
in 2016, studying dance performance
and business administration. Paspe
performed on tour with Carolyn
Our scientists and research participants are committed to
Dorfman Dance, and worked with finding answers and effective personalized treatments.
choreographers Renee Jaworski,
Peter Chu, Jae Mann Joo, Omar
Carrum, Rami Be’er, Martin Harriague, Join us. Be a source of hope.
and Manuel Vignoulle. In 2015, she
studied abroad in Israel at Kibbutz Right now, gifts are being matched up to $5 million.
Contemporary Dance Company’s
International Dance Program, where
she also premiered her first work. She PrechterProgram.org
attended Springboard Danse Montreal
in 2017, performing works-in-progress 734-763-4895
by Peter Chu and Eva Kolarova.
Currently she teaches pilates and
dance, collaborates/choreographs,
and freelances commercial modeling.
Paspe is incredibly grateful to begin
her first season with the Bill T. Jones/
Arnie Zane Company.
CHRISTINA ROBSON (Dancer),
originally from Tewksbury,
Massachusetts, received her
early dance training from Tammy
IversAspell and graduated Summa
Cum Laude from Roger Williams CARLO ANTONIO VILLANUEVA Cunningham Trust. Now based in
University in 2009 under the direction (Dancer) is a Pilipinx-American artist, New York, Carlo has recently worked
of mentor Kelli Wicke Davis. Since born and raised in New Jersey. He on performance projects with Abby
relocating to New York City, she has received his primary movement Zbikowski and Walter Dundervill. He
had the opportunity to perform with training from Scott Chandler and also makes work collaboratively with
The Sean Curran Company, David TJ Doucette while touring with the his friend and creative partner, Miriam
Dorfman Dance, Monica Bill Barnes Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps of Gabriel (mimiandcarlo.com). Carlo
and Company, Alexandra Beller, Heidi Concord, CA. He went on to receive joined the Company in 2015.
Henderson, Third Rail Projects, and his BFA summa cum laude from Mason
DeganitShemy. Christina became a Gross School of the Arts, studied HUIWANG ZHANG (Dancer) a dancer,
member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance abroad at the Jerusalem choreographer, and screen dance
Company in 2015. Academy of Music and Dance, and artist originally from Jiujiang, China,
continued his training in classes and received his early dance training from
workshops provided by the Merce Beijing Dance Academy and later
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2018 11BILL T. JONES DANCE
earned his M.F.A. in dance from the GIRL: Linguistic Play, 2016), and David Ailey II. Her designs have been seen
University of Utah. As a performer, he Dorfman Dance (BAM Next Wave, for DamageDance, The Umbrella
has worked with choreographers like 2013). La Medea, Crawford’s live multi- Collective, The Staten Island Ballet,
Stephen Koester, Eric Handman, Sara media collaboration with director Yara and Ann Liv Young’s Elektra. She was
Pearson, Patrik Widrig, and toured Travieso will premiere at PS122’s Coil the lighting director with Martha
nationally and internationally as a Festival in 2017. Graham Dance Company, where she
member of the China National Opera redesigned the classic, Errand into the
and Dance Drama Theater in Beijing. HANNAH EMERSON (Producing Maze.
He attended Palucca Hochshule für Associate) completed her B.F.A.
Tanz Dresden in Germany under the in Contemporary Dance from the HILLERY MAKATURA (Director of
direction of Prof. Katharina Christl. University of North Carolina School Production) graduated from Stephen
Currently, his own artistic practice of the Arts in 2011. She moved to F. Austin State University with a B.F.A.
discloses the relationship between NYC shortly after being awarded the in Theater. She has been touring both
linguistic expression and body William R. Kenan, Jr. Fellowship at the internationally and throughout the
perception in different sociocultural Lincoln Center Institute. Choosing U.S. since 2006. She has worked as
contexts. His work was presented in to remain in the northeast, she has production manager for The Actors
the Beijing Dance Festival 2016 and held administrative positions at Studio, Big Art Group, Theater Mitu
12 Minutes Max Salt Lake City 2017. New York Live Arts and The Yard and Trisha Brown Dance Company.
Huiwang Zhang joined the Company while continuing to be artistically
in 2017. involved in the dance community. Ms. KYLE MAUDE (Producing Director)
Emerson joined the Bill T. Jones/Arnie graduated from Drake University with
Zane Company in 2014 as company a B.F.A. in Theatre. She has worked
COMPANY PROFILES manager before most recently moving with Ballet Tech/Feld Ballets New York,
in to the Producing Associate position The Royal Ballet School of London,
BJORN G. AMELAN (Creative New York Live Arts. Buglisi-Foreman Dance, and Lesbian
Director) was the partner of the late Pulp-o-Rama! Ms. Maude joined the
fashion designer Patrick Kelly from VERONICA FALBORN, (Production Company in 2003.
1983 until Mr. Kelly passed away on Stage Manager) is incredibly excited
January 1, 1990. Mr. Amelan moved to be working with the Bill T. Jones/ LIZ PRINCE (Costume Designer)
to the United States to begin his Arnie Zane Company. Other dance designs costumes for dance, theater
collaboration with Bill T. Jones in 1993. credits include The New York City and film and has had the great pleasure
He has designed sets for the following Ballet, School of American Ballet, of designing for Bill T. Jones since
works by Bill T. Jones: Green and Blue Trisha Brown Dance Company, Vail 1991. Her work has been exhibited
(1997) for the Lyon Opera Ballet; How! International Dance Festival, Dances at the New York Public Library for
Do! We! Do! (1999) for Bill T. Jones and Patrelle, and NJ Ballet. She is a proud the Performing Arts, 2011 Prague
Jessye Norman, in conjunction with graduate of SUNY Purchase. Quadrennial of Performance Space
the Lincoln Center’s Great Performers and Design, Cleveland Center for
Show (1999), You Walk? (2000), The JUSTIN JOHNSON (Sound Supervisor) Contemporary Art, Rockland Center
Table Project (2001), Another Evening is a sound designer and audio engineer for the Arts and Snug Harbor Cultural
(2002), Verbum (2002), World Without/ originally from NYC, now based in Center. She received a 1990 New
In (2002), Black Suzanne (2002), Seattle. Over the last three years, he’s York Dance and Performance Award
Reading, Mercy and The Artificial designed over 15 shows, with much (BESSIE) and a 2008 Charles Flint
Nigger (2003), Mercy 10 x 8 on a Circle of his work being focused around Kellogg Arts and Letters Award from
(2003), Chaconne (2003) and Blind creating immersive sound designs Bard College. She teaches costume
Date (2005) for the Bill T. Jones/Arnie and pushing the boundaries of using design at SUNY Purchase College and
Zane Dance Company. Mr. Amelan is sound-interactive technology in Manhattanville College.
the recipient of the 2001 New York theatre. When he’s not working in
Dance and Performance “Bessie” theatre, he’s an avid partner dancer ROBERT WIERZEL (Lighting
Award for his designs of The Breathing and enjoys traveling the world Designer) has worked with artists in
Show and The Table Project. for blues and swing events. Past theatre, dance, new music, opera and
credits include: Kayfabe (The Ballard museums, on stages throughout the
SAM CRAWFORD (Sound Designer) Underground, Seattle), Astronaut country and abroad. He has worked
completed degrees in English and Love Show (Kraine Theatre, with choreographer Bill T. Jones and
Audio Technology at Indiana University NYC), Cherubim (NYC Fringe) and My his company since 1985. Projects
in 2003. A Move to New York City Lingerie Play (Rattlestick Playwrights include Blind Date, Another Evening/I
led him to Looking Glass Studios Theater, NYC) Bow Down, Still/Here, You Walk?,
where he worked on film projects Last Supper at Uncle Tom’s Cabin/
with Philip Glass and Björk. His recent LAUREN LIBRETTI (Lighting The Promised Land, How To Walk
sound designs and compositions have Supervisor) Dance credits include An Elephant, and We Set Out Early,
included works for the Bill T. Jones/ working with Jody Oberfelder, Kate Visibility Was Poor. Other works with
Arnie Zane Company (Venice Biennale, Weare Dance Company, Lori Belilove, Bill T. Jones include projects at the
2010), Kyle Abraham (Pavement, 2012), Isadora Duncan Dance Company, Guthrie Theatre, Lyon Opera Ballet,
Camille A. Brown and Dancers (BLACK Jose Limon Dance Company and Deutsche Opera Ballet (Berlin),
12 BRAVO • Fall 2018 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera TheatreBoston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera,
the Welsh dance company Diversions,
and London’s Contemporary Dance
Trust. Robert has also worked with
choreographers Trisha Brown, Doug
Varone, Donna Uchizono, Larry
Goldhuber, Heidi Latsky, Sean Curran,
Molissa Fenley, Susan Marshall, Margo
Sappington, Alonzo King and Joann
Fregalette-Jansen. Additional credits
include national and international
opera companies, Broadway and
regional theater. Mr. Wierzel is
currently on the faculty of New York
University’s Tisch School of the
Arts and The Yale School of Drama.
JANET WONG (Associate Artistic
Director/Projection Design) was born
in Hong Kong and trained in Hong
Kong and London. Upon graduation,
she joined the Berlin Ballet where
she first met Bill when he was invited
to choreograph for the company.
In 1993, she moved to New York to
pursue other interests. Ms. Wong
became Rehearsal Director of the
Company in 1996, Associate Artistic
Director in August 2006 and Associate
Artistic Director of New York Live Arts
in 2016.
STAFF Meghan Boyce-Herzfeld, Justin Faircloth,
STAFF LISTS Programming, Producing, and Engagement Imma, Shantelle Jackson, Emily Ludwigsen,
Kyle Maude, Producing Director Samantha Lysagth,
NEW YORK LIVE ARTS Hannah Emerson, Producing Associate Denisa Musilova, Front of House Staff
Veronica Falborn, Producing Associate/
Artistic Leadership Production Stage Manager Legal Services
Bill T. Jones, Artistic Director Steph Marron, Rentals Coordinator Lowenstein Sandler, PC, Pro-Bono Counsel
Janet Wong, Associate Artistic Director
Production Located in the heart of Chelsea in New York
Executive Leadership Hillery Makatura, Director of Production City, New York Live Arts is an internationally
Kim Cullen, Executive Director/CEO Ryan Naso, Technical Director recognized destination for innovative
Lauren Libretti, Lighting Supervisor movement-based artistry offering audiences
Board of Directors Kristiana Cowcer, Production Coordinator access to art and artists notable for their
Stephen Hendel, Co-Chair conceptual rigor, formal experimentation and
Richard H. Levy, Co-Chair Development active engagement with the social, political
David Archuletta, Chief Development Officer and cultural currents of our times.
Helen Haje, Vice Chair
Alexandra Burke, Individual Giving and Special At the center of its identity is Bill T. Jones,
Slobodan Randjelović, Vice Chair
Events Manager world-renowned choreographer, dancer,
Alan Marks, Treasurer
Lisa Willis, Institutional Giving Manager theater director and writer. New York Live
Terence Dougherty, Secretary
Bianca Bailey, Artist Services and Membership Arts serves as the home base for the Bill
Alanna Rutherford, Acting Secretary
Associate T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and is the
Bill T. Jones, Artistic Director, Ex-Officio
Séverine Kaufman, Development Assistant company’s sole producer, providing support
Bjorn Amelan and the environment to originate innovation
Sarah Arison Finance and challenging new work for the company
Colleen Keegan Nupur Dey, Director of Finance & Human and the NYC creative community. New York
Amy Newman Resources Live Arts produces and presents dance,
Randy Polumbo Artlin Hawthorne, Finance Associate music and theater performances in its 20,000
Matthew Putman Lutz and Carr, Certified Public Accounts square foot home, which include a 184-seat
Jane Bovingdon Semel theater and two 1,200 square foot studios
Ruby Shang Public Relations, Marketing & Design that can be combined into one large studio.
Catharine R. Stimpson Bjorn G. Amelan, Creative Director New York Live Arts offers an extensive range
Diana Wege Tyler Ashley, Director of Communications of participatory programs for adults and
Charles O’Leary, Digital Media Coordinator young people and supports the continuing
Board Emeritus Mayadevi Ross, Communications Assistant professional development of artists and
Derek Brown Liliana Dirks-Goodman, Graphic Designer commissions.
Bill Katz, Artistic Consultant New York Live Arts
219 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011
Audience Services +1 212 691-6500 / Fax: +1 212 633-1974
Hannah Seiden & Eli Tamondong, Front of www.newyorklivearts.org
House Coordinators
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2018 13BalletMet
The Nutcracker November 24-25, 2018
Artistic Director Executive Director Rehearsal Director Rehearsal Director
Edwaard Liang Sue Porter Susan Dromisky Andres Estevez
The 2018–2019 Dance Season is made
possible by the Lear Corporation BalletMet’s company dancers are members of the American Guild
of Musical Artists, the union of professional singers and dancers
who create America’s operatic, choral and dance heritage.
14 BRAVO • Fall 2018 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera TheatreTHE NUTCRACKER
THE NUTCRACKER as they begin their journey together to company premieres to its repertoire and
his home in the land of the Sugar Plum produced 150 world premieres. It has
Act I Fairy. also developed DanceReach, a series of
It is Christmas Eve, a night of magic, educational and outreach programs that
when anything can happen. The newly Act II serve 25,000 people annually, as well as
fallen snow glistens on the rooftops News that the Prince is finally returning a scholarship program that provides full
and excitement is in the air. Herr home reaches the land of the Sugar tuition for talented underserved youth.
Drosselmeyer, a very old friend of Plum Fairy, where people from all
the Stahlbaum family, passes by their corners of the world — and the world of WHO’S WHO
house and leaves an early present for the imagination — come to greet Clara Gerard Charles (Choreographer) was
the family. Inside the Stahlbaum house, and her Nutcracker Prince. After hearing born in Folkestone, England, trained at
Clara and Fritz wait as their family the story of Clara rescuing the Prince, the Royal Ballet School in London and
makes sure everything is ready for that the Sugar Plum Fairy arranges a grand danced professionally in Europe and
evening’s grand party. The guests arrive celebration in Clara’s honor, filled with North America. Upon retiring from the
and the fun begins. Of course, there is many wondrous surprises, including stage, he was Ballet Master for BalletMet
lots of dancing and many presents. being reunited with the Spanish doll. and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens before
“This must be what it’s like,” Clara returning to BalletMet as Associate
When Herr Drosselmeyer, who is also thinks, “to be inside one of Godfather’s Artistic Director. In 2001 he was named
Clara’s godfather, comes to the house, inventions.” BalletMet Artistic Director, a position
magical things always happen. Every he held until joining the Joffrey Ballet in
year he creates delightful toys unlike Sadly, the night comes to an end. Even Chicago in July 2012.
anything else in the world. This year though Clara wants to stay, it is time
he has some very special surprises for to leave this enchanted land. Like a Edwaard Liang (Artistic Director)Born
Clara and her family. Although Clara wonderful dream, this magical night will in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Marin
loves the lifelike Spanish doll, and Fritz stay with her forever. County, California, Mr. Liang joined
the exciting Chinese doll, they cannot New York City Ballet in 1993. In 2001,
be left for the children to play with. Complete ballet notes are available at Mr. Liang joined the Tony Award®
Instead, Drosselmeyer has another very www.balletmet.org. winning Broadway cast of Fosse. His
special and unusual gift, a remarkable performance in Fosse was later televised
nutcracker that he gives to Clara. nationally on PBS’ Great Performances
Angered that he too cannot crack nuts THE NUTCRACKER series — “Dance in America: From
with his teeth, Fritz regrettably breaks Conceived and Created by Gerard Broadway: Fosse.” In 2002, Mr. Liang
the nutcracker. Drosselmeyer is quick to Charles and Robert Post was invited to become a member of
repair the nutcracker for Clara, but Fritz Nederlands Dans Theater 1. Mr. Liang
Choreography by Gerard Charles
is still looking for trouble and finds a rat has built an international reputation as
Music composed by Peter Ilyitch a choreographer. He has created works
with which to tease Clara.
Tchaikovsky for the Bolshoi Ballet, Houston Ballet,
Once all the guests leave the party, Scenery for Act I designed by Peter Joffrey Ballet, New York City Ballet,
the Stahlbaums go to bed. Clara is Horne San Francisco Ballet, Shanghai Ballet
awakened by a strange sound. Worried and Washington Ballet. He has won
Scenery for Act II designed by Dan Gray numerous awards for his choreography
that her nutcracker is alone downstairs,
she goes to find him and falls asleep on Costumes Designed by Rebecca including the 2006 National
the couch. Suddenly, mice surround her. Baygents Turk, Aimee Greer, Lynn Choreographic Competition. In 2013,
Drosselmeyer is acting very strangely Holbrook Mr. Liang was named Artistic Director
and her nightmare continues as the at BalletMet where he continues to
Lighting Designed by David Grill
whole house transforms around her. choreograph new works for companies
Children’s Choreography Staged by both domestically and abroad. In 2017,
A menacing Mouse King orders his
Darielle Eberhard, Daryl Kamer, he received an Emmy® Award for his
minions to steal the nutcracker from
Dmitri Suslov short dance film, Vaulted. In 2018, he
Clara. The Spanish and Chinese dolls
come to help her, but the marauding Narrated by Roger Moore created a new ballet with Roberto Bolle
mice carry them off. Just when Clara for the opening of the World Economic
Accompanied by the Michigan Opera Forum Annual Meeting in Davos,
thinks all is lost, her nutcracker suddenly Theatre Orchestra
comes to life and temporarily scares Switzerland.
the mice away. A huge battle between Conducted by Peter Stafford Wilson
the toy soldiers and the mice follows. Sue Porter (Executive Director) was
The Mouse King is about to defeat the ABOUT THE COMPANY named Executive Director in 2015,
nutcracker, but Clara saves the day. She having served on BalletMet’s Board of
discovers that by defeating the Mouse BALLETMET, known for its versatility Trustees since 1997, twice taking on
King, she has freed the Prince, who had and innovative repertory, ranks among the role of Board Chair. An attorney
been trapped in the nutcracker, and she the nation’s largest dance companies, for 30 years, Ms.Porter began her legal
understands that Drosselmeyer had a and its Dance Academy ranks among career in 1985 with Schottenstein, Zox
purpose in all the strange things he had the largest professional dance-training & Dunn LPA (now Ice Miller LLP) as an
done that night. Clara and her Prince centers. Since its inception in 1978, associate attorney and later partner
pass through a wondrous snowy land BalletMet has added almost 200 in labor and employment law. She has
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2018 15You can also read
