She really does love him. 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' | Joffrey Ballet Note: The next Joffrey production will be "The Little Mermaid," a ballet by John Neumeier running April 19-30 at the Lyric Opera House. Germane to Neumeiers aesthetic is an uncompromising commitment to the world he seeks to create often at the expense of what ballet audiences might typically consider beautiful. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows - YouTube Then there was Joffreys 2017debut collaboration with the Lyric Opera, in Neumeiers Orphee et Eurydice.. 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. First created in 2005 for the Royal Danish Ballet, Neumeiers Little Mermaid was made in homage to Andersens 200thbirthday. Category April 29, 2023 at 7:31 AM. 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. 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. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. 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. Jaianis shaking new legs collapse beneath her as she navigates a place she clearly does not belong. Chicago's Joffrey Ballet stages 'The Little Mermaid' | WBEZ Chicago Administrative Offices 312.739.0120. . Do not let that discourage you from seeing this prodigious ballet, for which Wednesday nights cast gave some of the best performances of their careers. The Joffrey Ballet closes its 67th season with the Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's The Little Mermaid. Notice how these costumes act almost like props and change the way the dancers move. It is also unfailingly entrancing and beautiful. 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. Intense theatricality. The Little Mermaid. And next week (Feb. 23-25), the Hamburg Ballet of Germany will bring another Neumeier ballet, "The Glass Menagerie," to the Harris Theater. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. The Joffrey premiere continues through April 30 at the Lyric Opera House. Thats way below the $9 million in ticket sales reported in 2018-2019, but it is a bounce back from pandemic lows. 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. The Mermaidlike the Poetisnt going to take this lying down. The Joffrey Ballet mounts largest production ever: John Neumeier's 'The Here is some information we hope you will find helpful in planning your visit. 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. Notice how people on landboth the Mermaid, once shes transformed, and the humansmove differently than the creatures under the sea. 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, 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 . The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad', Your Ultimate Guide to 'The Little Mermaid'. Tickets: $36-$200 at 312-386-8905 and Joffrey.org. 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. Joffrey Box Office 312.386.8905. Heartrending romance. Mourning his separation from Edvard, a tear rolls slowly down the Poet's cheek, falling into a sea of memories and fantasies. The Little Mermaid | Joffrey Ballet Home Performances & Tickets 22-23 Season The Little Mermaid The Little Mermaid Performance Details When April 19-30, 2023 Where Lyric Opera House Choreography John Neumeier Original Score Lera Auerbach Running Time 2 Hours 25 Minutes She finds a kindred spirit in Gutierrez, though, even as hes set to marry someone else. Please enter valid email address to continue. As the Mermaid watches in despair, the Prince falls for the Princess. The Little Mermaid | Civic Opera House | Chicago, IL | Theater in Chicago 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. 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. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances '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. He settled on long pants that seem to flow as if in water. Bravura Ballerina Leads a Strange but Stunningly Performed Take on 'The But the Mermaid cant do it. Watching John NeumeiersThe Little Mermaidis like stepping into another world, or an alternate dimension. Joffrey Box Office 312.386.8905. The Joffrey Ballet. Their Captain, a Princestrongly resembling Edvardis absurdly playing golf. A violent ritual results in the Mermaid gaining legs, but even a single step on land causes extreme pain. Note how the sets seem to close in on her, in contrast to the open expanse of the ocean. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid Yoshihisa Arai, who retires at the end of the season, is magnificent as the conniving, evil Sea Witch. 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. Victoria Jaiani practicing for her performance as the Little Mermaid. The little Mermaid is determined to be a woman, but the closed rooms of the earth world stifle her attempts. Review: Enchanting 'Little Mermaid' is one of Joffrey Ballet's most The Joffrey Ballet. Tickets start at $36. This hauntingly beautiful production blends dance, dramatic storytelling and. Joffrey Ballet mounts an ambitious, melancholy reimagining of The Joffrey leadership welcomes you to 'The Little Mermaid', with additional notes and insights from the artists. The Plot:Now both the Mermaid and the Poet are alone, rejected by Edvard/the Prince but unable to go back to life before this intense love. In 2015, Joffrey presented theAmerican premiereof his adaptation of the 1876 ballet Sylvia an unpopular work I happened to love. Magical sets. This act is all about the Mermaids psychology. (Cheryl Mann / HANDOUT). Joffrey Ballet Mounts Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's The Little This ballet is dramatic, visually stunning, and ultimately heartbreaking. The little Mermaid now has legs. So she leaves without harming him. Carolyn McCabe / Courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet, Spring 2023 art and culture guide: Find nearly 60 concerts, plays and more, Nine great ways to see the best of Chicago dance this spring, Edgewater man started creating crossword puzzles to ward off pandemic boredom, gets published by The New York Times, How Chance the Rappers Acid Rap changed an industry and Chicago, Illinois assault weapons ban enforcement blocked by federal judge in southern Illinois, West Side travel agent takes Chicago youth on field trips at home and abroad. 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. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid Visit the ballet performance calendar to view dates of all showings of this program. High drama. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances Date April 20, 2023 Category In the News In keeping with the darkness of Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale, this adaptation is meditative, intense and sometimes even grim. Neumeier also led the set design, costumes and lighting and called for a grand scale of sets and costumes. Audiences are craving the live experience in the theater, Wheater said. Darryl Kubian offers a virtuosic performance here. Joffrey's release emphasizes that . Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances Jos Pablo Castro Cuevas, Anais Bueno and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. Its gut-wrenching, often sardonic and bizarrely beautiful. The ballet company is reporting a strong season so far and hopes the massive production brings in pre-pandemic level audiences. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend "The Little Mermaid" is playing at The Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, through April 30, 2023. 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. The little Mermaid is left alone. But the creative mind of John Neumeier, truly, is like no other; iconoclastic to the core, Neumeier is consistently weird and wonderful but not everyones cup of tea. The Joffrey Ballet closes its 67th season with the long-awaited Chicago premiere of John Neumeier's beautifully haunting interpretation of The Little Mermaid. Joffrey Box Office 312.386.8905. While largely following the original plot, it adds the Andersen-like character of the Poet (Stefan Goncalvez), an odd, anachronistic and socially inept figure who shapes and intervenes in the tale that follows but also fearfully shirks from it at times. Intense theatricality. What Should I Look For? Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens fable about a mermaid willing to sacrifice everything for the man she loves, this ballet is a modern take on this classic tale. Joffrey Ballet: The Little Mermaid, Civic Opera House, Chicago, April The Little Mermaid | The Joffrey Ballet Born and raised in Milwaukee, Neumeiers first professional gig was at the Lyric Opera in 1961, where he performed Ruth Pages choreography in the world premiere of Vittorio Gianninis English-language opera The Harvest. He trained at Chicagos revered Stone-Camryn School of Ballet and danced in the company of modern dance legend Sybil Shearer, but has spent the bulk of his life in Europe. 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 High drama. Also deserving note is Neumeiers inventive solution to portraying a mermaid. The Poet clearly thinks of Edvard as more than just a friend and is in despair over his wedding to Henriette. Adorned in an aquatic-hued bodice and extra-long, silky Hammer pants, Jaiani swims through an undulating, underwater playground with the assistance of three tall men dressed like Samurai. 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Studios . While the ballet and the Disney film share certain narrative landmarks, you wont find thingamabobs or dancing lobsters here. 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 Joffrey Ballet's The Little Mermaid - Mounts Chicago Premiere Of Joffrey Ballet Presents "The Little Mermaid" - Concierge Preferred During the celebrations, the Sea Witch appears as part of a strange entertainment. Look closely at The Little Mermaid and one can glimpse all these influences. Joffrey Ballet's 'Little Mermaid' unsettles as it entrances Moments of this Little Mermaid are, indeed, perfect. 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. 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. And about these two men? The Plot:The ballet opens on a boat, where we see the Poet thinking about his best friend Edvard. This prologue serves as a framing narrative for the rest of the ballet and introduces us to the Poet and Edvard. All of her work is interconnected as part of a cohesive and comprehensive artistic worldview. 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. Expanded Educational Programs. (Cheryl Mann / HANDOUT). Lyric Opera House. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. South Loop Studios. Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final shows happening this weekend https://cbsnews.com/chicago/news/joffrey-ballets-the-little-mermaid/?taid . 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. Recommended Stories. 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. Meet the creative team behind 'The Little Mermaid'. Joffrey Announces 2022-23 Season With 'Little Mermaid' and 'Karenina The semi-abstract sets, designed by Neumeier, who also served as costume and lighting designer, are both low and high tech. Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final shows - CBS Chicago Neumeiers beautifully haunting interpretation of Hans Christian Andersens 1837 tragic folk tale follows the tormented mermaid on a journey between the divergent worlds of land and seaone utterly complex, the other magnificently serene. As the love between the Prince and Princess intensifies, the little Mermaid suffers the intense pain of human disappointment. But many other arts organizations are still struggling and in fact facing increasing fiscal problems as pandemic relief funds expire. However, instead of happily ever after, she now has a front row seat to watch his developing relationship with the Princess. The Joffrey Ballet. Somehow, we voyage from a ships deck to an enchanted underwater sea world, to what looks like the French Riviera without leaving our seats. Administrative Offices 312.739.0120. 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. Tickets are on sale for all three performances and start at $36. The Little Mermaid runs now-April 30 at the Lyric Opera House. Lera Auerbachs glorious original score is the icing on this cake in what is likely the biggest, most ambitious of Joffreys projects to date (Christopher Wheeldons Nutcracker notwithstanding). 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. She is also a published poet and an exhibited visual artist. Your Ultimate Guide to 'The Little Mermaid', The Story of John Neumeier's 'The Little Mermiad'. Joffrey Ballet 'The Little Mermaid' performing final shows this weekend. 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. It is a huge, huge undertaking in terms of scenic and in terms of choreography, said Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet Ashley Wheater. Yoshihisa Arai and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. 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. The Joffreys Little Mermaid reaches for audience with its largest non-Nutcracker production. Academy 312.784.4600. At the bottom of the sea, the Poets longing for Edvard takes the form of a little mermaid. 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. 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. 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-Nutcrackerproductions in the companys history. We can do more to protect workers, a labor executive writes. Courageous, they search for a new world. Chicago is right to honor Neumeier, who marks his 50thand final season as head of Hamburg Ballet this year. She tentatively wakes him. The Little Mermaid. She seeks out the Sea Witch for help. 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. In the News. It is typical for Neumeier to tackle nearly every aspect of a production, as he does here, creating not only the dance but also sets, lighting (with support from master designer Jim French) and costumes. Theyve danced together earlier in the ballet, but not with this kind of uniformity, almost as if one is the shadow of the other. (Cheryl Mann / HANDOUT). 'The Little Mermaid' The Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera of Chicago 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago Tickets: 312-386-8905 or Joffrey.org Runs: 2 hours, 30 minutes Closes: April 30. Where: Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Running time: 2.5 hours with one intermission. This lovely sea creature watches a ship pass on the waters surface, and dreams of the earth world. The Little Mermaidruns now-April 30 at the Lyric Opera House. 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. Today's shows start at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lyric Opera House. It is only then that there is a duet suggesting real connection, as the Poet and Little Mermaid (Victoria Jaiani) each clasp their hands above their bodies in a circular gesture, oscillating back and forth, the Poet then wrapping his circled arms around the Mermaid and resting them on her outstretched arms in the same pose. The Prince, passing by, takes pity on this strange creature and carries her on board his ship. 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? Ever since we started our season back in October, running through The Nutcracker and then Anna Karenina, we have seen our audiences come back.. Migrant children have been put to work in hazardous jobs, in violation of child labor laws, according to recent news reports. Joffrey Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" is an ambitious, bold reimagining of a familiar story. 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. 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. The Joffrey Ballet The Little Mermaid'. Victoria Jaiani (center, as the title character) and the company of The Little Mermaid at the Joffrey Ballet. 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. It seems her dream has been realized. Most unusual and perhaps the key ingredient is Auerbachs use of the theremin, an electronic instrument invented in 1928. 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. Jos Pablo Castro Cuevas, Anais Bueno and ensemble in "The Little Mermaid" by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. In short: High drama. One of the girls, a Princesslooking very much like Henriettediscovers the Prince. CBS Chicago on Twitter: "Joffrey Ballet's 'The Little Mermaid' final Your Ultimate Guide to 'The Little Mermaid' | Joffrey Ballet The Little Mermaid | Joffrey Ballet Greg Abbott to halt transports of migrants to Chicago, Bears draft review: Pieces in place for Justin Fields. Believing the Princess to be one who saved him, the Prince seems to fall in love with her. A ship passes by and its captain is a Prince who bears a startling resemblance to Edvard (see where this is going?). 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. 'Chicago Tribune' Review: Enchanting 'Little Mermaid' is one of Joffrey Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern.