"Swan Lake"

Saturday, after sleeping off a WONDERFUL time at the bachelor/bachelorette/engagement pub rally oorganized by my AMAZING friends, Rob and Marney, Stuart and I briefly stopped off to see our friend Sara at Prestige Portraits and picked out a few pix for posterity; then it was off to Miss Katie’s Diner (1900 W. Clybourn St.), where I got to regale my fiancé (captive audience) with the oft-told tale of the Clinton-Kohl summit that took place there . . .

We then raced back over the Hoan to meet my niece, whom I took to see Milwaukee Ballet’s production of “Swan Lake.” And, to be honest, after a late night, early morning and some greasy diner food, I was really feeling sluggish and not in the mood for what I recalled to be a three-plus hour ballet . . . once we were inside the Marcus Center (929 N. Water St.), however, and shown to our INCREDIBLE orchestra seats, I began to get excited . . . I also remembered that Michael Pink was the artistic director and, recalling his UNBELIEVABLE production of Dracula earlier this season, knew we were in good hands.  And I was not mistaken . . . from the onset, Scenic Designer, Jose Varona’s creative innovation instantly drew me in.  His use of projected images on translucent screens, for example, and fabric that simulated the murky depths from which the evil Von Rothbart (Douglas McCubbin – whose phenomenal performance in the title role of Dracula earlier this season I will NEVER forget) creates Odile (Luz San Miguel), the siren who ultimately seduces Siegfried, heir to the crown and plunges the monarchy into darkness, rendered me unable to tear my eyes from the stage action.  I was, however, slowly remembering (too late) what a dark piece this is, but again, thanks to Pink, who trimmed it down to less than two and a half hours, really made the work move along with incredibly expressive dancers and Varona’s stunning costumes. In fact, by the end of the second act, I was literally moved to tears at Siegfried’s (Ryan Martin) PATHETIC attempts to apologize to his beloved, Odette (Tatiana Jouravel) for completely screwing up everything for everyone forever; and her equally compelling response didn’t leave a dry eye in the house.  Again, I really don’t know if this is quite the most appropriate kiddie-fare (Odette gets mortally wounded and Siegfried joins her in their watery grave), but Hannah was floored, so I guess it all turned out okay in the end (except for Von Rothbart and Odile, that is). 

Milwaukee Ballet is also proud to announce their season next year, which features Pink’s Don Quixote and Romeo and Juliet, so hopefully I/you/we will be able to catch those performances as well.