I reviewed Kansas City Ballet's 40th production of "The Nutcracker."
REVIEW: KCBallet, “Carmina Burana”
I reviewed the Kansas City Ballet's season opening performance, "Carmina Burana," for The Kansas City Star. Orff is probably best known by the punch-you-in-the-face drama of that opening "O Fortuna," but his committment to "total art" was more thorough than even Wagner's. Orff's theory of music and movement, his committment to children's music education, along with the... Continue Reading →
Ballet et Gillet
I went to see the Kansas City Ballet's final program of the season a few weeks ago. Because I also had an obligation across the lobby in Helzberg Hall the same evening, I was only able to watch the first piece standing in the back of Kauffman Theatre. Coming back to the work after weeks... Continue Reading →
SNEAK PEEK: Owen/Cox Dance Group
I watched part of the Owen/Cox Dance Group dress rehearsal on Thursday, since I'm unable to make any of their performances this weekend or next. Jack was with me, so I didn't catch the first number, A Good Missouri Song, since he decided that it was more important to screech and crawl around on the... Continue Reading →
REVIEW for the Kansas City Star: Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble
Last Friday was quite the Communist uprising at the Kauffman Center. Lyric Opera presented John Adams "Nixon in China" in Kauffman Theatre and the Harriman-Jewell Series brought in the Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble to perform in Helzberg Hall. I reviewed the group for the Kansas City Star. It was a pleasure,... Continue Reading →
REVIEW for KCStar: KCBallet’s “Romeo & Juliet”
I reviewed the Kansas City Ballet's production of "Romeo & Juliet" for The Kansas City Star. Choreography by Ballet Arizona artistic director Ib Andersen, beautiful sets and costumes from Boston Ballet, and great dancing (and acting)Â from the resident company.
REVIEW for KCMetropolis.org: Kansas City Ballet’s “Tom Sawyer”
I reviewed the music for Maury Yeston's ballet "Tom Sawyer - A Ballet in Three Acts." It was performed as the Kansas City Ballet's inaugural event in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Read it here.
In anticipation of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Today's the big day - 14 years and millions of dollars later and an art lover's dream is a reality. The Kansas City Star has run innumerable articles as the project has progressed - yet another on the eve of the opening. Numerous season previews from both the Star and KCMetropolis.org have began with, "In... Continue Reading →
ARTICLE on KCMetropolis.org: Q&A with (le) Poisson Rouge founders at UMKC
I wrote an article about the visit/discussion with (le) Poisson Rouge founders, hosted by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Does Kansas City need a venue like this? Could it support one? Read it here.
A new fangled flamenco
Performing all over town this summer - at any venue lucky enough to have the right sort of floor - Flamenco Mio was deep in preparation for their current tour in southern Spain. Flamenco Mio is a new take on the very traditional world of flamenco. The music incorporates jazz and Middle Eastern elements, adding a... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 