Author: jason

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1984

1984… the story of our times?

The play is shocking and violent. Several reviews describe audience members fainting, vomiting, and even begging the cast to stop. With scenes of execution, torture, blood everywhere, this show is definitely not for the faint of heart.

The set design was creative, peeling away to reveal how our private space is not what we think it is, in a society under surveillance.

But the actual content was… not super shocking??? Or, not as shocking as the book? Or, not as shocking as the current news? I read the book a long time ago, but remembered it as being more about the danger of thoughts (than the physical violence). Of course, the latter is used to suppress the former. However, for all the extreme violence on stage, I just felt the play could have done more with less.

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Pina Bausch at BAM

WOW!!!

New York Times describes Pina Bausch as having the reputation of being “a creator of life-changing experiences” back in 1984 when she made her New York debut.

More than thirty years later, it still is a most life-changing experience to see “Café Müller” and “The Rite of Spring” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

I discovered a whole new meaning of the phrase “dance theatre” and learnt whole new ways dance could be constructed, layered, and shaped — into gorgeous beautiful visuals, raw emotions, and mesmerizing experiences.

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Twyla Tharp Dance

Am absolutely excited about the start of 2017-2018 Season at the Joyce Theater!!!

The new season at began this week with Twyla Tharp Dance presenting four choreographies, separated in time by 47 years as Twyla explores the language of dance throughout her career. We were treated to choreographies as varied as “The Fugue” (created in 1970 without music) and excerpts of “Entr’acte” (produced this year, using a spoken dialogue between Twyla and the audience to start off the piece).

My favorite part of the night, however, belonged to the curtain chat. Twyla, needing no introduction, took the mic and spoke candidly as the audience called out questions.

How did the 70s differ from today? (People were willing — and could afford — to work for free.)

Why do you create dance without music? (Twyla choreographed without music for 5 years, as part of her exploration.)

What do you look for in a dancer? (I need to fall in love with the dancer.)

What is your favorite choreography? (How many children do you have?)

Advice to dancers? (Work, work, work.)

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A Bronx Tale

A Bronx Tale… with life lessons about fulfilling your potential, about love and fear, about doing what’s right, and about following your heart.

Many subplots run through this musical, as we follow Calogero growing up in an Italian neighborhood in the Bronx through 1960s. Nothing is easy, nor black and white, for the 9-year-old who eventually turn 17 by the end of the show.

Various character developments were too overly simplistic. I am slightly uncomfortable with the patriarchal theme of “being a man” but understand that’s what one needs to survive in a tough hood. At the same time, there’s no significant female role in the show, which is regrettable for a coming-of-age story.

At the end, I felt scared for the teenager, conflicted, and confused alongside him. I cried for the mafia boss despite everything he did. The message about looking to your heart shone through. Love prevailed over fear. Calogero found his way in life, and became somebody. And that, I suppose, is what’s truly important.

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DanceNOW at Joe’s Pub

Wonderful evening seeing works by 10 choreographers at the DanceNOW festival at Joe’s Pub today.

Loooove the world premiere of “Glass” by Kate Ladenheim and the People Movers. I interpreted the piece as women breaking the glass ceiling in the corporate world. Four female dancers dressed in white blazers and pants. The choreography began with Bre Short at a desk pushing papers around. We followed her growth, perhaps internal and likely external, to find her voice and confidence. The piece built up to reveal an invigorated and emboldened woman, just as the background music ended with the final lyrics: “I did it my way.”

Also loooove “At This Point” by Christal Brown. Part autobiography but part a casual conversation that I could be having with a dear friend. We learnt about Christal’s life as a mother, a dancer, and mostly recently a professor. Through it all, we learnt about what’s precious in life, what she’s accomplished, what we should let go, and most importantly what really matters at this point in her life (or at any point in our lives)… is that we truly love ourselves.

We were also treated to a powerful solo by Dana Thomas (of Jamal Jackson and Dana Thomas Dance Company), comedy by Gregory Dolbashian/The DASH Ensemble, and many other creative works.

The DanceNOW festival continues tomorrow and Saturday at Joe’s Pub. Go and check out 10 different choreographers each night. Info and tickets at Joe’s Pub.

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The Parlour

Finally saw the gorgeous Nicole Kang with her first love (acting!) on the opening night of “The Parlour.” You were amazing, Nicole! Best of luck with the rest of the production.

You all should go see the show!!!! The Parlour is playing at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater through Saturday (Sept 9th). More info at Middle Voice and Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.

A thoughtful and provoking script by Xavier Galva about the “back of the house” at a restaurant — the line chefs, bus boys, dishwashers — the people who are easily forgotten, sometimes willfully ignored, but nevertheless have aspirations like everyone else.

A play about the messy life choices each one of us must make, as we balance our dreams and the realities of life. Do we take a stand and fight the system that seeks to push us down? Or, do we cut a deal, keep our heads down, and be thankful we still have a job?

While the story is based on the service industry, many of the subplots readily translate into other real-world settings including not the least my own field, computer science. It’ll make you think twice about what you really want, where you really stand, and who your friends truly are. Bravos to the entire cast and creative team for a incredible show — and a great post-performance chat!

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Feeling imaginative and adventurous after a tour of the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory.

What an uplifting musical! To know it’s okay to dream. To see things that aren’t there. To make something out of nothing. When others say “it shouldn’t be done”, you say “but it can be done!”

Amazing job by Paul Slade Smith and Ryan Sell as Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket. Gorgeous dancing by Emma Pfaeffle. Also, love the ensemble and Oompa Loompas throughout the show including It Must Be Believed To be Seen, Veruca’s Nutcracker Secret, and the final tap piece. Bravos!

Kudos to the creative set, lighting, and Oompa Loompa puppet designs as well. They add an incredible sense of mystery and magic to the chocolate factory.

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Aladdin

Saw the talented and gorgeous Jamie Kasey Patterson perform on Broadway tonight. Congratulations, Jamie! You’re amazing!!!

What fun to fly through the Broadway night sky on a magic carpet with Aladdin.

A high-energy musical with numerous big dance pieces that fill the stage. Wonderful leads in Aladdin (Telly Leung) and Jasmine (Courtney Reed), and a beautiful love story that ends in equal partnership. Genie (Major Attaway) was fantastic with his attitude and pumping up the house throughout the roof. Great comedy and acting from Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) and Iago (Don Darryl Rivera). Fabulous dancing from the entire cast. Plus, some real magic behind the stage props, trap doors, and the flying carpet. Thank you all for an incredible night!

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APEX Choreographer Showcase

Wonderful performances by Lauren Wolter, Yoshimura Chikako, and other dancers last night. Peridance’s APEX Choreographer Showcase continues today at 4pm and 7:30pm. More info and tickets at Peridance Capezio Center. Go check them out!

Love the gorgeous dancing by the Hutchinson Collective and Lauren. I’ve seen the choreography “Days of the Open Hand” before, but the uplifting emotion that the movements inspire (accompanied by the soothing voice of George Michael) still gets to me every time.

Finally saw the expressive Chikako perform in a piece that reflects on ourselves as young adults — the longing for a home but also the desire to go out, challenge, and prove ourselves.

Other works tonight include: “Libertango” dramatic Argentine tango on pointe shoes (theatrically and technically!). “We the Artists” exploring the lives of the creative class through the metaphor of riding the New York subway. “T(i)nderness” a fun dance theatre about online dating.

Bravos to all the dancers. Thanks for a wonderful evening. I sadly can’t make the Sunday programs, but go see the show!