Reviewing the Drama: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Ballet, Movies, and TV Reviews

The New York City Ballet winter 2016 season is in full swing, and Tuesday night was a "new combinations" evening. The newest of the new combinations was the world premiere of NYCB's resident choreographer (and soloist) Justin Peck's ballet, The Most Incredible Thing . This marked Peck's tenth ballet for the Company, and his first narrative ballet. But the night began with some slightly older new combinations. I have much to say about The Most Incredible Thing , so I'll be brief about the night's other offerings. The evening began with three ballets that premiered as part of the fall gala, and included costume designs by high fashion designers. First was Polaris , the Myles Thatcher ballet, that was led by Emilie Gerrity and Craig Hall . Hall once again impressed in this ballet, and Gerrity did nice work. That was followed by The Blue of Distance , choreographed by Robert Binet . This is the one that looks like it's being danced underwa...

It was a night of new and fashionable works at New York City Ballet. Four of the five works on the program were part of the Fall Gala, which, once again, saw choreographers collaborate with fashion designers, bringing couture to the ballet. First up was Polaris , the Myles Thatcher ballet set to a William Walton score, and featuring costumes by Zuhair Murad . This is a beautiful, romantic piece. Tiler Pick shines like the star she is, at times looking for her way, with an assist from the always terrific Craig Hall , and sometimes leading the small ensemble, like the North Star. Murad's costumes are gorgeous, a fabulous translation of Murad's runway and red carpet gowns to ballet. Next came The Blue of Distance , Robert Binet 's ballet that uses Maurice Ravel music and new costumes designed by Hanako Maeda of ADEAM . This almost feels like a variation on Polaris , except set underwater. The women's costumes look like they have fish scales. Throughout it ...