New York City Ballet Closes Out Spring with "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Meryl Cates | Jun 17, 2009 | 0

As summer approaches, so does balmy evenings and blossoming love. The mystical aura of summer is only complete with its merry mascot, the frolicking lovers. It is proper that New York City Ballet should finish out their Spring Season with Balanchine's classic "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Included in the Repertory Notes, Midsummer night is synonymous with "love and magic," a night when fairies and other ethereal creatures can interact with mortals. Certainly Balanchine's motif of true love is not lost in this ballet. Love is the underlying theme, propelling force and, on its most obvious level, the main story line.

On Tuesday evening, the opening cast was some of "Midsummer's" most veteran dancers, Joaquin De Luz as Oberon, Darci Kistler as Titania and Daniel Ulbricht as Puck.  These are dancers that have performed these roles many times in past years and their mastery is apparent, although they never lose sight of the whimsy.

The elaborate scenery instantly draws one into the moment and setting of the ballet, and while the first forest scene was more darkly lit than I remember (giving it a more shadowy, calm before the storm appearance) Mendelssohn's lively score suggests otherwise. The impeccable little fairies, danced by students from the school of American Ballet, were crowd pleasers as usual, and Erica Pereira's Butterfly was danced with eye-catching zest.

The always regal quality of Darci Kistler gave Titania a sophistication expected of the Queen of the Fairies, although this is singular to Ms. Kistler's dancing and not just the role. Her strength is truly in the subtleties. It's as if a flutter of air lies beneath each movement, from a simple bourree to a balance in attitude. Joaquin De Luz has been dancing the role of Oberon for years and it's easy to see why. The beats and turns (which are abundant) in Oberon's solo are performed with an exact balance of speed and control. There is comfort within each movement, allowing him time to add his own flare.

One of Shakespeare's most infamous mischief makers, Puck could not be more suited to Daniel Ulbrict, or so it seems. Mr. Ulbrict does not play Puck, he is Puck. His unparalleled speed and height give him a sense of propulsion, indeed it seems like real-life magic. The mortal mix-up scene with Helena and Demetrius (Rebecca Krohn and Amar Ramasar) and Hermia and Lysander (Jennie Somogyi and Jonathan Stafford) remains funny, even after a number of viewings. Ms. Krohn's Helena had just the right amount of recklessness (without allowing the arm flailing to come off too rag doll-ish).

With all the love in the air, perhaps Balanchine shows a touch of his comedic side by giving some of the most romantic music (complete with robust crescendos) to Titania and Bottom's pas de deux.

Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, was danced by Teresa Reichlen (I first saw her perform this role at the company's SPAC season in 2005). She has since gained more control and authority in the role, but she really came into her own in the Act II wedding scene where her personality began to shine.

Before Balanchine's full-length "A Midsummer Night's dream," there was Frederick Ashton's one-act ballet "The Dream." Shakespeare's play remains one of his most timeless comedies. However, it was Mendelssohn's music that inspired Balanchine's version, which premiered in 1962.

As described in the Repertory Index, the Divertissement in Act II is a representation of "ideal untroubled love." Danced by Jennifer Ringer and Philip Neal, the pas de deux was a lesson in control and poise. The maturity and finesses with which they transitioned through the many intricate promenades was exquisite. Ms. Ringer possesses such a tranquil quality, and the joy she brings to her dancing is matched only by her flawless technique, not-to-mention glamorous, move-star looks. If ever true love needed a dancing partner, it would have to be Philip Neal; He makes everything appear seamless. As the couple slowly twists into their final pose, Ms. Ringer arched back in Neal's arms, it's as if my heart melts. But there's no need to get sappy.

New York City Ballet's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will be performed through Sunday, June 21 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Call 212. 870.5570 or visit nycballet.com

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