Giselle

Posted by Karen J. Quan, July 14, 2008 at 06:25 AM by Karen J. Quan
It's hard to believe that after three short months, the end of American Ballet Theater's Spring Season is already here. Closing it off in style, I attended the superbly cast final performance of "Giselle" with Ethan Steifel, Julie Kent and Sascha Radetsky. As the ultimate romantic, there could not have been a more perfect performance to see. The evening was filled with love, laughter and loss, the final blow with the discovery that Sascha Radetsky had just danced his last dance with ABT.

I'm not sure if it was the piece or the performance, but Saturday night's presentation of "Giselle" was one of the best I've seen yet. The techniques and choreography were truly amazing. By both the principal dancers and the chorus, a number of elements were so physically challenging, yet beautifully executed and arranged, they generated tons of cheers and applause throughout the show. The chorus stayed in perfect alignment during their noteworthy pieces, and beautifully illustrated the concept of many moving as one. They effortlessly took their place as an ensemble in the background, yet showed their strength in numbers for the bigger pieces.


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Top 5 NYC Shows to Take Your Date

Posted by Sheila Shaigany, July 10, 2008 at 09:35 AM by Sheila Shaigany
Now that summer’s arrived, and the birds and bees have been fluttering about for at least a few months, it’s time to make your move on that special someone. What better idea for a date than a night at the theater! Here are some top recommendations for NYC shows, perfect for a date.


A sure-fire hit for a date, this features true stories of “first time” sexual experiences, all written by real people. Hailed as the “theatrical equivalent of a date-movie” by Newsweek and a “terrific choice for date night” by Broadway World, you just can’t go wrong with this one!

According to the show’s producers, in 1998 a website was created that invited people to anonymously share their own true stories about their first sexual experiences, or “first times.” Decades later, four actors take the stage in My First Time to recount some the most memorable of the total 40,000 stories submitted from all around the globe. The results are a mix of hysterical, shy, heartbreaking, sweet, absurd, and then some.

One of the longest running Off-Broadway plays, it’s scheduled to bow at New World Stages on July 12th. Visit My First Time to see video clips, ticket info, and some hilarious quotes from the play!


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BETRAYED By My Mother...or the other way around?

Posted by Sheila Shaigany, July 07, 2008 at 07:00 AM by Sheila Shaigany
I recently took my mother to see George Packer’s play Betrayed at the Culture Project.

Based on actual interviews conducted by Mr. Packer in Baghdad, it tells the story of three young Iraqi translators, risking their lives to work for the American military just after the 2003 invasion. It explores the complex relationships among the Iraqis themselves, and with their American supervisor, struggling to find purpose while a country collapses around them.

Going into it, I had really high expectations. With a Lucille Lortel award for “Best Play” and numerous extensions of a run, it was pretty hard not to. Thankfully though, my expectations did not disappoint.

From the top of the show, I found myself on the edge of my seat, grasping onto every last word and gesture thrown out by the actors. By the time the production descended upon its final monologue, I had to literally fight a waterfall of tears running down my face, praying that they wouldn’t consume me to the point of public humiliation.


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Auditioning Do's and Don'ts Part 8: After the Audition

Posted by Sheila Shaigany, July 03, 2008 at 06:00 AM by Sheila Shaigany
DO follow-up
Always send in a “thank-you” letter, and include anything to help them remember you (i.e. something you guys joked about, the specific monologue you performed Follow-up ASAP- the longer you wait, the more likely the CD’s have moved on to another project and already forgotten about you. And Keep it BRIEF!

DO include your picture to help them remember your face. You can send in another headshot/resume, or a postcard with a “thank-you” note on the back. Often, postcards are more effective because CD’s can read them right away, as opposed to putting your sealed envelope aside, or even worse, in the trash (frequently the case).


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Auditioning Do's and Don'ts Part 7: Ending the Audition

Posted by Sheila Shaigany, July 03, 2008 at 05:00 AM by Sheila Shaigany
DO take a final moment
When you’re ending you’re monologue/scene, give yourself an extra moment/pause.
DON’T come out of character right away, but give a strong final moment that the directors can hold onto.

Even if you don’t have the last line, DO give a lasting impression that will keep everyone wanting more.


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