#1
Posted: 10/25/14 at 8:34pm
Is anyone seeing "The Little Dancer" tonight? if so--any opinions will be appreciated.
#2
Posted: 10/26/14 at 9:09am
I was in the audience for the first show last night. Susan Stroman came out at the beginning to make it clear that this was the first preview show and that there might be technical difficulties. However, as far as I could tell the show went off without a hitch, which was impressive cause there is some pretty elaborate scenery.
Anyways, I really enjoyed the show. It ran 2:30 almost exactly, and at intermission and afterwards, I heard lots of positive comments. Tiler Peck is fantastic at the dancing, as one might expect. Her acting and singing are more along the "adequate" lines, but it works. The ballet dances are the best part, I think, including the fabulous dream ballet at the end of Act Two. The choreography was also really stunning. The cast in general was quite good: Rebecca Luker, Boyd Gaines, Karen Ziemba were all good, though Luker seemed occasionally to be overpowered by the orchestra. The songs are good; at the risk of cliche, I left humming a few songs (though my opinion on Ahrens and Flaherty's songs are suspect: I liked the songs from "Rocky".:) )
Act 1 was 90 minutes and started to seem pretty long near the end of it, but Act 2 was paced better and went a lot quicker.
Yea, overall it was really good. I'd be curious to see what others think and if they make any changes.
Anyways, I really enjoyed the show. It ran 2:30 almost exactly, and at intermission and afterwards, I heard lots of positive comments. Tiler Peck is fantastic at the dancing, as one might expect. Her acting and singing are more along the "adequate" lines, but it works. The ballet dances are the best part, I think, including the fabulous dream ballet at the end of Act Two. The choreography was also really stunning. The cast in general was quite good: Rebecca Luker, Boyd Gaines, Karen Ziemba were all good, though Luker seemed occasionally to be overpowered by the orchestra. The songs are good; at the risk of cliche, I left humming a few songs (though my opinion on Ahrens and Flaherty's songs are suspect: I liked the songs from "Rocky".:) )
Act 1 was 90 minutes and started to seem pretty long near the end of it, but Act 2 was paced better and went a lot quicker.
Yea, overall it was really good. I'd be curious to see what others think and if they make any changes.
#3
Posted: 10/26/14 at 10:14am
I was there last night as well. I felt it was a magical evening and sobbed so much. Tiler Peck danced beautifully. I also felt that Rebecca Luker was drowned out by the orchestra at times. The Dream Ballet was stunning and made me sob. William Ivey Long's costumes are absolutely gorgeous. It feels like Degas's paintings are coming to life. I can't wait to see it again!
#4
Posted: 10/26/14 at 5:53pm
How big is the orchestra? It looked huge in the zitsprobe photos on Facebook/twitter!
Also, what's the set like?
Also, what's the set like?
#5
Posted: 10/26/14 at 6:13pm
Counting the musicians listed in the playbill, looks like a 20 piece orchestra. Either way, it sounded great--big and lush and not thin at all. The orchestra and their sound perfectly complemented the score.
The set was fantastic. It was a series of 3 very tall revolving pieces on each side (I think they had 3 sides? maybe) and would revolve as the scene changed. Then projections in Degas' style were also used. I'm describing it badly but check the Little Dancer facebook page (of posts by people to the page) and some people took pictures of the set before it started, to give you kind of an idea.
The song list was in the playbill but I'm not sure how to post that picture...if anyone's interested and can tell me a good place to upload the photo so it can be embedded in a reply, I'd be willing to do that.
The set was fantastic. It was a series of 3 very tall revolving pieces on each side (I think they had 3 sides? maybe) and would revolve as the scene changed. Then projections in Degas' style were also used. I'm describing it badly but check the Little Dancer facebook page (of posts by people to the page) and some people took pictures of the set before it started, to give you kind of an idea.
The song list was in the playbill but I'm not sure how to post that picture...if anyone's interested and can tell me a good place to upload the photo so it can be embedded in a reply, I'd be willing to do that.
#6
Posted: 10/26/14 at 6:14pm
Does anyone know if this is coming to New York? ?this current season is really boring.
#8
Posted: 10/27/14 at 3:06pm
Is Tiler Peck portraying 14-year-old Marie or is there another younger dancer? Of course Tiler is a top notch ballerina and has a resumee with Susan Stroman, but she doesn't look like a 14 year old, does she? I have only seen the videos on YouTube and thought it would have been more interesting and believable with a young serious ballet student, and I woukd think there are many to choose from.
#9
Posted: 10/27/14 at 3:11pm
Peck is playing the teenage Marie.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#10
Posted: 10/27/14 at 8:12pm
Peck actually comes across pretty young onstage--not quite 14, but definitely 16 or so.
#11
Posted: 10/28/14 at 9:15pm
#12
Posted: 10/28/14 at 10:23pm
That looks truly wonderful. I hope the entire show matches.
#13
Posted: 11/3/14 at 11:55pm
I saw it this weekend; Boyd Gaines was out sick- Michael X. Martin was his understudy and did a fine job.
I think the show is quite lovely, but it needs refining. The first act feels every second of its 90 minutes, and is full of characters that simply don't need much exploration. However, such exploration leads to one of the most memorable numbers in the show. So it's a bit of a quandary.
The show's climax is extremely effective and moving, a one-two punch of a beautiful ballet followed by a truly emotional final scene.
The material is Ahrens, Flaherty, and Stroman all working in their most comfortable element. Stroman is a choreographer first and foremost, and a ballet-heavy show like this is clearly very personal to her and what she is best at. The dancing is exquisite. The score has many very good songs, and is probably the best work from this team in years.
The cast is uniformly excellent; Peck is a superb dancer, a decent singer, and a capable actress. I wish I had seen Gaines, as I am sure his rehearsal time with Peck would've elevated the scenes between their characters.
Jenny Powers elevates her role with fantastic vocals and presence (it is her number, "Little Opportunities," that I alluded to earlier), and Rebecca Luker delivers gorgeous voice and genuine heart and it is a testament to her skill that the finale works so well.
Despite, on paper, sounding similar to Sunday in the Park, the show is quite different enough to avoid comparisons.
The scenic design, sadly, often looks a tad cheap- I understand what was being attempted, but the result is underwhelming. Fortunately William Ivy Long's Degas-evoking costumes offset it.
I am curious to see how the piece develops. It's promising, and despite being very old-fashioned in many respects it is daring in its topic and execution. But I don't think it's ready for a Broadway debut; its problems are a bit deeper than needing to cut.
I think the show is quite lovely, but it needs refining. The first act feels every second of its 90 minutes, and is full of characters that simply don't need much exploration. However, such exploration leads to one of the most memorable numbers in the show. So it's a bit of a quandary.
The show's climax is extremely effective and moving, a one-two punch of a beautiful ballet followed by a truly emotional final scene.
The material is Ahrens, Flaherty, and Stroman all working in their most comfortable element. Stroman is a choreographer first and foremost, and a ballet-heavy show like this is clearly very personal to her and what she is best at. The dancing is exquisite. The score has many very good songs, and is probably the best work from this team in years.
The cast is uniformly excellent; Peck is a superb dancer, a decent singer, and a capable actress. I wish I had seen Gaines, as I am sure his rehearsal time with Peck would've elevated the scenes between their characters.
Jenny Powers elevates her role with fantastic vocals and presence (it is her number, "Little Opportunities," that I alluded to earlier), and Rebecca Luker delivers gorgeous voice and genuine heart and it is a testament to her skill that the finale works so well.
Despite, on paper, sounding similar to Sunday in the Park, the show is quite different enough to avoid comparisons.
The scenic design, sadly, often looks a tad cheap- I understand what was being attempted, but the result is underwhelming. Fortunately William Ivy Long's Degas-evoking costumes offset it.
I am curious to see how the piece develops. It's promising, and despite being very old-fashioned in many respects it is daring in its topic and execution. But I don't think it's ready for a Broadway debut; its problems are a bit deeper than needing to cut.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#14
Posted: 11/9/14 at 6:28pm
Well, I'm here to give it a rave. 
Went this afternoon (without really knowing what to expect) and LOVED it. Cast, music, dancing, costumes, sets . . . all fantastic. I don't think there's ANYTHING Tiler Peck can't do! And I thought the story was really well-told. Strong characterization all around, and they were able to handle a number of storylines without making a hash of it. It dealt with some important themes without ever being heavy-handed about them.
I will say that the lyrics could have been stronger in a few places, but I'm picky about lyrics!
The final scene made me cry, and I came out feeling like I'd been put through the wringer. In a good way. It was just a lovely, moving experience. Honestly, I really think this is ready for Broadway, and only needs a few minor tweaks here and there. I truly hope it makes it there and has a successful run.
BTW, I wouldn't be surprised if Rebecca Luker were the next one to call in sick. She sounded quite hoarse (although she still managed to hit all her high notes)!
Went this afternoon (without really knowing what to expect) and LOVED it. Cast, music, dancing, costumes, sets . . . all fantastic. I don't think there's ANYTHING Tiler Peck can't do! And I thought the story was really well-told. Strong characterization all around, and they were able to handle a number of storylines without making a hash of it. It dealt with some important themes without ever being heavy-handed about them. I will say that the lyrics could have been stronger in a few places, but I'm picky about lyrics!
The final scene made me cry, and I came out feeling like I'd been put through the wringer. In a good way.
It was just a lovely, moving experience. Honestly, I really think this is ready for Broadway, and only needs a few minor tweaks here and there. I truly hope it makes it there and has a successful run. BTW, I wouldn't be surprised if Rebecca Luker were the next one to call in sick. She sounded quite hoarse (although she still managed to hit all her high notes)!
Updated On: 11/9/14 at 06:28 PM
#15
Posted: 11/9/14 at 7:35pm
What kind of part does Sophia Anne Caruso have (as the little sister I think?) Correct me if I am wrong..
#16
Posted: 11/9/14 at 8:16pm
I saw it on Thursday and absolutely loved it--such a fabulous cast. I'm such a huge fan of Tiler Peck's and she didn't disappoint. That second act ballet towards the end as well as the final scene blew me away and I was definitely a little teary.
I really hope it comes to NYC!
I really hope it comes to NYC!
#17
Posted: 11/9/14 at 11:04pm
Yes, Caruso plays Marie's little sister. I was really impressed with her -- her singing voice is great.
#18
Posted: 11/10/14 at 9:36am
Saw this last week. It's dreadful. Tiler Peck is obviously an extraordinary dancer, but her acting is truly embarrassing. The phenomenal Boyd Gaines is bland and unbelievable. The set and costumes are eyesores. Stro's choreography is the weakest I've ever seen from her. The book is unfocused and devoid of character development, hinting at the dark, squalid undertones to the story while skating along the surface above them. And the music is the least distinctive I've ever heard from Ahrens and Flaherty. It has a good first five minutes and a good last minute. Everything in between is hideous. It was an enormous disappointment to me given how much I generally adore Ahrens and Flaherty--I still think Rocky was hugely underappreciated (unpopular opinion, I know).
#19
Posted: 11/10/14 at 10:10am
I saw it yesterday too. I enjoyed it. I liked the fact that instead of an 11 o'clock vocal number, we got and 11 o'clock ballet. Overall, i appreciated that this team was actually trying to do something different... almost like a musical and a ballet combined. Loved the ending, and was quite moved.
"The price of love is loss, but still we pay; We love anyway."
#20
Posted: 11/10/14 at 12:46pm
I went ahead and typed up the song list for those who'd like to see it.
C'est le Ballet -- Adult Marie, Company
Little Hole in the Wall -- Young Marie, Charlotte, Adult Marie
Eye Examination -- Doctors
Unfinished -- Degas, Mary Cassatt
A Rat -- Rats, Adult Marie, Company
Musicians and Dancers and Fools -- Christian
Laundry -- Martine, Adult Marie, Antoinette, Young Marie, Charlotte, Laundresses
Little Opportunities -- Antoinette, Company
Petite Chanson -- Martine, Bar Patrons, Young Marie
Ballerina -- Charlotte, Young Marie
In Between -- Degas
Act One Finale -- Degas, Adult Marie, Young Marie
Looking Back at Myself -- Adult Marie
At the Dressing Table -- Antoinette, Martine, Young Marie
Les Petites Danseuses -- Corbeil, Abonnes
I'll Follow You -- Philippe
Observations -- Mary Cassatt
Little Opportunities (Reprise) -- Antoinette
Moving Up in the World -- Martine, Laundresses, Adult Marie, Young Marie, Charlotte
Dancing Still -- Christian
A Box of Things -- Degas, Young Marie
The Exposition -- Degas, Company
What You Made of Me -- Adult Marie
The Little Dancer Ballet -- Young Marie, Company
Finale -- Company
I thought C'est Le Ballet and In Between were the best -- great songs, gorgeously staged and performed. (Young Marie dances the latter while Degas is singing.) And the second act ballet, of course. In my opinion, Christian's first song and Philippe's song are weakest, but I don't see either being cut; they're both needed, the first for characterization and the second for plot. (Christian's song could be improved with stronger lyrics.) Laundry had an interesting Les Mis feel to it.
C'est le Ballet -- Adult Marie, Company
Little Hole in the Wall -- Young Marie, Charlotte, Adult Marie
Eye Examination -- Doctors
Unfinished -- Degas, Mary Cassatt
A Rat -- Rats, Adult Marie, Company
Musicians and Dancers and Fools -- Christian
Laundry -- Martine, Adult Marie, Antoinette, Young Marie, Charlotte, Laundresses
Little Opportunities -- Antoinette, Company
Petite Chanson -- Martine, Bar Patrons, Young Marie
Ballerina -- Charlotte, Young Marie
In Between -- Degas
Act One Finale -- Degas, Adult Marie, Young Marie
Looking Back at Myself -- Adult Marie
At the Dressing Table -- Antoinette, Martine, Young Marie
Les Petites Danseuses -- Corbeil, Abonnes
I'll Follow You -- Philippe
Observations -- Mary Cassatt
Little Opportunities (Reprise) -- Antoinette
Moving Up in the World -- Martine, Laundresses, Adult Marie, Young Marie, Charlotte
Dancing Still -- Christian
A Box of Things -- Degas, Young Marie
The Exposition -- Degas, Company
What You Made of Me -- Adult Marie
The Little Dancer Ballet -- Young Marie, Company
Finale -- Company
I thought C'est Le Ballet and In Between were the best -- great songs, gorgeously staged and performed. (Young Marie dances the latter while Degas is singing.) And the second act ballet, of course. In my opinion, Christian's first song and Philippe's song are weakest, but I don't see either being cut; they're both needed, the first for characterization and the second for plot. (Christian's song could be improved with stronger lyrics.) Laundry had an interesting Les Mis feel to it.
Updated On: 11/10/14 at 12:46 PM
#21
Posted: 11/10/14 at 5:05pm
I have tickets to see this Thanksgiving weekend, but after reading people's thoughts here, I'm going to try to go sometime this week or next.
Hey Dottie!
Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany
#22
Posted: 11/19/14 at 11:11am
The Washington Post has an article about the preview period and this week's opening night.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/opening-night-for-kennedy-centers-little-dancer--or-is-it/2014/11/18/1c6feb9a-6f57-11e4-a2c2-478179fd0489_story.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/opening-night-for-kennedy-centers-little-dancer--or-is-it/2014/11/18/1c6feb9a-6f57-11e4-a2c2-478179fd0489_story.html
#23
Posted: 11/19/14 at 8:00pm
Finally bought tickets for 11/29. I can't wait to see this.
#24
Posted: 11/20/14 at 11:35pm
You can read all the 'Little Dancer' reviews in 'Other Reviews' on DCMetroTheaterArts. I will be updating the list as the reviews come in and please leave your comments in the comment box under our review to let us know what you thought.
http://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/other-reviews/
http://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/other-reviews/
#25
Posted: 11/22/14 at 10:42pm
I'm very intrigued and excited to see this show next weekend!
Updated On: 5/13/15 at 10:42 PM
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