Paul Collaborates On World Premiere NYC Ballet
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Ironically, probably none of the critics could think up an original dance move, even just one, for a ballet to save their lives. It's easy for them to just sit back and think "that doesn't look right" when they actually know very little about choreography. How could they, unless they can dance and choreograph themselves.
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Some photos from my camera at the premiere... A few of Abe outside before the show: http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/Abe1.jpg http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/Abe2.jpg Mark Hudson at Red Carpet: http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/MarkHudsonAtBallet.jpg Mickey Dolenz at Red Carpet: http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/MickeyDolenzAtBallet.jpg Steve Busemi at Red Carpet: http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/SteveBusemiAtBallet.jpg Lorne Michaels and Alec Baldwin at Red Carpet: http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/LorneMichaelsAndAlecBaldwinAtBallet.jpg Paul on Stage at end of show: http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/PaulWithCastofBallet.jpg http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/PaulacknowledgingCastAtEndOfBallet.jpg http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/PaulCurtainCall1.jpg http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/PaulCurtainCall2.jpg http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/PodgieTheMonkey/PaulCurtainCall3.jpg Alot of celebrities there. I was shoulder to shoulder with Sarah Jessica Parker on the stairs, walked out the door next to James, and Mickey Dolenze closed the elevator on me going up to my seat. After the show it was a celebrity mob scene. It was a fun time! Oh, the show was okay too! Podgie (not the only Monkee Monkey at the show) Monkey
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Thanks for sharing your pics Podgie! Mark Hudson is always very colorful! lol
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It is a shame about the reviews and that the whole production is being 'hung' on Paul. I hope the cast and everyone involved don't feel too dejected. The reviews on here were glowing, just appears the ballet 'experts' are not too impressed.
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I was not at the Primere of Ocean's Kingdom. So I know nothing first hand of the performance of the dancers, choreography, etc... But I have an inkling that if Peter Martins had the musical score of some unknown or lesser known composer to choreograph this ballet for, he would not be getting "bad reviews." I feel the critics are putting Paul's music on a pedestal, just because his name is on it, and Peter is getting slammed for not having, "done more with it." Not that Paul's music is not wonderful,we know it is, but I think anyone who agrees to choreograph the score for Paul McCartney has got balls, knowing the scrutiny they will be subjected to, as we now see! Congratulations Peter Martins, The NYC Ballet Dancers and Stella for the brilliant costumes!
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there will always be Critics, and "So Called Experts" buzzing round likeVultures! they are contriversaly motivated to create Doubt in some little people's minds. they want to be noticed, to try and get fame but mostly they make me all ashamed!! Vultures come and then they go so who are they to tell us so?? we only know what is in the heart of the Entertainer and how it promotes "Good Will Towards the Audiance" kindess and thoughtfullness, and were Grateful he is their for all of us to share in love hope, faith and Truth in each other. for it is only right Paul's Music help us thru all of our Plights so here I sit writing and singing A different song so we, after reading this Crap can move along Vultures are eventualy comsumed by their wrong full intent so there you go. is my nice comment!! Sept 26, written as I pulled it out of the air! don't ask me why, it is always their! lol
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hey_kittay:
I was not at the Primere of Ocean's Kingdom. So I know nothing first hand of the performance of the dancers, choreography, etc... But I have an inkling that if Peter Martins had the musical score of some unknown or lesser known composer to choreograph this ballet for, he would not be getting "bad reviews." I feel the critics are putting Paul's music on a pedestal, just because his name is on it, and Peter is getting slammed for not having, "done more with it." Not that Paul's music is not wonderful,we know it is, but I think anyone who agrees to choreograph the score for Paul McCartney has got balls, knowing the scrutiny they will be subjected to, as we now see! Congratulations Peter Martins, The NYC Ballet Dancers and Stella for the brilliant costumes!
Well it's not that simple. Peter Martins has been under fire from the NY critics for a LONG time for what they view as 20 years of stale choreography. Yes, the project was high-profile because of Paul's music. But people have been saying this about Martins for years. I doubt Paul knew that (not being a ballet insider). If anything, it seems like the NY critics used Paul's ballet to send a strong message to Martins. And they succeeded. For years, they've been trashing Peter's choreography of lesser known composers and no one cared. But Paul's notoriety gave them an opportunity to trash Peter's work and get those stories on the front page of most NY newspapers. I feel bad for the man. It's almost like they want to see him fired or retired. Paul (and his score) kind of got caught in the crossfire.
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And here's yet another review citing the same problems. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/26/paul-mccartney-oceans-kingdom-ballet_n_981037.html?ref=mostpopular The key point of the review:
"It was disappointing to watch a ballet and realize the dance itself was overlooked."
Hopefully some other choreographer down the road will give Ocean's Kingdom a better go.
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walliebaby:
Just arrived home 24 hours after leaving my house for the performance--7 hour drive each way! What an amazing night! The ballet was incredible, and I'm not a ballet fan. Stella's costume designs were breathtaking (my favorite were the bad guys' outfits), and the music, oh the music! Genius! Here are the videos I took of the arrivals and the curtain calls: James McCartney arriving:
Stella McCartney arriving: Paul and Nancy arriving: First curtain call, when you can see the cast outfits (I love the cute Paul/Stella moment as the curtain drops!): Second curtain call, with Peter (choreographer), Stella, and Paul: Third and final curtain call with Peter and Paul:Thank you so much for posting these!! It was a magical night wasn't it? Beautifully evocative music, wonderful colorful costumes. I really like how Stella designed the flowing costumes of the underwater creatures vs the tribal themed earth invaders from the planet Terra and how it gave visual direction to the story! The swirling icing on top of the dessert was the beautifully choreographed dancers It was just brilliant!! Very delightful, emotionally moving and so enjoyable!! Bravo to all
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Michelley:
hey_kittay:
I was not at the Primere of Ocean's Kingdom. So I know nothing first hand of the performance of the dancers, choreography, etc... But I have an inkling that if Peter Martins had the musical score of some unknown or lesser known composer to choreograph this ballet for, he would not be getting "bad reviews." I feel the critics are putting Paul's music on a pedestal, just because his name is on it, and Peter is getting slammed for not having, "done more with it." Not that Paul's music is not wonderful,we know it is, but I think anyone who agrees to choreograph the score for Paul McCartney has got balls, knowing the scrutiny they will be subjected to, as we now see! Congratulations Peter Martins, The NYC Ballet Dancers and Stella for the brilliant costumes!
Well it's not that simple. Peter Martins has been under fire from the NY critics for a LONG time for what they view as 20 years of stale choreography. Yes, the project was high-profile because of Paul's music. But people have been saying this about Martins for years. I doubt Paul knew that (not being a ballet insider). If anything, it seems like the NY critics used Paul's ballet to send a strong message to Martins. And they succeeded. For years, they've been trashing Peter's choreography of lesser known composers and no one cared. But Paul's notoriety gave them an opportunity to trash Peter's work and get those stories on the front page of most NY newspapers. I feel bad for the man. It's almost like they want to see him fired or retired. Paul (and his score) kind of got caught in the crossfire.
Gee, knowing that information I feel terrible for Peter Martins. I guess it was not such a good move for Paul to get inspired for the ballet afterall. How did Paul get involved in the project anyway? I guess Paul's people did not know of this stuff. Poor Peter Martins.
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hey_kittay:
Michelley:
hey_kittay:
I was not at the Primere of Ocean's Kingdom. So I know nothing first hand of the performance of the dancers, choreography, etc... But I have an inkling that if Peter Martins had the musical score of some unknown or lesser known composer to choreograph this ballet for, he would not be getting "bad reviews." I feel the critics are putting Paul's music on a pedestal, just because his name is on it, and Peter is getting slammed for not having, "done more with it." Not that Paul's music is not wonderful,we know it is, but I think anyone who agrees to choreograph the score for Paul McCartney has got balls, knowing the scrutiny they will be subjected to, as we now see! Congratulations Peter Martins, The NYC Ballet Dancers and Stella for the brilliant costumes!
Well it's not that simple. Peter Martins has been under fire from the NY critics for a LONG time for what they view as 20 years of stale choreography. Yes, the project was high-profile because of Paul's music. But people have been saying this about Martins for years. I doubt Paul knew that (not being a ballet insider). If anything, it seems like the NY critics used Paul's ballet to send a strong message to Martins. And they succeeded. For years, they've been trashing Peter's choreography of lesser known composers and no one cared. But Paul's notoriety gave them an opportunity to trash Peter's work and get those stories on the front page of most NY newspapers. I feel bad for the man. It's almost like they want to see him fired or retired. Paul (and his score) kind of got caught in the crossfire.
Gee, knowing that information I feel terrible for Peter Martins. I guess it was not such a good move for Paul to get inspired for the ballet afterall. How did Paul get involved in the project anyway? I guess Paul's people did not know of this stuff. Poor Peter Martins.
Peter Martins asked Paul to write a ballet score. That's how Paul got involved. Martins was trying to bring in a new audience to ballet (since it's an art struggling to fill seats). It was a good idea that apparently stumbled in the execution.
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If Peter Martins was actually turning out such shoddy work as they (critics) claim, seems he would have been fired from his elite position years ago. Tis rather a mystery. I'm puzzled : It does seem rather obvious, from all the hard work from everyone involved in putting on this ballet, from all Martins' years of experience and the great dancers involved, Paul's musical brilliance, Stella's design expertise and from glowing audience reports that this really WAS a jolly good show despite the grumbles from critics and so-called "experts." The principals involved in production of this ballet were satisfied with it or they wouldn't have gone ahead with the premiere. That tells you a lot right there.
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Michelley:
And here's yet another review citing the same problems. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/26/paul-mccartney-oceans-kingdom-ballet_n_981037.html?ref=mostpopular The key point of the review:
"It was disappointing to watch a ballet and realize the dance itself was overlooked."
Hopefully some other choreographer down the road will give Ocean's Kingdom a better go.
They should give my daughter who recently graduated as a dance major and has choreographed ballet pieces for several dance festivals a chance - lol
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femaleanimal:
maccalindandme:
well it really doesn't matter what those so called critics think does it?
Unfortunately, yes, it does.
You are correct because most people will not see this ballet to make judgement for themeselves so they will read critc reviews.
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Kathryn O:
maccalindandme:
.for that MOST BEAUTIFUL THING, THAT MAN CANNOT PRODUCE ANYWHERE! Stella and Paul did it all! .
Ummm....both man and woman helped produce this things... and as far as the critics, Art critics have to criticize in snobby manners. They feel they are not taken deeply if they actually like something as in the art world, it is considered deep to be negative and fluffy to be positive. Even if they make a compliment they have to include at least one negative like: This piece of work is brilliantly supurb except for that blue backdrop that looks like the sky threw up. That's just an example. and these people are paid to do this too and take themselves so seriously within their own little bubble of what passes for a community. The rest of us just care about our own opinion. and I gather there is no choir music in this production?
It is kind of funny sometimes about crtitic reviews. try reading the opening night reviews of smash Broadway hits. You will see that 90% of the reviews of these hits are mediocre at best which I think validates your point about critics.
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yankeefan7:
Kathryn O:
maccalindandme:
.for that MOST BEAUTIFUL THING, THAT MAN CANNOT PRODUCE ANYWHERE! Stella and Paul did it all! .
Ummm....both man and woman helped produce this things... and as far as the critics, Art critics have to criticize in snobby manners. They feel they are not taken deeply if they actually like something as in the art world, it is considered deep to be negative and fluffy to be positive. Even if they make a compliment they have to include at least one negative like: This piece of work is brilliantly supurb except for that blue backdrop that looks like the sky threw up. That's just an example. and these people are paid to do this too and take themselves so seriously within their own little bubble of what passes for a community. The rest of us just care about our own opinion. and I gather there is no choir music in this production?
It is kind of funny sometimes about crtitic reviews. try reading the opening night reviews of smash Broadway hits. You will see that 90% of the reviews of these hits are mediocre at best which I think validates your point about critics.
Art show openings are just as bad. The thing I learned about reading about an art show and then going to it is there is often an atmospehre about a piece that is not conveyed at all in the review and that atmosphere, if one catches it can change how one feels about the piece of art. I felt that way after seeing some of Yoko's art. It's so much different then just reading about it. I'm guessing all reviews are the same way including for dance.
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Well, is true many critics would write bad things about what they see, is like if snob position were better than the honest. And you know, Paul is the favorite for this guys they really enjoy to write trash. I don't care what they think, if they do it, because they only do it for money. I will never see the ballet, becouse i really am far away from N.Y, but I listen the music and I think is beatiful, then the ballet has to be nice
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I was there and my first thoughts were the music was nice, but I felt that the dancers could have benefited from more rehersal time. There were a few missteps and it didn't seem as solid as it should. But the thing about some of this criticism is that they can change some of it. It isn't set in stone. Most dance evolves and I have a feeling that the final shows in January will only vaguely resemble the current one. Same with the costumes. Some were given a lot of thought and some were throwaways. But the colors were nice and it looked good. Maybe they will evolve in time too.
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jlw44:
I was there and my first thoughts were the music was nice, but I felt that the dancers could have benefited from more rehersal time. There were a few missteps and it didn't seem as solid as it should. But the thing about some of this criticism is that they can change some of it. It isn't set in stone. Most dance evolves and I have a feeling that the final shows in January will only vaguely resemble the current one. Same with the costumes. Some were given a lot of thought and some were throwaways. But the colors were nice and it looked good. Maybe they will evolve in time too.
It will be interesting to hear if the ballet is much different in January. I guess it depends on the ego of Peter Martins and Stella McCartney and if they accepting of constructive criticism.
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I don't know that it would have much to do with ego, or whether it would have more to do with whether Peter and Stella feel the critics' points are valid. wink