Category Archives: Music

The Nutcracker 2012, The Coliseum

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As ever the English National Ballet thrill and excite with their annual production of the Nutcracker. It is impossible not to enjoy the lyrical music, gorgeous costumes, romantic set and beautiful dancing in Wayne Eagling’s production of Tchaikovsky’s festive classic.

This year Daria Klimentova takes on the role of Clara, with Fabian Reimair as Drosselmeyer, James Streeter as Mouse King and Vadim Muntagirov as Nephew. It is an all star cast of brilliantly charming dancers. There is a youthful energy and excitement as they whirl energetically, taking on the lifts with precision and elegance. Credit is also due to the exceptional kids who play such a crucial role in this popular ballet. Annabella Sanders as young Clara and James Lovell as young Freddie are particularly impressive, commanding the stage as confident actors and dancers.

The orchestra follow the score with a fresh outlook, you’d never know they had been playing this ballet over and over. The music sizzles and sparkles, thanks also to conductor Gavin Sutherland who conducts beautifully. On stage there is always something to look at with a stunning set designed by Peter Farmer and glowing lighting by David Richardson. All in all this production of the Nutcracker reminds me every year of the joy of Christmas and leaves worries of presents and stress far behind.

There is constant competition between the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, these grand Covent Garden theatres always rivalling for the top spot. With artistic integrity and creative genius the Coliseum masterpiece is the winner for me year after year.

Continues until Friday 30 December, book here.

New York in Autumn

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Autumn is the best time to visit New York, the weather is mild but bright and the city has calmed down after the summer craziness. As this was my second trip to NYC, I had already ticked off most of the must-see sights and so we were able to indulge, seeking out aspects of the city that most interested us, including food, cocktails, nail bars, coffee shops, art and design. Following recommendations helped us find our way around while also discovering hidden gems, here’s what we found:

Sleep

Sherry Netherland – a palace of style and sophistication, located on the corner of Central Park amongst the gorgeous designer outlets of 5th Avenue, this hotel defines luxury and offers sensational views of the impressive city skyline.
Giraffe Hotel – a cute and quirky boutique hotel: a cosy place to stay with a relaxing lounge to hang out in and have breakfast. Stylish enough to earn a place in the Sex and the City film (one of the suites was used for Big’s office!)

Eat

The Breslin – this super cool restaurant and bar is located inside the Ace Hotel, and is fun even just for a drink. Try the cocktails, indulge in a British classic dish and have your photo taken in the retro booth… a memorable haunt.
The Burger Joint at Meridien Parker – inside a posh hotel behind a red velvet curtain is a humble burger joint… offering perhaps the best burgers in town for just six dollars. Only in New York would you find such a crazy juxtaposition, and such insanely good burgers.
Prospect – if you are travelling into Brooklyn, this trendy eatery is well worth a try… offering indulgent dishes and cool drinks with a jazzy soundtrack.
The Modern at Moma – a magical Michelin star restaurant adjoining the brilliant modern art museum. Indulge in beautiful food and exceptional cooking. The lunch menu is particularly reasonable.

Drink

Employees Only – a secret bar near Bleecker Street with divine cocktails… sit at the bar for people watching and to pick up tricks of the mixology trade. E.O won best cocktail bar a few years ago, a well deserved accolade.
Death & Co – a moody prohibition cocktail bar serving up exquisite cocktails and great bar food.
Blue Bottle – the best coffee in Brooklyn, creamy, smooth, divine.
Black Book – our favourite coffee shop in Williamsburg, oodles of character and charm and great coffee too.

Shop

I must admit our shopping was not as successful as we had hoped, both prepared to break the bank if we couldn’t resist NY steals…
Dylan’s Candy Store – the ultimate sweet shop
Victoria’s Secrets – for pretty underwear
Mast Brothers – a chocolate empire… wondrously big bars of dark chocolate in a variety of flavours, packaged up in patterned paper.
We found the most intriguing boutiques in Williamsburg, Brooklyn… visit on a Saturday morning for the weekend buzz when the independent shops and vintage stores are all open and ready to bargain with you.

See

High Line – a transformed railway track allows keen walkers to see the city while wandering down a lovely new path.
9/11 Memorial – a poignant memorial of America’s traumatic attack is realised on the site. Two thunderous waterfalls mark the loss.
The Met Warhol Exhibition tells the tale of this famous pop artist while also illustrating his influence on contemporary artists.
Guggenheim – Picasso Black & White – the current show at the great Guggenheim, a monochrome treat for Picasso fans.
Sex and the City Tour – the girlies’ guide to New York… follow in the four fashionistas’ footsteps, travelling by coach to their most familiar hang-outs.
Spiderman musical on Broadway – the most extravagant show in town… though damned by the critics, no-one can deny that it has the wow factor.
A gig at Le Poisson Rouge – we were lucky enough to catch British band Michahu and the Shapes at this hip Bleecker Street venue. Join the students at Le Poisson Rouge where there is always an intriguing band to discover.

No city moves faster than New York, so any write-up feels instantly out of date… at least if you are visiting soon, you will have a few thoroughly modern tips to get you started.

Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, New York

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Spiderman the Musical has been in the press more than most Broadway shows – the multi-million dollar production has been “plagued with problems” since its 2010 debut. Several actors have been severely injured and the huge box office losses are well publicised.

Based on the Marvel comic character and set in New York, it is the ideal story to stage in the Big Apple. For tourists like me, it was certainly a novelty watching a show based on such a typically American comic. With such enormous costs, this is a musical unlikely to ever transfer to the London’s West End so watching it on Broadway felt like a special treat.

Fighting our way through the flashing lights of Times Square, we were relieved to spot the Foxwoods Theatre. Inside the place was swarming with excited guests of all ages, I began to wonder who had labelled this show a flop as the audience numbers certainly weren’t suffering when I went. Better still, everyone was having a great time – it is impossible not to be impressed by Spidey swooping over the stalls. I have seen the majority of musicals currently on in the West End and nothing compares to the stunts showcased here… it was more like a Cirque du Soleil production.

The critics have slaughtered Turn off the Dark declaring it “the worst show ever on Broadway” and since its opening two years ago, the production has been reworked provoking only slightly more positive reactions. We enjoyed the show immensely though noticed some its shortcomings. The narrative follows the life of protagonist Peter Parker from his normal daily routine at school to his extraordinary transformation into Spiderman and all the trouble he encounters on the way. The cast undertakes a massive challenge realising this show on stage, technically it is a minefield. Reeve Carney is very likeable as the nerdy Peter, he has plenty of energy and is convincing as the young superhero. Last time I saw a show on Broadway I was disappointed with the vocal quality, but the Spiderman cast has good intonation and diction throughout, and the lead characters, in particular Rebecca Faulkenberry as Mary Jane, have lovely tone and line. The choreography is striking and dynamic and has been mastered by the chorus; the band provide emphatic accompaniment.

Turn off the Dark is an incredible visual spectacle with extreme acrobatics and jaw-dropping sets, one thing is guaranteed… you will never see anything else like it.

Thanks to NYC & Co and The Broadway Collection.
More information: http://www.broadwaycollection.com/ (@BwayCollection)

Visitors need to book via a UK tour operator:  www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk