Sim Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Casting for the Royal Albert Hall now announced as follows (Prince/SPF/Clara): December - 28: Cesar Morales, Momoko Hirata, Karla Doorbar 29: Matinee - Brandon Lawrence, Celine Gittens, Arancha Baselga 29: Evening - Tyrone Singleton, Jenna Roberts, Laura Day 30: Matinee - Mathias Dingmann, Miki Mizutani, Karla Doorbar 30: Evening - Brandon Lawrence, Celine Gittens, Arancha Baselga 31: Matinee - Tyrone Singleton, Jenna Roberts, Laura Day 31: Evening - Momoko Hirata, Cesar Morales, Karla Doorbar Some nice casting, but I'm a bit disappointed that London isn't going to get the chance to see the Lawrence/Matthews partnership in this ballet, which is just magical. Ah well, fingers crossed for Sleeping Beauty! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Pigeons Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 This REALLY does annoy me as there is no casting up for the season at the Hippodrome which would indicate that the company views the loyal Birmingham audience as somehow less important than the London one. I am afraid it just illustrates how the home audience is taken for granted. I am getting to the stage that if the Birmingham casting is not up by the weekend I will cancel all my direct debits by which I support the company. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Newcombe Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Hope you don’t have to do that. I would expect some of the earlier casting to be announced tomorrow. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Now all I want is for them to make gallery standing available so I stand (no pun intended) a chance of being able to afford to go 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane S Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 They've just sent out a press release with the B'ham casting so presumably it will be online very soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 25 minutes ago, Two Pigeons said: This REALLY does annoy me as there is no casting up for the season at the Hippodrome which would indicate that the company views the loyal Birmingham audience as somehow less important than the London one. I am afraid it just illustrates how the home audience is taken for granted. I was about to say maybe as a far larger venue, and without a Christmas ballet tradition, they felt it necessary to announce RAH casting first. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizbie1 Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 23 minutes ago, Two Pigeons said: This REALLY does annoy me as there is no casting up for the season at the Hippodrome which would indicate that the company views the loyal Birmingham audience as somehow less important than the London one. I am afraid it just illustrates how the home audience is taken for granted. Could it be that they're contractually obliged to release casting for the RAH performances by a certain date? When the Bolshoi and Mariinsky tour to London they release casting far in advance of their intervening "home" performances (or at least they used to), presumably at the behest of the Hochhausers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangorballetboy Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 27 minutes ago, Two Pigeons said: This REALLY does annoy me as there is no casting up for the season at the Hippodrome which would indicate that the company views the loyal Birmingham audience as somehow less important than the London one. I am afraid it just illustrates how the home audience is taken for granted. I am getting to the stage that if the Birmingham casting is not up by the weekend I will cancel all my direct debits by which I support the company. I'm slightly surprised at this reaction. A difference of a couple of hours in announcing the casting for what are essentially different productions is not really an indication of how audiences are seen (nor is there any such indication from historical actions). 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizbie1 Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 4 minutes ago, bangorballetboy said: I'm slightly surprised at this reaction. A difference of a couple of hours in announcing the casting for what are essentially different productions is not really an indication of how audiences are seen (nor is there any such indication from historical actions). And it's probably worth throwing in here that the casting for the two recent BRB Sadler's Wells shows was announced with barely a week to go in each case (I've just checked). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Pigeons Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 You may feel that I am overreacting but the lacking of casting is a perennial problem with BRB. I would suggest that if follows of the Royal Ballet had to make significant investments for tickets when they do not know the casting they would be slightly more sympathetic. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted November 9, 2017 Author Share Posted November 9, 2017 36 minutes ago, alison said: Now all I want is for them to make gallery standing available so I stand (no pun intended) a chance of being able to afford to go Yes.....the tickets for this run are very expensive so sadly I will be giving it a miss. I might have splurged for a Brandon/Delia cast, but hey ho. I will add that Brandon and Celine are also lovely together, but in Nutcracker there is special magic between him and Delia. Actually, there is in everything they do together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizbie1 Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 (edited) I'm very sympathetic - I see BRB infrequently enough that I'm happy to take pot luck with the casting (as others have said, whoever you get, they'll be worth seeing), but it must be very frustrating if you've developed favourites and can't book for more than a performance or two. I just don't think that they relax this policy especially for Londoners, at least not by choice. As an aside, it might be a case of familiarity breeding contempt but there are/have been some RB dancers - including at Principal level - who I more or less actively avoid, whereas there are no BRB dancers who bring out this impulse in me. So there's another reason why I'm more complacent about BRB delaying their announcements than RB Edited November 9, 2017 by Lizbie1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangorballetboy Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 19 minutes ago, Two Pigeons said: You may feel that I am overreacting but the lacking of casting is a perennial problem with BRB. I would suggest that if follows of the Royal Ballet had to make significant investments for tickets when they do not know the casting they would be slightly more sympathetic. I'm sympathetic to people having to book without casting (and FAOD I tend to wait until BRB and ENB announce casting before booking, even though that often means I don't get the precise seat I want). I'm not sympathetic to people who fly off the handle and start throwing around unwarranted accusations. Also a bit peeved at the implicit suggestion that "followers of the Royal Ballet" only spend their money at the ROH and don't see other companies as, with almost every other regular I know, that is not the case. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Macmillan Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I don't know what all the fuss is about. Let's get to the important stuff - like our local newspaper telling me today that a couple of local "ballet nuts ... are ready for a crack at stardom," having been selected to appear in the show from some 336 youngsters auditioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Pigeons Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Well I feel very strongly about this but given the comments stated above I will keep my feelings to myself and not post any further. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legseleven Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I don’t think you flew off the handle or made any unwarranted accusations, Two Pigeons and I sympathise with your frustrations at the late casting announcements for BRB. It may be, as suggested, that there is a contractual obligation to announce casting earlier for RAH performances, but that doesn’t negate the irritation you understandably felt at the distinction between casting announcements at the different venues. Late casting announcements have been an annoyance for BRB followers for some time and your feeling that this showed that the home audience was possibly being take for granted is also understandable. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I guess the question is perhaps what proportion of the audiences at the various venues really care anyway? We have to remember that the serious ballet fans like us who prioritise casting are probably in the minority. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane S Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Does the Birmingham Nutcracker run usually sell out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I have earlier made a point about not being in the fortunate state of being able to see particular dancers in particular roles and that with BRB I know that I will see excellent dancing whoever is doing what but I would also like to endorse the opinion given by Sim that Celine and Brandon are lovely together. To answer Jane S - it is unlikely that the Birmingham Nutcracker is a total sell out but most performances are almost full houses with Saturday evening having the most availability for late booking. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 6 hours ago, Sim said: Casting for the Royal Albert Hall now announced as follows (Prince/SPF/Clara): December - 28: Cesar Corrales, Momoko Hirata, Karla Doorbar Maybe you mean Cesar Morales, Sim? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 3 hours ago, Jane S said: Does the Birmingham Nutcracker run usually sell out? Not always... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted November 10, 2017 Author Share Posted November 10, 2017 2 hours ago, capybara said: Maybe you mean Cesar Morales, Sim? Omg yes! Was sneaking this in at work so not paying attention! Apologies and duly corrected! I got it right the second time at least...... 😕 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Newcombe Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Casting for first seven performances in Birmingham now announced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pulcinella Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Casting for all Birmingham performances is now on the website, although only Sugar Plum Fairy, Prince and Clara. https://www.brb.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-nutcracker-2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I think that David Bentley reads Ballet Forum and is teasing , Look at the principles for 8th and 9th December for example. Very interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Newcombe Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Seems like a lot of people were waiting for casting to be announced. Went on to Birmingham Hippodrome web site earlier this pm and was immediately put into a queue. First time that has ever happened to me on that site Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aileen Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I've noticed a queuing system (a moving person walking on a pavement) on a couple of other sites recently. I wonder whether they are new as I haven't registered them before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Q Fan Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 (edited) On 09/11/2017 at 16:58, Two Pigeons said: Well I feel very strongly about this but given the comments stated above I will keep my feelings to myself and not post any further. I have to agree where BRB is concerned their late posting of casts is a right pain especially when traveling a distance etc ENB, RB are much better as are some other companies. I'm sorry you feel you can't express your view here, it was just an opinion I didn't read it as flying off any handles. You are entitled to your opinion and you just stated yours. Incidentally I was approached recently by someone researching ballet habits and to paraphrase one of the questions: "do you think ballet companies are focusing on attracting new audiences to the detriment of their existing fan base?" Edited November 11, 2017 by Don Q Fan 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 5 hours ago, aileen said: I've noticed a queuing system (a moving person walking on a pavement) on a couple of other sites recently. I wonder whether they are new as I haven't registered them before. It always reminds me of the "artwork" in Infra (and is really annoying in that it suddenly makes a very loud noise when you get to the head of the queue. Can be very embarrassing if you're somewhere like a library Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted November 12, 2017 Share Posted November 12, 2017 Sorry I'm a bit late publishing this press release about the Birmingham casting ... I'm just home from a mini-break in Tavira! 9 November 2017 PRESS RELEASE The Nutcracker - Principal casting 2017Friday 24 November – Wednesday 13 December 2017, Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham Royal Ballet performs Sir Peter Wright’s magical production of The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome from 24 November to 13 December. This world-acclaimed production with its classic story, glorious dancing and instantly recognisable music, played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of theatregoers, becoming an annual tradition.The Nutcracker was Sir Peter’s gift to the city of Birmingham in the year he led the Company from London to its new home at Birmingham Hippodrome. PRODUCTION CREDITS- Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreography: Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Vincent Redmon Production: Peter Wright Designs: John F. Macfarlane Lighting: David A. Finn PERFORMANCES - Birmingham HippodromeFriday 24 November – Wednesday 13 December 2017 (Press night: 24 November, 7.30pm)Tuesday – Saturday evenings, 7.30pm; Tuesday and Thursday matinees, 2pm; Saturday matinees, 2.30pm; Sunday 26 November, 3 December and 10 December, 1pm Tickets from: £19www.birminghamhippodrome.com / 0844 338 5000 Additional events: FREE pre-performance talk: Fridays 2 & 9 December, 18.30 Audio described performance: Saturday 26 November, 14.30 (Touch tour: 10.30) Company class on stage (Tickets: £10): Saturday 26 November, 11.15 FREE Audience open day: Saturday 26 November, 12.30 – 14.30 CASTING - Principal dancers for the 2017 production of The Nutcracker are as follows:Friday 24 November Evening Hirata / Morales / DoorbarSaturday 25 November Matinee Gittens / Lawrence / FuchigamiSaturday 25 November Evening Roberts / Singleton / DaySunday 26 November Matinee Mizutani / Dingman / DoorbarTuesday 28 November Matinee Roberts / Singleton / DayTuesday 28 November Evening Sakuma / Cao / ParmaWednesday 29 November Evening Hirata / Morales / DoorbarThursday 30 November Matinee Knight / Atsuji / MizutaniThursday 30 November Evening Gittens / Lawrence / FuchigamiFriday 1 December Evening Lebowitz / Monaghan* / DoorbarSaturday 2 December Matinee Sakuma / Cao / ParmaSaturday 2 December Evening Mizutani / Dingman / DaySunday 3 December Matinee Zhang / Lawrence / FuchigamiTuesday 5 December Matinee Doorbar / Chou / DayTuesday 5 December Evening Knight / Atsuji / MizutaniWednesday 6 December Evening Zhang / Lawrence / FuchigamiThursday 7 December Matinee Shang / Dingman / MizutaniThursday 7 December Evening Doorbar / Chou / DayFriday 8 December Evening Sakuma / Maslen* / ParmaSaturday 9 December Matinee Mathews / Da Silva* / MizutaniSaturday 9 December Evening Downs / Atsuji / FuchigamiSunday 10 December Matinee Lebowitz / Monaghan / DoorbarTuesday 12 December Matinee Sakuma / Maslen / ParmaTuesday 12 December Evening Mathews / Da Silva / MizutaniWednesday 13 December Matinee Downs / Atsuji / FuchigamiWednesday 13 December Evening Shang / Dingman / Day * Debut Please note that all casting is provisional and subject to change. NOTES TO EDITORS: Birmingham Royal Ballet Based at Birmingham Hippodrome since 1990, Birmingham Royal Ballet is the United Kingdom’s leading classical ballet touring company performing a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as ground-breaking new works with the aim of encouraging choreographers of the future. The company’s Director is the award-winning David Bintley, CBE, Chief Executive is Jan Teo and Music Director is Koen Kessels. Birmingham Royal Ballet performs at Birmingham Hippodrome for approximately ten weeks of the year and the remainder of the year tours throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia is Britain's busiest ballet orchestra, playing for Birmingham Royal Ballet's wide-ranging programme in the UK and abroad. The Sinfonia also plays frequently for The Royal Ballet and many of the world's other leading ballet companies, including regular performances with; The Royal Ballet, Paris Opéra Ballet, New York City Ballet, Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Kirov, Norwegian Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and La Scala Ballet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthE Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 (edited) On 11/11/2017 at 18:34, Don Q Fan said: I have to agree where BRB is concerned their late posting of casts is a right pain especially when traveling a distance etc ENB, RB are much better as are some other companies. RB are much better, yes, announcing the basics of principal casting for repertoire pieces before booking opens. I'm not sure I agree about ENB! While anything is better than BRB's last-minute announcements, ENB tend to announce only four to six weeks before the event, which is generally months after booking has opened, with certain things already sold out by the time casting is announced, and far too late to get the best advance travel and hotel deals. Edited November 14, 2017 by RuthE 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trog Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 Nutcracker quiz: Test your knowledge of the ballet ahead of Birmingham Hippodrome performance. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pulcinella Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 The casts for Drosselmeyer, Snow and Rose Fairies are now on the website for performances up to 29th November. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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