(Attended 06/18/2024 TU @ 7:30pm): One of America's premiere ballet companies headquartered in New…read moreYork but truly called the world home!
I had the great pleasure to see a performance by the internationally-known American Ballet Theatre (ABT) as they opened their 2024 summer season at The Metropolitan Opera House. In years past, ABT came through Los Angeles but now went directly to Costa Mesa's Segerstrom Center For The Arts. With a storied history dating back to 1939, ABT has collaborated with the world's foremost choreographers, integrating tradition with modernity. The Company has showcased masterpieces created for their dancers by luminaries like George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Anthony Tudor, Agnes de Mille, Kenneth MacMillan, and Twyla Tharp, alongside pioneering works by contemporary visionaries such as Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, and Wayne McGregor. In 2006, an act of Congress recognized them as America's National Ballet Company. Though located in New York City, ABT annually toured the United States - performing for 300,000 people annually - and is the only major cultural institution to do so. The Company has made more than 30 international tours to 45 countries. Now that you've had a brief history lesson, how was the evening's experience!?
PURCHASE
Tickets/Seats ($205.00 x2): For reference, ticket prices ranged from $50.00 - $250.00. Located in the Parterre Rear Level Section 21 Seats 7 & 8, these were in the 2nd level above the orchestra, the 2nd of three rows within the section, provided excellent sight lines that were just off stage right, and comfortable individual seats. Honestly, there weren't any bad areas in the house. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=M9NZEudqTDXq7bIoKrQSiQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Ticket Service Fee ($2.50 x2): This was unimaginably low and greatly appreciated!
THE PERFORMANCE
This was the opening night of both American Ballet Theatre's (ABT) 2024 Summer Season and the performance of "Onegin", a three-acts two intermissions ballet with an estimated run time of 2 hour 20 minutes. The story's about "a young country girl, Tatiana, who is introduced to a worldly aristocrat by her sister's fiancé. Onegin instantly becomes Tatiana's heart's desire, though, in his eyes, she remains naive and uninteresting. Thus begins the tale that leads to a tragic duel, a royal marriage, and personal redemption. Based on the verse-novel Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin, John Cranko's majestic and astounding ballet allows the strength and agency of our romantic heroine to shine through." This evening's performance featured Principal dancers Christine Shevchenko (Tatiana) and Cory Stearns (Onegin), and conductor Charles Barker. Everything was beautiful and captivating. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=mFz8jR9GUutvhsLGHpCYcQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
None to speak of as it pertained directly to ABT. As for The Met, the online ticket purchase was seamless, the check-in line inside the venue went swiftly, there was no line when we bought our champagne, and security was chill. One cool thing to point out was a unique system of real-time translation called "Met Titles", which appeared on individual scenes mounted on the back of each row of seats for those members of the audience who wish to utilize them, but with minimum distraction for those those who do not; titles are provided to all performances in English, Spanish, and German, and are also provided in Italian or Italian-language operas. Everything was easy-peasy!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): We took a Lyft there ($49.00) and a bus back ($2.50 x2). Otherwise, located underneath Lincoln Center was the public 24-hours self-parking Lincoln Center "park and lock" Plaza Parking Garage, with varied rates ($28.00 - $63.00). Buses and subways were also cheaper and efficient options.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
In this case, The Met's capacity was 3,800 patrons with chandeliers throughout. There were several bar locations to get your drink on with short lines, special areas for members only and such, and the requisite souvenir shop. Plenty of natural lighting shone through the large tall glass windows and doors into the lobby, while the aforementioned eclectic ceiling chandeliers lit up the rest. I didn't notice any monitors nor any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=BJ1FyjTluTgTWgcn9UElJA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
In general, it was a business affair with a suit, tie, and dress shoes. However, I jealously observed many men casually dressed in my favorable t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops - dammit!
OVERALL
I loved that I was able to see American Ballet Theatre perform in their own backyard - a quasi travel bucket list item. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $415.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tips). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 5.0 STARS
