RuthE Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 11 minutes ago, jmhopton said: my query about finding out about previous cast runs still stands if anyone can help. To the best of my knowledge, casting for performances up to and including 2012 can be found on the ROH Performance Database: http://www.rohcollections.org.uk/PerformanceSearch.aspx ...but more recent performances have not been added. I have seriously considered emailing the ROH with a quote for updating the last 7 years myself. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irmgard Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Dawnstar said: Thanks @Sim for the definitive answer to my first query, though I do also like @Jamesrhblack's suggestion that it was so the audience could admire David Wall's looks! Thank you very much for your reply. If I recall correctly he did the movement twice towards the end of the first scene in Act 3. He was jumping with his legs at an angle rather than straight up. I vaguely thought tours en l'air involved jumping straight up - and Googling it examples show that - but does it cover jumping not straight up as well? Thanks, so it is possible Hayward did more. I remember being struck by her bourrees in Month in the Country too. I guess I'll give the original recording a go then. I know all about trouser roles (Rosenkavalier is my favourite opera) but hadn't thought about this being the same thing, given the dancer isn't playing a male character. That would at least be less disturbing that the possible interpretations I Was thinking of. Apologies for provoking a lot of confusing discussions about courtesans! I probably wouldn't have noticed that character that much were it not that Gina Storm-Jensen is one of the few dancers in the lower ranks of the RB who I can actually manage to pick out in group scenes. I expect you are talking about a cabriole in which 'underneath leg' (the one last off the floor) beats against the first leg which is swept up to the front or back as the dancer jumps. As the underneath leg hits the other leg, the other leg should go a little higher. I'll have to see if I can find it on Youtube as my "Manon" DVD is in storage! I hope I was clear about the girl dressed up as a boy - MacMillan didn't mean her to be a boy but he was just observing men's predilections at this time for girls to dress as boys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizbie1 Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 23 minutes ago, RuthE said: To the best of my knowledge, casting for performances up to and including 2012 can be found on the ROH Performance Database: http://www.rohcollections.org.uk/PerformanceSearch.aspx ...but more recent performances have not been added. I have seriously considered emailing the ROH with a quote for updating the last 7 years myself. I think it's a bit iffy before then as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Rob S said: Just had an email to say the closing performance of Manon will see Alexander Campbell replace Steven McRae as Akane Takada’s partner on 6th November While I can see the logic of this casting, it does seem a bit tough on Clarke that he did the mid-show subbing but isn't then allowed the full show. 19 minutes ago, Irmgard said: I expect you are talking about a cabriole in which 'underneath leg' (the one last off the floor) beats against the first leg which is swept up to the front or back as the dancer jumps. As the underneath leg hits the other leg, the other leg should go a little higher. I'll have to see if I can find it on Youtube as my "Manon" DVD is in storage! I hope I was clear about the girl dressed up as a boy - MacMillan didn't mean her to be a boy but he was just observing men's predilections at this time for girls to dress as boys! Thank you. More Googling indicates it is indeed a cabriole I was thinking of. It's one of those steps that I have read the name of in the past but not known what it looks like. My knowledge of ballet jumps doesn't get much beyond jetes. Yes, I realised that was your point, thanks. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmhopton Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, RuthE said: To the best of my knowledge, casting for performances up to and including 2012 can be found on the ROH Performance Database: http://www.rohcollections.org.uk/PerformanceSearch.aspx ...but more recent performances have not been added. I have seriously considered emailing the ROH with a quote for updating the last 7 years myself. Many thanks RutheE. I have bookmarked it this time. it looks a very useful and interesting source of information so obviously not readily and easily available on the ROH website. Edited October 21, 2019 by jmhopton removed comment answered elsewhere 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Am agreeing Dawnstar about Reece Clarke. It does seem a shame. But he has recently come back from injury I believe so may need to be cautious Also I suppose from Akane Takada's point of view having had one "disturbed" Manon she may prefer to perform her remaining Manon with somebody she has danced more before with. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobR Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 And there is a significant disparity in height. Both Campbell and Clarke are great but Takada is very petite and Campbell is physically a better match. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryrosesatonapin Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 I've been thinking about poor Steven McCrae and came across this video from last year in which he speaks about Manon as being the ballet that made him decide on dance as a career, and also about his previous Achilles tendon injury. He was out for a year last time..... eek! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penelopesimpson Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Fabulous. Thanks for posting that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNC Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Yes thanks very much @maryrosesatonapin I didn’t realise McRae was supposed to do the last run of Manon with Takada but couldn’t because of an injury, makes this situation even more sad (not that it needed to be!). McRae seems to have an amazing attitude to recovery so hope that it’s not too long before he’s back on the stage! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted October 22, 2019 Author Share Posted October 22, 2019 7 hours ago, Dawnstar said: While I can see the logic of this casting, it does seem a bit tough on Clarke that he did the mid-show subbing but isn't then allowed the full show. They appear to be a bit short on Gentlemen at the moment. As well as the comparative height and previous experience issues, perhaps it was also because he was needed in that capacity? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard LH Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 In this interview Steven McRae says that when was out for a year he watched a lot of ballet from the wings or from he auditorium, and he realised that the performances that were the most enjoyable for him were the ones where you could see that the dancers were just losing themselves in the moment...not just trying to be perfect in every technical detail. I think this is so true. Look out for those dancers who really find themselves immersed in their role and dancing and are able, naturally and without artifice, to communicate the spirit of the ballet to the audience through each movement and expression. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 Great...but a tall order though! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridiem Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 Another Instagram update from Steven McRae about his injury: 'COMPLETE RUPTURE💥 Well there it is..... Interestingly I thought I had tripped over something on stage last Wednesday but that sound was actually my Achilles snapping! I am in great hands and I will have surgery at the start of next week - Possibly setting a @guinnessworldrecords for most surgeries for a Dancer in such a short space of time 🤪 Oddly, I am excited for this next challenge, and I know that I will have the support that I need at home and at the @royaloperahouse to make this a successful journey back to the stage 💪🏻 Once again, thank you for the messages and kind words from all over the world - Let’s do this 🕺🏼' What unbelievable resilience he has! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penelopesimpson Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 40 minutes ago, bridiem said: Another Instagram update from Steven McRae about his injury: 'COMPLETE RUPTURE💥 Well there it is..... Interestingly I thought I had tripped over something on stage last Wednesday but that sound was actually my Achilles snapping! I am in great hands and I will have surgery at the start of next week - Possibly setting a @guinnessworldrecords for most surgeries for a Dancer in such a short space of time 🤪 Oddly, I am excited for this next challenge, and I know that I will have the support that I need at home and at the @royaloperahouse to make this a successful journey back to the stage 💪🏻 Once again, thank you for the messages and kind words from all over the world - Let’s do this 🕺🏼' What unbelievable resilience he has! Resilience, indeed. That is an awful injury. He is such a all round nice bloke as well as an incredible dancer. We are all thinking of you Steven. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 It makes me wince just reading that. I imagine it must have been horribly painful for him. I'm guessing that it's not looking good for him to make it back on stage for some months, maybe not even at all this season? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob S Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 1 hour ago, bridiem said: Another Instagram update from Steven McRae about his injury: 'COMPLETE RUPTURE💥 Well there it is..... Interestingly I thought I had tripped over something on stage last Wednesday but that sound was actually my Achilles snapping! I knew I heard a cracking noise!!😱 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridiem Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 19 minutes ago, Rob S said: I knew I heard a cracking noise!!😱 Terrible!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 On listening to the Reunion on original Cats cast on radio 4 recently ( I know old fogey) Judy Dench was talking about at one rehearsal she turned round and said to the person behind her did you just kick me only to realise her Achilles had ruptured/ snapped not quite sure which. Others in the cast heard this snapping sound. Unfortunately for her she was out of it so probably particularly appreciates being in the film now. Honestly this was only a few weeks ago but am trying to remember but I think it was Judy Denches departure that brought in Elaine Page ...so that was a bit of a silver lining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessie Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 He is amazingly resilient. I wonder if having a beautiful new baby at home has softened what must be an awful blow? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shya100 Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 (edited) 38 minutes ago, LinMM said: On listening to the Reunion on original Cats cast on radio 4 recently ( I know old fogey) Judy Dench was talking about at one rehearsal she turned round and said to the person behind her did you just kick me only to realise her Achilles had ruptured/ snapped not quite sure which. Others in the cast heard this snapping sound. Unfortunately for her she was out of it so probably particularly appreciates being in the film now. Honestly this was only a few weeks ago but am trying to remember but I think it was Judy Denches departure that brought in Elaine Page ...so that was a bit of a silver lining. It was last minute because she could do everything they wanted, she was a hugh star and they were desperate. Of course even the people behind it thought Cats would flop. Edited October 22, 2019 by Shya100 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthE Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 (edited) 58 minutes ago, Tessie said: He is amazingly resilient. I wonder if having a beautiful new baby at home has softened what must be an awful blow? Well... I was saying to somebody the other day, without a hint of wishing potentially career-limiting injury on a professional dancer, that I suspect in the distant future he might look back on this time and be thankful for the time it facilitated him spending with his newest baby. But the injury and incapacitation is horrible for him, of course - especially having only been back two minutes from his last injury. I’ve heard stories of audible-from-the-auditorium Achilles rupture and am very pleased I wasn’t witness to it the other night. I’ve sent him a message on Twitter wishing him well. Edited October 22, 2019 by RuthE 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 Also, unlike one or two public figures we could mention, because of his unfailing brave face in public, and positive approach, McRae is one of those who will never have to look back in horror and shame at interviews, or social media postings he has made, and will never cause his loved ones embarrassment for same! A point I wish some others would take note of. I often wonder how people can forget that their children will see their effusions, rants and self-pity one day........ He sets a great example to the young dancers- and I know he has spent a lot of time helping them with injuries and learning how to cope with set-backs. All the best to him for the fastest recovery. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penelopesimpson Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 (edited) Did he damage hisAchilles tendon a few years ago? Love the way he lets us into his life and his gorgeous family. on a different note, I do wish Ed Watson would communicate with his fans a little more. One hundredth of what Macrae does would do! Edited October 23, 2019 by penelopesimpson 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 2 hours ago, Mary said: McRae is one of those who will never have to look back in horror and shame at interviews, or social media postings he has made, and will never cause his loved ones embarrassment for same! I think I might disagree there...all those quasi naked photos of himself that he posts up may cause his kiddies embarrassment one day! I wish him a full and quick recovery, although it's looking like it might be a good while before he is back onstage. 16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 I believe he had a similar injury in 2002 and was told that he would never dance again. I am very glad that he proved his doctors wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 His last Achilles injury was 2008 but I believe only this year he has had problems with both a knee and ankle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryrosesatonapin Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 5 hours ago, penelopesimpson said: Did he damage hisAchilles tendon a few years ago? Love the way he lets us into his life and his gorgeous family. on a different note, I do wish Ed Watson would communicate with his fans a little more. One hundredth of what Macrae does would do! I can understand your wanting to know more (so do I) but I don't feel dancers should be obliged to share any information about their private lives at all. McCrae and Watson have such different personalities (partly perhaps because of their different nationalities) and McCrae seems to be naturally a relaxed, positive and open person. Maybe Watson is very private - who knows what personal problems he may be facing? I love both of them as dancers and wish them both the greatest possible health and happiness. In the case of self-promoting 'Celebrities' (usually people who actually have little or no actual talent) I feel it's fair enough to demand information and photographs. That type live for their latest display of fashion and artificial appearance etc. But our dancers - even the most starry ones such as Zakharova - are entitled to privacy. They have more or less sacrificed their whole lives for their art, and they work harder than most of us could imagine on a daily basis. But they are not obliged to give even more than they already do on-stage, night after night, for our intense enjoyment. @penelopesimpson I know what you said is only because you care, and am not criticising you here! 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 Back to Manon...and what a beautifully emotional performance we had from Morera/Bonelli tonight. Two consummate artists in the twilight of their careers, bringing all the depth of their experience and their partnership to bear on this ballet. Truly remarkable. 16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninamargaret Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 3 minutes ago, Sim said: Back to Manon...and what a beautifully emotional performance we had from Morera/Bonelli tonight. Two consummate artists in the twilight of their careers, bringing all the depth of their experience and their partnership to bear on this ballet. Truly remarkable. Couldn't agree more. Yes, they made a slightly mature De Grieux and Manon, but their performances were so much in tune with each other - they just seemed to be on the same emotional level. Really beautiful. Which is more than can be said for Gary Avis's gaolor! Probably one of the nastiest characters ever seen on the ROH stage! And after seeing him on WBD both as a coach and,a dancer I wondered how he could be so repellent? 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 Because he is a great actor! 😀 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penelopesimpson Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 (edited) 9 hours ago, maryrosesatonapin said: I can understand your wanting to know more (so do I) but I don't feel dancers should be obliged to share any information about their private lives at all. McCrae and Watson have such different personalities (partly perhaps because of their different nationalities) and McCrae seems to be naturally a relaxed, positive and open person. Maybe Watson is very private - who knows what personal problems he may be facing? I love both of them as dancers and wish them both the greatest possible health and happiness. In the case of self-promoting 'Celebrities' (usually people who actually have little or no actual talent) I feel it's fair enough to demand information and photographs. That type live for their latest display of fashion and artificial appearance etc. But our dancers - even the most starry ones such as Zakharova - are entitled to privacy. They have more or less sacrificed their whole lives for their art, and they work harder than most of us could imagine on a daily basis. But they are not obliged to give even more than they already do on-stage, night after night, for our intense enjoyment. @penelopesimpson I know what you said is only because you care, and am not criticising you here! I understand your point MaryRose and,yes, these two dancers are such different characters. And I am certainly not criticisingWatson ( as if!) but I do think just a little information is due his fans. He was, after all for some time male number one at RB and built up a profile. Next month it is two years since he has done anything of substance on the main stage at ROH and it would be nice to hear something. PS: Perhaps I’ll drop a line to my mate Alex Beard...! Edited October 23, 2019 by penelopesimpson 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryrosesatonapin Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 3 minutes ago, penelopesimpson said: PS: Perhaps I’ll drop a line to my mate Alex Beard...! Tee hee! You could sign it 'Disgusted of Dorset'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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