Tag Archives: American Ballet Theater

At The Border AND In The Theater – La Posada and The Nutcracker

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Sometimes we just need to cover a lot of ground, starting with Adriana Jasso, Human Rights Advocate based in San Diego, California. She speaks in her capacity as the Program Coordinator for the U.S./Mexico Border Program of the American Friends Service Committee, at various open-air detention sites in San Diego County. During the annual tradition of La Posada, Adriana takes stock of what the inn actually looks like. https://afsc.org/action/take-action-stop-border-militarization?ms=WEB23TA. The extended portion of this interview can be heard in a separate sound file. Please refer to that post on this same day.

In the second segment (approx. minute 34:00), Susan Jaffe, the artistic director and interim executive director of American Ballet Theater, has some special takes as her company performs “The Nutcracker” at the Segerstrom Hall, Dec 8th-17th, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky. Tchaikovsky’s score is performed live by Pacific Symphony. Ticket details are available at: https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/american-ballet-theatre-s-the-nutcracker.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Adeste Fideles, “Vayamos Cristianos,” en español, Canto Católico Christmas Carol Album; Hal Leonard Choral, “Three Jazzy Nutcrackers,” (SATB Choir, a cappella) – arranged by Paul Langford.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/JassoJaffePod12-12-23.mp3

This is an extension of the interview with Adriana Jasso. The host sought personal context for what it feels like to be providing aide amidst refugees’ wide range of needs. http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/JassoPart2Pod12-12-23.mp3

ABT brings “Like Water for Chocolate” to Segerstrom Hall AND Sisters Ann and Liz Callaway Bring Song to the Samueli Theater

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Today’s program is fine art all the way, offered locally. The first focus was on Susan Jaffe, who due to a string of technical calamities, was unable to speak on the program. Of interest was her career as premier dancer, choreographer, now the new artistic director of American Ballet Theater on the eve of the upcoming North American premiere of Like Water for Chocolate staged at Segerstrom Hall March 29 – April 2, the production of which is based on the novel by Laura Esquivel.

In the second segment (minute 10:54) we’re treated to Liz Callaway, who spoke about her shared career work with her sister Ann Callaway, both of whom will also be appearing this week at the Center, at the Samueli Theater, performing jazz on the theme “Broadway the CallaWay,” March 30, 31, and April 1. Details for both performance runs are available at: https://www.scfta.org/shows-events.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa- album; Charles Lloyd, “La Llorona,” 8: Kindred Spirits – album; Ann Callaway, with the Ted Rosenthal Trio, “The Nearness of You,“ Jazz Goes to the Movies – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/SC4PA3-28-23.mp3″

Artistic Treasures At Year’s End

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As we close out this year together, a treat from two performing arts artistic directors. First, the retiring artistic director of America Ballet Theater, Kevin McKenzie offers the long view of his 30 years leading that internationally acclaimed dance company. In the second segment (minute 29:08), South Coast Repertory artistic director David Ivers reflects on coming back full throttle in this season, and offers early next year’s “Voices of America;” two plays in conversation with each other – Little Foxes and Appropriate.

Music credits: Chimora, “African Americano,” Sounds of Africa- album; Carlos Simon “Amen;” The Scott Oakley Trio, “Greensleeves,” Jazz for the Holidays – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/McKenzieIversPod12-27-23.mp3

Kevin McKenzie’s Gracious Bow As Artistic Director of the American Ballet Theater

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American Ballet Theater’s retiring artistic director Kevin McKenzie reviews his 30 years of leadership with the company. Topics include the arc of a dancer’s career, comparisons between the scourges of AIDS and COVID, Russian connections, art education in America, and the baton he hands off to incoming director Susan Jaffee. Mr. McKenzie appears in Orange County during the current run of The Nucracker performed now through December 18th at the Segerstrom Hall, https://www.scfta.org/shows-events.

Music credits: “Amen,” composed and conducted by Carlos Simon.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/McKenziePod12-13-22.mp3