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| The Trout by Mark Morris. Photo: Stephanie Berger |
DANCE
Well-produced video, tight direction, and a welcome reminder of the breadth of Comfort’s warm-hearted oeuvre and the tightly knit dance community.
Balanchine: The City Center Years
A dream mini-festival of companies and dances that reminded us of City Center’s sometimes overlooked history.
Displayed Morris’ musical insightfulness and the intelligence to embrace simplicity, even if it pointed out the diminished dance offerings at Lincoln Center.
Canto Ostinato by Lucinda Childs, INTRODANS, Fall for Dance, New York City Center
This mesmerizing gem performed by a Dutch troupe was overshadowed in a strong festival that is more focused, if less populist, than ever.
The Runaway, by Kyle Abraham, New York City Ballet
Taylor Stanley’s dynamite solo was the transcendent performance of the year in a work that felt revolutionary in the Koch Theater.
In contrast, this subtle work had just enough narrative implication. One of five fascinating choices for a continuing series done in-the-round.
Lazarus, Rennie Harris, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, City Center
Subtle but gut-wrenching movement metaphors and well-paced dynamics building in two acts to an exuberant and elating finale.
RIP
Paul Taylor
ART
Cy Twombly, Gagosian
Who needs museums? (Kidding. Sorta.)
BOOKS
The Overstory, Richard Powers
Interwoven stories, all somehow involving trees, made me realize how much I take them for granted.
Warlight, Michael Ondaatje
In wartime, seemingly neglected children have been cared for by a colorful supporting cast of characters.
The Library Book, Susan Orlean
History and a crime make for surprisingly compelling reading. Plus, a killer title and book design.
Clock Dance, Anne Tyler
Redemption and personal re-invention sneakily prevail in this novel with many odd characters.
There There, Tommy Orange
The fates of a roster of characters comes together at a powwow in Oakland, CA.
