Playwrights Horizons launches an innovative program for parents

It’s a common conundrum: Parents in the tri-state area want to experience the city’s theatre scene, but they struggle with the compound cost of tickets, babysitting, and travel. When they can’t solve this riddle, once-avid theatre supporters often throw up their hands in exasperation and stay home.

The staff at Playwrights Horizons thought this situation was unfortunate, intolerable—and fixable. Thanks to its new Playtime series , the company is making it possible for the entire family to spend an afternoon at the theatre.

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American Ballet Theatre puts a vivid twist on a holiday classic

As the holidays approach, the dance world offers its annual flurry of The Nutcracker, that classic holiday tale about a little girl, her new Nutcracker doll, and their fanciful adventures on Christmas Eve. This year, there’s particular buzz surrounding the American Ballet Theatre’s production, which begins on December 22 at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House. The troupe’s making waves because its Nutcracker is choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky.

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Dancer Richard Winsor puts his stamp on Matthew Bourne’s production

Matthew Bourne’s celebrated reimagining of Swan Lake has swooped into New York City Center through November 7. Much of the story follows the original ballet (a prince becomes enchanted with a mysterious swan) and the music is as vibrant as ever. But Bourne’s production adds a tumultuous relationship between the sensitive prince and an aloof queen mother, questions about repressed identity, pop references, and huge doses of humor.

Moreover, it transforms the ballet’s gaggle of delicate swan ballerinas into a fierce male ensemble. Odette (the ballet’s lead) is now the most gorgeously macho Swan of the bunch, also appearing as the sexy Stranger at a royal ball.

Flying into the role of the Swan/Stranger is U.K. native Richard Winsor. His skills as a dancer are vital, of course, but his background in film and theatre has helped him put a distinctive stamp on a role that has been played many times. “Some dancers don’t always integrate acting into their work, and I think that’s really important,” he says. “I try to always be present, open and deliver the story in an emotionally accessible way. I use the movement as a means to this end instead of the other way around.”

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Enter the diverse, vibrant world of Cedar Lake Ballet

Though only in its seventh season, Cedar Lake Ballet has already become one of New York City’s preeminent contemporary ballet companies.

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Madelyn Ho dances with Taylor II

For many premier dance companies, a junior troupe serves as a stylistic breeding ground, while also providing training for rising dancers and educational programs for the community. This month, the second companies of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre and Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform in rotation in the 1.2.3 Festival at the Joyce Theater. TDF STAGES will profile a rising star from all three groups. Today, meet Madelyn Ho of Taylor II.

(Read Part 1 and Part 2)

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