The American Ballet Theatre’s performance features two distinct works, beginning with Marius Petipa’s Raymonda: Grand Pas Hongrois. Staged by Susan Jaffe to Alexander Glazunov’s score, the production emphasizes classical technique and Hungarian-inspired artistry through intricate choreography and opulent costume design.
Alexei Ratmansky’s Firebird follows, offering a modern interpretation of the traditional fairy tale set to Igor Stravinsky’s music. The narrative focuses on Ivan’s magical quest to rescue his love, highlighting his encounter with a supernatural bird and the eventual defeat of an evil sorcerer.
I recently attended American Ballet Theatre’s matinee performance of the iconic classical ballet *Raymonda: Grand Pas Hongrois*, followed by the enchanting *Firebird*. Both the choreography and the scores were truly exceptional.
### Raymonda: Grand Pas Hongrois
* **Choreography:** Marius Petipa
* **Staged by:** Susan Jaffe
* **Music:** Alexander Glazunov
* **Costumes:** Barbara Matera
* **Furs:** Ben Kahn
* **Lighting:** Brad Fields
* **Running Time:** 35 minutes
The splendor of classical ballet shines in its most dazzling form in *Raymonda: Grand Pas Hongrois*. Brimming with the character of a Hungarian landscape and set to Alexander Glazunov’s radiant score, the *Grand Pas Hongrois* delivers a breathtaking display of virtuosic artistry, elegance, and joy. With its intricate choreography, opulent costumes, and spirited sense of celebration, this production offers the breathtaking grandeur of classical ballet at its finest.
### Firebird
* **Choreography:** Alexei Ratmansky
* **Music:** Igor Stravinsky
* **Scenery:** Simon Pastukh
* **Costumes:** Galina Solovyeva
* **Lighting:** Brad Fields
* **Projections:** Wendall K. Harrington
* **Running Time:** 47 minutes
Alexei Ratmansky’s *Firebird* is a glorious interpretation of the classical fairy tale, filled with mystery, enchantment, and heroic triumph. At the heart of the story is Ivan, a young man on a quest to find his lost love. His journey leads him into a strange and magical world where he encounters the legendary Firebird—a radiant, supernatural creature whose help proves vital in defeating an evil sorcerer.