Review: PNB'S HAUNTINGLY MESMERIZING “GISELLE” RETURNS FOR THE THIRD TIME at McCaw Hall
PNB Giselle
During PNB's 50th Anniversary Season, the beloved ballet "Giselle" graced the stage at McCaw Hall in Seattle from February 3rd to February 12th 2023. The digital version streamed from February 16th to February 23rd. Although some companies have chosen to modernize the ballet's plot, PNB's version under the direction of Peter Boal sticks with the original concept from 1841 of a woman who dies of heartbreak when she is betrayed by her intended.
After her death, Giselle becomes one of a ghostly band of Wilis - yes, perhaps an origin of the phrase "Gives me the Willies" - whose mission is to dance unfaithful men to death. Even after her demise, however, Giselle as a Wili summons the courage to save her former betrayer from death.
Not surprisingly, that plot has been reimagined in today's more woman-centered era by several companies. Even so, I applaud PNB for retaining the original plot line of this treasured ballet. Applause also for the superb dancing of the principals, soloists, and corps de ballet. Catch it digitally if you can!
From This Author - Sondra Forsyth
Sondra Forsyth is a member of the Dance Critics Association and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. A former ballerina who danced principal roles with New York Dan... (read more about this author)
Review: PNB'S HAUNTINGLY MESMERIZING “GISELLE” RETURNS FOR THE THIRD TIME at McCaw HallFebruary 18, 2023
What did our critic think of PNB’S HAUNTINGLY MESMERIZING “GISELLE” RETURNS FOR THE THIRD TIME at McCaw Hall?
Review: PNB'S “THE SEASONS' CANON” at McCaw HallNovember 18, 2022
What did our critic think of PNB’S “THE SEASONS' CANON” at McCaw Hall?
Review: AN AUSPICIOUS BEGINNING TO PNB'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON at McCaw HallOctober 7, 2022
What did our critic think of AN AUSPICIOUS BEGINNING TO PNB’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON at McCaw Hall?
Feature: KIYON ROSS TO BECOME PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET'S NEW ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR atSeptember 21, 2022
As Associate Artistic Director, Mr. Ross will work in close collaboration with Mr. Boal to implement and advance PNB’s artistic vision, and consult on all artistic matters including programming, hiring, and casting. He will also provide oversight for PNB’s special projects such as Next Step, PNB Dance Film Festival, and digital programming. As part of his new appointment, Mr. Ross will continue to co-lead PNB’s I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) committee.
BWW Review: PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET'S “SWAN LAKE” RETURNS TO THE STAGE at McCaw HallMay 13, 2022
Kent Stowell’s “Swan Lake” was back on stage from April 15th to 24th 2022 as part of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s post-pandemic return to live performances at Macaw Hall in Seattle.
