“Come Fly Away”
Royal Danish Ballet,
The Old Stage
September 5th, 2020
When Twyla Tharp´s ”Come Fly Away” had its first run with Royal Danish Ballet in 2013, it was not a hit with the ballet reviewers. It was primary viewed as a commercial enterprise rather than a work of art.
However, “Come Fly Away” had one very strong point on its side. It became a giant hit with Frank Sinatra fans, an audiences who historically did not attend ballet. It thereby helped Nikolaj Hübbe is reaching one of his set goals, which was to bring in a broader audience to ballet.
Still a marked for Blue Eyes?
Now seven years later “Come Fly Away” were brought back, expected to works its box office magic. However, this time in a much harder position. Due to Covid19 rules, Royal Danish Ballet can only sell 50% of the seats.
Another issue is whether Frank Sinatra is still able to call on his fans, primarily from an even older age bracket than in 2013. This time “Come Fly Away will get 12 performances in September and October. A rather high number compared to standard RDB performances. The will be shared by three casts, save a few stars from the first run, predominantly less experienced dancers.
F or the opening night, Principal Gregory Dean had no trouble at all of returning to his starring role as Hank, the coolest guy on the set with the best choreography. In 2013 he partnered Femke Mølbach Slot as his will- she-or-won´t-she partner Kate.
This time Principal Holly Dorger takes on her stilettoes and makes an impressive diva. However, she cannot present the depths of the character, as well as Femke Mølbach Slot delivered that many years ago.
Camilla Ruelykke Holst, who was promoted to Solist earlier this week, also reprised the role as Babe, who drops her escort, Principal Marcin Kupinski to find his comfort in the bottle and a new romance with Lena Marie Gruber´s “Slim”.
Principal Caroline Baldwin also reprise the role as Betsy who finds romance with bartender Marty, played this time by soloist Guilherme De Menezes.
Probably the biggest surprise was Liam Redhead as Sid, a role that was given to Principal star Alban Lendorf in the first run. Redhead, who has had very little acting roles proved himself as a strong dramatic dancer, thereby opening up a new employ for him.
New Names on Stage
Nikolaj Hübbe has decided a three cast lineup, and have given several newcomers meaty roles, thereby giving them good opportunities including trying on dramatic characters.
So, what needs to be seen is whether the new cast members can raise to the levels expected, and as importantly can “Come Fly Away” rekindle the relationship with the Sinatra magic. Are they still out there?
Grants – beautiful Grants
Following the performance, Royal Theatre´Director Kasper Holten entered the stage to announce who would be rewarded with significantly monetary grants from the “Annie & Otto Johs Detlef´s Foundation”, which have supported the Royal Danish Ballet for many years. This year Annie Detlef had decided to give honorary grants to Principal Gregory Dean and Nikolaj Hübbe himself.
Recently, a screened television program series called “Hübbe in Power” made it public that Nikolaj Hübbe has been prolonged for another four year therm. It was expected that there would be a broader segment of potential artistic directors this time. However, Nikolaj Hübbe was prolonged for another 4 years turn.
A leading newspaper then wrote articles on the subject also claiming that Nikolaj Hübbe took out a giant paycheck. Actually, Nikolaj Hübbe´s paycheck is definitely in the lower bracket of private and public directors.
The Detlef´s grant certainly continue their sponsorship and support of Nikolaj Hübbe. Their support has paid for many productions, the Royal Theatre could not have supported. The foundation has been a significant pillar under the “Royal Danish Ballet “.
The jury is still out whether “Come Fly Away” can deliver a fine and relevant production. The positive site is that the ballet gives plenty of opportunities for upcoming dancers. Whether it contributes to the development of the art form is more in question.
Photos by Camilla Winther, Copyright(c) Royal Danish Ballet
- Caroline Baldwin & Gilherme De Menezes as Marty and Betsy
- Gregory Dean & Holly Dorger as Hank & Kate
- Camilla Ruelykke Holst as Babe
- Marcin Kupinski as Chanos
Comments