PNB soloist Ezra Thomson is no stranger to New Works. His resume includes originating roles in works by Alejandro Cerrudo, Edwaard Liang, Robin Mineko Williams, Donald Byrd, several current PNB dancers and more. For BOUNDLESS, he’s taking on the role of stager for Jessica Lang’s Let Me Mingle Tears With Thee. So we got his perspective on New Works, PNB, and the upcoming Rep IV.
Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Lesley Rausch has announced that she will be retiring at the end of the 2022-23 season. Lesley joined PNB as a member of the corps de ballet in 2001. She was promoted to soloist in 2007 and principal in 2011. Lesley’s incredible 22-year career will be celebrated at the Season Encore Performance, Sunday, June 11, 2023 at McCaw Hall.
What is one role that holds special significance for you? Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The first time I was cast to learn the role of Oberon I was contemplating a change of career – I had lost my passion for dancing and performing.
PNB is performing a world premiere at BOUNDLESS choreographed by audience favorite Jessica Lang: Let Me Mingle Tears With Thee. We asked her about choreography, costumes, music, and all the elements that make a PNB world premiere possible.
What is the best advice that you've ever received? If you are ever in doubt about doing something generous- giving a compliment, writing a card, reaching out to someone- do it.
During our 2020 digital season, PNB premiered Wonderland by choreographer Penny Saunders. Wonderland, a New Work and world premiere, paid homage to the marvel and magic of live theater, and has only ever existed digitally, until now. More than two years later, Penny is back at PNB to transpose her piece for in-person performances in March 2023. So we asked her about returning to Wonderland.
What are you looking forward to most for the 50th Anniversary Season? Definitely looking forward to performing in George Balanchine's Allegro Brillante, and Peter Boal's Giselle alongside Angelica Generosa, and Carmina Burana with Elizabeth Murphy!
Kaplan’s elaborate designs, which are based on the styles of the 19th century, take Giselle to another level, but they were difficult to create. PNB’s costume shop has spent an impressive amount of time, talent, and resources on the costumes for Giselle.
As the curtain rises on a picturesque scene in a small German village, vine gatherers depart for the harvest. Hilarion the gamekeeper arrives, hoping to see the lovely Giselle.
Here at Pacific Northwest Ballet, like many performing arts organizations, we struggle with ticket resellers, especially when it comes time for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.