The Times Are Racing at The Joffrey

“The Times Are Racing” At The Joffrey
By Anna Hessel

There is something for everyone at The Joffrey Ballet’s “The Times Are Racing” – where can you get classic ballet, stunning costumes, humor, a love triangle, harlequins, acrobatics, strong athleticism, and pounding technobeats in one show? This collection of five unique ballets has it all. Stellar dance, stirring music, illuminating lighting, exemplary set design, and exquisite choreography is what we have come to expect from The Joffrey, and once again, they do not disappoint.

“Commedia”, by Christopher Wheeldon, set to Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella Suite”, is dedicated to the legacy of Isabella Toledo. Her costume designs, in symphony with her spouse Ruben’s set designs, were intrinsic to the story lines they framed, as one observes in this work. With backdrop provided by the Miami City Ballet, superb dancing, and magnificent lighting design by Penny Jacobus, this fabulous work is a great way to start this production.

It is followed by The Joffrey premiere of “Mono Lisa”, brilliantly performed by Victoria Jaiani and Stefan Goncalvez. With amazing lighting design and choreography by Itzik Galili, this piece was one of my favorites.

“Bliss!” certainly describes this wonderful work expertly choreographed by Stephanie Martinez. Beautifully costumed by The Joffrey’s own wardrobe department, this blissful ballet is a must-see work of art.

“The Sofa”, which premiered in Lisbon, Portugal in 1995, is vividly staged by Elisabeth Gibiat, and exuberantly performed by Anna Gerberich, Fernando Duarte, and Temur Suluashvili. This hysterically funny and enormously innovative work is centered around a large flip couch, and expertly uses acrobatics, coupled with excellent comic timing.

Closing this perfect production is the title piece, “The Times Are Racing”; with enthusiastic choreography by Justin Peck, this athletic, high-energy modern ballet is an astonishing contemporary artistic work, with a very unique use of costuming.

Don’t miss this incisive collection of five stupendous theatrical works of art, which runs through February 23rd – for tickets or more information, please see their website at www.joffrey.org

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