Romeo et Juliette - my breath was taken over and over...

** I am re-posting this review - Pacific Northwest Ballet is opening this ballet on February 1-10th, 2013, then taking it to the NYC Ballet on the 15th and 16th! Do NOT miss your chance to see one of the most beautiful versions of this classic and timeless love story! Click here for tickets: http://www.pnb.org/Season/12-13/RomeoetJuliette/ **

Romeo et Juliette

Pacific Northwest Ballet
Choreographer: Jean-Christophe Maillot

*This original review was written in 2009*
I know I usually write about movies - but this is also visual entertainment, so I classify the same, well actually BETTER and more satisfying.

After seeing commercials on TV and reading a few reviews, I had decided I had to see this show.

Peter Boal has took over as Artistic Director of Pacific Northwest Ballet, almost 5 years ago - and since then, has taken a new and brilliant turn with the choice of productions and shows each year.

When I got the tickets, I was preparing myself for the classic, old fashioned Shakespeare set and vision - too many frills, too much everything - but that is the beauty of the classics. This however was MUCH different than expected.

Different, beautifully poetic, modern, minimalistic and simply breathtaking. First of all the sets - large shapes - all straight angels and clean lines. Linens draped on the sets and used for costumes - they were just perfect. It was just appealing enough to the eyes to remember, but subtle enough for you to really focus on the artistry.

First off the Choreography -- Maillot's vision was clear - beautiful lines, smooth transitions but also strong and gut wrenching moments that are severe and gorgeous. Every muscle movement was so intentional and used every ounce of energy the dancer had.

The dancers. Peter Boal has a company of 48 amazing artists. The people chosen for this show were phenomenal, each in their own right. First of all - the two main parts.

Juliette was played by Brazilian born Carla Korbes. This was her first time in the role of Juliette and I must say she literally became the character. She gave so much of herself and really dedicated herself to the story. I felt her pain, I cried her tears and I felt her joyful and undeniable love. She showed the wonderful coy, playful and naughty side of Juliette - and really had fun with it.Her ability and artistry were superb. She was strong, yet soft - fluid yet severe when needed. The art of dance is so special when it is done right, and its radiated rather than performed. Carla truly radiated the amazing attributes that Shakespeare himself envisioned his Juliette to be.

On to Romeo. Romeo was played by veteran
Lucien Postlewaite - was Romeo in the last PNB production of this piece 2 years ago. We were lucky enough to be part of a Q & A session with both dancers after the show - and Lucien was asked the difference between this time and last time for him. He said the first time he was very busy worrying about making Romeo "his own". He said this year he really got a chance to give himself to the story and choreography and be who he was needed to be.

It was very clear on stage. My 13 year old (who is a dancer at the PNB school) while watching the "love" scene when they first kiss and really "devour" each other. She said "Wow mom, they really seem like they LOVE each other. Its so believable you almost feel like you are watching something that is just meant for the two of them...". I agreed with her observation. It was never Uncomfortable. Rather it was so intimate and tender - small gentle touches, radiated such love and unconditional bliss. It literally made me miss my husband and want to go home and feel the same way!

Lucien is a gentle but ripped power house that brought such chivalry and strength to this role. I have often seen the role in the past as one of an impulsive and boyish lover who made bad choices. On the contrary - Lucien gave reason and meaning in every movement and made you quiver every time he touched Juliette's skin. The additional opportunity to play this part I think was beneficial in the depth of the character. He truly danced with his heart and let every person in the audience see and feel what true love should look like.

Other amazing dancers that I must make note of. (*Please note that there were two casts for several parts, so I can only speak on the cast I saw - but I am sure the other dancers were just as amazing!)

Carrie Imler - played Juliette's Nurse. I adored her portrayal. Playful yet so loving and sisterly to Juliette. Her playfulness with Romeo and the men was also hilarious. She is incredible animated and played the part with a joyful beauty that was evident throughout the theater. I could tell by her lines that she is an amazing dancer and I wish I could have seen more of her in this production.

Arianna Lallone - Lady Capulet. She was stunning, brutal, cold but passionate at the same time. SO regal and SO intense. The scene where both friends die - she has this amazing modern mourning solo that is just riveting. Gut wrenching and raw, she showed us the epitome of pain and heartache. It was impossible to stay dry eyed through the solo. At one point my daughter whispered to me "She reminds me of old videos of Martha Graham the way she is dressed and her dancing style". I again, concurred - it was severe and gorgeous.

Karel Cruz - Friar Laurence. Karel as the thread throughout the story, and as the guide to all the other characters - was amazing. As one of the tallest (if not the tallest) dancers in the company - the mostly modern choreography for his character was paired with severe and dark costumes that really showed his lines. He portrayed an amazing internal struggle and showed so much power in his movements. Again reminding us of old Graham dancers - his lines of sorrow and anger were especially amazing.

There isn't much more to be said about this show that hasn't already been said. I am sad to say, this show is no longer showing at McCaw Hall. HOWEVER - "Directors Choice" did just open - featuring 4 beautiful vignettes showcasing a wonderful variety of tastes, talents and artistry within the company. I saw it tonight and will be writing a review for it VERY soon - so people will go and see it! I leave you with photos from the performance and rehearsals from this breathtaking show and ask you to keep your eye out for when Peter Boal decides to bless the NW with a rerun of this spectacular production.

Sexy Baby - Sobering Reality of Today's Sexual Landscape

SEXY BABY
2012
Documentary
Directed by: Jill Bauer, Ramona Gradus

I was searching documentaries on HBO on demand and found this title, and admit I was intrigued.

Sexy Baby follows three females, each at different points in their lives, from different background and social circles.  Nothing in common besides the fact that they are female.

13 year old Winnifred. A progressive teen, with young hip parents, she is involved in social justice groups in her middle school, a talented gymnast and about to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.  The movie opens with her performing a poetry/spoken word performance at her school, with a troupe of others - breaking down the song Super Soak by Soljah Boy and highlights the degradation of women.

Though her parents are separated, both are very active in her life and seem to have a great open communication with her about all things, including sex.  For her 13th birthday, she is given tickets to Lady Gaga. The emotional moments of the celebration are shared, along with her mothers concerns about sending her to the Gaga concert with her friend.  As much as she values what Gaga stands for in the "Monster" movement and individuality sense - she worries about the image with her lack of clothing and makeup that she promotes.

22 year old Laura.  College student. Cheerleader. Gorgeous. Has come to the conclusion, that because of things past boyfriends have said, and because of the amount of porn available to almost anyone now a days - that she has an abnormally large labia and is embarrassed of it.  She says she feels the need to compare herself to these "perfect" women in the porn movies and therefore, has decided to get labiaplasty.  Words like "meat curtains" are something she just cant live with, and begins her consultations.

32 year old Nichole - former adult film star and stripper.  Now retired, married and trying to settle.  Her and her husband are trying to have a baby.

Her views on the industry, the accessibility and the damage it can be to young people - has totally done a 180 now that she is trying to start her own family.  Her doctor tells her she may have problems getting pregnant because of her lifestyle choice before settling down. 

The movie follows each person in their journey.  Does a wonderful job following their progression and also getting to the root of each of their growing issues and problems.  The history and shocking increase in the labiaplasty industry was the most shocking to me.  I had NO idea this was an issue that has increased 70% into women between the ages of 18 and 29 getting the surgery in the last 5 years!  The plastic surgeon likened most of it to the porn industry and the effect on society.

For me, having a daughter that is 16 - Winnie's story hit closest to home for me.  So driven, so wise and witty for her age, such strong and out spoken parents...cant go wrong, right? Wrong.  As they follow her, the problems start. Everything from sneaky video chats, to provocative photo shoots with her friends - to posting half naked photos on her Facebook.  She is banned from FB by her parents 8 times before the end of the movie.  Her language and communication with her parents changes pretty dramatically.

This is a great movie to watch with an older teenager.  Male or Female.  However the content is hardcore at times - so over 16 is my suggestion.  This is such a serious topic and such a sensitive matter for most parents/teens - this movie hits it head on, with no bells or whistles.  Just the facts and evidence from these 3 females lives.

Rating ***** - 5 stars. Excellent film - you will be thinking about it for days after watching it.  Here is the trailer:

New Video Cooking Segments

One of the reasons I started this blog, was because of my love for GOOD, HEARTY food - and appreciating the restaurants that you get what you pay for.

Being from a restaurant owning family - I am a cook myself and host dinner parties at least once a month.  Its often I am asked for one of my recipes.  I had a friend tell me once "If I could SEE you do it, i would understand how you make it...", and that gave me the idea of the videos.  Even if just a few people watch them, if it helps someone make a delicious meal for their family and friends, then it was worth it.

Here is the most popular of the recipes I have posted. Its a family favorite and truly the dish that made my husband want to marry me (he admits it lol).  Its called Ragu and its a savory pasta and pork dish, that will never disappoint. 

ALL Diverse and ALL Stunning - PNB's All Premiere

ALL PREMIERE
Pacific Northwest Ballet
November 2-11th, 2012
McMcaw Hall, Seattle

Featuring Premier Pieces by:

Mark Morris, Kiyon Gaines, Margaret Mullin and Andrew Bartee

We attended All Premier opening night, which is fun in itself, its the night to see the who's who of ballet, to get all dressed to impress and hope you rub shoulders with someone fabulous - in addition to seeing the premiere pieces from a select few amazing choreographers of course.

The evening opened with the premiere of core member Andrew Bartee's piece, Arms that Work.  The stage lights to show a marvelously crafted prop that spanned the length of the stage and almost looked like a harp but with bands for the dancers to work with and around.  The two dancers out of the gate were Kaori Nakamura and James Moore.  Both show true elasticity with Bartee's movements and embodied the soul given with the dance.  The costumes were STUNNING.  Nuetral tans, linens, modern shapes and designs.  Easily could be in Spiegal's Spring catalogue. I found myself wanting the women's tops. This piece showed such a different path than what the New Works and All Premieres of the past have shown, I was so happy to see something refreshing, new and off the beaten path.  Bravo to Peter Boal for taking a chance on something that was truly a risk. The dancers that stood out for me: Carrie Imler by far was the highlight of not only this piece but the evening for me (more on her later),

Ezra Thomson and new core member Sarah Pasch almost out did vets James and Kaori as far as seamless partnering and electric chemistry, and newest core member, Angelica Generosa was surprisingly wonderful as well!  The only part of the piece that had me question and turn my head sideways like a pondering pooch, was the strange troll-like movements and lurking of Jessica Anspach on the sides - that would have been intriguing if done subtly and smooth but almost seemed a bit overacted and severe.  I thought her brother Barret Anspach's music was gorgeous however lacked the intensity I thought it needed at certain parts of the piece.  Overall we were not only impressed but so happy to be experiencing this art at PNB.

The next piece was company member Margaret Mullins piece - Lost in Light.  Reading the background on this piece about taking the saddness of a loss and finding your happiness - I was prepared for deep poetic emotion.  This isnt to say Mullins didnt deliver or that I was underwhelmed, but rather it was a bit more pleasing to the eye than the emotions.  I didnt feel as though it dug as deep as it could have.  Whether that is the fault of the choreographer or the dancer, is up to opinion.  The dancers in this company that I enjoy the most are the ones whos strength, joy and humility shine through their art when they perform.  The beauty of reps like this is that you have a chance to see members of the company that arent seen as much as some of the soloists and principles are.

I felt that pairing of Jerome Tisserand and Kylee Kitchens was gorgeous and easily out shined the others.  At times I have found Kylee emotionless from the shoulders up and not a favorite, but Jerome brought out a lighter, more expressive side of Kitchens which was refreshing and showed in every step she took.  While long legs and lines are appreciated in dancers, I find that if they aren't giving me anything upstairs, I quickly loose interest.  I was quickly aware who Carli Samuelson was, as she looked wonderful and danced beautifully.  Overall Mullins piece was soothing, sweet and lovely but I am a sucker for a bit more drama and depth.

Mark Morris's piece, Kammermusik No.3, had been veiled in secrecy for months, all of his rehearsals had papers on the windows allowing zero sneak peeks or leaks of what he had in store.  Whispers started - words like "monumental" and "epic" were flying around the PNB School.  The thing I enjoy about Morris's work is how picturesque he is, at times I thought I was seeing a revival or remix of some of the West Side story choreography - especially with the men.  The music was what gave it that epic feel - the cello predominately stirring your emotions.  The piece opened with Carrie Imler, who I like to call the PNB Rock.  She is always strong, dependable and amazing.  All of the men delivered fantastic performances, so solid and so in tune with each other.  Morris's movements are so intentional, and the PNB dancers really handle his style quite well.  There were a few that fell short in this piece that I thought made the movements seems labored and harder than they should have, however the more seasoned dancers easily shifted the focus.  In the end Morris's brilliance was realized.

Last but most definitely not least, was soloist Kiyon Gaines piece, Sum Stravinsky.  I have enjoyed Gaines as a dancer for years, and missed him last year during his injuries.  However I didnt know what to expect of his choreographing abilities and seeing no teasers or anything - was gleefully surprised.  I like to say I was doing my Zack Woodlee hands (only Glee Project fans will get this) during his entire piece!  This piece regressed me to a 10 year old giggly girl who saw real life ballerina dancing in a tutu for the first time.  That is the mood and feel of this ballet.  Sheer happiness with a lovely spirit.

Carrie Imler, principle dancer, danced the best I have ever seen her. She was glowing, nailing every line, move, turn.  Just made everything seem effortless and focused on her sheer joy for the art. Paired perfectly with my fellow Italian Jonathan Porretta - their joy and energy was magnetic! The tutu's. Can I say I am in love with a tutu?  A gorgeous light, blue and other hue tutu that had a different hue and cut different for each lead female dancer.  When Maria Chapman came out with the one shouldered version I died. You could tell she felt gorgeous in it.  Her smile was as vibrant and amazing as her arched feet.  The principle dancers truly showed us why they are in the positions they are in this piece.  In the music industry we say - they left in on the floor.  They truly put every thing they had into Gaines work and even though all the works were amazing - it was evident that this was the performance of the night.   

If I had to rate the performances in order of preference, I would say Gaines, Bartee, Morris and Mullin.  But truly all of them were gorgeous pieces of work, each coming from the heart and soul of a gifted and talented dancer and choreographer. 

This weekend is your last chance to see All Premier - tickets are available at http://www.pnb.org or at the box office day of show. 

Lunchbox Laboratory - Well worth the experiment!!

LUNCHBOX LABORATORY
1253 Thomas St, Seattle, WA
(206) 621-1090
Open 11am to 11pm Daily
http://www.lunchboxlaboratory.com 
(also have a location in Bellevue)


We decided to give this place a try after some friends, who know our love for good quality food, recommended it to us, saying we would not be disappointed.  (Shout out to the Berg's!!) I must say I had my doubts.

We went to the Lab late on a Sunday, hoping they would be open.  With only a few tables and an hour before close, I was already thinking like a sceptic.  Then I read what was on their sandwich board sign out front:  "where 6 pieces of bacon...is just average!"...and I realized, I was home.  Decorated with vintage and classic old lunchboxes, we found ourselves pointing out favorites and marveling and ones we didn't know existed.  There was an arcade upstairs that we were all very tempted to go up and see, but we told ourselves we would go there next time, when we had more time and they weren't closing.

Our waitress was cute, sassy and fun and didn't give us that "Ugh I was hoping to go home soon" look when she greeted us.  That's always nice.  I quickly ordered one of their vodka infused drinks that looked so fun, the two men had beers, when she asked what kind they just said "Whatevers big, comes in a BIG glass lol" they pounded their chests and carried clubs too.

Our teenager was trying to stop from hyperventilating to give her drink order.  You see she had just read on the menu that they had NUTELLA shakes.  She needed CPR from the cute male bartender immediately she claimed.  She was going to have to settle for the shake, a close second.






We began perusing the menu, so many fun items, so little time!  Immediately the MINI CORN DOGS were pointed out to me.  Brilliance.  We called waitress back over as fast as possible and asked for 2 orders of them.  Bite size corn dogs on a stick. Hand dipped and fried as they are ordered.  They were DELICIOUS and between the 4 of us, gone in 2 minutes.  






The decision as to what burger to order was so difficult.  I am a burger foodie snob.  I admit it. I am constantly on the search for the best burger in the world.  There are categories though, there are trashy middle of the night grease burgers, there are shishi Kobe onion crusted $40 burgers and just sometimes you can find a mix of both.  Something that is messy and a bit greasy but also won't slide through you and has quality ingredients.  Imaginative combinations is a plus, and LL most definitely had that.  They also have things for those not wanting burgers - which oddly neither male with us wanted.

I ordered the Santa Fe Slammer – Super-beef patty, Colby jack cheese, bacon, lunchbox onions, Anaheim green chilies, Papa’s homemade BBQ. They cooked it exactly how I asked, medium rare, more pink than usual.  The bacon, chilies and BBQ sauce were all a perfect dance together.  I wanted a bottle of their BBQ sauce to take home with me!  Tater tots on the side, a soft but lightly toasted bun and ALL my fixings fresh and on the side -  made this one of the best burgers I have ever had.

Those with my group ordered the Dork (and Pork and Duck patty) as well as the Burger of the Gods (key ingredient is the Gorgonzola) and they were all moaning and grinning as they demolished their meals.

I must say - being a bit of a picky restaurant patron - I have high expectations when it comes to presentation and plating.  For a place that specialized in burgers, I was quite impressed with their plating.  Each burger was served on long rectangular plate with the side you choose in a nice bowl, very modern/chic looking.

 Normal restaurants have "specials" well LL has "Experiments" which are not only imaginative and hilarious but most of the time delicious and current event based lol!  For example on this weeks list:

Donald Trump vs. The Birth Certificate --

Dork, Cheddar Cheese, a mix of Sweet Brown Sugar Marsala Onions and Crushed Pineapple, and Pineapple Mayo!  Priceless!!

We enjoyed our meal and service at this joint tremendously and have raved about it to everyone we can!!  Give them a try, you won't be disappointed!!

RATING! *****  5 out of 5!