In 2019, I challenged myself to explore a variety of shows and step out of my comfort zone every now and then to see unfamiliar work. This ultimately amounted to seven classical music concerts, six musicals, three plays, three ballets, two operas, and a jazz concert (phew!). For my final installment of 2019 in Review, I am counting down the top five best live entertainment I saw last year. As favorites are always hard to rank, highlights are presented in chronological order.
1. Fire in My Mouth
I was pleasantly surprised and touched by the emotional expression and sensitivity of Wolfe’s work. Fire in My Mouth is striking in its treatment of historical memory. As a choral piece, it utilizes a range of female voices. I love the addition of the female youth choir, which was a sad reminder of just how young many of the fire’s victims were. It was haunting when the aisles of David Geffen Hall filled with these little girls chanting quotes from the factory workers. Wolfe’s work is both reflective and commemorative, giving a voice to those who were unfortunately silenced either by the flames of the tragedy or their ultimate lower class standing in society. It is unsurprising why her work is now nominated for a Grammy!
2. Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
Curious Incident tells the story of a young boy with autism who initially sets out to discover who killed the neighbor’s dog, but ultimately learns much more about his family and his own strengths. It is an inspiring piece of work and so creatively designed as well, using strobe lighting and projections to capture the world through the protagonist’s eyes. The performances were unbelievably real and honest. My only regret is not having seen this play sooner when it was on Broadway several years back!
3. A Fidler Afn Dakh
This critically-acclaimed production is not just a show to bring your Jewish grandparents to see when they visit in New York City. It is truly a masterpiece that anyone can enjoy thanks to the English translations projected on stage. The story is even more moving when told through its original vernacular, a language that is slowly disappearing today much like the other eroding traditions presented in the musical. The young cast was extremely talented and applaudable for learning the entire script in a new language.
4. NYC Ballet’s Fall Season All Balanchine
Rather than presenting a structured ballet, the program featured three short pieces that showcased a variety of traditional and contemporary choreography by George Balanchine, the cofounder of the New York City Ballet. To my surprise, I enjoyed the structure of the show more than a traditional ballet. It was more interesting to see the diversity of the company’s repertoire and refreshing to have a slight pause between each dance. I was particularly impressed by Union Jack, one of the company’s famous works that utilizes British folktunes and standards in a commemorative work to the UK.