CriticalDance Forum
It is currently Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:59 pm

View unanswered posts | View active topics


Board index » Our Archives » Holiday Performances thru 2006

All times are UTC - 7 hours [ DST ]



Forum locked This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  Page 1 of 1
  [ 5 posts ] 
  Print view Previous topic | Next topic 
Author Message
LMCtech
 Post subject: Ronn Guidi's 2006 Nutcracker Revival
PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 6:16 pm 
Offline

Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2001 11:01 pm
Posts: 8612
Location: El Granada, CA, USA
From the SF Chronicle.

Quote:
REVIEW
Ronn Guidi revives 'Nutcracker,' sealed with a kiss

Michael Wade Simpson, Special to The Chronicle

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Truly heartwarming holiday stories are as rare as really good "Nutcracker" productions, but the Paramount Theatre in Oakland was home to both over the weekend. Impresario Ronn Guidi not only saved a 34-year tradition from the dustbin of dance history, he has put on a "Nutcracker" that packs more emotional wallop and kid-friendly charm than the megaproduction playing across the bay.

Advertised as "Ronn Guidi's Nutcracker," this is actually Oakland Ballet's "Nutcracker." Guidi and the company were one and the same until his retirement in 1998, after which things began to fall apart, for a variety of reasons, and Oakland Ballet officially died. Last year, Guidi purchased the entire treasure trove of costumes and sets from the company he founded in 1965, raised the money to hire dancers, musicians from the Oakland East Bay Symphony and rent the Paramount, and even found a corporate sponsor, Chevron, which offered to help fill the house with hundreds of local families.


more...
Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
LMCtech
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:00 pm 
Offline

Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2001 11:01 pm
Posts: 8612
Location: El Granada, CA, USA
OK, I have a questions.

Why is it that Ronn Guidi can raise the funds needed to do this production, but Oakland Ballet couldn't raise the funds to save itself? Is it the cult of personality surrounding Guidi? It sort of negates the theory that Oakland as a city is incapable of supporting ballet in general, doesn't it?


Comments, anyone?
Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Francis Timlin
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:13 pm 
Offline

Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2000 12:01 am
Posts: 14418
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Fundraising is such a funny business -- so much seems to depend upon who is asking and whether those being asked have the requisite confidence that the person doing the asking will be able to deliver the anticipated product.
Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
shoelessjoe
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 3:41 pm 
Offline

Joined: Fri May 05, 2006 5:07 pm
Posts: 11
Location: San Francisco
Also, I think people want the holiday tradition more than the dance in The Nutcracker's case. People know what they are getting when they give. Mr. Guidi does have a strong reputation in the community. However, if he tried to fundraise to bring back the company it might be more difficult than pulling off the Nutcracker.
Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
LMCtech
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:35 pm 
Offline

Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2001 11:01 pm
Posts: 8612
Location: El Granada, CA, USA
That's a very good point that I was thinking of as well. I'm not convinced Mr. Guidi is interested in reviving Oakland Ballet. It was his retirement from the company that prompted the hiring of Karen Brown. But it would be interesting to see if he COULD get it back up and running.


Thanks for your insights, joe!
Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Forum locked This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  Page 1 of 1
  [ 5 posts ] 

Board index » Our Archives » Holiday Performances thru 2006

All times are UTC - 7 hours [ DST ]

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group