Just now getting to this thread Cassandra. Thanks for posting it.
First, thank God Lopatkina opens and closes. I'm praying (for your and everyone else's sake) that that holds.
Second, what a strange/interesting set of programs, from the all-Fokine to the Scotch+Robbins+Imperial... hm. They dont ever do that combiination here -- they've actually only done Scotch I believe 3 or 4 times (I seem to miss it *each* time due to travels, so I'm hyper aware of it) and usually on a mix with other pieces. At any rate I am VERY curious to hear what people think, how they look etc. I have been told that the new administration is suddenly not very much a fan of the stalwart principals we know and love, which is why I'm happy for you that Lopatkina is indeed opening the tour -- as she should. Sadly Pavlenko isn't even on the tour.
If it were me, I suppose it would not be my choice to have six Swan Lakes in a row with different casts (especially because that role is not the cup of tea for 2 of the ladies on the list). I know they did that for the festival here several years ago but it's not my favorite way to present the Mariinsky. On the other hand, they have three weeks, I guess it is a safe bet to approach it that way, and then viewers can choose their favorite dancers and just selectively attend.
It is a relief that they've kept "Anna" on the list too -- I loved the production when I saw it, and I have heard they fixed the train so all should be stellar. I hope you enjoy it too. I'll be eagerly awaiting feedback from London!
