Okay. It's irresistible. Here's the deal.

You get to/have to produce "Gone With the Wind, the Ballet." You have an unlimited budget. It can be a one-act abstract ballet, or stretch over seven -- count 'em -- seven days and nights. You get to pick the company. You may invite guest stars.

CAST GONE WITH THE WIND, THE BALLET. Production details optional. (And remember, there are artistic directors and their staffs who read this board, so if any of what you write turns out to be see the stage, it will be your fault [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] )

On 2nd thought, Weese should portray Kathy in Wuthering Heights.

The search for Scarlett begins!

Jeny Ringer
Lucia Lacarra
or...my favourite for this:

Viviana Durante.
(Let's hear it for Passionate Outbursts!)

I am stuck, stuck, stuck for Rhett....maybe Irek Mukhamedov? It can't be someone callow...

No one BUT Peter Boal could do Ashley.

Melanie is sweet Julie Kent.

Prissy : I'm stuck. No one who's an African American woman dancing ballet now can be that gutless and dopey....it would have to be the acting job of the century.

You know very well Mark Morris would just love to wear a turban and do The Big Deal role....

This is a start....unfortunately, I am not a big GWTW aficionada....

I like Juliet's choices, but as a Southerner for half my life (and former Atlantan), I feel obliged to contribute for myself (even though my mandatory adolescent-Southern-girl GWTW phase ended a good 20 years ago).

SCARLETT: I think Viviana Durante's a good choice, alternating with Sylvie Guillem.
RHETT: Edward Villella, about 30 years ago, of course.
ASHLEY: I'd go with Charles Askegaard. Blonde, beautiful, and way too good for Scarlett.
MELANIE: Julie Kent, hands down. The role she was born to play.
MAMMY AND PRISSY: I think these would both have to be "en travestie" roles, so I'd go with Mark Morris for Mammy as well (great casting there, Juliet). I can't come up with a good Prissy, though. Actually, I bet Donald Williams (DTH) would have a blast with the part.

RUNNING TIME: I thought the original four hours of the movie was a bit much, so I think we'll need to keep it to three max, or our weeknight audiences are gonna be deserting in droves at the intermission (because they have to get up early, not because they hate the ballet!).

MUSIC: I have no idea. Maybe Beethoven. Yes, definitely Beethoven.

[This message has been edited by The Bard's Ballerina (edited October 08, 2000).]

Actually, if we could handle some Danes or French in there, how about Manuel Legris or Nicolas Le Riche for Rhett, Elisabeth Maurin or Gudrun Bojesen for Melanie. Maybe Kenneth Greve for Ashley?

I'd give Silja Schandorff a crack at Scarlett and Jenny Ringer one at Melanie if they could exchange hair [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img] . I think Weese, Boal and Askegard are good choices as mentioned before as well!

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Leigh Witchel - dae@panix.com
Personal Page and Dance Writing
Dance as Ever

I don’t have any problem in finding my Scarlett: Diana Vishneva.
She once confessed to love GWTW and was charmed by the fact that people thought she had something of Scarlett in her. Here's your Scarlett ! [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Leigh, I have to ask what qualities you see in Schandorff that would suit her to Scarlett??? (In Danish employ, haircolor is not incidental [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] )

Since this is clearly a timeless production, I'd vote for Tamara Toumanova as Scarlett.

Actually, if we can cast from the past, I might think about Moira Shearer. Bruce Marks comes to mind as a potential Rhett, and I totally agree about Julie Kent as Melanie.

I thought of Alsymuratova as Scarlett.

Giannina

Alexandra - re Schandorff, there's just something mischievous about her I sense hidden. I think it wouldn't be hard for her to tap into that for a Scarlett.

But she's an adagio dancer, and Scarlett is pure allegro. Scarlett had trouble merely sitting still, and Silja is the current embodiment of the Danish classical harmony and stillness. (Scarlett is THE great demicaractere ballerina role, I think.)

Perhaps I've been too influenced by the movie (I've read the book too, but it was long ago), but I really have trouble imagining Legris as Rhett (I wonder what he would look like with a moustache and darker hair...) On the other hand, I agree about Le Riche (he already had a moustache in Petit's "Le Guepard", and it suited him quite well [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img] )

What was Melanie supposed to look like? In my memory, she didn't look like Maurin, but except that I think that the personality of the character would suit her well.

About Ashley: I can't help remembering the guy who played that role in the movie (he didn't look bright at all in my opinion), and so trying to imagine Peter Boal in his role is a bit odd.

What about the smaller roles? Scarlett's parents, her sisters, her two previous husbands (not very flattering roles, I'm afraid), Aunt Pittypat...

If we open up casting to the dead, I'd go for Pavlova and Mordkin as Scarlett and Rhett.

Estelle, most people at the time thought Leslie Howard was Absolutely Wrong for Ashley -- including, reportedly, Howard, who said, "I am neither young enough, nor beautiful enough, for Ashley." Ruined the movie for many, since the whole point of Ashley was that he was perfect: handsome, intelligent, athletic -- best horseman and best shot in the county -- and he just wanted to loll around and read poetry with Melanie. (In my family, Clark Gable was even a worst casting choice, as he "wasn't as gentleman." My aunt was a passionate supporter of Robert Montgomery for the part, but I think this was a minority opinion.)

Estelle, I must say a few words in defense of Leslie Howard. I think he did his best under the circumstances -- he didn't like the role of Ashley, felt he was too old, and was basically forced into the movie at gunpoint. (Little did he know that The Petrified Forest, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Pygmalion would fade in memory while GWTW went on and on and on.)

Probably some of these roles should be just straight mime roles -- Scarlett's mother Ellen, who has a small but crucial role, should not dance, for example. She's too dignified to dance.

If Frederick Ashton were still with us he would be perfect casting for Aunt Pittypat. (I can just see him calling for his smelling salts!)

I just saw Alexandra's post and comments re Leslie Howard. Excuse the repetition. [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Lucia Lacarra for certain, and then either Irek Mukhamedov or else Jordan Morris (Royal Winnipeg)

If we are not confined by time, my nomination for Scarlett is Kshinskaya (sp.) She was certainly a survivor, and could get anything she wanted from men, and she wanted a lot! And I definitely see Scarlett doing lots of fouettes. What about Anton Dolin as Rhett? If we are doing cross-dressing and blackface, what about Gen Horiuchi as Prissy?

Mary, we've been working together too long. I sent this email to Leigh earlier (because we have had several conversations about Kschessinska). I wasn't sure most people would be familiar with her, but since you've put her name in the ring, I'll sure second it!

Mr. Selznick, the search is over!!!

The only possibility for Scarlett is Kschessinska.

I'd have her do the 32 fouettes twice. Once at the barbecue, to the absolute horror of both Mama and Mammy.

And then, the second time, at the ball, wearing her widow's weeds.

Defiant, scheming, seductive, with a twinkle in her eye and a diamond on every spare patch of skin, Mathilde is our girl.

I'd also like to second Leigh's nomination of Kenneth Greve for Ashley. Six foot three, blond hair, blue eyes, very handsome, very charming, capable of doing anything, but....

On Rhett, maybe I'm being too literal, but he was HUGE. Tall, muscular. Not short and muscular. Mukhamedov would be too short, as would Villella. Think more along the lines of Nikolai Fadayachev [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]


[This message has been edited by alexandra (edited October 09, 2000).]

I have to admit, the moment I heard Kschessinska mentioned I knew the search had ended.

Look no further, Mr. Selznick. From Tsarkoe Selo directly to Tara, here comes Mathilde!

"But Nicky!!! I didn't push Melanie down the stairs! She just walked in from of me as I was moving my arms in preparation for my solo, what was I to do?"

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Leigh Witchel - dae@panix.com
Personal Page and Dance Writing
Dance as Ever

I hope it's not necessary to say, but just because we're saying "the search is over!" that's a reference to a famous movie line. Please feel free to continue your casting decisions. We may have a "Gone With the Wind" Festival by the time we're through.

Surely ya'all can't have forgotten one of the great dramatic ballerinas of the last century - Lynn Seymour? Perfect Scarlett. As for seeking perfection for Ashley - I recall the gasps of one fan at the stage door when the Royal Danes visited NY in the 60s - with reference to Peter Martins: "How can he bear to look at himself in the mirror when he shaves? It's like looking at a marble statue of Apollo." And it was, indeed.

For me, either Darcey Bussell or Diana Vishneva can make good Scarlett.

Patricia McBride IS Melanie

As to the smaller roles, I think Beriosova would be perfect for Scarlett's mother, in her Lady Elgar mode. No ballet should be without this lovely dancer. And for Scarlett's Pa, I think Alexander Grant would be wonderful. And Merle Park for Sue Ellen. I was trying to cast Belle Watling, and came up with Heather Watts, not quite classical, you know, but very kind-hearted. I see a very moving duet between her and Melanie when Belle gives Julie Kent the money for charity.

Here is the ultimate cast:

SCARLET - Sylvie Guillem...gorgeous minx who, I'm sure, will know how to get her Rhett

RHETT - Konstantin Zaklinsky...picture him with a mustache [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]! Remember, in the novel, Rhett was quite a bit older than Scarlet

MELANIE - sweet Yvonne Borree (Darcey Bussell would be a second choice but she's too tall to be ideal as 'meek-and-mild')

ASHLEY - Charles Askegaard...no question about it!

MAMMY - Mark Morris in drag AND blackface.

....and in a cameo role....

AUNT PITTIPAT - Natalia Dudinskaya (currently in Boston, rehearsing Bayadere...so I'm sure she can swing down to Atlanta for this!)

[This message has been edited by Jeannie (edited October 10, 2000).]

I pity the unfortunate choreographer who has to explain to Kschessinska that in the postwar scenes she cannot wear her jewelry to pick cotton.

[This message has been edited by dirac (edited October 10, 2000).]

Not to mention having to throw up after eating some mouldy vegetable! Maybe she could just become dizzy after too many fouettes.

My tastes are sometimes eclectic, but I would cast.......

SCARLET- Tanaquil LeClerq
RHETT - Edward Villella (on stilts)
MELANIE - Eleanor D'Antuono
ASHLEY - Erik Bruhn
SCARLET'S WHINEY SISTER (remember, Scarlet married HER boyfriend)- Gelsey Kirkland
MAMMY - Lynn Seymour (think of her in "Dancers")
PRISSY - Heather Watts
BELLE WATLING - Gloria Govrin and Karen Von Aroldigen will share the honors!
MR. O'HARA - Baryishnikov (an OLD Baryshnikov!)
MRS. O'HARA - Melissa Hayden

I don't know who would compose the score, I would have my hands full just keeping this cast together!! [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]


[This message has been edited by Yvonne (edited October 10, 2000).]

All this Heather Watts talk has me seeing her as Scarlett (let's not forget the kitchen scene in Dancing on my Grave).
I'm seeing Jillana as Belle.

Sara Leland is Belle Watling, think of her in the Explosion Polka in Vienna Waltzes and you'll see what I mean.

I see Violette Verdy as Aunt Pitty Pat.

I think Sally Wilson could pull off the role of Prissy.

could consider yvette chauvrire as scarlett, a really good balletic 'fiddle dee dee'! and as aunt pitty pat, agnes de mille.

[This message has been edited by pmeja (edited October 11, 2000).]

There it is, Agnes de Mille as Aunt Pitty Pat! That is too perfect!!! [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Yoo-hoo, Victoria, do you want to play Scarlett? You can have anyone you want for Rhett.

Well, since so many people often call me Vivian instead of Victoria... [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Wouldn't Agnes de Mille be a little...steely for Aunt Pitty? (Too thin, too.)

Why don't imagine a cast by POB dancer
Scarlett: Aurélie Dupont or the première danseuse : Marie-Agnès Gillot
Rhett : Kader Belarbi or Laurent Hilaire
Ashley : Manuel Legris or Jean-Guillaume Bart
Mélanie : Elisabeth Maurin is not a good choice she seems for me like Bette Davis. I will see more Delphine Moussin.
I don't know very well foreigner dancer to may an international cast.
I think unless Belarbi could be a perfect Rhett Butler, he must make a coreogragy about Wuthering Heights for POB the next year.
I don't know if he must dance in but I saw completely him as Heatcliff.
New temptation of casting ????

I think Agnes is more the India Wilkes type, but Victoria knows her much better. Francesca Corkle would make a great Belle Watling, or should it be Nora Kaye dancing the role of Belle? Maybe they could alternate.

Having had the good fortune to see Victoria dance on stage, sur la pointe, wearing a similar dress to Scarlett's green barbecue dress, I adore the idea of Victoria as Scarlett.



[This message has been edited by glebb (edited October 13, 2000).]

Actually, while I thought that Agnes would be perfect for Aunt Pitty Pat, there is another thought I had, and that is Lucia Chase!

Victoria, I like your idea of Lucia Chase being in this production. I got to see her as the Queen in SWAN LAKE at ABT in 70s.

What do you think of our Mel playing Frank Kennedy? He has Civil War Whiskers.

Oh yes, Mel and his whiskers would be perfect! [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

And besides, they make such convenient handles for partnering! You haven't lived until you've seen the muttonchop whisker-promenade! [img]http://www.balletalert.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

Ok, all this GWTW talk made me get out the DVD and watch.
In doing so I discovered that Nina Ananiashvili looks very much like Olivia DeHavilland.

Catherine/ Françoise, this is getting off-topic, but could you tell us more about that "Wuthering heights" by Kader Belarbi next season? Will it be a full-length ballet or a shorter ballet? What music will it use?