Curtain falls on high-profile arts critic: Influential critic Clive Barnes died last night at the age of 81. In his 60-plus-year career, he held top-notch posts at the Times of London, the New York Times and the New York Post, reviewing theatre, opera and dance performances. Barnes made it his personal mission to bring dance out of the “cultural ghetto,” and championed dancers and choreographers like Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and George Balanchine. [Washington Post]
NYC Opera seeks help, attempts moving forward: After Gerard Mortier peaced out as director of the New York City Opera, the institution is acknowledging a crisis. The Opera’s board talked with “turnaround specialist” Michael Kaiser to evaluate the situation and come up with a plan for salvation. Kaiser proposes creating a more feasible budget and hiring a director that would “play on their strength” and create interesting programming. Is this a direct jab at Mortier? [NYT]
McIntyre all jazzed up: Rising star choreographer Trey McIntyre has been busy in New Orleans lately, and his Ma Maison gets its world premiere there tonight. Commissioned by the New Orleans Ballet Association and set to live jazz, the piece is a “dream project” for McIntyre, reflecting the spirit of the city. The dance will be included in McIntyre’s company’s upcoming international tour. [Times-Picayune]
Robbins remembered: A dancing tribute to Jerome Robbins will be presented December 1st. Jacques D’amboise, Terrence Mann and West Side Story‘s Russ Tamblyn will reminisce and reflect on Robbins’ life as they sing, dance and show new footage of the late chorepgrapher’s life. [Broadway World]