Short stories aren’t New York City Ballet’s long suit — the company made its name on George Balanchine’s abstract ballets. But for its “Short Stories” program, the company dealt three tried and true tales hoping for a full house.
Jerome Robbins’ “Fancy Free,” the World War II shore leave ballet about three sailors and only two girls to go around, is old enough to collect Social Security but seemingly indestructible. Leonard Bernstein’s brassy, bluesy score, played live, is another old friend.
This cast gave a crisp performance with lots of personal touches; they could even afford to play the laughs a little more.
Tyler Angle is the second, sweet sailor; Tiler Peck plays a nice girl with street savvy. They make a nice team — he’s more ballet, but she’s also performed on Broadway. Together they’ve got the style.
There was good work all around: Robert Fairchild made a snazzy debut dancing a South of the Border rumba. Georgina Pazcoguin was Peck’s partner-in-crime, and Daniel Ulbricht soared as the little sailor who comes crashing down from a double air turn into a split. Ouch.
The second piece on the program is about the New Testament’s original juvenile delinquent. Balanchine’s version of the parable of “The Prodigal Son” dates from the ’20s with darkly glowing designs by Georges Rouault and dramatic music by Sergei Prokofiev. Joaquin De Luz portrays the son as a ferocious spitfire with sharp turns and jumps galore, but he also puts the same energy in his final penitent crawl to his father’s arms.
Maria Kowroski is a cold, leggy man-eater as the Siren. She’s at her best towering over De Luz in their duet. When she lifts her legs, they go right over his head.
The last tale is for the birds. Balanchine’s “Firebird” is largely an excuse for Marc Chagall’s eye-popping, luminous designs and the brooding Stravinsky score, but a chick like Ashley Bouder can light quite a flame.
Bouder first danced the Firebird role a decade ago while still a teenager, on only a few hours notice. She was always mature for her age, but she’s all grown up now. Whether vanquishing evil monsters or leaping in a flashing circuit around the stage, she’s a fierce but regal creature, vulnerable in the arms of her prince, Jon Stafford.
This enjoyable program is a smart pick for those new to ballet. Chances are you’ll find something here to like.