For some odd reason, we’ve felt like dancing recently, so we thought it was time to take a look at Ballets on Broadway on this week’s Dress Circle (5/21 7:00 p.m.). To qualify, the pieces have to be labeled as a “ballet” in the title, and we found so many of them, and there will be a part 2 next week.
Because the pieces are a bit longer, we’ll be showcasing only six ballets this week.
Three of the ballets are from Rodgers and Hart musicals. From “Babes in Arms,” we’ll hear “Peter’s Journey.” “On Your Toes” offers two ballets, and decided on the lesser known one, “La Princess Zenobia.” We’ve also got a forgotten ballet from a somewhat neglected musical, “Pal Joey.” The ballet originally featured leading man Gene Kelly in the role that catapulted him to Hollywood, and as Joey, he got to dance “Joey Looks into the Future.”
The other three ballets come from the de Paul – Mercer hit “Li’l Abner,” another hit, “On the Town” by Bernstein, Comden, & Green, and Styne and Cahn’s delightful “High Button Shoes.”
Since the ballets are often cut from these musicals if they happen to be done, this may be music that will be new to you. Known or not, all are charming and are sure to make for a happy hour of listening.