Curiouser and curiouser: Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Alice” overcomes early flaws to delight

Reviewed by Steve Sucato For a long time, it’s been a common speculation that iconic novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” was the product of mind-altering drugs. The world premiere of Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB)’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” Friday night based on that tale by Lewis Carroll’s (the pseudonym for Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), feeds into that notion. The mind-blowing visual spectacle has the feel … Continue reading Curiouser and curiouser: Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Alice” overcomes early flaws to delight

Grand Rapids Ballet’s Michael Auer creates theatrical magic behind the scenes

By Steve Sucato “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain,” said the Wizard of Oz after being caught for the elaborate stagecraft he presented to Dorothy and her compatriots in the 1939 movie classic of the same name. It’s a desire for anonymity Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) creative director Michael Auer, the organization’s own multitalented and multifaceted wizard, can identify with as well. … Continue reading Grand Rapids Ballet’s Michael Auer creates theatrical magic behind the scenes