Memorial Art Gallery’s upcoming show,”Edgar Degas: Figures in Motion,” could be considered the art world equivalent to “Star Wars: Episode 2.”
We’ve been hearing about its magnitude virtually since birth and it has yet to open. However, do not lose faith ? this show is bound to be excellent. More than an art exhibit, it’s winding up to be quite an experience.
The museum’s public relations distributions depict their show as “a step back in time to turn-of-the-century France [and] one of the most eagerly awaited exhibits in MAG history.”
The collection will undoubtedly be quite impressive.
It features 73 of Degas’ bronzes from the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo, Brazil ? not to mention his paintings, pastels and prints.
It also includes a side exhibit featuring Toulouse Lautrec, Cassette, Mucha, Renoir and Rodin. What will draw me to the show, however, are the hors d’oeuvres and the atmosphere.
Figures in Motion will undoubtedly be one of the highlights this year for Rochester high society.
To see the exhibit, tickets must be purchased in advance, and for quite a price ? with a UR discount they’re $16 each. But why mingle with “general admission” when ? by becoming an Individual Supporting Member of the MAG ? you can get an invitation to the members-only exhibit party?
You may think you’ve partied just because you passed out on the quad a few times, but let me tell you, you haven’t partied until you’ve partied with the Rochester City Ballerinas.
That is correct. As an amusing offshoot on Degas’ chosen subject of the ballet and ballerinas, on opening night you can “mingle throughout the night with real ballerinas.” That’s not all. The Ballroom will be featuring Brass Taxi for dancing. In the pavilion, you’ll be able to relax with a drink and the vocal stylings of Diane Armesto and her jazz quartet.
In the auditorium, the Shakespeare Company of Greater Rochester will be performing scenes from “Twelfth Night.”
For a little quieter evening, the Ontario Ensemble string trio will be playing their hearts out in the Fountain Court.
I’ll admit that I was impressed by the display of class and high culture that opening night promises, until I read about the Gala Dinner Dance with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
I quickly saw how lowbrow this opening will be and how I’d much rather be served French food while bidding on'”fabulous prizes and getaways” at the silent auction.
More importantly, the ballerinas will be dancing this time.
In short, I long for the $125 that could make me a part of this glamorous world ? but most likely I’ll be eating bonbon’s in my pj’s both nights.
Berlin can be reached at lberlin@campustimes.org.
