This weekend in Saratoga, head out to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for two special annual events, the Saratoga Shakespeare Company’s Poetry in the Pines and the New York City Ballet’s Gala, celebrating another summer at SPAC.
Poetry in the Pines
This year’s Poetry in the Pines will highlight Shakespeare’s The Tempest, with a water-themed festival and an adaptation of the play performed in Saratoga Spa State Park’s Reflecting Pool. The festivities begin at 12:30 pm on Friday, July 19. The afternoon is presented by SPAC, Radial Arts, and the Saratoga Shakespeare Company.
From 12:30 pm to 2 pm, the “Under the Sea” festival will feature live chamber music, dance, and theater, including the debut of Alexandra Marello’s play The Guard of the Coral Sea. Arts and crafts activities and pony rides round out the full slate of activities.
From 2 pm to 3 pm, the Saratoga Shakespeare Company will perform The Tempest for the first time in almost ten years. The adaptation is directed by Marcus Dean Fuller and will be acted out in the Reflecting Pool.
Admission to the afternoon’s events are free, but registration is required.
Apollo & the Muses: A Summer Celebration
Celebrating the New York City Ballet’s 2019 season, and supporting the company’s yearly residency, the annual SPAC Ballet Gala will be held on Saturday, July 20. The Gala takes place inside the Hall of Springs Ballroom and its elegant Lawn Party sprawls out over SPAC’s grounds. This year’s theme is “Apollo & The Muses: A Summer Celebration.”
The excitement begins at 5:30 pm, with performances from local dance companies and impromptu performances sprinkled throughout the event. At 8 pm, the New York City Ballet will perform This Bitter Earth, Balanchine’s Apollo, and Justin Peck’s Principia.
Spend the evening outside picnicking on the lawn and sampling cuisine from food trucks. Guests conclude the night at the After Party, with dancing and live music from Soul Session and a fireworks display. For those attending the Grecian-themed Gala, the night’s agenda includes a welcome reception, open bar, gourmet dinner, and an additional After Party in the Jazz Bar.
Gala tickets are $250 each, and include access to some of the best seats for the NYCB performance. Tickets for the Lawn Party are $55 and include general admission to the ballet. Tickets for just the ballet can also be purchased separately, ranging from $55 to $125.
