Dear Mr. Gershwin-Irish National Ballet
"Domy Reiter Soffer's ballet for the Irish National Ballet "Dear Mr. Gershwin" is a witty and highly entertaining evocation of the song writer's style and period, set to fascinating old arrangements of his music. The twenties section, with Anna Donovan displaying he inimitable gift comedy was ably backed by the whole company, is like Waugh at his most frivolous. The thirties include a marvelous syncopated number danced by Erick Yetter to the tune of "I got Rhythm" and a touching romantic duet beautifully danced by Carol Bryans and Yetter. It was indeed a nostalgic and delicious to end the evening with. The Irish national Ballet has a winner".
Fernau Hall- (The Daily Telegraph).
"Reiter Soffer ballet on the programme "Dear Mr. Gershwin" which marks the impending 50th anniversary of George Gershwin's death at the age of thirty nine. The choreographer concentrated on the composer's works in a delightful romp through the twenties and thirties. The highlight of the captivating piece was the tender and romantic duet of The Man I love danced by Carol Bryant and Eric Yetter who also provided some outstanding solos. The flappers looked deliciously resplendent while the gents looked real cool. The sets and costumes were sparkling and marvelously evocative of an innocent age. Like Gershwin's music, there's a great deal more to Reiter Soffer's choreography than first appears. It is impossible not to enjoy it".
Lindie Noughton- (The independent).
"Reiter Soffer's novelty ballet Dear Mr. Gershwin is a lighthearted contrast tribute to George Gershwin's Anniversary. The choreographer had acquired a number of Gershwin 78 gramophone records with original dance-band instrumentations, now valued as period antiques by collectors. The ballet certainly imparted a nostalgic aural patina to the first half-dozen numbers in a suite of about twice that length, taking the Gershwin songs as a peg for the spirited pastiche of period cabaret entertainment. The ballet created a marvelous ambiance and mood as did the effective thirties décor. The choreography incorporated also a dance hall steps of the Charleston, tap and the kind of mannerisms that Dorothy Provine flaunted in her reincarnation of the roaring '20s' several decades ago. Most of the numbers are a wonderful visual accompaniment to this musical nostalgia. I certainly enjoyed the female foursome of Anna Donovan, Carol Bryans, Denise Roberts and Lewis vocalizing of "Someone to watch over me", and the extended duet for Bryans and Yetter in "The man I love". The ensemble were hilarious in Nashville Nightingale and the rest of the ballet was invigorating and supplied a surprising up beat sequel to the exhilarating "Clap your hands", which seemed a natural finale".
Noel Goodwin-(Dance and Dancers)
"Dear Mr. Gershwin" is a sophisticated romp of early '20s and '30's music of George Gershwin, danced with verve and amusing high jinks. From the Charleston of the twenties through Prohibition into the elegant thirties, the company dances its way through the unforgettable numbers evoking a rare period worthy of Scott Fitzgerald. The audience was mad about it giving the company a standing ovation".
Carolyn Swift-(The Irish Times).
"Reiter Soffer's sparkling piece "Dear Mr. Gershwin" is beautifully choreographed and directed evoking the 20's in a flippant funny and exciting dances of the period. The highlight was the Charleston with its intricate and quick moves and steps that brought the house down. The second part was most of Gershwin's more serious music composed in the '30's with a sparkling romantic duet of "The man I love" danced by Carol Byant and Eric Yetter". Ending the piece with an exciting company a witty and highly entertaining symphonic version of "I got Rhythm". The audience gave the company a deserved standing ovation".
Liam Heylin-(The Examiner).
