Bob Crowley brings his theater magic once more to The American Ballet Theater with Laura Esquivel’s classic, Like Water For Chocolate. Thanks to Christopher Wheeldon, iit made its world premiere in London in June 2022 and continued in California this past spring. Last night The Metropolitan Opera House held its New York premiere where Crowley was present to witness his art. 

The Synopsis 

Como Agua para chocolate (translated to Like Water for Chocolate) was first published in Mexico in 1989. It was 1994 when the book was translated to English and a movie adaptation of the story was released. Esquivel wrote the screenplay for the movie alongside her then-husband, Arau, who directed the film. The film version of Like Water for Chocolate swept the Ariel Awards in 1992 and went on in 1993 to become the biggest grossing foreign film ever released in the United States at the time. Since its publication, Like Water for Chocolate has sold more than 4.5 million copies around the world and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a year. It went on to win the prestigious ABBT award, which is given annually by the American Booksellers Association to the book the members of the organization most enjoyed hand-selling. It has additionally been translated into more than 30 languages.

The Irish born Bob Crowley’s knowledge for theater started in Bristol Old Vic Theater School. Today he is known for his successful productions in theaters like the Royal National Theatre and Royal Opera House and Royal Shakespeare Company. Crowley’s costume designs have been seen internationally and are remembered from some classic characters in Mary Poppins, Tarzan and The Little Mermaids productions.  

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I had the opportunity to connect with Bob Crowley to discuss his participation in the Like Water For Chocolate ballet. He of course discussed his signature custom designings, but also his thoughts on the story and bringing it live to a set. In addition to his welcoming experience to Mexico City in preparation of the project and meeting Laura Esquivel in her own home and more!  

You can see the American Ballet Theatre’s LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, New York June 22-July 1st 2023  Get your tickets HERE! 

Source: LRMExclusive, ABT