Since 1910, productions of "The Firebird" taking something of a lead from Michel Fokine's Ballets Russes staging have tended to close on a stately note with a ceremonious coronation and wedding.

WSJ: Firebird | American Ballet Theatre | Ratmansky's Fresh Fantasy | By Robert Greskovic

There were no more than 30 guests at the luncheon, which took place in a ceremonious, wood-paneled dining room overlooking Central Park, but everyone seemed to have a book they wanted signed and a photo taken.

WSJ: Of Feathers, Showgirls and Biology

Accusations are levelled not in the ceremonious rigor of a court but in a dingy office, with the irate plaintiffs standing up and leaning over the desk of a judge, the better to hammer home their case.

NEWYORKER: Tehran Tales