Montgomery Ballet's
Golden Anniversary Celebration
A Weekend of Ballet, February
8 - 10, 2008
Two Evenings
of Premiere Performances featuring
"Lost - the Story of Carmen" & "Jardin
Anime - Le Corsaire"
and a Sunday Matinee, "Sleeping Beauty"
Marking
its 50th year, Montgomery Ballet continues celebrating an exciting year
of programming with a weekend of dance to be presented at the historic
Davis Theatre on February 8 & 9, 2008 at 7:30pm and on February
10, 2008 at 2:30pm. On February 8 & 9, 2008, an evening of
premiers will be presented, featuring two ballets very different in
style and mood. "Lost, the Story of Carmen",
is a World Premiere created specifically for this event by Elie Lazar,
the new Artistic Director. A local premiere of "Jardin
Animé" from the full-length classical ballet
"Le Corsaire" completes the evening's
program.
On February 10, 2008, a matinee performance featuring "Sleeping
Beauty", appealing to a younger audience and families
will conclude the weekend long celebration at the Davis Theatre.
This
year, Montgomery Ballet, endeavoring to appeal to a broader audience,
will change its format and present two different programs in one weekend.
The diverse combination of works showcases the depth of its talented
artists, as well as Mr. Lazar's great artistic vision.
"Lost, the Story of Carmen" is the
third world premiere Elie Lazar has choreographed for the Montgomery
Ballet since his appointment in June 2007. Audience response to
his recent version of " The Nutcracker" and his contemporary
work, "How Far is 2 Far"
(Performance on the Green) has been enthusiastic. "Lost"
is a dramatic work adapted from the well-known story of "Carmen"
, to the familiar score by Georges Bizet. Ginny Smith,
a strong soloist of classical repertoire, will perform the lead role
of "Carmen" . Ian Morris, cast in the
role of "Don José" , showcases his skills as a strong
dancer and partner.
"Jardin
Animé" is an excerpt from "Le
Corsaire" , a story about pirates and princesses.
The ballet received a great deal of acclaim when Rudolph Nureyev toured
the world with Dame Margot Fonteyn. Today, many ballet companies
are reviving the full ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa.
It is a wonderful example of pure classical style of the Russian school
of dance, making it a perfect fit with the Montgomery Ballet's mission
of maintaining a world-class repertoire.
Concluding
this celebration, Montgomery Ballet will offer a special matinee performance
of the famous fairytale ballet, "Sleeping Beauty",
with the original choreography by Petipa. This enchanting ballet
is a wonderful way to introduce children and young audiences to the
graceful art of ballet. Montgomery native, Abby Maruna
will dance the leading role of " Princess Aurora" .
Ms. Maruna, who was trained at the Montgomery Ballet School, exemplifies
another aspect of the company's mission - to develop capable dancers
for professional careers.
All
performances will be staged at the Davis Theatre. Tickets, $10
- $30, are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.montgomeryballet.org
(click the links below to get tickets for the performances you wish
to attend) or call the Montgomery Ballet Office at (334) 409-0522.
Funding for the Company's extensive performance schedule and touring
is made possible in part through a grant from the Alabama State Council
on the Arts, Department of the State, and by generous corporate foundations
and individual contributors.
Tickets
Now On Sale!
Lost,
the Story of Carmen and Jardin Anime from Le Corsaire - February 8,
2008 at 7:30pm
Lost,
the Story of Carmen and Jardin Anime from Le Corsaire - February 9,
2008 at 7:30pm
Sleeping
Beauty - February 10, 2008 at 2:30pm
Those who appreciate ballet will also enjoy the following
free community programs in January:
THE
ART OF DANCE.
The Montgomery Ballet will continue its series of lecture demonstrations,
sponsored by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Saturday January 19,
2008 at 11:00am in the Wilson Auditorium at the Museum. The lecture
demonstrations are also free and open to the public. The collection
of lectures are led by Elie Lazar. They are designed to let you
view the dancers up close and realize how the magic is being created
before your eyes, while following the progression of their discipline,
accuracy & knowledge. Mr. Lazar adopts the idea that "an
educated audience makes for a good audience" . The lecture
on January 19th will be "Classic v. Contemporary:
The Evolution" . Make your reservations early, as space
is limited.
TUESDAY CLUB. On Tuesday
January 22, 2008 at 5:00pm, The Montgomery Ballet will host the "
Tuesday Club" , FREE and open to the public. The Tuesday
Club is a gathering, in an intimate and comfortable setting at the Montgomery
Ballet Studio, to get acquainted with the artists of the company and
observe them in the development of the repertoire for the upcoming performances.
In addition, there will be conversations with special guest speaker
and dance writer, Pamela Gaye, accompanied by wine
and cheese. Please call the Montgomery Ballet Office at
409-0522 for reservations.
