“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” originally choreographed for the
local company by Christopher Wheeldon in 1997, will be performed by
Colorado Ballet from Feb. 28 to March 14 at the Ellie Caulkins
Opera House.
Wheeldon has become a major international choreographer, noted
for his skill in keeping the strengths of traditional dance, while
shaping it for modern audiences.
His first full-length ballet, based on William Shakespeare’s
comedy, draws audiences of all ages into a magical forest, where
things aren’t what they seem. Fairies flit among the trees and King
Oberon’s mischievous helper Puck causes endless trouble while Queen
Titania sulks and lovers Helena, Demetrius, Hermia, Lysander are
mismatched and muddled. All ends well of course!
A full orchestra conducted by Adam Flatt will accompany the
dancers, performing Felix Mendelssohn’s music, composed in 1826
inspired by the play.
Members of the Colorado Children’s Chorale, including many South
Metro area children, ages 7 to 14, will sing during the first act.
Two rotating casts include 72 young singers, connecting with
Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs’ wish to collaborate
with other local performing arts groups.
Almost 50 young dancers from the central and south (Highlands
Ranch) studios of the Academy of Colorado Ballet will also
participate in two casts as fairies, changelings sprites and
assorted small magic persons.
Principal dancers will include Maria Mosina and Chandra
Kuykendall as Titania; Igor Vassine and Alexi Tyukov as Oberon;
Koichi Kubo and Sean Omandam as Puck.
Tickets ordinarily start at $19, but for the first time,
Colorado Ballet offers a special $10 ticket in response to the
challenging economy. A total of 50 tickets will be offered for each
performance, on sale two hours before curtain time at the box
office. Limited to two tickets per person, these will probably go
fast.
In addition, patrons are asked to donate a can of food for a
local food bank.
If you go:
“Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed by Colorado Ballet
Feb. 28 through March 14 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver
Performing Arts Complex. Performances: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28;
Sunday, March 1; Saturday, March 7; Sunday, March 8; Saturday,
March 14; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb.
28; Friday, March 13. Tickets $19 to $145 (exception, see above).
ColoradoBallet.org,
303-837-8888, info@coloradoballet.org.
