New Bedford Ballet
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
3:30pm-7:30pm
Saturday
8:30am-12:00pm
2343 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02746
508-993-1387
newbedfordballet@gmail.com
The School of the New Bedford Ballet is pleased to present Coppélia, its 26th annual full-length ballet, at the Zeiterion Theatre on Saturday, June 8, at 2pm and 8pm. Coppélia is a humorous, family friendly ballet, originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Leon in 1870 and restaged by Marius Petipa in the late 19th century. This ballet classic has been restaged by New Bedford Ballet’s artistic director, Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, with choreography by Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault, James Brown, Lauren Knightly and Erin Petitjean-Allen.
Unlike many ballets of its generation, Coppélia is not a story about princesses, mystical creatures or tragic love – instead, it involves the timeless theme of pre-marital turmoil. The ballet tells the story of Swanhilda, a beautiful young villager, (danced by Fairhaven High School senior Sophia Cordeiro) who realizes that her fiancé, Franz (danced by Vincent Brewer, guest artist from Festival Ballet Providence), has become infatuated with the lovely Coppélia, who sits on her balcony focused on a book. Swanhilda discovers that Coppélia is actually a life-size doll created by the eccentric Dr. Coppélius (danced by James Brown). The audience is sure to be regaled by the mischievous, but charming antics of Swanhilda and her friends as they trick Dr. Coppélius, save Franz from Dr. Coppélius’ diabolical magic, and help Franz realize that Swanhilda is his only true love.
Featured dancers also include New Bedford High School senior, Julia Krawczyk, as the lead dancer in the Waltz of the Hours, and ORR High School senior, Kathryn Sebastiao, as Midnight. New Bedford Ballet continues its tradition of showcasing beginner students as young as five-years-old through advanced level students. Groups of dancing dolls, townspeople, and ethnic Mazurka and Czardas dancers, colorful costumes, enchanting sets, and clever choreography all add to the magical appeal of this production, guaranteed to delight theater lovers of all ages.
This performance is sponsored by Hawthorn Medical Associates and Thermax, Inc. Reserved seating tickets are $20, and general admission prices are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $8 for children 12 years and younger. Special group rates are available for non-profit organizations.
For over 20 years, the non-profit New Bedford Ballet has continued its mission of providing the South Coast region with high quality, pre-professional classical ballet training and keeping the arts alive in our community. To learn more about the New Bedford Ballet, including child and adult classes and community programs, please visit www.newbedfordballet.org. To purchase tickets, please contact the New Bedford Ballet at 508-993-1387.
