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RWB Brings Fairytale to Life with a Single Kiss
(February 25, 2008; Winnipeg, Manitoba) – Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents the world’s most popular classical ballet, The Sleeping Beauty, at the Centennial Concert Hall March 12 – 16.
Cherished by children and adults alike, this enchanting fairytale, choreographed by Marius Petipa with music composed by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, is a fantasy come to life on stage with a cast of familiar storybook characters, including Princess Aurora, Prince Désiré, the Lilac Fairy, Puss ‘n Boots and the White Cat, and Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf.
Principal Dancer Vanessa Lawson along with Second Soloist Jennifer Welsman and Soloist Emily Grizzell take on the role of Princess Aurora while Principal Dancers Jaime Vargas, Gael Lambiotte and Soloist Dmitri Dovgoselets dance the role of the Prince Désiré. Principal Dancer Tara Birtwhistle and Second Soloist Carrie Broda as the Lilac Fairy and Second Soloist Darren Anderson as the evil fairy Carabosse also join the cast of leads.
The History
The original ballet was created in Russia just over a century ago, based on the story of the same name by Charles Perrault. This was the second creative collaboration of choreographer Marius Petipa and composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The two first worked together on another adored classic, Swan Lake, and were brought together again by Russian nobleman I.A. Vsevolojsky of the Imperial Theatre. This collaboration resulted in a truly “classic” ballet, which has become an audience favourite for young and old.
The Artists
Anna-Marie Holmes has been working with the Company staging this year’s production. Ms Holmes, artistic director, choreographer, producer, teacher and celebrated ballerina, is an internationally acclaimed dance luminary. Recognized internationally as the foremost authority on 19th century ballet, Anna-Marie’s interpretations of the Russian classics have been staged in more than 30 countries on five continents. Ms Holmes has also garnered a reputation as a leading champion for new and innovative choreography.
The dazzling costumes were designed by local artist Shannon Lovelace and the RWB’s Director of Wardrobe Anne Armit. Lovelace, is known for her visual artistry and paintings that have been exhibited extensively in Canada and abroad, and Armit has designed costumes for a variety of arts organizations across the country.
Michael Eagan is the Set and Properties Designer. Eagan has designed for major theatres across Canada including the Stratford and Shaw Festivals and has worked for the Juilliard School. The Lighting Design is by Michael J. Whitfield who is sought out by opera and ballet companies around the continent and from around the globe.
Events
Following the Sunday, March 16 matinee, audience members may “Meet the Dancers” on the Piano Nobile, where RWB dancers will answer questions and sign autographs. A backstage tour will unveil the behind the scenes magic following the Friday, March 14 evening performance.
Tickets are now on sale at the RWB Customer Service Office at 380 Graham Avenue or by calling (204) 956-2792 or 1-800-667-4792. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster or by calling (204) 253-ARTS (2787).
“Awake your inner BEAUTY!” is the RWB’s exclusive Health and Beauty Group Package for the March 13 performance of The Sleeping Beauty. Get a group of ten or more together and indulge in our exclusive pre-show event with LUSH bath and body shop, Edward Carriere’s Cargo Cosmetics and Donna Sarna Physiotherapy. There will be mini massages, make-up touch ups, and sample freebies. Call the Group Sales Manager at (204) 957-3494 or email: groupsales@rwb.org.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is proud to acknowledge The Sleeping Beauty Performance Sponsors: BMO Capital Markets, CanWest Foundation, Investors Group, MTS Allstream; Student Matinee Performance Sponsor: Peter D. Curry Memorial Grant; Performance Partners: Birchwood BMW and Image Plus Laser Eye Centre. These performances are also made possible with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Manitoba Arts Council, the Winnipeg Arts Council and Arts Stabilization.
The RWB is also proud to acknowledge the generous support of Production Benefactors: Richard Bonnycastle; Mark and Ann Curry; Agnes Hall and the late Justice Gordon Hall; Gerald Schwartz; and Rod Senft, Jeannie and Family.
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For more information or interviews, contact: Heather Saxton, RWB Publicity Manager at hsaxton@rwb.org or (204) 957-3447.
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