Ballet West brings Shakespearian tale to life through dance
A tale of magic and misadventure from a play by William Shakespeare has been combined with choreography by George Balanchine and a score by Felix Mendelssohn for Ballet West’s latest production, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
The ballet will tell the story of crossed loves, comical quarrels, forest chases and magic spells. Ticket prices range from $17 to $45 and are available at ArtTix. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed tonight, Saturday and Wednesday and April 7 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee April 7.
“The story is very easily portrayed,” said Jodie Fisher, public relations manager. “It is not hard to follow, it tells the story without words and at the same time is very entertaining.”
Balanchine is a native of Russia and has always held a fondness for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Mendelssohn’s overture of the play and music is what inspired his choreography, according to a Ballet West press release.
Dancing bugs and fairies will be played by 24 Utah children, who were also part of “The Nutcracker” production. They come from surrounding valleys and communities of Salt Lake City, Fisher said.
“There are high hopes for this production with all dress rehearsals being successful … and it is a great way to learn about Shakespeare,” Fisher said.