Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Ballet Arizona will open its 40th anniversary season with “Romeo & Juliet,” bringing the Shakespeare story to Symphony Hall for six performances from Thursday, Oct. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 25.
The production features choreography by Ballet Arizona artistic director emeritus Ib Andersen set to Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev’s score, which will be performed in its entirety by The Phoenix Symphony, according to a press release.
The ballet follows the story of Romeo and Juliet, members of the feuding Montague and Capulet families in 16th-century Verona, Italy. Mr. Andersen’s production combines ballroom scenes, swordplay and pas de deux with Mr. Prokofiev’s score.
“Opening our 40th anniversary season with ‘Romeo & Juliet’ is both meaningful and inspiring,” Daniela Cardim, Ballet Arizona artistic director, said. “This iconic ballet showcases the power of storytelling through Ib Andersen’s beautifully crafted choreography. As we celebrate this milestone season, we are proud to continue sharing transformative performances that connect communities through the universal language of dance.”
Former Ballet Arizona company dancer Michal Wozniak will return for the production. Mr. Wozniak joined the company in 2009 and performed in productions including “Swan Lake,” “Raymonda,” “The Sleeping Beauty” and “Romeo & Juliet.” He also danced principal roles in “Prodigal Son” and “Mosiak.”
Mr. Wozniak toured nationally with Ballet Arizona, performing at The Kennedy Center, Chicago Dancing Festival and New York City’s Joyce Theater. He joined Phoenix Ballet as a principal dancer in 2012 and has performed works including the company’s annual production of Slawomir Wozniak’s “Nutcracker.”
Audiences also can attend Ballet Arizona’s Studio Spotlight for “Romeo & Juliet” at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Ballet Arizona’s Dorrance Theatre. The program will include an in-studio rehearsal with dancers, information about the production from the artistic team, a reading by Southwest Shakespeare artists and a question-and-answer session.
