Kansas City Ballet to perform ‘Romeo and Juliet’
One of the most popular ballets in the world, “Romeo and Juliet,” will be taking the stage at the Music Hall in Kansas City this weekend and next.
The lavish production will be the finale of the Kansas City Ballet’s 50th anniversary season.
“It’s a rare opportunity within our region to see ballet with an amazing score and a very popular story,” says artistic director William Whitener.
The story is William Shakespeare’s classic tale of two star-crossed lovers, the clash of two families and the tragedy that results from interference with true love. It’s set to a three-act ballet, choreographed by Ib Andersen, Danish artistic director of Ballet Arizona. Approximately 30 dancers will wear extravagant costumes designed for the performance. Then it’s all synchronized into a 2½-hour experience with one of the most famous scores in the world by Sergei Profkofiev, performed by the Kansas City Symphony.
“It’s a big production,” Whitener says, “an opulent, splendid, moving, passionate production.”
And even if you’ve never read Shakespeare or been to a ballet, you can enjoy this.
“Even a child can understand storytelling through the marriage of music and movement,” Whitner says. “There’s also pantomime, gestures and acting alongside the dancing.”
In addition, the Kansas City Ballet will offer an opportunity to learn more about the ballet during a pre-show talk one hour before starting time in the balcony. Whitener and either the guest choreographer or stager will hold an informal chat about the production, discussing their insights into the story, the rehearsal and what it takes to produce the performance.
“The talks are always interesting, revealing and undoubtedly help enhance the viewing for members of the audience,” says Ellen McDonald, publicist for the Kansas City Ballet.
Of course, just watching the art of dance can be an experience all by itself, where performers appear lighter than air.
“There’s a great spiritual component that everyone can relate to,” Whitener says. “It’s within our DNA. Everyone has the urge to move to rhythm. Classic ballet is the refinement of those primal urges.”
Dance
and romance
What: Ib Andersen’s “Romeo and Juliet” performed by the Kansas City Ballet
Where: Music Hall, 13th and Central, Kansas City
When: April 25 to 27 and May 1 to 3. Times are 7:30 p.m. on April 25, 26, May 1, 2 and 3, and 2 p.m. April 26, and 27
Tickets: $30 to $60, which may be purchased through www.kcballet.org or by calling (816) 931-2232 ext. 375 or at the box office on performance dates
Lifestyles reporter Sylvia Anderson may be reached at sylviaanderson@npgco.com
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