American Ballet Theatre to Fly Kevin McKenzie's SWAN LAKE to Kennedy Center

American Ballet Theatre marks its annual engagement with one of the most beloved full-length classical ballets, Swan Lake, January 25-29 for seven performances in the Opera House.

Set to Tchaikovsky's glorious score with choreography by Kevin McKenzie after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, this romantic fable is one of ill-fated passion, dreamlike transformation, and ultimately, forgiveness. Evoking a Renaissance court at a lakeside castle, the production features grand sets and costumes by Zack Brown, with lighting by Duane Schuler. All performances will be accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

McKenzie's staging of Swan Lake, having premiered at the Kennedy Center in March of 2000 and last seen at the Center in 2009, preserves Petipa's traditional choreography while enhancing the ballet, most noticeably with the addition of the prologue depicting Odette's capture/transformation. One of the most quintessential ballets in the classical repertoire and one that defines the standards of a company, Swan Lake portrays the tale of the beautiful Princess Odette, bewitched by the wicked sorcerer von Rothbart, who captures Odette and turns her into a swan. Returning to her human form at night, Von Rothbart's spell can only be broken when a young man pledges his love for Odette and marries her. Should he betray her, she would remain a swan forever. Principal casting of Odette-Odile and Prince Siegfried includes the return of company favorites and two role debuts (casting below).

Since its inception in 1939, American Ballet Theatre has developed an unequalled repertoire spanning 19th century classics, early 20th century masterpieces, and acclaimed contemporary dances. Few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope, and outreach. ABT is the only major cultural institution that annually tours the United States, performing for more than 300,000 people. The Company has also made more than 30 international tours to 50 countries as perhaps the most representative American ballet company and has been sponsored by the U.S. State Department on many of these engagements. Over more than 75 years, the Company has appeared in a total of 139 cities in 50 countries, and has appeared in all 50 states of the U.S. In keeping with ABT's long-standing commitment to bring the finest in dance to the widest international audience, the Company has recently enjoyed triumphant successes with engagements in Abu Dhabi, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Havana, Paris, and Beijing. On April 27, 2006, by an act of Congress, American Ballet Theatre became America's National Ballet Company. The Company has performed at the Kennedy Center annually since it opened in 1971. This production of Swan Lake has been generously underwritten by R. Chemers Neustein. Costumes are generously sponsored by the Ellen Everett Kimiatek Costume Preservation Trust.

Tickets start at $39. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

IF YOU GO:

American Ballet Theatre

Kevin McKenzie, Artistic Director

Swan Lake

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreography by Kevin McKenzie, after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov

Sets and costumes by Zack Brown

Lighting by Duane Schuler

with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra

Performances:

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, January 27, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

PRINCIPAL CASTING (for the roles of Odette-Odile and Prince Siegfried, subject to change):

Wednesday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Hee Seo, Cory Stearns

Thursday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Gillian Murphy, Marcelo Gomes

Friday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Misty Copeland, Herman Cornejo

Saturday, January 28 at 1:30 p.m.

Veronika Part, James Whiteside

Saturday, January 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Isabella Boylston, Alban Lendorf*†

Sunday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Devon Teuscher*, Marcelo Gomes

Sunday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Misty Copeland, Herman Cornejo

*Role debut
†First time in a role with ABT

For more information about the Kennedy Center visit www.kennedy-center.org.