Cleveland Public Theatre's DanceWorks '15 to Present Verb Ballets, 4/16-18

Cleveland Public Theatre's DanceWorks '15 presents Verb Ballets running April 16-18, 2015. Verb Ballets under the direction of Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson and Associate Director, Richard Dickinson is honored to return to Cleveland Public Theatre with two tales of desire and desperation.

Back by popular demand Carmen: The Story of Passion. Witness the timeless tale as it unfolds with a new interpretation of the classic characters choreographed by choreographer and Associate Director, Richard Dickinson. Utilizing Bizet's famous music for percussion and string, in an arrangement by Shchedrin, the music drives the tale of obsession.The contemporary ballet unfolds on stage as multiple story lines entwine for this love saga. The Plain Dealer described the remake of the classic as; "Dickinson has created subtle variations on the story that bring the characters and situations into fresh focus." The new rendition of the original 19th century opera originally premiered at Cleveland Public Theatre in 2012 and proved to be breathtaking as audiences witness obsession driving the characters to desperate acts of desire.

Adding to the performances will be a special revival of Laura's Women by Ian Horvath. Laura's Women received its world premiere in 1974 in Cleveland, by Cleveland Ballet. The first work created by Ian Horvath (1943-1990), Laura's Women speaks of the life of women caught in a world of poverty and loneliness. The dance was inspired by the music and life of blues singer, Laura Nyro. Receiving its first performance at The Cleveland Play House, Laura's Women remained in the repertory of Cleveland Ballet until 1998 as an audience favorite. Verb Ballets, Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson is a former Cleveland Ballet Principal and the regisseur for the works of Ian (Ernie) Horvath.

Carlson has set the work on Verb Ballets as well as other dance companies throughout the United States including The Jose Limon Dance Company and most recently on Ballet Tuscon.

Verb Ballets will perform in DanceWorks'15 April 16-18, 2015 in the Cleveland Public Theatre's Gordon Square Theatre. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets on Fridays and Saturdays are $28 for general admission and $12 for all tickets on Thursdays. You can purchase seats by calling 216-631-2727 ext. 501, online at www.cptonline.org or buy in person at the Cleveland Public Theatre box office, located at 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. For more information on the DanceWorks'15 series and to purchase tickets, visit www.cptonline.org. For more info on Verb Ballets, visit www.verbballets.org.