Omaha Theater Ballet Presents FIREBIRD At The Rose 4/2-11

The Rose Theater's main stage will spring to life with magic and mystery as the Omaha Theater Ballet presents The Firebird, April 2-11. Audiences will be spellbound by the artistry and talent demonstrated by Nebraska's only professional ballet company during this unforgettable dance event.

Princesses, monsters and a mystical bird spell adventure for a courageous prince as he fights to save his beloved from the wicked magician Kastchei. Igor Stravinsky's groundbreaking score is the canvas on which choreographer and Artistic Director Robin Welch paints this vivid, action-filled spectacle.

"The qualities of each character in Stravinsky's music are so distinctively different that it gives a choreographer the opportunity for great movement diversity," said Welch. "From the free spirit of the magical Firebird and the soft lyrical purity of the princesses, to the resolve of the brave prince and the menacing intimidation of the monsters, Stravinsky describes the story musically to us with a rich blend of Russian folk themes combined with diverse textures and emotion."

As a bonus to audiences, Welch and the professional dancers of Omaha Theater Ballet will presentAt the End of a String and Rhapsody in Blue along with The Firebird. The mixed repertoire program reflects the stylistic variety of dance and the diverse talents of dancers in the company.Like The Firebird, At the End of a String was choreographed by Welch. This short duet is a romantic, simple tale depicting the first stirrings of love. "I was drawn to the delicate sounds of a harp to reflect the sweet feelings of new, young love. "-more-t: (402) 345-4849f (402) 344-7255 www.rosetheater.org

The Rose 2001 Farnam Omaha, NE 68102

As a compliment to At the End of a String, Erika Overturff's Rhapsody in Blue is a fun, jazzy piece that will make audiences want to get up and dance. "I wanted to create an energetic ballet and found inspiration in George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue," said Overturff. "The dancers bring the musicalnotes to life."

This program offers much more than just a taste of dance styles. The flirtatious movements ofRhapsody in Blue, the simple purity of At the End of a String and the powerful choreography of The Firebird exemplify the endless spectrum of professional dance.

Audiences will be thrilled by the sheer variety of talent demonstrated by Omaha Theater Ballet in their production of The Firebird.

Tickets are $16 and may be purchased at The Rose Box Office at 2001 Farnam Street, by calling (402) 345-4849 or online at www.rosetheater.org. Rose family members receive four free tickets.Discount ticket vouchers are available at all Omaha and Council Bluffs Hy-Vee Food Stores.The Rose's 2008-2009 season is sponsored by Children's Hospital & Medical Center.

The Firebirdis sponsored by Omaha Steaks, Whitmore Charitable Trust, The Big O 101.9 and the Nebraska Arts Council.