Boston Ballet Presents Balanchine's COPPELIA

Boston Ballet presents George Balanchine's Coppélia, a full-length comedic story ballet about love, mistaken identity, and foolhardy fun. Coppélia, set to music by Léo Delibes, runs March 21-31 at the Boston Opera House.

"Coppélia, considered one of the greatest comedic ballets, comes alive through Balanchine's classic choreography and Delibes' symphonic score. It is a wonderful and rare opportunity for audiences of all ages to experience the charm and beauty of Balanchine's delightful ballet," said Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen.

Coppélia was originally choreographed by Arthur St. Léon in 1870. The work was later restaged by Marius Petipa in 1884 and revised by Enrico Cecchetti in 1894. In 1974, George Balanchine and Alexandra Danilova re-staged the production, retaining the storyline of Acts I and II with new choreography and creating an entirely new Act III where the village festivities are presented as a series of divertissements, culminating in an all-encompassing grand finale. Boston Ballet premiered Balanchine's Coppélia in 2010 and last performed it in 2013. Boston Ballet's upcoming production will also feature students from Boston Ballet School.

The story, based upon the book by Charles Nuitter, after "Der Sandmann" by E.T.A. Hoffman, is a lighthearted comedy set in a country village about a life-size dancing doll created by Doctor Coppélius. The life-like doll becomes the source of love troubles for a village couple, Swanilda and Frantz, when Frantz mistakes the doll for a real girl and becomes infatuated with it. Mayhem and hilarity ensue.

The music of Coppélia by Léo Delibes showcases his gift of composing for dance as well as inspiring movement within his music. It is considered by some as the first symphonic ballet score and connects two great historical periods of ballet-the French Romantic style and the Russian Classical style. Boston Ballet's Music Director Mischa Santora will conduct the Boston Ballet Orchestra, the second largest musical organization in New England.

George Balanchine (1904-1983) was one of the 20th century's most prolific choreographers. He created more than 400 works throughout his career and is celebrated widely for his signature "neoclassical style" that transformed the ballet world. Born in St. Petersburg, Balanchine came to the United States in 1933 and went on to establish the School of American Ballet and ultimately New York City Ballet, where he was Ballet Master and Principal Choreographer. Balanchine also played a vital role in establishing Boston Ballet, serving as artistic advisor to the Company in the early 1960s.

All performances of Coppélia will take place at the Boston Opera House (539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111).

Thursday, Mar 21 at 7:30 pm
Friday, Mar 22 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Mar 23 at 1:30 pm
Saturday, Mar 23 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, Mar 24 at 1:30 pm
Thursday, Mar 28 at 7:30 pm
Friday, Mar 29 at 7:30 pm*
Saturday, Mar 30 at 1:30 pm
Saturday, Mar 30 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, Mar 31 at 1:30 pm

*Indicates post-show talk

Tickets start at $37. Youth pricing (ages 2-17) is available for 50 percent off (sections A and B) for every performance with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket. For more information, visit bostonballet.org or call 617.695.6955.

Coppélia is approximately two hours and 15 minutes long including two intermissions.

Choreography: George Balanchine and Alexandra Danilova after Marius Petipa
Music: Léo Delibes
Scenic Design: Robert O'Hearn and Benjamin J. Phillips
Costume Design: Kenneth Busbin
Costume Design for Friends, Dawn, Waltz Girl, and Children: Robert O'Hearn
Lighting Design: Mark Stanley

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