Boston Ballet Presents Sir Frederick Ashton's CINDERELLA

Boston Ballet presents Sir Frederick Ashton's Cinderella, an enchanting full-length classic fairytale ballet. The production is set to the highly-acclaimed soaring score by Sergei Prokofiev, performed by the Boston Ballet Orchestra under Music Director Mischa Santora. Cinderella runs May 10-June 8 at the Citizens Bank Opera House.

"Cinderella is a timeless masterpiece beloved by audiences of all ages," said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. "Ashton's signature technical and demanding choreography tells the magical story and showcases tremendous and animated acting skills thanks to the wit of British humor."

Presented in three acts, Cinderella tells the iconic story of a young woman overcoming hardship to find her courage and love's destiny. The lavish sets and costumes are designed by Emmy Award-winning designer David Walker.

Ashton's version of this fairytale features a fairy godmother as well as four season fairies, introduced in Act I to prepare Cinderella for the ball. Each fairy showcases a style unique to the season as she presents a gift to Cinderella.

In Act II, Cinderella arrives at the ball at the top of the grand staircase where she must descend on pointe. The large buildup before an entrance is typical of Ashton's choreography, and demonstrates Marius Petipa's influence on his style.

Cinderella premiered on December 23, 1948 with Sadler's Wells Ballet, later to become The Royal Ballet. Ashton originally staged the role of Cinderella for famed ballerina Margot Fonteyn, but the role was debuted by Moira Shearer because Fonteyn was injured. The roles of the stepsisters are comedic characters performed by men. Ashton himself famously danced this role with The Royal Ballet.

Sir Frederick Ashton (1904-1988) enjoyed a celebrated performance career before becoming resident choreographer for Sadler's Wells Ballet in 1935. He was named artistic director of the company in 1963, a position he held until his retirement in 1970. Over the course of his career, Ashton created more than a hundred ballets. His first full-length work for Sadler's Wells Ballet was Cinderella, and today it is still considered one of his greatest works.

Tickets start at $37. For more information, visit bostonballet.org or call 617.695.6955.

Photo Credit: Gene Schiavone