FSPA Presents Ballet Story Classics 3/26

More than 50 Metro West area ballet students will showcase their skills in Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA's) Ballet Story Classics on Saturday, March 26th at 3:00 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer auditorium, Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin. This repertoire program features the shorter ballet Peter and the Wolf, as well as excerpts from Sleeping Beauty and Western Revelries.

Featuring the lyrical score by Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf was choreographed by FSPA Ballet Mistress Cheryl Madeux Abbott. Jocelyn Jones of Franklin will dance the role of Peter. Alyssa Williams of Franklin will play the role of the Wolf, Shaina McGillis of Franklin will dance the role of the Bird, Jenna McDermott of Wrentham is the Duck, and Leigh Hamlet of Upton will appear as the Cat.

Excerpts from Sleeping Beauty will give the audience a sampling of one of the ballet's iconic productions. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, Madeux Abbott restaged the ballet for FSPA. In the elegant jewels scene, Cassie Desjourdy of Medfield appears as the Diamond Fairy, Kasey Bressler of Franklin is the Gold Fairy, and Caroline Spencer of Wrentham dances the part of the Silver Fairy. Callie Liljebert of Wrentham is featured as the Bluebird Soloist.

Aaron Copeland's lively score provides the accompaniment for Western Revelries, which includes dancing cowboys, chickadees and a turkey in the straw. Danielle Hall of Hopkinton, Susan Siraco of Franklin, Bressler, Desjourdy, Liljeberg, and Spencer dance as the "Western girls" in this ballet.

Tickets for Ballet Story Classics are available in advance at The Spotlight Shop, 34 Main Street, by calling (508) 528-2887 or at the door the day of the performance. The cost is $18 for adults, $15 for students/seniors, and $10 for children 6 and under.

Founded in 1985, FSPA brings all performing arts disciplines together under one roof, offering Music, Dance and Drama training to both students interested in serious study and those who enjoy the arts for recreation. Beginners are welcome, and classes are available for students who wish to begin or return to dance as teenagers.

For more information regarding any of FSPA's programs or to register, call the School at (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.fspaonline.com.