Colorado Ballet's 2014-2015 Season Includes A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's DREAM, DRACULA, and More

Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs announced the 2014-2015 season, which will feature technically-challenging classical ballet and innovative contemporary pieces.

Colorado Ballet opens its 54th season with the Shakespearian classic A Midsummer Night's Dream, September 26-October 5, 2014 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. This enchanting ballet inspired by Shakespeare's story is filled with mischief, romance and comedy. The ballet features choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, who has won numerous awards and has been featured in films including the motion picture Center Stage. A Midsummer Night's Dream will include a score by Felix Mendelssohn, performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra and the Colorado Children's Chorale.

"Between the festive costumes, majestic scenery, comical woodland fairies and the quarrelling Athenian lovers, this ballet is just pure magic," said Boggs. "A Midsummer Night's Dream illuminates love's difficulties and ends happily with a celebration."

Back by popular demand, Colorado Ballet will present a special Halloween presentation of Dracula, October 31-November 2, 2014 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Dracula features choreography by Michael Pink, who has been known for his stylistically aggressive vision and artistic direction. This horror classic includes music by Philip Feeney, performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Pink and Feeney have collaborated several times on various dramatic productions, including Peter Pan, which Colorado Ballet performed in 2012.

"Spine-tingling would be an understatement for how this thrillingly beautiful performance based on Bram Stoker's gothic horror will leave you feeling," said Boggs. "Portrayed through dance, Dracula will reveal passion, seduction and elegance in a way that the book cannot. Our audience requests this production over and over again and we cannot wait to perform Dracula during Halloween weekend this year."

The season continues in November with Colorado's favorite holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, November 29 through December 27, 2014 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The Nutcracker features unforgettable characters as well as dazzling costumes and scenery by José Varona. This seasonal favorite will feature classic choreography paired with Tchaikovsky's extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

"The Nutcracker is always a spectacular way to kick off the holiday season," said Boggs. "Celebration, gift giving, comical battles, onstage blizzards, romance and holiday dreams are just a few highlights of this dazzling production."

In the spring, Colorado Ballet will present Ballet MasterWorks, February 20-March 1, 2015 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Colorado Ballet first performed a Ballet MasterWorks production in 2013 and will present a new collection of master works in 2015 with live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Ballet MasterWorks opens with Concerto Barocco, by choreographer George Balanchine. This rhythmic and spirited piece will feature a score by composer Johann Sebastian Bach. The second work featured in Ballet MasterWorks is Fancy Free, choreographed by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein. This comical and romantic ballet features three sailors attempting to pick up three girls while on shore leave in New York. Ballet MasterWorks will also include a new work.

"Ballet MasterWorks is a true masterpiece of three innovative ballets that will showcase our dancers' artistry and elegance," said Boggs. "When we performed the first Ballet MasterWorks to works by Balanchine, Val Caniparoli and Glen Tetley last spring, we really pushed our dancers and musicians. Our performers have tremendous talent and that is why it was so important to me to present another collection of challenging works like this again. You don't need to go to New York or San Francisco to see ballet of this caliber, you can see it right here in Denver with Colorado Ballet."

Colorado Ballet will close out its season with the children's classic, Peter and the Wolf, March 27-29, 2015 at the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Peter and the Wolf is choreographed by Michael Smuin, who has been recognized for his Tony, Grammy and Emmy awards, in addition to his company, Smuin Ballet in San Francisco. This witty and musical folk tale includes a musical score by Sergei Prokofiev. This production will open with a special performance of Bruch Violin Concerto No.1, choreographed by Clark Tippet featuring a vibrant violin ensemble composed by Max Bruch. Colorado Ballet first performed the Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 in 2007.

"Peter and the Wolf is perfect for families and anyone who enjoys a childhood classic," said Boggs. "Several themes are expressed in this ballet including bravery and imagination. This is the perfect production for the entire family."

Season subscriptions are on sale now and single tickets will be on sale July 15. Visit www.ColoradoBallet.org for details.

About Colorado Ballet

Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 53 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and superior dance in Denver. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet presents more than 50 performances annually. Colorado Ballet enhances the cultural life of Colorado through performances of the professional company, training at the Academy, and Education & Outreach programs.