Milwaukee Ballet Stages World-Famous DRACULA Halloween Weekend

Milwaukee Ballet opens their 2018-19 season with Michael Pink's world-renowned Dracula, just in time for Halloween. The production will run Oct. 25-28, 2018 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

Seen by more than one million people worldwide, Pink's signature show has been presented in Australia, Canada, England, Japan, New Zealand Norway and several cities in the United States. This marks the 20th Anniversary of the production's American premiere at Atlanta Ballet in 1998.

"Dracula has developed somewhat of a cult following - once people see it, they're hooked," said Artistic Director Michael Pink. "I'm incredibly proud of how this production reaches beyond the ballet world and draws in theater-goers, orchestra lovers and people who simply enjoy a good story. I deeply believe our artform can, and must, evolve with our audience and engage the next generation of dancers and admirers. Dracula has achieved this since its creation."

Dracula was created in 1996 by Michael Pink in collaboration with England's Northern Ballet Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Gable (1940-1998). Widely regarded as a production far ahead of its time, the production has maintained its appeal as a cutting-edge and theatrical presentation of the unique style of "dance drama" that made Michael Pink famous.

"I'm focused on creating rich, full stories through dance. Classical ballet showcases a clearly defined physical form, while acting is about discovering the motivation behind a character's actions. Dracula merges the two into a well-constructed story leaving the audience hungry for more."

The monstrous production combines dramatic dance with gothic scenery and period costumes from Tony Award winner, Lez Brotherston and a revamped lighting design from Emmy Award winner, David Grill.

For the first time ever, the Florentine Opera's 2018-19 Studio Artists and Chorus join Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra to perform Philip Feeney's chilling score under Associate Conductor, Pasquale Laurino.

Dracula is proudly supported by 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and Milwaukee Film.

Dracula is based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel detailing London businessman Jonathan Harker's journey to Transylvania to meet Count Dracula, the perfect picture of courtly elegance and menacing force. Dracula, a vampire surviving on the blood of the living, casts spells over Jonathan and his friends, who must sacrifice everything to stop him.

Michael Pink's Dracula runs Oct. 25-28, 2018 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N Water Street in Milwaukee, Wis.

Tickets for Dracula range from $40-$115 and are available online at milwaukeeballet.org or through Milwaukee Ballet's box office at (414) 902-2103.

Due to popularity, audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets early to ensure availability.

Milwaukee Ballet offers a performance for student groups Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 at 11:00am. Tickets range from $8-$15. Study guides conformed to Common Core State Standards will be provided before the performance.

Schools can also reserve a pre-performance Ballet Prep Workshop that includes a presentation information about pointe shoes, partnering, choreography and sets. This on-site workshop costs $75 and is ideal for grades Pre-K through 12. The workshop must be scheduled no later than one week prior to the show date.

For more information and to reserve your tickets, contact Milwaukee Ballet's Community Engagement Department at (414) 902-2126.

The 2018-19 Season
Dracula opens Milwaukee Ballet's 2018-19 season, which also includes The Nutcracker presented by We Energies (Dec. 8-26, 2018), Genesis 2019 (Feb. 14-17, 2019), Lambarena (April 4-7, 2019) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (May 30-June 2019). The 2018-19 season is presented by Donna and Donald Baumgartner. More information can be found at milwaukeeballet.org.