The Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents COPPELIA This Weekend

Nevada Ballet Theatre's (NBT) 42nd season will culminate with Coppélia, rounding out the company's 2013-2014 Season and second year as Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. This family-friendly story ballet will be presented tonight, May 9 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 pmat The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $29 - $128 (plus fees) and can be ordered by calling The Smith Center Box Office at (702) 749-2000 or by visiting www.nevadaballet.org.

Magic and mystery paired with love and humor create a colorful ballet in two acts, choreographed by NBT Artistic Director James Canfield, with music by Léo Delibes. Set within a small European 19th century community, a tale of innocent love between two young villagers, Swanhilda and Franz, becomes complicated when an eccentric toymaker, Dr. Coppelius (performed by guest artist Gene Lubas) and his most beloved creation, a doll named "Coppélia," enter the picture. When Franz becomes enamored by the doll, whom he believes is a real-life girl, mischief overcomes Swanhilda as she fools both her love and the peculiar toymaker into believing that Coppélia has come alive. The plot thickens among vivid sets and costumes designed by theatrical design legend, Desmond Healey, courtesy of the Houston Ballet -- adding to the humor and joy of this tour de force ballet.

"Coppélia is the perfect ending to our 2013-2014 Season," said Artistic Director James Canfield. "Audiences will relate to these complex and witty characters who unearth real-life human emotions and explore everyday themes such as love and jealousy, as well as mistaken identity - where things are not always as they seem. With such an intriguing storyline, Coppélia offers dance insiders as well as new patrons something to identify with and enjoy."

Referred to as "ballet's greatest comedy," Coppélia premiered in Paris, France in 1870 by the Paris Opera Ballet, where it eventually became the most performed ballet at the Opera. Rich in ballet mime, it is responsible for introducing automatons, dolls and marionettes to ballet. Based on the original story entitled "Der Sandmann" (The Sandman) and "Die Puppe" (The Doll) by The Nutcracker author E.T.A. Hoffman, it was first published in 1815. Coppélia continues to be presented all over the world and is often performed by smaller ballet companies as it doesn't require an overly large cast.

"As resident ballet company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, we seek to present programs that complement other offerings in Las Vegas, said Canfield. "As we prepare to launch a new season of performances beginning this fall, we look to welcome new audiences and enhance our relationship with our valued veteran patrons."

On Friday, May 9, at 11 am, over 1,000 local Clark County School District students will receive the opportunity to see Act II ofCoppélia come to life on the Reynolds Hall stage at The Smith Center. Students are provided with a study guide prior to attending the performance and a special question and answer period will follow the show, led by Director of Education and Outreach, Terané Comito. Coppélia School Matinee generously sponsored by the Brenden Mann Foundation.

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE

Under the artistic direction of James Canfield, Nevada Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Las Vegas and the largest professional ballet company and dance Academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, this classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire statewide, regional and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Nevada Ballet Theatre is the resident ballet company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit NBT on the web:www.nevadaballet.org; Like NBT on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NevadaBalletTheatre or Tweet: @NVBallet.