Russian National Ballet Theater Presents CINDERELLA 3/26

Magic will sparkle on the stage as the incomparable Russian National Ballet Theatre presents the much-loved tale of Cinderella at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, March 26, at 8 pm. The music behind the artistic alchemy will be explained at a free Concert Talk at 7:15 pm.

The vibrant Russian National Ballet Theatre brings the story to life, incorporating both timeless tradition and an invigorating awareness of new developments in the world of

dance. Founded during perestroika, this company of over 50 leading dancers from across Russia includes stars from the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets. Under the artistic direction of the legendary Elena Radchenko, it performs with effortless style and grace. The Washington Post calls the company "a cut above many of its rivals."

Since its inception, the Russian National Ballet Theatre has completed two tours of Europe, with extraordinary receptions in the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. It has also performed with great success at the Istanbul and Athens Festivals, and most recently in Japan, Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong.

In the tradition of grand ballet, this Cinderella includes sumptuous sets and costumes by Elisaveta Dvorkina, the jubilant music of Prokofiev, a libretto by Nicolai Volkov, and choreography by Rostislav Zakharov. The enchanting fairy tale, a beloved classic overflowing with lyrical romance and dramatic grandeur, becomes a ballet masterpiece.

All the favorite characters are there: the cruel stepmother, the awkward and unkind stepsisters, the handsome prince, the fairy godmother and the lovely, but ragged, Cinderella, left in the kitchen amid the cinders. Through the magic of a pure heart, she attends the ball in a glorious gown and glass slippers, flees when the clock strikes midnight and she is reduced to rags, and finds true love when the prince fits her lost slipper on her tiny foot. During the final, romantic pas de deux, the room transforms into an enchanted glade, the kingdom rejoices, and everyone lives "happily ever after."

Adult tickets are $25, $27 and $30; children under 18 are $10; some discounts. For tickets, call the box office at 860-486-4226, Monday-Friday, 11 am-5 pm, or order online at www.jorgensen.uconn.edu. Jorgensen is located at 2132 Hillside Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs. Free, convenient parking is available across the street in the North Garage.