American Repertory Ballet to Present A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at Union County PAC's Hamilton Stage, 2/26/15

RAHWAY, NJ - On October 17, 2014 at 8:00pm, American Repertory Ballet will present A Midsummer Night's Dream Preview Performance at Union County PAC's Hamilton Stage. The professional dancers of American Repertory Ballet will perform Act II of Artistic Director and choreographer Douglas Martin's brand new full-length ballet, and Martin will lead a pre- and post-performance discussion about the choreographic process.

Act II begins as Shakespeare's quarrelling Athenian lovers and buffoonish band of actors have stumble into in the magical Fairy World. The one-hour act is set to Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream score. In Martin's full version of the ballet, he incorporates Mendelssohn's First Symphony in Act I.

American Repertory Ballet will present the world premiere of Douglas Martin's full two-act A Midsummer Night's Dream on February 26 and 27, 2015 at State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ. At this world premiere, the music will be performed live by the Rutgers Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Kynan Johns and the women of the Rutgers University Kirkpatrick Choir under the direction of Patrick Gardner.

"This preview performance at Hamilton Stage is a truly unique opportunity - for both the dancers and the audience," Martin says. "The beautiful, intimate venue allows the dancers and the audience to interact differently than they could in a larger theatre. Having this close-up look at the dancing, the characterization, and the ornate costuming by ARB's talented Wardrobe Manager Michelle Ferranti will be a real treat. I am looking forward to giving the audience an even more exclusive look at the ballet and Mendelssohn's music by sharing insights into my creative process."

Not to be Missed

"Fall Repertory Preview" On Pointe

ARB's Princeton studios: 301 N. Harrison Street, above McCaffrey's Supermarket

Friday, October 10, 2014 at 5:15pm

This event is free and open to the public.

A Night at the Ballet

The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, NJ

Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 8:00pm

$25, $35 adults

Box Office: (908) 725-3420

About American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School

American Repertory Ballet's mission is to bring the joy, beauty, artistry and discipline of classical and contemporary dance to New Jersey and nationwide audiences and to dance students through artistic and educational programs. The organization comprises: American Repertory Ballet, the preeminent professional classical and contemporary ballet company in the state; Princeton Ballet School, one of the largest and most respected non-profit dance schools in the nation; and ARB's Access & Enrichment initiatives, including the long-running and acclaimed DANCE POWER program. The performing company is a classical and contemporary ballet company committed to presenting ballets from the 19th and 20th centuries alongside new and existing works by choreographers from today. Founded in 1963, the company is currently under the artistic leadership of Douglas Martin, former principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet. Its rich history of repertory includes established masterpieces by distinguished American choreographers such as George Balanchine, Gerald Arpino, Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp; cutting edge works by choreographers such as Val Caniparoli, Kirk Peterson, Dominique Dumais, Harrison McEldowney, Amy Seiwert, Susan Shields, Melissa Barak, Patrick Corbin, Trinette Singleton, and ARB Resident Choreographer Mary Barton; and former Artistic Directors Dermot Burke, Marjorie Mussman, Septime Webre and Graham Lustig. ARB has been designated a "Major Arts Institution" by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts consistently for the past two decades, and has repeatedly been awarded a Citation of Excellence by the Council. ARB was voted the Jersey Arts People's Choice for "Favorite Dance Company" in 2008, 2011 and 2012.

Princeton Ballet School has gained a national reputation for its excellent dance training since its founding in 1954 by Audrée Estey. Under the direction of Mary Pat Robertson, Princeton Ballet School currently serves approximately 1,200 students, starting at age three, and includes a large open enrollment division for adults. Princeton Ballet School has studios in Cranbury, New Brunswick, and Princeton and offers classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, CardioBallet, and CoMBo - Conditioning for the Mind and Body. Students from the school have gone on to dance in professional ballet and contemporary dance companies in the US and abroad. Graduates have danced with such diverse organizations as New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Miami City Ballet, Complexions, Mark Morris Dance Company, Twyla Tharp, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet West and on Broadway.

The Access & Enrichment wing of American Repertory Ballet reaches out to the community not only through its DANCE POWER program and signature On Pointe series, but also with free programming, master classes, residencies, lecture demonstrations and School Time Matinees throughout the state. In 1984, American Repertory Ballet partnered with the New Brunswick Board of Education to create DANCE POWER. Today, it's the longest-running uninterrupted arts/community partnership in New Jersey. The legendary Gregory Hines was DANCE POWER's Honorary Chair for 18 years before his untimely passing in 2003. In 2001, Mr. Hines endowed a scholarship at Rutgers University that earmarks annual funds for a DANCE POWER student to attend the university.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!