GUEST BLOG: Festival Ballet Providence's THE WIDOW'S BROOM

by Kirsten Evans

Halloween is just around the corner and Rhode Island's premiere ballet company has a few tricks -- and treats -- up its sleeve!

This weekend only, Festival Ballet Providence (FBP)'s The Widow's Broom sweeps into The Vets with a spooky spectacle of dance. Based on the beloved story by children's book author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, this Halloween show will delight the entire family. The Widow's Broom tells the tale of an enchanted broom, a lonely widow, and the friendships that form when kindness prevails.

RISD graduate Van Allsburg is not the only Rhode Islander on the artistic team in the creation of FBP's The Widow's Broom; Tony Award-winner and RI resident Eugene Lee designed hauntingly beautiful sets for the ballet.

"We had always talked about doing something together," Lee said of Van Allsburg, continuing, "The best part of the project was working with Chris. He is a very precise guy."

Van Allsburg and Lee worked closely with FBP Resident Choreographer Viktor Plotnikov and Serbian composer Aleksandra Vrebalov to create an entirely original production. With guidance from FBP Artistic Director Mihailo "Misha" Djuric, this talented artistic team assembled to produce a truly remarkable show.

With flying witches, enchanted brooms, and a ripe pumpkin patch, FBP's The Widow's Broom delivers a healthy heap of Halloween magic. Don't miss it!

Catch The Widow's Broom this weekend at The Vets. Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m. Visit www.festivalballet.com or call (401) 421-ARTS for tickets.

Guest Blogger Kirsten Evans is in her eighth season as a Company Dancer with Festival Ballet Providence. She is also the Company PR and Communications Assistant, as well as the writer of a personal blog, Setting The Barre.

Photo courtesy Festival Ballet Providence.