Stevenson's Coppélia is a charming full-length story ballet that transports audience members to a sunny fairytale village with sumptuous sets and opulent costumes by Tony Award winning designer Desmond Heeley. The ballet's lead characters are two young lovers, Swanilda and Franz, who find themselves quarreling over Franz's interest in an unusual young lady sitting in the window of the town's eccentric toymaker, Dr. Coppelius. As Swanilda's jealously grows, she and her friends sneak into Dr. Coppelius' workshop and the magic begins as the dolls are set in motion.
Texas Ballet Theater last performed the production during the 2003-04 Season. Stevenson originally choreographed this family-friendly ballet for Houston Ballet in 1992. Stevenson stated, "Coppélia is one of the great comedic classical ballets. I am delighted to reprise the production with this talented Company of dancers. It is a great ballet for the entire family – a love story with comedy, magic and wonderful performing opportunities."
During the September performances, the principal role of "Swanilda" will be performed by Texas Ballet Theater artists Leticia Oliveira, Carolyn Judson, Jayme Autrey Griffith and Lisa Kaczmarek opposite André Silva, Carl Coomer, Lucas Priolo and Peter Zweifel as "Franz". Oliveira, Kaczmarek and Coomer are all new to Texas Ballet Theater this season. They each previously performed with Houston Ballet for several years. The score, composed by Léo Delibes, will be performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jack Buckhannan.
Audience members interested in gaining "behind the scenes" knowledge of this classic production are invited to attend Texas Ballet Theater's Pre-Performance Lectures held on the mezzanine level of Bass Performance Hall forty-five minutes prior to curtain for the Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performances. Margo McCann, Texas Ballet Theater company manager and former artist, offers insight into the world of professional ballet in this informative lecture series. -- www.texasballettheater.org
