Glamour, Enchantment, Mystery...

Alabama Ballet Announces its 2008-2009 Season

Birmingham, AL – Alabama Ballet's 27^th Anniversary Season opens on Halloween weekend with the chilling Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. This Alabama Ballet original sprung from the dynamic team of choreographer Roger Van Fleteren and composer and organist Thomas Helms. Based on the book, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, the story explores the duality of good and evil in human nature. Once again the creators of Alabama Ballet's wildly successful production of Dracula present an exciting evening of horror and intrigue. Look for a special opening-night event hosted by Alabama Ballet's newly-formed Junior Board.

With its seventh annual performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™, Alabama Ballet remains one of only six companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic. All performed to Balanchine's brilliant specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. The addition of a community cast of children from the area make this performance truly magical. Join us December 12-21 at the Samford Wright Center for this joyous spectacle. In addition to the Birmingham performances, Alabama Ballet will also tour to Anniston, AL. Balanchine's Nutcracker™ is more than a performance; it is a holiday tradition you and your family do not want to miss!

Back by popular demand - Alabama Ballet's hilarious Nutty Nutcracker! The zany and hilarious spoof of the classic tale of The Nutcracker is back for one performance only on Friday, December 19!  The Nutty family is always a surprise, so make plans to come and see what new tricks and laughs Alabama Ballet has in store.

Join Alabama Ballet February 20-22 for Cinderella, a timeless tale complete with elegant dancing, comical miming, spectacular costumes and scenery. This fairy-tale ballet will captivate families and all who love classical ballet.  Choreographed and staged by Wes Chapman and Roger Van Fleteren, the ballet follows the longing of Cinderella, her magical encounter with the captivating Prince, and the ominous clock chiming midnight.  The dancing of Alabama Ballet's 42 professional dancers is beautifully complemented by Sergei Prokofiev's dazzling musical score. The production also includes a community cast of 26 dancers between the ages of 6 and 14. With the comical antics of the ugly stepsisters, this classical ballet is vibrant and bursting with wit. The magnificent sets and costumes, originals from San Francisco Ballet's production of Cinderella, bring magic to this beloved ballet.  

Things are bound to get hot when Alabama Ballet presents the Alabama premiere of Twyla Tharp's Nine Sinatra Songs. Brimming with memorable tunes sung by 'ol Blue Eyes himself, this spectacular piece will have audiences tapping their toes and humming along. This swanky showpiece features elegant costumes by famed designer Oscar de la Renta. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Nine Sinatra Songs headlines an exciting line-up that also includes a world premiere by Alabama Ballet's award-winning resident choreographer Roger Van Fleteren. This is one evening of ballets with something for everyone and is the perfect way to close an enchanting season!

Season tickets go on sale June 1, 2008. Single tickets go on sale July 1, 2008. To order tickets, call 205-975-ARTS, 1-877-ART-TIKS, or visit www.alabamaballet.org. For more information call (205) 322-4300, ext. 33.

Ballet Meets Comedy in Alabama Ballet's Coppélia

Birmingham, AL---Swanilda is engaged to Franz.  Franz has eyes for Coppélia.  Coppélia could care less about Franz.  In fact, Coppélia doesn't have feeling for anyone... not even her father, the town's eccentric inventor Dr. Coppelius.  And why should she?  She's just a lifeless doll.  Swanilda conjures a mischievous plan to teach Franz a lesson that ultimately leads to their touching reconciliation. Sound like something you might watch during prime time?  Well it is - without commercials.  And you do have to get off the couch to see it!

Don't miss Alabama Ballet, under the artistic direction of Tracey Alvey, as the company takes to the stage with one of the world's most beloved ballets, Coppélia.  Running at the Samford Wright Center April 4-6, this enchanting ballet for all ages combines humor, romance, and mystery. Coppélia is truly the perfect end to Alabama Ballet's beautiful 26^th Season.

With a story that is easy to follow, music that is uplifting, and characters that are intriguing, Coppélia engages audiences young and old, experienced and novice.  Guaranteed fun to watch, Coppélia is a storybook ballet that takes the audience on a light-hearted journey of love and mistaken identity.  Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's story and put to the classic score by Leo Delibes, this ballet was first performed at the Opera in Paris in 1870 and was an instant success.  The Alabama Ballet's production is lavish, with beautiful sets and costumes acquired from the London City Ballet.

Coppélia

Fri. April 4, 7:30 pm

Sat. April 5, 2:30 & 7:30 pm

Sun. April 6, 2:30 pm

Samford Wright Center

To order tickets, call 205-975-ARTS, 1-877-ART-TIKS, or visit www.alabamaballet.org.

For more information call (205) 322-4300, ext. 33.

Special Events

Coppélia Dinner Date with Dad
Join us in Samford's beautiful Rotunda Dining room for an exclusive dinner celebrating fathers and daughters. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, premium seating for the performance, receive a souvenir photo and a special gift. Meet Coppélia too! Limited seating is available - call 205-322-4300, ext. 33 for reservations. www.alabamaballet.org for more information
Friday, April 4, 6 p.m.
$150 per couple, $25 for each additional daughter

Dress Up with your Doll!
Bring your favorite doll or toy and join us one hour before each matinee for fun treats and a chance to win a Coppélia prize! Winners will be announced during intermission!

Snoozy's Kids Coloring Contest

Visit Snoozy's Kids in Crestline Village for a fun Coppélia coloring contest! Winners will be announced on Thursday, April 3. Visit store for more details.

Forbidden love, feuding families.  Shakespeare's timeless journey of two star-crossed lovers is captured in Roger Van Fleteren's full-length, Romeo and Juliet February 22-24, 2008. Set to Prokofiev's majestic score, Alabama Ballet traces this classic tale in which young love is first discovered and tragically ended.  Stirring, passionate, and heartbreaking, Alabama Ballet's Romeo & Juliet was also the subject of Alabama Public Television's Emmy-nominated documentary, The Making of Romeo & Juliet. With its universal themes and enduring storyline, this classic production is a must-see.

Romeo & Juliet

Fri. Feb. 22, 7:30 pm

Sat. Feb 23, 2:30 & 7:30 pm

Sun. Feb 24, 2:30 pm

Samford Wright Center

Tickets - 205-975-ARTS, www.alabamaballet.org

..:         Alabama Ballet

            2726 1^st Avenue South  

Birmingham, AL 35223                                                                    

CONTACT: Leslie Cooper

Marketing and Public Relations Director

(205) 322.4300, ext. 33 Fax (205) 322.4444                              

lesliecooper@alabamaballet.org

Photos in jpeg by request, photo credit required

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The "Wild Things" Are Coming!

Never before seen in Alabama, Where the Wild Things Are comes to town!

Birmingham, AL – Join Alabama Ballet and the mischievous Max on his wondrous journey to the land of the Wild Things. The story of a young boy and the wonderful Wild Things he encounters has been captivating the imaginations of readers of all ages for decades. Now this whimsical story leaps page to stage when Alabama Ballet, the state's premiere professional ballet company, presents a larger-than-life production of Where the Wild Things Are. Fantastic sets and costumes designed by award-winning author and illustrator Maurice Sendak grace the stage as Alabama Ballet dancers perform choreography by Septime Webre, Artistic Director of Washington Ballet. This modern-day classic is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to see literature literally come to life.

Joining Where the Wild Things Are is the wildly entertaining Graduation Ball. A light-hearted ballet, Graduation Ball is the humorous story of a party hosted by young girls at a stylish school in Vienna for the cadets from a nearby military academy. The festivities are held in the formal drawing room of the school. The girls and boys meet, enjoy the party's splendor, discover romance, and dance until the Headmistress of the school ends the celebration. Set to music by Johann Strauss, Graduation Ball is a joyous ballet from beginning to end.

 Where the Wild Things Are with Graduation Ball

            Sat. Oct. 20, 1pm & 7:30pm

            Sun. Oct. 21, 3pm

                Samford Wright Center

                Tickets: 205-975-ARTS, www.alabamaballet.org

Special Events

·                    Matinee with Max – Children, join us one hour before each matinee to meet Max, hear the story of Where the Wild Things Are, and enjoy special treats from Cookies by Design. Be sure to bring your pen and camera for autograph and photo opportunities!

·                    Boo @ the Zoo – Join us on October 13 &19 from 5-6pm at the Birmingham Zoo to meet Max! All Wild Things ticket holders will receive a $1.00 discount off Zoo entry (Valid with Where the Wild Things Are ticket stub, October 22 - December 31).

The Alabama Ballet is the state's premiere professional ballet company. The company has achieved national prominence as one of only six ballet companies in the world permitted by the Balanchine Trust to perform Balanchine's Nutcracker--. The Alabama Ballet promotes the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high quality performance, dance education and community outreach. Education and outreach activities include CityDance, which provides 16 weeks of dance training for youth from the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County. The Alabama Ballet is a 501(c )(3) not-for-profit organization.

Birmingham, AL – Alabama audiences will experience "virtuoso dancing," critics at The New York Times boast. That is how the Times described the Hell's Kitchen Dance tour which is opening Alabama Ballet's 2007-2008 Season August 4-5 at the Samford Wright Center. The tour includes three different works danced by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Hell's Kitchen Dance, an ensemble of performers, from The Juilliard School and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. The Hell's Kitchen Dance tour offers an opportunity for national and international audiences to experience fresh talent, and the works created by artists selected by Baryshnikov and produced in the stimulating environment of the Baryshnikov Arts Center.  This star-studded season opener is only part of a season that promises to be both delightful and breathtaking.

Join Alabama Ballet and the mischievous Max on his wondrous journey to the land of the "Wild Things." Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak's award-winning children's book has been set as a ballet by renowned choreographer Saptime Webre. Fantastic sets and costumes make this acclaimed production to be performed October 20-21, 2007 perfect for the whole family!

With its sixth annual performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™, Alabama Ballet remains one of only six companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic. All performed to Balanchine's brilliant specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. Join us December 8-16 at the Samford Wright Center for this joyous spectacle. In addition to the Birmingham performances, Alabama Ballet will tour to Anniston, AL, and again return to San Antonio, TX to present Balanchine's classic with the San Antonio Symphony. Balanchine's Nutcracker™ is more than a performance; it is a holiday tradition you and your family do not want to miss!

Forbidden love, feuding families.  Shakespeare's timeless journey of two star-crossed lovers is captured in Roger Van Fleteren's full-length, Romeo and Juliet February 22-24, 2008. Set to Prokofiev's majestic score, Alabama Ballet traces this classic tale in which young love is first discovered and tragically ended.  Stirring, passionate, and heartbreaking, Alabama Ballet's Romeo & Juliet was also the subject of Alabama Public Television's Emmy-nominated documentary, The Making of Romeo & Juliet. With its universal themes and enduring storyline, this classic production is a must-see.

Coppélia, a light-hearted comedic ballet, is the perfect introduction to the beauty of classical ballet for children and adults alike. The story follows the playful romance between Swanilda and Franz. Their relationship with the eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppélius and his unusually lifelike doll Coppélia make for a fun and entertaining ballet. This charming story ballet features dazzling sets and costumes with virtuoso performances on stage. Alabama Ballet's enchanting production of this joyous and witty ballet is an ever-popular celebration of love, with a sparkling score and breathtaking choreography. Coppélia joins a season of performances that are perfect for the entire family.

Season tickets go on sale April 23, 2007. Single tickets go on sale May 21, 2007. To order tickets, call 205-975-ARTS, 1-877-ART-TIKS, or visit www.alabamaballet.org. For more information call (205) 322-4300, ext. 33.

The curtain comes down on Alabama Ballet's 25th Anniversary Season with a dazzling season finale featuring Balanchine's patriotic Stars and Stripes, Alan Hineline's Twist, and the ever-passionalte Carmen Pas de Deux. Only produced in Birmingham once before, Stars and Stripes is a stand-up-and-salulte showcase of Mr. Balanchine's crisp and vibrant choreography set to John Philip Sousa's lively marches.

Also on the program is the revival of Alan Hineline's Twist, created exclusively for Alabama Ballet. Complete with exquisitely calibrated choreography, Twist is set to music by Jerome Begin with striking costumes by Sebastian St. John.

Roger Van Fleteren returns to the stage to perform with Tatiana Ledovskikh in the beautifully passionate Carmen Pas de Deux. This trio of outstanding works truly showcases the world-class excellence of Alabama Ballet.