KC Ballet presents classics and emerging choreographers

Kansas City Ballet’s 2016-2017 season will open with the full length, lighthearted Shakespearian frolic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It continues with The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and a final presentation showcasing masters of the past and present.

In discussing the 2016-2017 season, Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney said, “I love presenting our new season to our audiences. From the glorious and gorgeous romance, The Sleeping Beauty, the charming A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the reverberating surprise of The Lottery, this season is an expression of my commitment to artistic excellence in expanding our repertoire with more challenging classics, great 20th century masterworks by Robbins and Balanchine and finding new and fresh works for our audiences to enjoy.

“Additionally, I am delighted to showcase the growth and stunning talent of our Company artists in this mix-repertoire for the season. I am convinced our audiences will be delighted with this variety not only on the Kauffman stage but also at our home at the Todd Bolender Center through our engaging New Moves program.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream features Choreography by Bruce Wells, with the music of Felix Mendelssohn. Performances are October 7-9, and 14-16.

Immediately following will be the return of Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker. This celebrated production premiered last year to unparalleled success. With imaginative choreography by Devon Carney, spectacular sets by Alain Vaës, and exquisite costumes by Holly Hynes, it is an entertainment delight for the holidays. Performances are December 3-4, 8-11, 14-18, and 21-24.

Following this holiday classic, will be the first-ever presentation by Kansas City Ballet of the renowned fairy tale The Sleeping Beauty. This sumptuous production will be choreographed by Devon Carney inspired after Marius Petipa, and featuring the luscious score of Peter I. Tchaikovsky. Performances are March 31, April 1-2, and 6-9.

Concluding the mainstage season Kansas City Ballet will be featuring masters of the past and present. George Balanchine’s classical masterpiece Theme and Variations, Jerome Robbins’ Interplay, and contemporary ballet choreographer Val Caniparoli’s The Lottery, based on Shirley Jackson’s shocking short story by the same name. Performances are May 12-14, and 19-21.

Rounding out the season, Kansas City Ballet will continue its New Moves series at the Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity February 16-19. New Moves is an intimate performance event designed to search out, develop and showcase new emerging choreographers.

All performances at The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will be accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony, conducted by Kansas City Ballet Music Director Ramona Pansegrau.

Subscriptions are currently available online at www.kcballet.org, or by phone at (816) 931-8993. Prices range from $123 to $291. Single tickets for all performances will go on sale Monday, Aug. 15. The Nutcracker tickets will go on sale Monday, Aug. 29.

The Gayly – June 25, 2016 @ 2:15 p.m.