Fri 5/15 @ 7PM
Sat 5/16 @ 1PM & 7PM
Sun 5/17 @ 1PM
Every child—and any adult who was once a child—knows the story of Cinderella, its central character a familiar metaphor for someone neglected and overlooked who transforms into a princess/star/main character. It’s been done in so much different guises since written versions first emerged in the 17th century, especially French author Charles Perrault’s 1697 version. Earlier this year, Cleveland’s North Coast Men’s Chorus revived its version Shoeless, starting noted Columbus drag artist Nina West as the fairy godmother.
Of course, it’s been a staple of ballet, which feasts on romantic fairytales. There’s hardly a traditional ballet company that does full-length story ballets that doesn’t have a Cinderella in its repertoire. That includes the Cleveland Ballet, which will be debuting its brand-new production this weekend. Its Artistic Director Timour Bourtasenkov has created brand new choreography (with some minor changes to characters and scenes), which will be enhanced by beautiful costumes and sets when it has its first performances at the Mimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square this weekend.
The four public performances will also include special events such as Behind the Curtain Artists Talks at the back of the theater (6:20-6:35pm Friday and Saturday 7pm performances), a meet-and-greet in the lobby with the cast following the two 1pm shows, and fairy face jewels in the lobby prior to the Friday and Saturday 7pm performances. Also, anyone who comes in costume and checks in at the Patron Services table in the lobby before the show will get a raffle ticket with winnerto be announced at intermission.
Go here for tickets.