News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Logan McSwain, communications manager
704.372.0101 x107
lmcswain@ncdance.org
Photographs: Available at http://www.ncdance.org/ImageLibrary.asp. Please credit photographer.
There are many interesting interview opportunities available at NC Dance Theatre in association with Romeo & Juliet. If interested, please contact Logan McSwain.
North Carolina Dance Theatre presents Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s
Romeo & Juliet
May 15-17, 2008
Charlotte, N.C. – North Carolina Dance Theatre (NC Dance Theatre) conjures the intense drama of Shakespeare with a powerful portrayal of Romeo & Juliet. This world premiere features grand sets, exquisite costumes and dramatic choreography by NC Dance Theatre President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux.
Set to Prokofiev’s magnificent score, Bonnefoux brings together a talented team to present Romeo & Juliet. The team includes A. Christina Giannini, internationally recognized costume designer; Howard Jones, set designer and faculty member of North Carolina School of the Arts; and Nate McGaha, lighting designer and director of operations for Dance Theatre.
“I look forward to bringing the tradition of Romeo & Juliet to Charlotte audiences,” said Bonnefoux, who noted his version will closely follow Shakespeare’s original tale and have a classical feel.
Two couples alternate in the lead roles of Romeo and Juliet, with David Ingram and Traci Gilchrest dancing the roles on May 15 and 17, and Sasha Janes and Rebecca Carmazzi on May 16. To comprise the cast of over 40, Bonnefoux will use NC Dance Theatre company members, NC Dance Theatre 2 members and company apprentices.
“Our dancers are such great actors, so I’m looking forward to how they will interpret their characters,” said Bonnefoux, who plans to expand on two roles including Friar Laurence, danced by Joseph Watson and the Nurse, danced by Mia Cunningham. Other lead roles include Nicholle Rochelle as Lady Capulet, Jhe W. Russell as Tybalt, and Addul Manzano and Randolph Ward alternating in the role of Mercutio.
Romeo & Juliet concludes Dance Theatre’s 2007-2008 season. Dance Theatre’s Matinee Magic Series also concludes the same weekend with Mark Diamond’s The Little Mermaid.
About Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux
“Dancing the role of Romeo is such a satisfying and enriching experience,” said Bonnefoux, who danced the role of Romeo with the National Ballet of Toronto and also performed the Russian version with the Norwegian National Ballet in the 1970s.
Bonnefoux and his wife, Patricia McBride, joined North Carolina Dance Theatre in 1996. Born in France, he joined the Paris Opera Ballet at 14 and was named Danseur Etoile at 21, he also danced with the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets. In 1970, he became a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine, and his final performance with the company was in 1980. Bonnefoux has served as choreographer and ballet master for the Pittsburgh Ballet, as chairman and artistic director of the Ballet Department in the School of Music at Indiana University, and is currently the artistic director, choreographer and teacher for the ballet company and the school at the Chautauqua Institute in New York.
Romeo & Juliet Details
Dates:
Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 16, 2008, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, 2008, at 8 p.m.
Location: Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C.
Tickets: $27-$69
Ticket Purchasing Details:
Online: ncdance.org
By phone: 704.372.1000
In person:
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Box Office, Founders Hall
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Details:
North Carolina Dance Theatre has established itself as one of America’s premier dance companies. Led by internationally acclaimed President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, NC Dance Theatre is based on strong dancers, high energy and a versatile repertoire that ranges from classical ballet to bold contemporary works. NC Dance Theatre School of Dance parallels the professional company’s tradition of excellence.
North Carolina Dance Theatre is supported, in part, with an Operating Grant from the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. Dance Theatre is also supported by individuals, corporations, and local and national foundations; the North Carolina Arts Council; ArtsTeach; and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Romeo & Juliet is presented by IBM and Transamerica, with additional support provided by Crosland.
Romeo & Juliet is commissioned Dale F. Halton. |
