State Ballet to perform at Park Theater

By Meri R. Kennedy
Posted 11/23/16

In their 57th performance season, the State Ballet of RI (SBRI) and Artistic Director Herci Marsden will continue to honor their title as Rhode Island's longest standing civic, regional ballet company by inspiring their audiences with

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State Ballet to perform at Park Theater

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In their 57th performance season, the State Ballet of RI (SBRI) and Artistic Director Herci Marsden will continue to honor their title as Rhode Island’s longest standing civic, regional ballet company by inspiring their audiences with the classic taste of ballet, complimented by unforgettable entertainment.

On Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, SBRI will perform its Rhode Island holiday tradition, Herci Marsden’s “Coppelia.”  A comedic ballet, “Coppelia” is a witty and enchanting love story of a dancing doll. Throw in life-size dancing dolls, a quirky dollmaker and a happily-ever-after and you have yourself a ballet designed for the entertainment of all ages. While older members of the audience may reminisce about the zeal and humor of their first love personified in this dramatic comedy, children will be filled with the wonderment and magic of wooden dolls seemingly coming to life.

“Coppelia” was first performed by SBRI in 1962 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. “Coppelia,” a favorite of the founding Marsden family is known for its spunk, romantic comedy, and was chosen as the company’s Rhode Island traditional holiday ballet. 

SBRI holds true to the art form of classical ballet, preserving culture and tradition in motion.  The costumes worn, the props carried and the scenery hung, many are decades old.  The storyline of Coppelia is vintage as well, as it was performed as a ballet for the first time in 1870 in Paris.  However, new dancers, costumes and audience members come with each passing year. These fresh aspects gel well with the existing, as to create third and fourth-generation memories and lovers of the ballet.

On Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. there will be Project Ballet in Education, a “pay what you can event.” For seats or questions on this special show, call SBRI at 334-2560 for reservations.

The show will also be that evening at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1:30 p.m.

There are several ways to buy tickets: visit the Park Theater Box Office, 848 Park Ave. Cranston, order via phone 467-7275 or purchase online.

There also will be a Tea Time in the Toy Shop for kids at noon prior to the 1:30 p.m. Saturday Matinee on Dec. 3. Call the SBRI Office at 334-2560.  There is limited seating, reservation required.  $20 per person. Light fare, tea, coffee and special sweets.

The State Ballet of Rhode Island Season is sponsored by The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, RI PBS, Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation, Asia Grille and Cardi’s Furniture. ballet jpg Pictured is the State Ballet of RI in a previous performance of "Coppelia.”

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