Described by The Tennessean as “enthralling” when it debuted in 2004, Vasterling’s Romeo & Juliet returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall April 26 – 28 to tell the tale of a love so powerful that nothing could contain it – not feuding families, not youth – not even life itself.
Vasterling conveys Shakespeare’s original storyline about the romance of these young, star-crossed lovers through passionate choreography, theatrical performances and an emotionally laden score from Sergei Prokofiev, performed live by The Nashville Symphony. By combining those elements with expansive sets, authentic period costumes and action-packed fight scenes, he fully transports the audience to “fair Verona” in this grand-scale production.
“Although it’s set in Shakespeare’s time to Prokofiev’s timeless composition, this version has some modern influences from West Side Story and FrancoZeffirelli’s classic 1968 film,” Vasterling said. “Passionate, theatrical performances from our dancers beautifully illustrate the devotion shared between these two young lovers, while professionally coordinated fight scenes and physical choreography offer an action-packed performance.”
Nashville Ballet will enlist the expertise of London-based fight coordinator Timothy Klotz to teach dancers how to safely and expertly incorporate sword fighting into their already challenging dance choreography. Klotz will be at Nashville Ballet March 11 – 15 to teach fight choreography to company members, and will offer a Master Class about fight choreography in dance to the public on March 16 from noon to 1 p.m., for $10 per person. Members of the public can register for Klotz’ Master Class by calling (615) 297-2966 x20.
“Every little boy grows up watching fight scenes just like the ones we incorporate into the performance, so it’s a lot of fun for the male dancers, especially, to play these characters that are so physical and energetic,” said company member Christopher Stuart, who performed in Romeo & Juliet in 2004 and 2008. “It’s also really challenging because we have to keep our dance choreography set to the music, while also adding in the fight choreography and making sure no one gets injured on stage with swords flying.”
Vasterling also plans to incorporate several guest artists from the School of Nashville Ballet and the community at large into the performance to fill some of the more theatrical roles.
Romeo & Juliet, presented by NFocus, will be held at TPAC’s Jackson Hall for three performances April 26 – 28, 2013.
Ticket Information
Tickets to Romeo & Juliet starting at $35 are currently on sale to the public. They can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or online. Season tickets that offer up to 25% discount for adults and 50% discount for children are available at www.nashvilleballet.com or by calling (615) 297-2966 x10.
$5 Discount on Romeo & Juliet Tickets – Through March
Through March, patrons can save $5 on each Romeo & Juliet ticket purchase when they purchase online at http://patron.tpac.org/nbal/promo/fate or with discount code FATE when calling (615) 782-4040. Some restrictions may apply.
About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company NB2 (a pre-professional training company) serve nearly 25,000 adults and children annually through performances and our outreach and community engagement programming. Curriculum-based outreach programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. The School of Nashville Ballet provides world-class instruction in ballet and other forms of dance for dancers of all ages.
Nashville Ballet is funded in part by Ingram Charitable Trust, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission, Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Caterpillar Financial, ELAN Hair and Skin, The Memorial Foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, Cracker Barrel Foundation, Dollar General Corporation, Ryman Hospitality Properties, The HCA Foundation, SunTrust Banks, Inc., Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance and thousands of individuals who contribute to our annual operating fund.