Northwest Ballet Company's 46th annual spring production
The Whitefish Pilot | Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 1 day, 1 hour AGO
The Northwest Ballet Company's 46th annual spring production is May 9 and 10 at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.
"The first half makes me laugh, while the last half makes me cry," said Company Director Marisa Roth. "Both are such great stories, characters and music."
The compilation show features Act II of "Coppélia" and excerpts from the "Phantom of the Opera."
"Coppélia" is a comic ballet first performed in Paris in 1870 and based off a story by E. T. A. Hoffmann. Another popular tale by Hoffmann, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" inspired the story of "The Nutcracker.”
Marygrace Knuffke, Northwest Ballet Company principal and a senior at Glacier High School, plays the role of Swanilda.
"This being my last show has made me realize how such a big part of my life has been dance,” Knuffke said. "I’m going to miss portraying characters that exemplify my own personality and all the late-night rehearsals that allowed me to bond so tightly with the other dancers. I’ve always played smiley characters and for this show I’m especially excited that my character of Swanhilda has so much sass and attitude!"
The "Phantom of the Opera” will be the second half of the weekend's production. Roth has choreographed truly classical ballet techniques inspired by the most familiar songs, while continuing to follow the timeless story line.
Homeschooled Senior and Northwest Ballet Company Demi Soloist Sara Buljovcic said, "I am truly grateful to be part of the Northwest Ballet Company; it feels just like being part of a family.”
Performances are Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 10, at 4 p.m. The company is hosting its popular “Fairy Godmother's Parade” following the 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday in the theater.
Ticket prices are $24 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Reserved seating tickets for the event are available on-line at northwestballet.com or at facebook.com/NWB.Co.
On show days, tickets will be available at the Bigfork Center's box office, 526 Electric Ave., one hour before the performances start.
For more information, call the Northwest Ballet at (406)755-0760, e-mail [email protected], or visit northwestballet.com.