HAPPILY EVER AFTER: American Repertory Ballet dancer Annie Johnson finds her prince in “Cinderella,” on stage at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center March 6-8. (Photo by Harald Schrader Photography)
American Repertory Ballet (ARB) presents the World Premiere of Cinderella, the timeless fairytale of a young woman who rises above adversity to find hope and love. Performances are March 6–8 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick.
With choreography by Samantha Dunster, ARB’s recently appointed artistic director, this production features new sets and costumes, an international cast of professional artists, and 36 young students from Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet.
“Choreographing Cinderella for the extraordinarily talented dancers of ARB has been a truly momentous experience,” said Dunster. “They are not only excelling in their technique, but their artistry and comedic timing are sublime. Each dancer brings the story to life with uniquely personal and imaginative touches.”
ARB’s production of Cinderella features “Cinderella, Op. 87 Ballet,” composed by Sergei Prokofiev, with a libretto by Nicolai Volkov. The production design team includes Bella Mazzoni and Rylee Berger (Scenic/Props), Janessa Cornell Urwin (Costumes), and Jason Flamos (Lighting).
“Samantha Dunster and I started the costume design process by choosing vibrant colors for the ball costumes, which provided further direction and inspiration for the rest of the characters,” said Urwin. “We wanted lots of dynamic hues to highlight the feeling of being immersed in a fairy tale, as well as fabrics and textures that move and sparkle to create magic.”
“We provide an exaggerated sense of realism, with elongated walls, grand decor, and glitz of gold, still encapsulating the magic behind the story,” said Mazzoni. “Our audience will feel the warmth and vibrancy of the world through our choices of color, representing the warm love and compassion the namesake of the show possesses. We didn’t want the audience to just see the story of Cinderella, but feel every moment with her and those around her.”
Shows are March 6 at 7 p.m., March 7 at 2 and 7 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $42-$72.
ARB offers several off-stage engagement opportunities throughout the weekend to enhance the experience including “Prelude to the Ball” for ages 18 and up, which includes taking part in a ballet class and attending a reception at Stage Left Steak; and “Bibbidi Bobbidi Ballet,” a workshop for families, including meeting the artists and learning choreography from the dancers.
Visit arballet.org for details.