First State Ballet presents comic masterpiece

Posted by Press Release on March 23, 2015

First State Ballet Theatre's production of Coppélia, the perfect comic ballet masterpiece, at the Grand Opera House has something for everyone.

"Coppélia is near the top of virtually every list of the world's favorite ballets," said FSBT President and Executive Director Robert Grenfell. "It has a charming story, entertaining plot with hilarious physical humor, beautiful and familiar music, exciting choreography, gorgeous costumes from one of Russia's finest costumiers.” Staging by Kirov-trained Artistic Director Pasha Kambalov and FSBT's traditional high production values promise a spectacular performance.

"It's a ballet for the whole family, one that will delight everyone from three to 103," Grenfell said.

The plot features a zany dollmaker, Dr. Coppélius , whose latest life-sized doll attracts the attention of Franz, the village Romeo, who thinks the doll is a real girl. His girlfriend Swanilda finds him flirting with the doll and spurns him. Later, Dr. Coppélius and Swanilda, disguised as the doll, play an elaborate and hilarious practical joke on Franz.

All ends hapily ever after as the villagers celebrate Swanilda and Franz's marriage and Dr. Coppélius gives them his blessing. Rie Aoki is dancing the role of Swanilda and Leonid Goykhman is dancing the role of Franz.

Two performances will be held Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m and Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets for the production in the Grand's Copeland Hall are adults $28 to $48, students age 18 and under half of adult price, and seniors, groups and military $5 off. To buy tickets online visit http://www.firststateballet.com/upcomingshows/

Join us Sunday, April 19 at 12:30 p.m. before our matinee show of Coppelia for the Coppelia Tea! Enjoy refreshments, sweet treats, tea sandwiches and meet some of the beloved Coppelia characters in the Grand Salon.

Tickets for the tea are not available online. Purchase tickets through the Grand box office by calling 1-800-37-GRAND. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students 18 and under. Only a limited number of seats are available so buy your tickets before space runs out!

First State Ballet Theatre, Delaware’s professional ballet company, presents full-length ballets, mixed-repertory productions and major new works commissioned from acclaimed international choreographers in theaters throughout Delaware and beyond, provides superb ballet training and performance opportunities to aspiring dancers and educates the Delaware dance audience of the future. The company performs regularly in all three counties from Wilmington to the beach.

For more information about First State Ballet Theatre, visit www.firststateballet.com.