Tulsa Ballet brings magic and wonder with the world premiere of Cinderella
Tulsa Ballet is proud to announce the World Premiere of its brand-new production of Cinderella, taking place at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center February 9-12. Cinderella tells the timeless story of a young girl who falls in love with a handsome prince, two souls from very different worlds who are more alike than they may think. This production brings brand new choreography, sets and costumes to Tulsa, all especially designed and created for this production, plus live music accompaniment by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Audiences will be delighted as the stage turns into a life-sized story book, and moments remembered from childhood are brought to life in new and exciting ways on stage. After seeing this show, they will have no doubt fairy tales do come true!
When choosing a dance maker to create this new story ballet for Tulsa Ballet, Artistic Director Marcello Angelini knew he wanted a young choreographer, one with significant talent and one who had already demonstrated substantial accomplishments. He was looking for a choreographer primed to make his or her first full evening story ballet, similar to what he did when commissioning Romeo and Juliet to Edwaard Liang in 2012. Angelini found his choreographer in Andrew McNicol.
McNicol is an Artistic Associate at English National Ballet School, and the Artistic Director of the McNicol Collective. He has been noted as “a name to watch” and “talented beyond his years.” Born in Hull, his choreographic work began whilst studying at The Royal Ballet School, where he won the Kenneth MacMillan Choreographic Competition. His first work for a professional company was at age 19, where he created a new work for The Royal Ballet of Flanders, one of the largest and most prestigious European ballet companies. Tulsa audiences may be familiar with Andrew’s work as he has created dances for the Company in recent seasons, including What If in 2021, and Celestial Bodies for the 2022 Signature Series.
Discussing McNicol’s work on Cinderella, Angelini said, “I am delighted with the work Andrew has created. It tells the story in a traditional way, with a classical ballet vocabulary that reflects the accomplishments and growth of the ballet technique, and its aesthetics, during the past 25 years. Andrew has made a few additions to the story that will enhance the understanding of the feelings between Cinderella and her Prince.”
Cinderella also features brand new sets and costumes designed by renowned designer Jérôme Kaplan. Kaplan was born in Paris and studied Scenography at the Ecole de la Rue Blanche. After graduating, he began designing sets and costumes for theatre and opera. He collaborated extensively with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo and Jean-Christophe Maillot throughout the last two decades, and has designed new productions for some of the top companies in the world, including the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, The Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam, The Australian Ballet in Sydney, Australia, as well as the American Ballet Theater, Miami City Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet in the US.
About Kaplan, Angelini said, “Jerome, arguably the most in-demand dance designer in the world of present times, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the production. His exquisite taste, historical knowledge, refinement and artistry will make the visuals of our new Cinderella a unique experience for the Tulsa audiences”
Cinderella also features the work of projection designer Shawn Boyle, who has created the projections for Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Carmen. Angelini said, “Shawn will augment the magic factor of the production, and will inspire the team with his ability to create mystical words. Shawn brings to the table years of experience designing projections for an array of Broadway shows and theater productions.”
To make the performance even more magical this year, families can take part in their own fairytale by attending “Cinderella’s Afternoon Tea” a special event held before the 2:30 performance on Saturday, February 11th. There, kids can take part in a special tea party complete with macarons, tea sandwiches, and of course, tea. Tickets are $40 and may be added to a Saturday matinee ticket purchase. Children of all ages are welcome (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).
“This Cinderella will be one for the history books,” said Angelini. “It will set new standards for storytelling throughout the field of dance; it will open new horizons for fresh, new looks for a full evening story ballet and will fill the Tulsa PAC with magic, romance, great dancing and superb entertainment!”
Tickets for Cinderella start at $27 at TulsaBallet. org.
QUICK FACTS
WHEN AND WHERE: Tulsa Performing Arts Center | 110 E 2nd St. Tulsa, OK 74103
Thursday, February 9 | 7:00 pm
Friday, February 10 | 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 11 | 2:30 pm
Saturday, February 11 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 12 | 2:30 pm
TICKETS: Starting at $27
For more information: tulsaballet.org or 918.749.6006