American Ballet Theatre makes its 18th visit to Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis April 18 and 19, bringing Giselle back to the venerable stage. It’s been a fortuitous pairing; significantly, the New York company’s 2014 production of the ballet marked the grand opening of the newly renovated Northrop. This production features a live orchestra provided by STRINGenius.
The 1841 ballet, with music by Adolphe Adam, enthralls audiences even today with the tragic and emotional love story at its core. American Ballet Theatre (ABT) has staged Giselle (some have called it the company’s “crown jewel”) numerous times, including productions choreographed by the great Mikhail Baryshnikov.
On April 18, ABT principal dancer Gillian Murphy stars as Giselle in her last Twin Cities performance; she is retiring this summer after nearly 30 years with the company. That show also features Thomas Forster as Albrecht and Fangqi Li as Myrta. On April 19, Chloe Misselding makes her debut as Giselle, with Aran Bell as Albrecht and SunMi Park as Myrta.
There are also several opportunities for audience participation:
Interested boys/men ages 8 and up and girls/women ages 14 and up can vie to be part of the onstage cast as a supernumerary — aka an “extra.” Auditions will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Northrop. Register to participate.
A free performance preview, with ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe and moderated by former ABT dancer and current Minnesota Dance Theatre Director Lauren Post, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on April 18 in Northrop’s Best Buy Theater.
Susan Jones, the company’s régisseur, or director, will teach an intermediate/advanced ballet technique class, with excerpts from Giselle, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 19 at Minnesota Dance Theatre.
The Encore Gala: Spring Cocktail Party with ABT will be held at 4 p.m. April 19. Mingle with ABT artists at a social hour including refreshments and live music. Funds raised will keep the arts alive through the Northrop Centennial Commissions program.
Performance details
What: Giselle presented by American Ballet Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. April 18; 2 p.m. April 19
Where: Northrop Auditorium, University of Minnesota
Tickets: $30-$92
External Links
American Ballet Theatre – official site
Northrop – official site
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