Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Presents “Cinderella”
For more information contact: Jennifer Beasley
601-613-0678
mmdajenn@aol.com
February 11, 2008, Jackson, MS- On March 1 at 7:00 PM and March 2 at 2:00 PM, the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet will present a magical production of Cinderella at Thalia Mara Hall. With breathtaking sets and costumes and beautiful choreography by Artistic Director Jennifer Beasley and Assistant Artistic Director Erik Kegler, Cinderella promises to be a treat for all ages.
The Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet is celebrating their 15th season and has many ancillary events scheduled in conjunction with the Cinderella performance. A Cinderella Ball will be held at the University Club following the March 1st performance.
Entertainment will be provided by Hunter Gibson and the Gators. MMB Patrons are invited to come dance and dine in celebration of 15 years. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the dancers and guest artists. A Cinderella Tea Party will be held following the March 2nd performance at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Guests will be able to meet and greet the main characters from the ballet, enjoy delectable treats, and be
entertained with a spring shoe fashion show.
Set to the exquisite score by Prokofiev, the ballet brings all of the elements of the beloved fairy tale to life: Cinderella’s transformation from rags to riches by her Fairy Godmother, the ball where she meets Prince Charming, her dramatic departure at the stroke of midnight, and the Prince’s search for the owner of the glass slipper. The hilarious antics of the Ugly Stepsisters provides delightful doses of humor, and the love story of Cinderella and her Prince fulfills every romantic fantasy. “This production has all the necessary stage magic to mesmerize children and a handsome enough quota of sly wit and inventive choreography to satisfy devoted ballet fans,” said Artistic Director Jennifer Beasley.
Guest Artists Adiarys Almeida and Joseph Gatti will perform the roles of
Cinderella and the Prince. Joseph and Adiarys amazed audiences in Jackson in 2006 at the USA International Ballet Competition where he won the senior bronze medal and she was named a finalist. They are both principal dancers with Cincinnati Ballet. Most recently Gatti was awarded the gold medal at the World Ballet Competition. “We are so
excited to bring these world class dancers to the stage again in Jackson.” said Jennifer Beasley, Artistic Director.
Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet dancer Victoria Hunter, of Brandon, will perform the role of the Fairy Godmother. Assistant Artistic Director, Erik Kegler and guest artist Dolan Shoemaker will perform the roles of the Stepsisters and MMB Ballet Mistress Crystal Allen Skelton will perform the role of the Evil Stepmother. MMB dancers Christina Holy of Ridgeland, Haleigh Huddleston of Hattiesburg, and Lana Smith and
Rhea Kay Rowe of Brandon will perform the roles of the fairies representing Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Performance tickets prices are $15, $20, and $25. Ticket packages can be purchased which include performance and Cinderella Ball or Cinderella Tea Party tickets. For more information call 601-853-4508. You may also visit the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet’s website at www.msmetroballet.com.