Madison Ballet: Announces biggest season yet

Contact: Beth Shippert-Myers, Marketing Director 608.210.1674 or bmyers@madisonballet.org

5 productions and tour dates for the growing company

(MADISON, WI) Madison Ballet can’t wait to get you into the theater, and their ambitious season is proof! Five productions are in the works to capture Madison audiences, ranging from timeless storybook ballets to breathtaking contemporary work and the company’s crown jewel: Dracula, an original rock ballet. The 2015-16 Madison Ballet season truly includes something to suit everyone!

Kicking off with Dracula (October 16-17) in the Capitol Theater at the Overture Center, Madison Ballet invites you to “get bit” by an award-winning rock score from local powerhouse Michael Massey (performing live on stage with a seven-piece band), original and sexy choreography from Artistic Director W. Earle Smith, and steampunk sets and costumes that get everyone’s fangs out! For a ballet that rocks you to your core, Dracula is the must-see event of October!

December isn’t December without a trip to The Nutcracker (December 12-27) at the Overture Center. Swirling snowflakes, graceful flowers, and the first blush of romance between Clara and her Nutcracker Prince keep audiences in the Christmas spirit year after year. This year’s performances will once again feature live music from the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, a thrilling bonus for audience members—especially youngsters—new to the spectacle of live performance. “Get festive” with The Nutcracker this holiday season!

Who doesn’t wish they could fly? Now you can fly along with the boy-who-never-grew-up as Madison Ballet presents Peter Pan in Overture Hall (March 19-20). “Get hooked” by a 3-story pirate ship, a contemporary symphonic score performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and high flying sequences blended seamlessly with W. Earle Smith’s original choreography. Performed only once before, in 2008, Peter Pan is back for three can’t-miss performances this Spring!

Finally, “get close” in the intimate 200-seat Bartell Theatre when Madison Ballet’s annual two repertory productions reach out and amaze audiences from mere feet away. Repertory I (Feb 5-6) includes choreography from the rising stars of contemporary ballet, bringing theater-goers to the edge of their seats. The program (still to be finalized) is set to include works by General MacArthur Hambrick and Jacqueline Stewart, whose quirky and sexy Jiffy Pop was an audience favorite in last spring’s rep.

Repertory II (Apr 22-23) closes out Madison Ballet’s season with a performance that shines the spotlight on the talent Madison has grown to expect from this company. Artistic Director W. Earle Smith will reprise Street, his ballet/street style mash-up that appeals to new and seasoned audiences alike. This closing performance is often sold out—and always memorable— resulting in standing ovations and company celebrations.

In addition to all the excitement of a major season, Madison Ballet continues to be an in-demand touring company and is beyond thrilled to announce that Dracula is going on the road! With performances in Oshkosh in October and in Springfield, Missouri at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall in March, they look forward to bringing the artistry that Madison has grown to expect out to the masses.

“We are so excited about our 2015-16 season and tour,” says Artistic Director W. Earle Smith. “We have our largest company yet at 16 dancers, and a season that will amaze and inspire. We can’t wait to take a bite out of audiences near and far!”

Madison Ballet promotes appreciation of and access to ballet by providing training and performing opportunities through professionally produced productions and educational initiatives. Located at 160 Westgate Mall, Ste I, Madison, WI, 53711, Madison Ballet is the first professional level training program in South Central Wisconsin and one of the largest performing arts organizations in Wisconsin.

For more information on the Madison Ballet’s 2015-16 season contact Beth Shippert-Myers at 608.210.1674 or visit http://www.madisonballet.org.