Columbia, SC – Columbia City Ballet presents the classic Romeo & Juliet. Accompanied live by the SC Philharmonic under the direction of Morihiko Nakahara at the Koger Center For The Arts on February 4th. From the opening notes of Prokofiev’s famous score to the hauntingly beautiful choreography and the intricate costumes, William Starrett’s production digs deep into the depths of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
Romeo & Juliet, based on William Shakespeare’s 428-year-old play, did not enter the modern ballet repertory until the Kirov Theater commissioned a score from composer Sergei Prokofiev in 1936. Prokofiev’s score was once considered too modern for ballet, it is now an enduring icon of 20th-century music, and the production is a cornerstone of the modern ballet classics.
Columbia City Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet accompanied live by the SC Philharmonic tells the tale of two young lovers caught in the middle of their feuding families. Executive and Artistic Director William Starrett’s production intertwines dramatic sword fights with exquisite love duets and comic interludes to create an evening that captures the tragedy and beauty of Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
“We present this masterpiece once every decade,” said Starrett. “First in 1985, our founding director, Ann Brodie, and I collaborated on the production that was televised by ETV. Since then, we’ve presented the production twice, once in 1998 and then again eight years ago in 2004. Two renowned performing art organizations unite for this rare and extraordinary performance! Experience the spellbinding sounds of SC Philharmonic and marvel at Columbia City Ballet’s breathtakingly beautiful choreography in two riveting performances. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary show!
The State deemed this production as “perfect for the romantic at heart.”
Starring as the star-crossed lovers, Principal Claire Rapp will dance the role of Juliet for the first time in her career. Soloist Joshua Van Dyke debuts in the opposite lead role as Romeo.
Tickets range from $35-$60 and may be purchased online at KogerCenterForTheArts.com or by calling the box office at 803-251-2222. For more information, contact Columbia City Ballet’s office at 803-799-7605.
