[October 23, 2024]
Submitted by The Portland Ballet
The Portland Ballet returns to Portland State University’s Lincoln Hall with two mesmerizing ballets set to the iconic music of Igor Stravinsky: "Firebird" and "Petrushka."
TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
When: November 30 and December 1 at 1 and 5 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Hall at Portland State University, 1620 SW Park at Market, Portland, OR
To Purchase Regular Tickets: Prices are $16-$40
Tickets may be purchased at theportlandballet.org, by emailing tickets@theportlandballet.org, or by calling 503-452-8448.
Ticket Specials:
Discounts are available for Groups of 10+ and Arts for All program members
Student Tickets: $10–$18
Family Package: When purchasing two adult and two or more youth tickets, all youth tickets will be discounted – $7 off in Tier 1, $6 off in Tier 2, and $5 off in Tier 3.
Please Note: The show is for all ages.
"Firebird," choreographed by John Clifford, reimagines Michel Fokine’s classic tale of magic, love, and bravery. Audiences will be transported into the story of a magical bird and a young prince on a mission to break an evil sorcerer’s spell. With vibrant costumes, breathtaking choreography, and Stravinsky’s unforgettable score, "Firebird" will be a feast for the senses.
Clifford, TPB artist-in-residence for the 2024-2025 season, is widely considered George Balanchine's choreographic protégé. He was the founder and artistic director of the original Los Angeles Ballet and a principal dancer and choreographer with the New York City Ballet. His "Firebird" has been a TPB audience favorite since 2005.
During their careers, Artistic Director Nancy Davis and Executive Director Jim Lane danced the lead roles in "Firebird" over 75 times nationwide. “I danced the role of the Firebird and Jim Lane was Prince Ivan when we were principal dancers in John Clifford’s Los Angeles Ballet,” said Davis. “Passing it on is always a pleasure, and audience members are in for a treat with outstanding professional choreography, incredible sets, and beautiful costumes. This is an excellent kick-off for the holidays!”
In a fresh, modern twist, Tom Gold’s "Petrushka" sets the tale of three puppets in 1950s Portland at the Heathman Hotel. In this reimagined production, Petrushka, a lovestruck puppet, yearns for a glamorous lounge singer, who instead has eyes for a dashing doorman. Set against a backdrop of vintage charm, "Petrushka" explores themes of love, freedom, and acceptance, brought to life with inventive staging and dynamic performances.
Gold first performed in "Petrushka" at the age of 7, dancing in the Joffrey Ballet’s revival starring Rudolph Nureyev. When The Portland Ballet commissioned him to choreograph an updated version in 2019, Gold felt it was important to modernize the ballet for a new generation. "I hope to create a wonderful gift to the people and city of Portland that will endure for many years to come," Gold said. "I love telling a story that represents the place that I'm in. I love to travel and make ballets that represent the city, the people, and the community.”
Igor Stravinsky, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, gained international fame with his groundbreaking scores for "Firebird" (1910) and "Petrushka" (1911), both composed for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. "Firebird" marked his first major success, blending Russian folk themes with innovative orchestration, while "Petrushka" showcased his ability to infuse vibrant energy and emotion into a tale of love and heartbreak. Together, these works solidified Stravinsky’s reputation as a visionary in both ballet and modern music.
THE PORTLAND BALLET
The Portland Ballet, a world-class dance academy in Portland, Oregon, is committed to fostering the future of ballet by building the next generation of dancers and audiences. Founded in 2001, TPB is shaped by the vision, artistic experience, and family-centered sensibility of the founding directors. Artistic Director Nancy Davis and Executive Director Jim Lane trained at the School of American Ballet and enjoyed distinguished professional careers in companies throughout the U.S. After retiring as principal dancers of the Los Angeles Ballet—where their partnership onstage led to marriage and family off the stage—they moved to Portland, Oregon, and founded The Portland Ballet. Graduates have carried TPB’s reputation for excellence into major professional companies and conservatory programs throughout the U.S. and abroad.