[April 25, 2024]
The Portland Ballet presents Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."
Date: May 11, 2024.
Time: 1 and 5 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Performance Hall at Portland State University, 1620 SW Park at Market, Portland, OR.
Tickets: $10-$40. Purchase online, email tickets@theportlandballet.org, or call (503) 452-8448.
Note: The show is intended for all ages.
Prepare to be transported to a realm of romantic entanglements, mischief, and magic as The Portland Ballet presents choreographer John Clifford's interpretation of William Shakespeare's timeless tale, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Set to the music of Felix Mendelssohn, this ballet promises to delight audiences of all ages.
Featuring a cast of over 70 dancers, Clifford's choreography brings to life Shakespeare's iconic characters and their muddled relationships in a comedic production that blends mistaken identities, misguided passions, and love potions gone awry. Against the backdrop of lavish sets and dazzling costumes, the stage comes alive with the whimsical energy of Shakespeare's most magic-filled comedy.
The show features a wide variety of challenging choreography from the fleet-footedness of fairies, the antics of rustics, as well as the style and grace of nobility. The story begins with excited buzzing in the enchanted forest and ends with a grand pas de deux to celebrate a royal wedding. Along the way, fairies feud and stir up mischief, proving that “the course of true love never did run smooth.”
First performed by The Portland Ballet in 2011 and 2012, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" returned to the stage in 2018. With each reprise, the show offers growth opportunities for young dancers to advance into more technical roles. “We are so excited to be performing John Clifford’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' after an eight-year hiatus!,” said Artistic Director Nancy Davis. “Some of our Youth Company dancers who were little bugs in 2018 will now perform principal roles. This ballet delights audience members of all ages with its breathtakingly beautiful sets and costumes, fantastic professional-quality choreography, and just the right amount of whimsy and humor. Not to be missed!”
Choreography by John Clifford. Staging by TPB Artistic Director Nancy Davis who is joined by Costume Designer Mary Muhlbach, Set Designer Liliya Drubetskaya, and lighting designs by Michael Mazzola, recreated by James Mapes.
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