Nevada Ballet Theatre Concludes Season with ROMEO AND JULIET This Weekend

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) concludes its 44thSeason with the most famous tale of star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. In recognition of the 400th Anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, this revered tragedy will be presented tonight, May 14 at 7:30 pm and tomorrow, May 15 at 2 pm in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Avenue. Tickets from $29 (plus fees) may be purchased by calling The Smith Center Box Office at (702) 749-2000 or by visiting www.nevadaballet.org.

Based on one of William Shakespeare's most widely performed and notable works, NBT will transport audiences to 15th Century Verona through Sergei Prokofiev's magnificent score, Romeo & Juliet, Op. 64. With its dual storyline of comedy and tragedy, this epic tale of innocent love will be told through inventive choreography, sword fighting and traditional court dancing. Enjoying its Las Vegas premiere in 2013, lush sets and costumes, reminiscent of the time period, complement this full-length ballet in two acts.
"Romeo & Juliet is one of Ballet's most important works to have as part of a company's repertoire," said Choreographer and NBT Artistic Director, James Canfield. "With its historical importance and universal themes, it is a story that speaks to all of us."

Successfully adapted for various performance mediums over the centuries, including stage, opera and film, Romeo & Juliet is a challenging ballet for any professional dancer, requiring unique preparation; performers must master a historically stylized look as well as a deep exploration into the art of acting and miming. With an emotionally charged storyline, character development is essential, ensuring that the growth and change in each character is communicated.

Prior to both performances, NBT will present Insights, an educational pre-performance discussion offering patrons an opportunity to further engage with the ballet. Accompanied by multi-media content, Michael Bahr, Education Director for Utah Shakespeare Festival, will offer attendees an inside view into the history and music of this beloved work. Insights is free to all ticket holders and will take place in the Troesh Studio Theater 45 minutes prior to curtain (6:45 pm on Saturday, May 14; 1:15 pm on Sunday, May 15).

As part of its mission to ensure that the arts are accessible to children in Clark County, NBT's Education and Outreach division will host a school matinee on Friday, May 13 at 11 am where over 1,000 local students will witness the magic of Romeo & Juliet come to life on the Reynolds Hall stage. Prior to the performance, students receive a study guide, providing them with information on the ballet, its history and the music.

In addition, NBT's Education and Outreach program will host "Kids Night Out at the Ballet," where students attend opening night with their peers, receiving the opportunity to experience a public performance of a full-length ballet.

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE

Under the artistic direction of James Canfield, Nevada Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Las Vegas and the largest professional ballet company and dance Academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, this classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire statewide, regional and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Nevada Ballet Theatre is the resident ballet company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

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