Photo Flash: First Look at the Atlantic City Ballet's CARMEN at The Strand Theater

After a two year absence the Atlantic City Ballet returns to The Strand Theater in Lakewood, NJ with their sexy performance of Bizet's Carmen. The Strand Theater has hosted the ballet in the past with performances of Dracula and Nutcracker and the original premier of Carmen. "We were disappointed that these last two years, we could not include The Strand in our touring dates." says Ms. Papa, "but we are so excited to be back and to have the opportunity to build an audience in this area of the state." The ballet is planning to perform at the Strand at least three times during their season. In September they will bring Ballet Goes Broadway, December will bring back The Nutcracker and in March they will perform Visions. "We are always excited to present at The Strand. It's such a majestic theater and it really showcases the company. All of our ballets look beautiful on that stage." remarked Papa.

The Atlantic City Ballet will set the stage this Saturday, April 25th for this classic tale of seduction, passion, betrayal and murder with Carmen. Featuring the original, breathtaking choreography of Artistic Director, Phyllis Papa, backdrop design by Broadway scenic artist David Esler and an enthralling score by Georges Bizet, Carmen tells the story of a beautiful seductress, the two lovers who vie for her affection and the tragic outcome of their tangled affair. Ms. Papa's imaginative staging creates a world where gypsies, smugglers and toreadors pack all the sizzle of Spanish culture into an irresistible theatrical event.

Founded in 1982, by International Ballerina, Phyllis Papa, the Atlantic City Ballet is comprised of professional dancers from around the world and have earned national acclaim for their technical expertise and exuberant stage presence. Although their home base is in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, the Ballet has performed in theaters all along the east coast. Their repertoire of original works includes such classics as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake but, Ms. Papa is most known for her innovative works such as Dracula, Caught Up In The Swing and her full length Carmen. Since its inception, the Atlantic City Ballet has served as one of the cultural treasures of New Jersey and continues a tradition of dance excellence for future generations of ballet audiences.

The Atlantic City Ballet will be performing Carmen

SATURDAY April 25th-7:00pm
The Strand Theater-Lakewood, NJ
Tickets: $35-Adult Orch/Loge $25-Adult Mezz/Tier
$20-Senior-All seats $15-Student/Child-All seats
Group discount available
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Strand Box Office at 732-730-5925 or going to www.strand.org

For information visit www.acballet.org or call 609-348-7201

Photo Credit: Craig Billow

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