Festival Ballet Providence to Fly Spooky Tale THE WIDOW'S BROOM to The VETS

Just in time for Halloween, Festival Ballet Providence (FBP) presents The Widow¹s Broom, the first main stage performance of its 40th Anniversary Season, October 27-29, 2017 at The Vets.

This delightful ballet based on the beloved children¹s book by award-winning author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg (Polar Express, Jumanji) features an impressive collaboration of artists, including original sets by Tony and Emmy Award-winning designer Eugene Lee and a breathtaking score by Serbian composer, Aleksandra Vrebalov. FBP Resident choreographer Viktor Plotnikov lends his signature imaginative style to this spooky production.

The Widow¹s Broom tells the story of a witch¹s worn out broom left behind in a lonely widow¹s garden. When the widow and her son befriend the enchanted broom, suspicions arise and distrust begins to circulate the neighborhood. The widow¹s clever plot to outwit her xenophobic neighbors unfolds into an exciting adventure in which tolerance and kindness triumph.

Mr. Van Allsburg said about the production‹last performed in 2009‹that he was especially excited by the process of transforming his work into a theatrical production. He remembered, ³What I appreciated in all my collaborators was an originality and an intent in doing something that was not conventional.² The resulting production is one packed with creativity and spirit.

Mihailo Djuric, artistic director of Festival Ballet said, ³We are thrilled to bring back The Widow¹s Broom.² He continued, ³What better way to celebrate our 40th season than with a fairy tale that contains all the elements of great ballet? It has drama, magic, good and evil and a happy ending.²

Eugene Lee, a Providence resident for many years, is a multi-award-winning set designer with credits that include Saturday Night Live, and Broadway¹s Candide, Sweeney Todd, and Wicked. Lee said that he sees this set design as a visual metaphor, giving insight to the story and offering a canvas for dance to be most effective.

Aleksandra Vrebalov, a renowned composer whose work has been commissioned by the Kronos Quartet, Limon Dance Company, and many others, created a powerful score for the ballet that captures a vast array of moods, enhancing the work and providing further inspiration to the artistic team.

Viktor Plotnikov has choreographed numerous works for Festival Ballet Providence including Carmen, Loof and Let Dime, Cinderella, Orchis and Sharps and Flats and the critically acclaimed Coma. In 2010, Djuric named him Resident Choreographer.

With drama, humor, love, and a bit of magic, The Widow¹s Broom will leave you spellbound. Don¹t miss this enchanting performance!

IF YOU GO:

Festival Ballet Providence presents

THE WIDOW¹S BROOM

Story: Chris Van Allsburg

Music: Aleksandra Vrebalov

Choreography: Viktor Plotnikov

Sets: Eugene Lee

Friday October 27, 2017 ­ 10:00am (Discover Dance educational performance*)
Friday October 27, 2017 ­ 7:30pm
Saturday October 28, 2017 ­ 7:30pm
Sunday October 29, 2017 ­ 2:00pm

At The Vets, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence RI 02903

Tickets: 401-421-ARTS or TheVetsRI.com

Discover Dance performances are limited to educational groups of 10 or more. Reservations are required, contact 401-490-5631 or discover@festivalballetprovidence.org.

Pictured: Karla Kovatch. Photo by Thomas Nola-Rion. Imaging by Antonio Cortez. Artwork by Chris Van Allsburg.

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