Huntsville Ballet Company to present Peter Pan in April
HUNTSVILLE – Back by popular demand, The Huntsville Ballet Company (HBC) will perform its production of Peter Pan at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall on April 17, 18 and 19. The Huntsville Ballet combines this classic story with the magic of flight and the beauty of the ballet to create this enchanting production.
“We have set the story of Peter Pan to dance with the addition of original choreography and staging to this children’s classic,” says Phillip Otto, HBC Artistic Director. “We first brought this production to Huntsville 5 years ago, where it was met with rave reviews,” Otto said. “With beautiful costumes it is a fun and exciting experience for both our dancers and the audience.”
Peter Pan is the story of a mischievous little boy who can fly, and his adventures on the island of Neverland. For those not familiar with the storyline Peter Pan sprinkles fairy dust on those he wants to fly to Neverland with him. “The added challenge and excitement of flying ballet dancers makes this a bold undertaking for our small professional ballet company,” Otto said.
Melissa Jones, HBC Stage Manager, and her crew will team with Vertigo Flying Effects and Theatrical Rigging, Courtland, Ill, to train the HBC team on the rigging equipment to ensure the safety of the dancers. “Every aspect of the performance is challenged by the addition of flight rigging which must all work in tandem with costuming, choreography, and staging to ensure a seamless experience for the audience.” Jones said. “The undertaking is no small task.”
Peter Pan marks the second time flying characters have appeared in a ballet in Huntsville. This exciting endeavor raises the cost of the production by a sizable amount, but the challenge is an exciting one for the artistic staff.
This production becomes a serious work that features the physical talents and acting strengths of dancers performing in the lead roles. Nathaniel Otto, from Huntsville, Ala., will appear in the lead role of Peter Pan, and Ashley Jordan, from Madison, Ala. will play the lead role of Wendy Darling.
“Peter Pan is one of my favorite childhood characters and I love the idea of bringing to life the playfulness of Peter and just how much he loves adventures,” Nathaniel Otto says.”
“To me Wendy has this balance of childlike innocence and wisdom” Jordan says. “Deep down she is responsible and more mature than she wants to admit, but she’s holding onto childhood. The progression of this story forces her hand…I’m trying to get all of that across.”
This beloved tale melds childhood adventure with the poignant inevitability of growing up. The staging and choreography have been created to tell a tale that is more than a two-dimensional children’s story, but with all the elements to provide fun and excitement for the whole family.
Who: The Huntsville Ballet Company
What: Announces the production of Peter Pan
When: April 17, 18, 19
Where: Von Braun Center Concert Hall, Huntsville
