Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2015 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Presents American Ballet Theatre Kevin McKenzie, Artistic Director in Cinderella and A Program of Mixed Repertory including Balanchine’s Theme & Variations Tudor’s Pillar of Fire, de Mille’s Rodeo March 24 –29, 2015 in the Opera House (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – American Ballet Theatre (#ABTdc2015) returns to the Kennedy Center Opera House with Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella, and a program of mixed repertory that includes three works originally created for American Ballet Theatre: George Balanchine’s Theme & Variations, Anthony Tudor’s Pillar of Fire, and Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo in the Opera House March 24-29, 2015. Ashton’s romantic Cinderella features music by Sergei Prokofiev and sets and costumes by David Walker. Loosely following the traditional fairy tale, the story begins with Cinderella’s solo in the kitchen as she dreams of one day becoming a ballerina. The dream is realized when she steps into the Grand Ballroom of the Prince’s castle. At the end of the ball, she takes her place back in the kitchen; it is there that she recalls the "glass slippers," which in Ashton’s ballet are replaced by pointe shoes. Created in 1947 for American Ballet Theatre by George Balanchine, Theme and Variations is set to the final movement of Tchaikovsky’s Suite No. 3 for Orchestra. The plotless ballet made stars of Alicia Alonso and Igor Youskevitch, and was intended to, as Balanchine once wrote, "evoke that great period in classical dancing when Russian ballet flourished." Pillar of Fire, Antony Tudor’s very first American project after arriving from London, debuted in 1942. The ballet follows Hagar, an unmarried woman impregnated by a man she does not love. Ostracized by her community, she despairs at finding happiness until her one true love offers her acceptance and forgiveness. Agnes de Mille created Rodeo for ABT in 1942. Rodeo, subtitled The Courting at Burnt Ranch, is a love story of the American Southwest. The problem it deals with is perennial: how an American girl, with the odds seemingly all against her, sets out to get herself a man. The girl in this case is a cowgirl, a tomboy whose desperate efforts to become one of the ranch's cowhands create a problem for the cowboys and make her the laughingstock of womankind. Since its inception in 1939, American Ballet Theatre has developed an unequalled repertoire spanning 19th century classics, early 20th century masterpieces, and acclaimed contemporary dances. The company has performed at the Kennedy Center annually since it opened in 1971. TICKET INFORMATION Tickets are $25 to $109 and can be purchased online, at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND PRINCIPAL CASTING American Ballet Theatre Kevin McKenzie, Artistic Director Cinderella Choreography by Frederick Ashton Music by Sergei Prokofiev Sets and Costumes by David Walker PRINCIPAL CASTING (subject to change) Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. Gillian Murphy, James Whiteside Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m and Sunday, March 29 at 1:30 p.m. Hee Seo, Cory Stearns Saturday, March 28 at 1:30 p.m. Xiomara Reyes, Joseph Gorak Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. Julie Kent, Marcelo Gomes Theme and Variations (Tchaikovsky/Balanchine) Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. Isabella Boylston, Danil Simkin Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Sarah Lane, Joseph Gorak Pillar of Fire (Schoenberg/Tudor) Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. Gillian Murphy Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Julie Kent Rodeo (Copland/de Mille) Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. Xiomara Reyes, James Whiteside Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Misty Copeland, Salstein The Kennedy Center’s Ballet Season is presented with the support of Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian. General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the 2014-2015 Ballet Season. American Ballet Theatre is made possible through generous endowment support of The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund. For more information about the Kennedy Center visit www.kennedy-center.org. Discover the Kennedy Center on social media: ### PRESS CONTACT: Amanda Hunter (202) 416-8441 [email protected] GENERAL INFORMATION: (202) 467-4600; (800) 444-1324
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