Get ready to feel. The Grand Rapids Ballet's February production, Amoré and More, promises drama, laughter and romance depicted within four captivating works.
The night will begin with a touch of romance as the dancers perform choreographer August Bournonville's "Flower Festival in Genzano."
"'Flower Festival in Genzano' is a romantic work set in an Italian village, performed with energy from Rossini's musical score and the dynamic choreography of Bournonville," said Patricia Barker, artistic director for the Grand Rapids Ballet.
The one-act ballet demands intricate, fast-paced footwork from its dancers.
Next up is Choreographer David Parson's "The Envelope," which is a lighthearted piece that will have audience members emitting laughter as it pokes fun at the bureaucratic paper-pusher.
The dancers have the opportunity to show off their range in this contemporary movement, also set to a Rossini score.
Choreographer Ulysses Dove's "Red Angels" is the featured work of the night and is the most visually stunning with its combination of movement and brilliant color.
Barker said the piece is a "visually dramatic, dynamically charged abstract work highlighting the senses with its intense color, sound and sensual impact."
| Amoré and More Peter Martin Wege Theatre, Grand Rapids Feb. 10-12, 17-19, show times at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $20-$30 grballet.com, (616) 454-4771 |
"The music is a riveting score for electric violin by Richard Einhorn, and is dedicated to Mary Rowell, a violinist. It was written for a five-string electric violin and consists of virtuoso violin solos based on rock drum rhythms. The solo violin is used more percussively than lyrically. Bits of popular musical styles appear; in the first movement, blues-rock chording and Cajun fiddling; in the fourth, a Scottish reel can be heard.
"Rowell will be playing live at each of our performances with our dancers soaring to new challenges in this work. It is not one to be missed."
Finally, the night will conclude with another comedic piece, "Con Amore," which is set to three of Rossini's overtures.
"In my continued effort to present proven works by renowned choreographers to our growing audiences, these four works are not only important works in the dance world that continue to grow and challenge our dancers, [but also] entertain and delight our audiences all the while capturing the spirit of Valentine's," Barker said. "What a perfect way to spend an evening with friends, family or maybe that someone special for a wonderful Valentine's evening."
Photo: Andrew Terzes
Other Performing Arts Events
By Stephanie Allen
Mary Poppins
DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids
Feb. 22-26, show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
$17.50-$72.50
devosperformancehall.com, (616) 742-6500
Broadway Grand Rapids brings excitement for the whole family with the classic show, Mary Poppins. A combination of P.I. Travers' original story and Walt Disney's popular film, the Tony Award-winning show features fan favorite songs like, "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "Chim Chim Cher-ee." It's a childhood classic that is sure to animate the kid in everybody's heart with extravagant dancing and over-the-top musical numbers. Mary Poppins takes the audience on a toe-tapping adventure and will brighten any dark winter mood.
The Magic Flute
DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids
Feb. 3-4, 7:30 p.m.
$20-$94 / devosperformancehall.com, (616) 742-6500
Escape to Egypt via the opera. The Magic Flute combines the fantasy world of ancient Egypt with a score by Mozart. Snake-killing ladies, ancient Greek gods and the Queen of the Night entice viewers in a two-act show of music, magic and more. The original opera was composed in German by Mozart and Emanuel Schikaneder in 1791 and has since become one of the world's most beloved compositions.
In the Heights
Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo
Feb. 24, 8 p.m.
$25-$55 / millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300
