A winning mix of past season favorites, new works and newcomers
In 2014 the Marigny Opera House became home to the city’s only professional resident dance company offering a full season of performances. Now, three seasons later, Marigny Opera Ballet continues to raise the bar for regional dance companies.
Capping three successful seasons of sold-out performances, Marigny Opera Ballet impresario Dave Hurlbert is launching the 2017/18 season with such signature elements as world premieres, original, commissioned music, edgy choreography and stellar dancers. And, that’s just for starters.
“Book of Saints”
A new full-length ballet inspired by the lives of three saints – Theresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi and Sebastian Marty – will feature an original score composed by Tucker Fuller with musical direction by Francis Scully. (Both Fuller and Scully have been associated with Marigny Opera House for the past five years.)
Although Hurlbert remains focused on local and regional choreographers, he’s tapped New Yorker Teresa Fellion for “Book of Saints,” which runs Oct. 6-8. Fellion’s work , says Donald K. Atwood in World Dance Reviews, is “conceptually brave,” exploring “borders that are invisible and political, and those people find when they cross them, such as ‘metaphorical borders’ in language, culture, and class. “
“Christmas Cocktails”
“Christmas Cocktails” is a holiday confection choreographed by Diogo de Lima, with music composed and performed by New Orleans jazz artist Larry Sieberth, “I Was Told There’d Be Cake” choreographed by Maritza Mercado-Narcisse (Gambit Award Winner, 2015) and Diversorios set to Arcangelo Corelli’s beloved Christmas Concerto choreographed by Nikki Hefko. Performances are Dec. 1-3.
“Made in New Orleans” and “Giselle Deslondes”
Following last season’s “The Art of Jazz” is “Made in New Orleans – Jazz Ballets” scheduled to run Jan. 26-28, 2018. Choreographer and jazz artists will be announced Oct. 6, 2017.
“Giselle Deslondes,” the sold out success from last season, returns Mar. 23-25, 2018, reprises Maya Taylor’s choreography and Tucker Fuller’s score. This retelling of the classic Giselle (1841) is set in the Faubourg Marigny of the 1930s. It will again feature musical direction by Francis Scully and the New Resonance Orchestra.
Season Subscriptions
A subscription to all four programs is just $140 General/ $90 Students and Seniors (65+). Subscribers enjoy lower ticket prices as well as reserved seating for all performances. Click here for online sales.
New to the Company
Newcomers and new roles characterize Season Four. Bringing this deliberately eclectic season to life are Jarina Carvalho, rehearsal director, Kellis McSparrin-Oldenburg, assistant rehearsal director, new dancers Nik Nelson and Derwin May, Jr. and apprentices Lauren Ashlee Small and Kentro Mason, Jr. McSparrin-Oldenberg has danced lead and supporting roles at Marigny Opera Ballet for three seasons. Look for additional information and photos of the ballet company and rehearsal team in subsequent blog postings!