Oklahoma City Ballet is excited to continue their 2020/21 Season with The Firebird at Civic Center Music Hall, February 12-14 for a three-performance run. This ballet classic, choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Mills, will also include excerpts of Le Corsaire and Mills’ Pushing Pennies to round out the one-hour program.
Single tickets start at $30 and are available now through Oklahoma City Ballet and Civic Center Box offices. They are also available online at www.okcballet.org.
Stravinsky's The Firebird was debuted by Ballet Russe in Paris in 1910. In the United States it reached a new level of notoriety when Russian-born choreographer George Balanchine created his version in 1949 using Oklahoma-born Maria Tallchief in the title role at the New York City Ballet. The Firebird tells the story of Prince Ivan, who discovers a group of beautiful maidens held captive by an evil sorcerer and his only hope for their rescue is an enchanting bird who gifts him with a magical feather.
Prior to The Firebird, audiences will see a short excerpt from Pushing Pennies and Le Corsaire.
Robert Mills’ Pushing Pennies, debuted exactly ten years ago at the Civic Center to critical acclaim. The pas de deux (a dance for two people) that will be performed from Le Corsaire is one of the most famous from classical ballet repertory.
“I chose to add these excerpts to round out The Firebird production so audiences can experience some variety all in one hour, however, I also wanted to be able to showcase more of our talented dancers in these very challenging works,” said Artistic Director Robert Mills.
In an abundance of caution, all Oklahoma City Ballet performances this season are one hour. This safety precaution is a trend that performing arts groups across the nation are adopting. A one-hour production means no intermissions, no long bathroom or concession lines, and plenty of time to exit the theater in an organized fashion.
Oklahoma City Ballet is encouraging patrons to be aware of the safety policies at the Civic Center Music Hall performance. Guests are required to wear a mask indoors, get a temperature check at the door, social distance in the venue, and sanitize hands properly. Because of social distancing mandates, the theater will be at approximately 35% capacity, therefore tickets are very limited.
For those who are more comfortable watching from home, Oklahoma City Ballet will offer The Firebird at Home, a video-on-demand option that will be available to watch unlimited from February 13 through February 28. The virtual performance is $34.
Performances take place on Friday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m. Single tickets may be purchased by calling Oklahoma City Ballet at 405-848-TOES (8637) or online at www.okcballet.org or by calling the Civic Center Box office at 405-297-2264. All performances take place at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 North Walker, Oklahoma City.
For more information, tickets and a list of available performances, call 405-838-TOES (8637) or visit okcballet.org