‘Adventures of Madeline and More!’ ballet on stage March 19
Mid-Columbia Ballet’s latest production will feature the artistry and athleticism of skilled dancers — from within the company’s own ranks and in two guest artists from San Francisco.
And it also will feature plenty of adventure, in the form of a spunky Parisian schoolgirl and her friends.
The Ballet’s The Adventures of Madeline and More! is March 19 in the auditorium at Richland High School, 930 Long Ave.
Performances are at 1 and 5 p.m.
The first act will feature the Ballet’s senior company performing pieces choreographed by Nicole Haskins and Rex Wheeler of Smuin Ballet in San Francisco.
Haskins and Wheeler will be on hand, and they’ll take the stage to perform themselves.
The second and third acts will feature Mid-Columbia Ballet’s junior and senior companies performing pieces based around the beloved Madeline character.
Debra Pearse Rogo, the company’s artistic director, choreographed the pieces.
“It’s bringing these stories to life, in ballet form,” said Gaye Wutzke, the company’s administrator.
Madeline, a brave and precocious little girl who attends a Catholic boarding school in Paris, was dreamed up by the author and artist Ludwig Bemelmans.
She’s the star of his popular books, as well as spin-off TV episodes and films.
In the Mid-Columbia Ballet’s production, she visits the Paris ballet and goes to the circus, among other adventures.
The production is part of the Ballet’s Storybook Series, in which it brings children’s tales to the stage.
The company includes almost 60 young dancers.
The March 19 show is kid-friendly, with plenty to delight children in the audience, Wutzke said. But adults will have fun too, she said.
“Everybody will find something to enjoy,” Wutzke said.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and $10 for children. They’re available at www.midcolumbiaballet.org, at the Dance Boutique at 21 Aaron Drive in Richland, by calling 509-946-5417 and at the door.
Sara Schilling: 509-582-1529, @SaraTCHerald
IF YOU GO
What: Mid-Columbia Ballet presents The Adventures of Madeline and More!
When: 1 and 5 p.m. March 19.
Where: Richland High School, 930 Long Ave.
Cost: Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and $10 for children. They’re available at www.midcolumbiaballet.org, at the Dance Boutique at 21 Aaron Drive in Richland, by calling 509-946-5417 and at the door.
This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 6:03 PM with the headline "‘Adventures of Madeline and More!’ ballet on stage March 19."