Le Ballet de Dracula

Join LakeCities Ballet Theatre as they celebrate their 30^th Season with the 8th Fall performance of, "Le Ballet de Dracula".  This original ballet written by Tom Rutherford and wonderfully choreographed by Kelly Lannin is fast becoming a seasonal classic noted by the Dallas Morning News as one of the top 10 Halloween events in the metroplex.  First brought to readers by Irish novelist Abraham "Bram" Stoker in a work originally titled, "The Un-Dead", the tale of Count Dracula has captivated the imagination of people around the world.  Kelly Lannin, Artistic Director, brings this haunting tale to Lewisville audiences, featuring LakeCities Ballet Theatre senior member, Amanda Evans, as Aurelia, Pacific Northwest Ballet guest artist and LBT alumni, Stephen Loch, as Marius, and Ballet Conservatory’s very own, Shannon Beacham, in a return appearance as Dracula.

This mythical story, where good conquers evil, unfolds in two acts.  In the opening scene, we find ourselves at a Fall harvest celebration held by the locals of a small eastern European village.  Food, dancing, and love make for a wonderful introduction to what soon becomes a battle for the soul of the beautiful young maiden, Aurelia.  After winning her heart and asking her father's permission, the handsome Marius seals his betrothed Aurelia with a necklace and jeweled crucifix.  Our happy couple is soon confronted by a strange visitor to their happy village who will test even the strongest bonds of love and faith.  This stranger becomes intent on having Aurelia for himself and enlists the help of his minion, Ratcliff, played by Asia Waters, to steal her away.  Dark forces loom as creatures of the night dance their evil way into the heart of this tale of horror.  At the peak of act one, the true nature of their uninvited guest is revealed as an entranced Aurelia is swept off of her feet by this un-dead creature, Count Dracula. 

In the second act, the brave Marius must fight his way through the dark lord's castle and fight for the life of his bride to be, as well as his own.  In the opening scene, we find that his is not the only bride found in Dracula's castle.  Dracula's harem of brides, led by the evil Marcela, played by LBT company member Kendall Galey, will fight with supernatural power to please their master and rid the castle of this mortal menace.  Will Marius prevail and save his true love from certain eternal doom, or will evil rule the night?  Come to the performance and find out for yourself, if you dare!

This ghoulish production will haunt the stage of the Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater this October.  The MCL Grand is located at 100 N. Charles Street, Lewisville, TX  75057.  Performance dates are October 11th at 7:30 pm and October 12th at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm.  A pre-performance workshop will be held on October 12th at 12:30 pm for our younger guest, ages 9 and older, and is free with the purchase of a performance ticket.  The children will have a chance to wear stage make-up and dance with Dracula's Brides.  Young audience members are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes and participate in a contest to be held at intermission.