Ballet Northwest, Olympia’s Dance Company, brings Coppelia back to the Washington Center stage after an absence of eight years over Mother’s Day weekend. Often billed as the “ballet’s most famous romantic comedy”, Coppélia is fun for all ages, and proof that there is familyfriendly ballet beyond the Nutcracker. The production by Ballet Northwest is both charming and funny, with beautiful fairy tale sets created by Jill Carter who has worked extensively at Olympia Family Theater, Harlequin Productions, and The Evergreen State College.
“It is very exciting that we are able to offer this performance in Olympia. It is one of our favorites. We love the comedy and the fun and colorful characters,” said Josie Johnson, co-artistic director.
The three-act ballet tells the story of Swanhilda, played by Grace Collins, and Franz, played by Marius Williams, and takes place in a small Norwegian village. Franz begins to fall in love with Coppelia, whom he thinks is a girl in the village, but in fact is a doll created by Dr. Coppelius, a local toymaker. Dr. Coppelius, played by Joel Getzendanner, tries to bring his beloved doll to life, Franz falls in love with the doll and chaos and comedy ensue when Swanhilda pretends to be Coppelia.
Collins is a sophomore at Olympia High School and has attended Pacific Northwest Ballet’s summer program in Seattle. Williams is a senior at Tacoma’s School of the Arts and has attended Oregon Ballet Theatre’s summer program in Portland.
“Coppelia has special meaning to all of us, as it was our longtime Artistic Director Bud Johansen’s favorite ballet. Bud passed away last year, and over the years played the role of Dr. Coppelius himself many times,” said Ken Johnson, co-artistic director.
Coppelia is presented by Capital Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric and Timberland Bank. Additional support is provided by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Oly Fed, Andrew J. Kapust DDS, Olympic Dermatology, ArtsWA, Freas Foundation, PARC Foundation, Renah Blair Rietzke Family & Community Foundation, and Community Foundation of South Puget Sound. Media sponsors include Showcase Magazine, 95.3 KGY, 94.5 ROXY, and 96.1 KXXO.
Since 1970, Ballet Northwest has been a community-based group dedicated to promoting, teaching, and preserving the art of dance in Southwestern Washington. The company offers educational opportunities for local dancers as well as outreach throughout the community.
Friday May 10 at 7:30pm, Saturday May 11 at 5pm, and Sunday May 12 at 2pm. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE Olympia, WA 98501. Ticket Office – 360-753-8586 or order online at Home – The Washington Center for the Performing Arts.