MILWAUKEE – Sept. 21, 2015 – Milwaukee Ballet will open its 2015/16 season with Michael Pink’s world-renowned Dracula the weekend before Halloween, October 22-25, at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Seen by more than one million people worldwide, Pink’s signature show has been seen in Great Britain, Japan, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and several cities in the United States. In an age when audiences are captivated by Hollywood vampires, this production is a return to the original story that started the phenomenon. Dracula reveals passion, beauty, sensuality and fear in a way only master storyteller Michael Pink can convey.
“Dracula is unlike any other ballet,” said Artistic Director Michael Pink. “It’s sinister and sensual at the same time; breathtaking yet horrific. The show has developed somewhat of a cult following – once people see it, they’re hooked.”
Dracula was created in 1996 by Michael Pink in collaboration with Northern Ballet Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Gable (1940-1998). Widely regarded as a production far ahead of its time, it has maintained its appeal as a cutting-edge and theatrical presentation of the unique style of “dance drama” that made Michael Pink famous. The monstrous production combines dramatic dance; dark and towering scenery and period costumes from Tony Award winner Lez Brotherston; and a revamped lighting design from Emmy Award winner David Grill. British composer Philip Feeney’s chilling original score is performed live by the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra.
“I’m focused on creating rich, full stories through ballet,” said Pink. “Classical dance depends on a clearly defined physical form. Acting is about finding the motivation behind a character’s actions. Dracula merges the two art forms into a well-constructed and developed story that will leave audiences hungering for more.”
Dracula is presented by Associated Bank, with supporting sponsors Kathleen and Randall Crocker, The Cudahy Foundation, Katie Heil, and Susanna and Justin Mortara.
Dracula is the electrifying opener to Milwaukee Ballet’s 2015/16 season of literary masterpieces, which also includes the holiday classic The Nutcracker (Dec. 12-27), the North American premiere of Dorian Gray (Feb. 12-14 and 19-21) sponsored by Sue and Allan "Bud" Selig, three contemporary works in Kaleidoscope Eyes (March 31-April 3) and family-favorite ALICE (in wonderland) (May 19-22). The 2015/16 season is presented by Donna and Donald Baumgartner. More information can be found at www.milwaukeeballet.org.
The Story
Dracula is based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, one of the most evocative stories of love and loss ever written. Its unearthly passion has mesmerized readers and audiences for more than 200 years. Audiences follow the story of businessman Jonathan Harker to Transylvania, his destined meeting place with Count Dracula – a vampire who is a picture of courtly elegance and menacing force. Dracula, surviving on the blood of the living, casts spells over Jonathan, his fiancée Lucy, and her friend Mina. Audiences are invited to discover their fate in this terrifying yet romantic tale.
Praise for Dracula
“Dracula is a guilty gothic pleasure…incredibly creative, always sexy.”
– Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Ballet’s answer to The Rocky Horror Show.”
– The Sunday Telegraph London
“Michael Pink’s, Dracula, is a heavily illustrated presentation with all of the dramatic elements playing out in the language of dance”
– OnMilwaukee.com
Get into the “Spirit” of Dracula
Patrons are encouraged to “get into the spirit” of Dracula and dress up for the performance on Saturday evening (Oct. 24).
Ticket Information
Tickets for Dracula range from $35-$102, and are available online at www.milwaukeeballet.org or by calling 414-902-2103. The show will run one weekend only, Oct. 22-25. Due to the production’s popularity, audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets early to ensure availability.
Dracula Events
MKE Ballet Book Club
Thursday, October 8, 6:30-8 p.m.
Recommended $25 donation/person for the season. RSVP to Megan Spangberg at (414) 902-2107 or mspangberg@milwaukeeballet.org. |
Meraki Hosts a Night with Dracula
Saturday, October 17, 7:00 p.m.
Meraki - 939 S 2nd St, Milwaukee
Sink your teeth into the Halloween event of the season. Meraki and Milwaukee Ballet have conspired to create a night of unearthly delight. Bite on tasty morsels and sip on themed cocktails as you rub shoulders with Artistic Director Michael Pink and his cast of dancers.
Cost is $75 per person. Dress to impress in black and red. Meraki will be donating half of the proceeds to Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy and its Community Outreach Programs. RSVP to Brooklynn Lawrence at (414) 902-2114 or blawrence-krol@milwaukeeballet.org.
More information for both events is available at www.milwaukeeballet.org/events.
About Milwaukee Ballet
Founded in 1970, Milwaukee Ballet celebrates its 46th season as a staple of Milwaukee’s arts and culture scene. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Pink, Milwaukee Ballet has become world-renowned for presenting both bold new interpretations of story ballets, and cutting-edge, evocative contemporary works. Milwaukee Ballet is the home to an international company of dancers, and is one of only a few companies in the nation to feature its own orchestra. Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Milwaukee Ballet’s award-winning Community Outreach department serves more than 30,000 people in Southeastern Wisconsin through original, interactive programs.