Aussie Sleeping Beauty To Make Its NZ Premiere

AUCKLAND, May 29, 2006 – Following critically acclaimed sold-out seasons across Australia, The Australian Ballet’s new production of The Sleeping Beauty will make its New Zealand premiere in October at The Civic, THE EDGE®.

The lavish new interpretation is The Australian Ballet’s largest ever new commission and has wowed audiences in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney with seasons selling out in every city.

The sumptuous production will make its New Zealand debut at The Civic, THE EDGE® in Auckland for a strictly limited five-day season, October 18 to 22.

This dazzling new production of The Sleeping Beauty was created by The Australian Ballet’s resident choreographer and artistic director of the Houston Ballet, Stanton Welch, and New Zealand-born designer Kristian Fredrikson. Sadly Mr Fredrikson died in November 2005, just two months after the production’s glittering world premiere in Melbourne. The Australian Ballet subsequently dedicated the Sydney season to his memory.

“THE EDGE® is delighted to present the New Zealand premiere of what promises to be a most spectacular event,” said THE EDGE® Chief Executive, Greg Innes. “The breathtaking set and costume designs for The Sleeping Beauty have garnered rave reviews from critics across the Tasman and we are delighted that New Zealand audiences will be able to view Kristian Fredrikson’s final legacy.”

The Sleeping Beauty is a much-revered ballet based on French author Charles Perrault’s fairytale and set to a score by Tchaikovsky. It tells the story of Princess Aurora who is cursed to fall asleep on her 16th birthday until she is awakened by a kiss from her true love 100 years later. Until she is awoken, the world is shrouded in perpetual winter. When the Prince’s kiss awakens Aurora, spring arrives.

Mr Innes said the enormous scale of The Sleeping Beauty was most impressive and a rare spectacle in New Zealand. It features a touring company of 97 including the full complement of 68 dancers, 10 local young ballerinas and a 62-piece orchestra (Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra).

“Transporting the elaborate sets, the 258 costumes and the company itself to Auckland will be a massive undertaking requiring seven containers to be shipped,” said Mr Innes.

“This production brings together so many magical elements – Tchaikovsky’s music, Welch’s adventurous choreography and Fredrikson’s design flair. It will be a production that will enchant ballet lovers and also enthral audiences who enjoy shows of a spectacular nature.

“This is theatrical and dance event not to be missed.”

Tickets are available from July 24 from Ticketek.

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