RNZB’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream a hit

Dancers: Tonia Looker, Harry Skinner
Credit: Stephen A'Court

Media Release – Friday 21 August – For immediate release

RNZB’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream a hit

The Royal New Zealand Ballet has a major hit on its hands after the sell-out world premiere of The Vodafone Season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Wellington last night.

The brand new ballet by 29 year old British choreographer Liam Scarlett, one of the most sought after choreographers in the world today, won over critics and audience members alike.

“The magic and delight never let up. This is an absolutely splendid production of which choreographer, Liam Scarlett and the Royal New Zealand Ballet can be justifiably proud.” says dance critic Ann Hunt from the Dominion Post. “One can see why he (Scarlett) is the current wunderkind of British ballet.”

“The dance rises to such heights,” says Jennifer Shennan in her review on Radio New Zealand today.

The RNZB’s largest-ever set and stunning costumes created by New Zealander Tracy Grant Lord and enchanting lighting design by American Kendall Smith wowed audiences.

“There is a charmed symbiotic relationship between all the elements of this ballet. Together they have made magic.” says Ann Hunt.

The production offers something for everyone. “An extraordinarily beautiful night at the ballet” that“will appeal across generations.” says Jennifer Shennan

The season continues in Wellington with the NZSO performing Mendelsohn’s stunning score untilSunday 23 August. The company then tours the production to Christchurch 27-29 August with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Auckland 2-6 September with the Auckland Philharmonia, Rotorua10 September, Palmerton North 16 September and Napier 19 & 20 September.

This is the RNZB’s last production of 2015.

The Vodafone Season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a Co-Production between the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Queensland Ballet.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 20 August – 20 September

Wellington St James Theatre: Thur 20 August 7.30pm, Fri 21 August 7.30pm (Pre-performance Music talk6.30pm), Sat 22 August 1.30pm & 7.30pm (Post-matinee Q&A; Warm Up, Curtain Up 6.20pm), Sunday 23 August 6.30pm

Christchurch Isaac Theatre Royal: Thur 27 August 7.30pm, Fri 28 August 7.30pm (Pre-performance Music talk6.30pm), Sat 29 August 1.30pm & 7.30pm (Post-matinee Q&A; Warm Up, Curtain Up 6.20pm)

Auckland ASB Theatre: Wed 2 – Fri 4 Sept 7.30pm (Warm Up, Curtain Up 6.20pm; Thur 3 Sep Pre-performance Music talk 6.30pm), Sat 5 Sept 1.30pm & 7.30pm (Post-matinee Q&A), Sun 6 Sept 6.30pm

Rotorua Civic Theatre: Thur 10 Sept 7.30pm (Warm Up, Curtain Up 6.20pm)

Palmerston North Regent on Broadway: Wed 16 Sept 7.30pm (Warm Up, Curtain Up 6.20pm)

Napier Napier Municipal Theatre: Sat 19 Sept 7.30pm (Warm Up, Curtain Up 6.20pm), Sun 20 Sept 1.30pm

Next season:

Visit our website to read about our forthcoming International Tour visiting UK and Italy from Oct 2015. The programme will feature our recent world premieres Passchendaele and Dear Horizon together with the RNZB’s acclaimed production of Giselle.

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