Pacific Northwest Ballet presents an enchanting performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

PREVIEW: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Carrie Imler and Timothy Lynch
in George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. © Angela Sterling

Pacific Northwest Ballet presents George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream April 3-13 at McCaw Hall. This full-length ballet is based on William Shakespeare’s comedy about the romantic adventures, quarrels and reunions of two pairs of mortal lovers and the king and queen of the fairies. George Balanchine’s Midsummer, which New York City Ballet premiered in 1962, was the first original evening-length ballet he choreographed in America.

Shakespeare’s classic story of a dream is renowned for its distinct homoerotic elements.

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Jonathan Porretta as Puck in
George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. © Angela Sterling

Staged by Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Founding Artistic Director Francia Russell, PNB’s production is an enchanted landscape where misunderstandings and mayhem weave tangled paths through the opulent layers of Martin Pakledinaz’s designs and Balanchine’s marvelously crafted partnerings. All ends well in Act II’s wedding festivities with the recognition of ideal love, tenderly portrayed in an exquisite pas de deux.

Artistic Director Peter Boal has this to say about the production:

As a child, I remember sitting in the New York City Ballet’s audience as George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream cast its spell. PNB’s signature production with its winning combination of Francia Russell, Martin Pakledinaz and our amazing dancers – not to mention Balanchine and William Shakespeare – promises to enchant audiences of all ages.

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Jodie Thomas and corps de ballet dancer Jordan
Pacitti in George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. © Angela Sterling

A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs April 3-13 at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer Street. Showtimes are 7:30 pm April 3-5 and April 10-12, with matinees on April 5 & 13. Tickets range in price from $20 to $150 and may be purchased by calling the PNB Box Office at (206) 441-2424, online at www.pnb.org or in person at the PNB Box Office at 301 Mercer Street.

Tickets are $15 for patrons 25 and under (two for $25) for the first Friday performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Friday, April 4th at 7:30 pm