Montana Ballet Company is delighted to announce the return of The Little Mermaid on Saturday and Sunday, February 18th and 19th at Bozeman’s Willson Auditorium.
In 2019, Montana Ballet Company premiered The Little Mermaid, an original work inspired by the famous Hans Christian Andersen tale. As audience member Melissa VandenToorn shared, “This was one of the most visually stunning and moving performances my daughters and I have ever attended. Accolades to your creative team, choreography team, production team, stunning orchestra and composers, amazingly talented performers, and anyone else who was involved in this breathtaking performance! I have never been more proud and humbled to be in the presence of the greatness that is the Montana Ballet Company.”
Artistic Director Elizabeth DeFanti reinterpreted the story, infusing messages of self-acceptance, self-truth, and embracing one’s own inherent worth. “Our Mermaid Marina initially believes her truth and contentment are found outside of herself. Through an important journey, she realizes everything she needs for fulfillment is already within her.”
A group of exceptional artists gathered to create Mermaid, including MBC Music Director Stefan Stern, who composed an original, dynamic orchestral score and led an outstanding group of local musicians and vocalists.
Michael Hillenius, then head of the Willson Auditorium, designed and executed new sets and created lighting to portray magical worlds both under the sea and above. Newly crafted costumes from Master Costume Designer Winthrop Corey, and MBC Costume Mistresses, Melinda Delgado and Annette Piccirillo among others, beautifully embellished the stage. Artist, Saskia Ewen Fox of Whole Art Inc. created Mermaid’s original visual art, while Kristin Wimberg of Wimberg Productions filmed a documentary, The Making of Mermaid, which was shown at the BZN International Film Festival.
Special guest artists from Pacific Northwest Ballet, Malena Ani and Kuu Sakuragi will dance the principal roles of Mermaid Marina and the Prince, joining a superb cast of MBC dancers to bring The Little Mermaid to life.
With a captivating story, original choreography and orchestral score, and exceptional sets and costumes, The Little Mermaid will enchant all audiences.
For tickets, contact the Montana Ballet Company at (406) 582-8702 or visit www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from $22–$68.
Season after season, MBC, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, produces quality performances, enchanting audiences with new and updated artistry of dance, choreography, music, and design. MBC’s production of The Little Mermaid promises to be dazzling! •
