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Beauty and the Beast performed by PBT

February 6th - 15th @ The Benedum

January 29, 2015
In a 45th Anniversary Pittsburgh premiere, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will breathe new life into Lew Christensen’s imaginative “Beauty and the Beast,” which takes the Benedum Center stage for a two-weekend run, Feb. 6-15, including performances over Valentine’s Day.   

Featuring exquisitely crafted costumes and a mysterious array of stags, nymphs and enchanted creatures, PBT’s newly acquired production of “Beauty and the Beast” presents a striking interpretation of the timeless tale of inner beauty. Originally created for San Francisco Ballet (SFB) in 1958 – and later restaged in 1982 – the production features music by Peter I. Tchaikovsky, costume design by José Verona and choreography by Lew Christensen, who is considered the first Americanborn premier male dancer and is the creator of more than 110 ballets. In preparation for its revival, PBT is recreating set pieces, revitalizing costumes and intricate head pieces, and re-staging the production under the direction of PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr. 

Set to a tapestry of Tchaikovsky masterworks, Lew Christensen’s “Beauty and the Beast” contrasts an enchanted setting with choreography that conveys the emotional arc of Beauty and her Beast. The tale traces its roots to the ancient Greek myth, "Cupid and Psyche," but is best known through the 1756 version by French governess Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. The ballet features an arrangement of 22 excerpts from eight different Tchaikovsky works – including Symphony No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3; Orchestral Suites No.1, No. 2 and No. 3; “The Storm;” and “The Tempest.” Against the striking backdrop of the austere castle, enchanted forest and magnificent ballroom, Christensen’s choreography conveys the transformative power of love as Beauty discovers the tenderness beneath the Beast’s intimidating exterior.  

Lew Christensen’s “Beauty and the Beast” received its world premiere in 1958 at San Francisco Ballet, where it experienced consistent box office success and critical acclaim. SFB presented it every year from 1958 to 1967, the longest run ever enjoyed by a full-length SFB ballet other than “The Nutcracker.” After a 24-year run, the company restaged the ballet in 1982 with supplements to the choreography and score and new costumes designed by José Varona. The ballet’s creator, Lew Christensen, was an influential figure in American ballet, gaining fame as a performer and teacher under George Balanchine in the 1930s. Throughout his more than 50-year dance career, Christensen earned a reputation as a prominent performer, choreographer and director, including his long-term tenure as SFB director and choreographer. During their own dancing careers with SFB, four members of PBT’s current artistic team – Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr; Robert Vickrey, assistant to the artistic director; PBT School Director Dennis Marshall; and PBT School Faculty Member Andre Reyes – performed in the production.

PBT received a $100,000 grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation’s A.D. and J.W. Wilson Fund and the Jean Hartley Davis and Nancy Lane Davis Fund #3 to acquire the production from San Francisco Ballet and fund its Pittsburgh premiere. In addition to the grant, support from presenting sponsor PNC Bank will allow PBT to stage this ballet for seasons to come.   

Tickets start at $27 and can be purchased online at www.pbt.org, by calling 412-456-6666, or by visiting the Box Office at Theater Square in the Cultural District. Subscription packages also are available atwww.pbt.org or by calling 412-454-9107. Groups of 10 or more can save up to 50% off by contacting the Group Sales Department at 412-454-9101. 
      
Performance Dates & Times 
Friday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m. 
Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.  
Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m.
Thursday, Feb.12, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m.