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For Immediate Release
April 16, 2003

Contact:
Linda Miele
(207) 856-1663
E-mail: mainestateballet@earthlink.net

Web Site: http://www.mainestateballet.org

Maine State Ballet's 'Hansel and Gretel' to Take the Stage at Merrill Auditorium This Weekend

Tickets Still Available Through PortTix

WESTBROOK, Maine-Hansel, Gretel, the angels, the witch and her delicious house all come to life in Maine State Ballet's rendition of "Hansel and Gretel," a premiere full-length ballet that brings the classic story to life at Portland's Merrill Auditorium in two matinees at 1 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets for the performances of "Hansel and Gretel," may be purchased in advance for $10 to $30 and at the door or from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Merrill Auditorium box office or by calling PortTix at (207) 842-0800. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.porttix.com.

Narrated for easy understanding by a younger audience, "Hansel and Gretel" is loosely based on an opera by Englebert Humperdink. Featuring music, dancing, a classic story and eye-catching sets and costumes, "Hansel and Gretel" is a visual treat for children of all ages.

Young newcomers Danica Holton (Gretel) of Standish, and Michael Holden (Hansel) of Falmouth fill the title roles of the production. Principal dancers include Janet Davis as the Guardian Angel, Jessica Cook and Glenn Davis as Queen and King of the Night, Gretchen Brown as the Slumber Fairy, Frederick Bernier as the Witch, Katie Farwell as the Moon Goddess, and seasoned character actors Ron Trell, Christine Marshall and Jonathan Miele add richness to the production. The youngest dancers ever to be given title roles for a Maine State Ballet production are cast in the leads of Hansel & Gretel, to be performed on May 3 and 4 at Merrill Auditorium.

Although only in second grade, Michael Holden loves to perform and has already been featured for two years as one of the Little Ribbon Candies in the Nutcracker. Danica Holtan, a petite seventh grader at Bonny Eagle Middle School who will dance as Gretel. Danica, also has been featured in the Nutcracker as the Porcelain Doll and the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland a year ago. Other young dancers will take the stage as gingerbread children.

Casting her company dancers in Hansel & Gretel presented a challenge for Choreographer and Artistic Director Linda MacArthur Miele. There is really nothing in the story for classical ballerinas or principal male dancers; apart from the witch, there are no adult parts. Mrs. Miele expanded the night scene at the end of Act I to include a King and Queen of the Night, danced by principals Glenn Davis and Jessica Cook. Gretchen Hall, Kirby Johnson and Leigh Ann Esty become wishing and shooting stars, with Katie Farwell as the Moon Goddess. A slumber fairy danced by Gretchen Brown is woven into the plot to tuck Hansel and Gretel into their bower. Accompanied by fourteen angels, the Guardian Angel, Janet Miele Davis, watches over the children as they sleep. Act II begins with Sara Esty as the Dawn Fairy bringing in the day.

Maine State Ballet, established in 1986, has become the leading professional dance company in the State of Maine. Working together, Maine State Ballet and the Maine State School for the Performing Arts encourages students to become active, intelligent young artists who will emerge as artistic leaders in their communities. Maine State Ballet embraces the highest artistic standards in the challenge to create a home for talented artists from the State of Maine. For more information on the Maine State Ballet, call (207) 856-1663 or visit www.mainestateballet.org.

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