One of England and Europe’s hottest ballets makes its North American premiere with Orlando Ballet and Live Music performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
ORLANDO, FL – It’s a naughty ballet! There, we said it, and we feel good about it! It’s Casanova, A Ballet By Kenneth Tindall! As the world’s most legendary womanizer, Giacomo Casanova could easily have been the secret inspiration for “The Bachelor” TV show, but instead, he is the subject of Tindall’s remarkable ballet that has taken Great Britain and Europe by storm.
“We are closing our extraordinary 50th anniversary season with a production that is sinfully rich with the forbidden. Just the mention of Casanova’s name and everyone’s eyebrows automatically rise; you can’t help it,” said Artistic Director Jorden Morris. “Choreographer Kenneth Tindall has created a visually stunning presentation of Casanova’s life of lust, faith, betrayal, and genius. It’s way more fun than should be allowed, which is why we are doing it. And if you thought our dancers were beautiful before, wait until you see them dance in Casanova.”
Amplifying the grandeur of this event, guest conductor Julian Pellicano, Music Director with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, returns to Orlando to lead live musical performances by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as they perform music by Kerry Muzzey, whose lush, captivating score fuels the palpable sexual tension generated by the dancers.
Fully submerged in the decadence of 18th century Venice, Italy, Casanova was a complicated young man who couldn’t settle down into one career much less with one romantic partner. In addition to his endless activities as a lothario, Casanova was a priest, musician, gambler, scofflaw and an intellect – – all the right character traits around which to design a lusty ballet.
Tindall, a former principal dancer with London’s Northern Ballet, is now Choreographer in Residence with the company for which he created Casanova. Based on author Ian Kelly’s renowned biography entitled, “Casanova,” Tindall’s interpretation gifts the audience with a larger-than-life ballet experience like none other thanks to his opulent and inventive artistry and, of course, Casanova’s wild ways with women, with men, and with the Catholic church.
Tindall’s Casanova plays on the repressive ways of old Venice where Casanova, who spoke seven languages, struggled with his relationships with the powerful influences of the church, women and his vast pursuit of life’s pleasures. Tindall collaborated with author Kelly to ensure the accuracy of Casanova’s activities.
“Kenneth has created a truly unique ballet with sets, costumes and edgy choreography that will spark a few pearl clutching moments for the audience,” said Morris. “Academically and musically gifted while also well-connected to power, Casanova was one big walking scandal through his entire life. There’s no more entertaining way to tell his incredible story than with exquisite dance and music that grabs the soul. We are ending the season in a very big, and, quite frankly, scintillating way.”
Created in the UK, this sell-out and award-winning production will make its North American debut in Orlando as part of a collaboration between Orlando Ballet, Colorado Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet. Tindall’s ornate vision includes iconic venetian masquerades, period costumes and over the top dramatic sets all ideal for his big, big choreography that how Casanova’s career in Holy Orders got derailed by his own decadence and hedonist proclivities.
“This is the future — making big, expensive, lavish ballets more accessible to the public as a complement to the standard classics already available. Casanova is so well worth the investment,” Morris said. “We have an extraordinary story being told through dance by a tremendously imaginative choreographer, live music conducted by Guest Maestro Julian Pellicano and our own remarkable Orlando Ballet dancers who could not be more excited to perform. Just as our ballet organization has grown, so has our community in its appreciation for bigger and bolder ballet. Casanova is all that and more for sure.”
For more information on tickets and pricing, visit Orlandoballet.org or call +1 (407) 358.6603. Ticket fees are included in online and phone transactions. Groups of 10 or more receive up to 25% off. For group reservations call +1 (407) 203-3735.
PERFORMANCE DATES – Thursday May 16 – Sunday May 19, 2024
