City Ballet journeys to Neverland
The story of Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook and Tinker Bell will come to life this weekend on the Spreckels Theatre stage in a City Ballet of San Diego production filled with dazzling costumes and high-flying special effects.
Under the direction of City Ballet artistic directors, Las Vegas choreographer Bruce Steivel mixes ballet and fantasy to create a magical show for audiences of all ages.
An award-winning choreographer and teacher, Steivel was previously the artistic director of Bern Stadt Theatre in Switzerland, the Hong Kong Ballet, the Universal Ballet of Korea and most recently Nevada Ballet Theatre, where he served as artistic director for more than a decade.
He has created many works for international companies, including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a new “Romeo and Juliet” and “Peter Pan.”
The ballet is based on the story by J. M. Barrie, written in 1928. Composer Thomas Semanski created the score. In addition to his work on commercials, movie soundtracks and experimental electronic compositions, Semanski has composed four full-length ballets. “Peter Pan” is his fourth.
The sets and costumes for “Peter Pan” are by Catherine I. Irving, courtesy of Eugene Ballet. For the unique flying effects, City Ballet has engaged Flying by Foy. Since 1950, the Foy’s innovative systems have allowed for soaring aerial choreography that thrills audiences and has become the standard of the industry.
City Ballet of San Diego is in its 17th season.
‘Peter Pan’
- When: 2 and 8 p.m. March 20; 2 p.m. March 21
- Where: Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego
- Tickets: $29-$59. Saturday champagne reception: $75. (858) 272-8663,
www.cityballet.org
.- Details: Free lecture 30 minutes before all performances