Milwaukee Ballet bringing 'Dracula' back next season

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Milwaukee Ballet will revive Michael Pink's "Dracula" to open its 2018-'19 season. Davit Hovhannisyan is seen here in the title role during a past production.

Next season, the Milwaukee Ballet will revive a legendary vampire and a popular dance that blends Bach and African music.

The ballet also will extend its deepening collaboration with the Florentine Opera by incorporating Florentine singers in two productions.

Unless otherwise noted, all performances will take place in the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall, 929 N. Water St.

"Dracula," Oct. 25-28. "He is a vampire, he is not a villain. He's part of the animal kingdom, at the top of the food chain," Michael Pink, the ballet's artistic director, said in a 2015 interview about this show, one of his signature story ballets, giving a clue to both Dracula's appeal and his inhuman cool. For the first time, Pink will incorporate Florentine Opera vocalists into a key musical segment of the production.

"The Nutcracker," Dec. 8-26. Nearly 200 dancers, including children from the Milwaukee Ballet school, perform in the annual holiday classic and gateway show, with live music by the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra. The ballet will host a sensory-friendly performance Dec. 20 for children with autism and their families.

"Genesis: International Choreographic Competition," Feb. 14-17, 2019. Continuing a biannual tradition, three rising choreographers will be invited to create new dances here working directly with Milwaukee Ballet performers. The winning choreographer will be invited to return the following season to create an additional work. Ballet company member and resident choreographer Timothy O'Donnell was a 2009 winner of this competition. Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St.

"Lambarena," April 4-7, 2019. Inspired by a recording that blends Bach and Gabonese music, Val Caniparoli's choreography blends classical and African dance steps. This program also includes choreography by "Genesis" 2017 finalists George Williamson and Enrico Morelli.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream," May 31-June 3, 2019. The ballet performs Bruce Wells' choreographic version of Shakespeare's dreamy comedy, with Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra playing Mendelssohn's music. Florentine Opera summer residency program artists and the Milwaukee Children's Choir will lend their voices.

Subscribers can also add to their calendars "MOMENTUM," a performance by dancers from the Milwaukee Ballet II program, Feb. 16 at the Pabst Theater. Many current Milwaukee Ballet dancers are MBII alums.

For subscription and other information, visit milwaukeeballet.org or call (414) 902-2103.