Maine State Ballet

‘Coppélia’ resized for new theater

FALMOUTH – In preparation for its opening night performance of “Coppélia” Friday, April 4, Maine State Ballet is busy revamping sets and resizing backdrops. The last time MSB gave this performance, it was in 2001 and at Portland’s Merrill Auditorium.

Next month, MSB will stage the ballet at the new Maine State Ballet Theater at 348 U.S. Route 1.

“Our decision to perform a three-act ballet in-house has required some simple adjustments to our sets and backdrops. Luckily, our 50-foot stage is nearly as wide as Merrill Auditorium, so there has really been no change to the dancing and choreography,” said Gail Csoboth, MSB’s costume and set designer. “This week, the set changes have been completed along with the addition of more theatrical lighting units, improved sound capability and new tracks for backdrops.”

MSB developed its in-house theater last summer with the goal of performing more often with a broader and more varied repertoire in a setting that brings the audience closer to the stage.

Set in a European village, “Coppélia” features a cast of characters that includes a clever heroine named Swanhilda, her silly boyfriend, a beautiful mechanical doll named Coppélia and an elderly doll-maker who dreams of making his dolls come to life.

Performances will be over two weekends, April 4-5 and April 11-13. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling the MSB box office at 781-7672. Seating is limited to 115 persons so reservations are suggested. For more information, log on to www.mainestateballet.org.

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