FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE’S GLASS SLIPPER IS A PERFECT FIT IN THE
PITTSBURGH PREMIERE OF CINDERELLA
PITTSBURGH, PA (March 2009) - The stroke of midnight may signal a witching hour, but Pittsburgh Ballet
Theatre finds a “happily ever after” when it presents Cinderella, April 24-26 at the Benedum Center.
Choreographed by Washington Ballet’s Septime Webre, this fairy tale classic is a stunningly beautiful production, featuring lavish costumes by Judanna Lynn, dazzling sets by James Kronzer and Sergei Prokofiev’s magnificent score, performed by the PBT Orchestra. Set for four enchanting performances, Cinderella is sponsored by Clearview Federal Credit Union.
The beloved story of Cinderella has been delighting audiences for generations, and this Pittsburgh premiere continues in that tradition, creating a world brimming with comedy, magic and romance. A colorful cast of characters includes a pair of cartoon-like evil stepsisters played by men to comedic perfection, tiny buzzing bumblebees, an evil stepmother, a fairy godmother and, of course, a dashing prince on a quest for the owner of a remarkable glass slipper.
Cinderella was originally choreographed for Washington Ballet in 2003 and showcases the athleticism, grace and dramatic ability of PBT’s dancers. The title role of Cinderella
, a treasured part of any ballerina’s repertoire, requires a dancer to develop her character through three acts, growing from a wistful cinder-covered girl to one who has found herself and her true love.
The production also provides stunning solos for other members of the cast, including the Fairies of Spring,
Summer, Winter and Fall, who perform delightful dances echoing the characteristics of their respective seasons.
About Choreographer Septime Webre
Septime Webre was appointed artistic director of the Washington Ballet in 1999. Previously, he served as artistic director of American Repertory Ballet for six years. As a choreographer, Webre has created works that appear in the repertoires of companies across North America, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, North
Carolina Dance Theatre, Ballet Austin and Atlanta Ballet, among others. As a dancer, he was featured in works by Balanchine, Paul Taylor, Anthony Tudor, Alvin Ailey and Merce Cunningham. Webre was a former member of the board of directors of Dance/USA and currently sits on the board of the Cultural Alliance of
Greater Washington.
Costumes and Scenery
Judanna Lynn’s costume designs capture the spellbinding qualities of the production through Cinderella's ragamuffin dresses, the courtiers’ shimmering ball gowns and the stepsisters’ humorous frocks. She has designed costumes for ballet companies across the country, including San Francisco Ballet, Houston Ballet,
Atlanta Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre among others. Her theater credits include the
Cleveland Play House, The Hartford Stage/Old Globe Theatre and the Children’s Theatre Company of
Minneapolis. Lynn danced with the San Francisco Opera Ballet and was the resident designer at The Juilliard
School.
Page 2-Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Presents Cinderella
-more-

Cinderella’s world is brought to life through James Kronzer’s designs that include Cinderella’s kitchen, a garden full of dancing creatures and flowers and a grand ballroom. At midnight, Kronzer creates a striking vision on stage when it is filled with clock faces of various sizes alerting Cinderella that her gown will soon return to rags. James Kronzer has designed sets for theatrical productions both on and off Broadway, as well as sets for regional theater and national tours. Some of his credits include Glory Days , Opus , Under the Bridge ,
Cradle of Man, Smokey Joe’s Café
and My Fair Lady .
Prokofiev’s Score
Rounding out this world-famous fairy tale is Prokofiev’s magnificent score. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Orchestra, conducted by Charles Barker, will perform the colorful score, originally composed for the Bolshoi
Ballet in 1944. Barker has conducted numerous orchestras throughout the United States and abroad. He is currently the Music Director and Conductor of the American Chamber Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the National Symphony of London and Principal Conductor with American Ballet Theatre. He is a frequent guest conductor for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and last conducted the PBT Orchestra in PBT’s production of
Roméo et Juliette
in February.
Audience Enrichment Programs - PBT Connects
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre connects to its audiences by offering pre- and post-performance enrichment experiences designed to highlight the scope and magnificence of bringing a professional ballet production to the stage.
Afterthoughts, Friday, April 24, 2009, at 10:30 p.m.: Afterthoughts concludes an evening at the ballet by inviting audience members to engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the performance they have just seen. With perspectives from PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr and other PBT artists, Afterthoughts provides audiences with an opportunity to discuss the production with ballet lovers old and new.
Insights, Saturday, April 25, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.: Insights enhances the enjoyment of the ballet by providing an in-depth look at the production prior to the Saturday evening performance. With this knowledge, audience members can enter the performance with an added appreciation and understanding of the talent and artistry on stage. Insights hosts may include members of PBT’s artistic staff and visiting artists. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 412-454-9105.
Talks with Terry, Sunday, April 26, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.: Talks with Terry is a unique opportunity to get an expert’s view on ballet, the artists and the production through an informal discussion with PBT Artistic Director
Terrence S. Orr prior to the Sunday matinee. Before the conversation, audience members can enjoy a behindthe-scenes look at PBT’s dancers as they take Company class on stage.
The Family Pointe, Sunday, April 26, 2009, at 12:30 p.m.
: The Family Pointe is a family-centered preperformance experience that adds to the fun of a trip to the ballet. Although the program is designed for families with children between the ages of five and fourteen, “children” of all ages are invited to attend. The
Family Pointe educates and entertains through an interactive program that looks at various aspects of the ballet performance. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 412-454-9105.
Performance Dates and Times:
Friday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Page 3-Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Presents Cinderella
-more-

Tickets for Cinderella are $20.50-$88.50 and are available at Theater Square Box Office, by calling 412-456-
6666 or by visiting www.pbt.org
. For special events or a customized group experience, please call 412-454-
9129 or e-mail group_sales@pittsburghballet.org
.
The Glass Slipper Party
The enchantment of The Glass Slipper Party will coincide with the Ballet’s 2009 production of Cinderella .
Children and family members will join together and play with
Cinderella’s
classic characters, participate in creative activities, enjoy a delicious afternoon tea-party and have their photograph taken with the characters!
All proceeds benefit the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, PBT’s Arts Education & Community Outreach
Programs and PBT’s artistic productions.
Date: April 25, 2009
Location: Navarra (right next to Bossa Nova on 7th Street)
Two times available : 4:30 – 7:30 (come anytime after the 2pm matinee or before the 8pm show)
Parking: Guaranteed parking at Theatre Square included with admission price
Menu: Punch, finger sandwiches, assorted pastries.
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Michelle Horton, Development Coordinator, at 412-454-9101 or mhorton@pittsburghballet.org
.
###