Whimsical Magic :: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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Columbia SC Moms Blog has partnered with the Columbia City Ballet to bring you the following post.

In Columbia, we are fortunate to have a vibrant performing arts scene, including top notch performances by productions by the Columbia City Ballet. On Jan. 27, they will be bringing back to the Koger Center Stage one of the Midlands favorites, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The comical, twisted love triangle set amongst a magical fairy kingdom will include for the first time the full South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Morihiko Nakahara.

The ballet that first brought our Artistic Director William Starrett to Columbia in 1977, A Midsummer Night’s Dream brings the whimsy and magic of Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy to the stage for the sixth time in 41 years. Four lovers and a troupe of amateur actors are caught in a quarrel between Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the fairies, turning their world upside down with hilarious consequences. Starrett creates a performance offering a blend of comedy, classical dance, and modern day storytelling – all in one spell-binding event perfect for the entire family.

First choreographed by Starrett in 1987, and inspired by the interpretation of renowned British choreographer, Sir Frederick Ashton, this year’s production also features the full South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra with Morihiko Nakahara conducting the Mendelssohn score, noted as a remarkably integrated, unified, and seamless work of theatrical music. Composed specifically for
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream the score contains one of the most ubiquitous pieces of music ever written, “The Wedding March,” which Mendelssohn wrote as the intermezzo between two acts. Aided by key community leaders, Starrett and Executive Director of the Philharmonic, Rhonda Hunsinger, have planned a collaboration between the S.C. Philharmonic Orchestra and Columbia City Ballet to continue a tradition of live music.

Columbia City Ballet presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Koger Center for the Arts on Saturday, Jan. 27th at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Koger Center box office or by calling (803)251-2222.

A Fairy Tea will be held at 1:30 p.m., prior to the matinee performance on Jan. 27th. This enchanting children’s event will feature a sit-down tea with cakes, cookies and lots of surprises including appearances by the lead characters from the ballet. Children will learn the story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream while they participate in fun activities and have their picture taken with the Columbia
City Ballet stars. Tickets are $30 per person and may be purchased in advance at by calling Columbia City Ballet’s offices at (803)799-7605.

Giveaway!

Columbia SC Moms Blog is giving away two tickets to check out this amazing performance. Visit our Facebook page and enter for your chance to win by noon on Wed., Jan. 24!

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