L’Observateur / March 4, 2000

DESTREHAN – The River Region Ballet is in rehearsals for its spring performance of the classical ballet “Cinderella,” a traditional ballet of the 20th century.

The production will be presented in three acts with music by Sergei Prokofiev and staging by artistic director Susan Ferrara.

This fairy tale is a perennial favorite of young and old alike, for this enchanted love story has all the right ingredients – a hero and heroine, mock villains (the stepmother and stepsisters), touches of comedy and magic and a happy ending.

The presentation of the classics,along with professional guest artists, is an ongoing mission of the River Region Ballet, ensuring future generations the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the art of ballet. To this end EleanorBernard and Ian Carney have been contracted to dance the lead roles of Cinderella and the prince. This will be a return engagement for Bernard and Carney. Originallyfrom New Orleans and always an audience favorite, they performed in River Region Ballet’s 1996 “Nutcracker,” “La Bayodere” in 1998, and “Royal Mischief” in 1999.

Both dancers are currently in their sixth season with Montgomery Ballet.

The cast of the ballet consist of local dancers who attended open auditions.

Soloists are Alexis Captain, Alisha Captain, Taryn Eilers, Jeanette Meleen and Amber Roussel as the fairy godmother.

Performing in the corps de ballet are Gabrielle Bicker, Jamie Boutte, Julie Burke, Anne Comiskey, Taylor Eilers, Nicole Langlinais, Kelly Pepper and Heidi Schindler.

Featured performers are LaVina Larkey as the stepmother with Ron Oleksik and Michael Guildry as the “ugly” stepsisters.

Youth dancers and children appearing in “Cinderella” are Ashley Able, Desiree Amadeo, Ariel Amedee, Gabrielle Benedetto, Kathryn Breland, Kelly Carlson, Laura Chiasson, Sarah Clement, Lindsey Dumser, Jena Elfer, Ashley Ericksen, Aimee Faucheux, Carley Faucheux, Brennan Ferguson, Antoinette Ferrara, Lauren Fogarty, Barbara Fox, Kristen Higdon and Rebecca Hillburn.

Also, Dawn Jason, Janelle Jason, Amber Johnson, Emily Julian, Jennifer Julian, Meghan Kirkwood, Nichole Larkey, Kayleigh Mehrtens, Meghann Mehrtens, Victoria Meiklejohn, Kate Moffett, Lindsay Montalbano, Jacquelyn Moreau, Ariel Moris, Kaitlyn O’Connor, Kathleen Ory, Taylor Petit, Lauren Pilie, Meghan Reed, Kate Reynolds, Lindsay Riviere, Casey Roussel, Allison Sander, Leslie Sander, Taylor Scyster, Brittany Sellers, Amanda Venable, Amanda Waguespack, Kayla Watson and LeAnne Weisheit.

Spring performances of “Cinderella” will be March 25 at 7:30 p.m. and March 26at 2 p.m. at the Destrehan High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and may be purchased by calling 764-1969. Ticket order forms are also available at Images Dance Studio,105-A River Point Drive in Destrehan. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Adulttickets are $12; and children’s tickets are $6.

For additional information call Susan Ferrara at 764-7678.Back to Top

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