New York City Ballet: Coppélia

The delightful tale of a mad inventor and the life-like doll he creates, The New York Times calls Coppélia “story ballet done to perfection.”

One of the greatest comic ballets of the 19th Century, Coppélia has remained one of the best-loved classical works in the ballet repertory. The three-act ballet features a lush, melodic score by Delibes, a fairy-tale set and extensive ensemble dances.

In Coppélia, a young man named Frantz becomes infatuated with a life-like doll named Coppélia, created by the eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppélius. Frantz’ fiancée, Swanilda, discovers the truth and cleverly tricks Dr. Coppélius into believing she is Coppélia, ultimately exposing the deception and reuniting with Frantz in a joyful celebration of their love.

Wendy Whelan, New York City Ballet’s associate artistic director, said to The New York Times: “‘This is lighthearted and warm and easy to watch. It’s a reminder of the beginnings of ballet: the storytelling, the classical dance, the pantomime.’ Plus, Whelan added, ‘it’s fun and it’s funny.’”

The lavish production features scenery and costumes by Rouben Ter-Arutunian, additional costumes by Karinska, and lighting by Mark Stanley.

Featuring a large cast of children from the Capital Region, Coppélia was commissioned by SPAC and held its world premiere in Saratoga in 1974.

You may also like the following events from Saratoga Performing Arts Center:

• Next Friday, 30th May, 05:00 pm, Summer SPACtacular in Saratoga Springs
• Next month, 15th June, 03:00 pm, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center - Beethoven and Dvořák in Saratoga Springs
• Next month, 28th June, 11:00 am, Saratoga Jazz Festival presented by GE Vernova in Saratoga Springs

Also check out other Arts events in Saratoga Springs, Nonprofit events in Saratoga Springs.