Coppelia's on her toes at Lake Superior State University

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

************************* Ballet Coppelia starts this week in LSSU Arts Center

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - Lake Superior State University's Dance Program will present Coppelia, a comedic ballet, at 7:30 p.m. April 14-16 in the LSSU Arts Center auditorium.

The production is choreographed by Deborah Choszczyk, LSSU dance professor, who said the production will highlight the talents of LSSU students and should appeal to a wide audience.

Coppelia tells the story of a doll - played by Melissa Lehmann of Comstock Park - who was created by eccentric Dr. Coppelius in a small Central European village in the late 1800s.

A boy named Franz - performed by David Lyvere of Kinross - sees Coppelia sitting on her balcony and falls in love with her even though he is already engaged to a village girl named Swanilda - performed by Mary Kemling of New Baltimore.

Swanilda catches Franz blowing kisses to Coppelia.

Swanilda is determined to meet Coppelia, so she gathers her friends to sneak into Dr. Coppelious' workshop.

You'll have to attend the show to find out what else happens in this light-hearted, mysterious ballet.

The production includes more than 50 dancers, actors, and special guests, including appearances by LSSU President Tony McLain and his wife, Melissa; LSSU adjunct music professor Bob Aldridge; guest artist Dan Choszczyk; 10 children from the community as well as many LSSU students.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students with ID, and $3 for children under the age of 12.

They may be purchased online at www.lssu.edu/artscenter and at the Norris Center box office between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 906-635-2602.

On the evening of the performance, the Arts Center box office will open for walk-up sales one hour before the show begins.

Please purchase tickets in advance and avoid the long lines at the door.

Saturday’s performance is “Bring your children to the Ballet Night” and will feature special events for children, including an opportunity to meet the dancers and on-stage photo opportunities.

In addition, children will receive an activity booklet about the ballet.

The production is sponsored by the Duncan MacLaren Family Fund for the Performing Arts, the P. Clarence Ratwik Stagecraft Fund, and the School of Communication Studies and the Fine and Performing Arts.

For more information, call 906-635-2275.

PHOTO CAPTION - Pas de deux: Lake Superior State University Dance Company members Noel Granger and James Burton, both in the foreground, perform during Act One of the full-length comedy ballet Coppelia. The LSSU dance program's annual spring recital involves more than 50 student dancers and other local guest performers, and runs on the Arts Center's main stage April 14-16. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performances are available at this website and by calling 906-635-2602, and are $10 for adults, $5 for students and $3 for children. (LSSU photo by John Shibley)

Editor's note: The above news releases was prepared by Nicole Marshall, an LSSU Arts Center intern.

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