Top Stories St. Paul

This haunting new play by Twin Cities playwright Ali G. Ravi brings the hopes, chaos, and betrayals of the 1979 Iranian Revolution into one family’s living room.  On a warm summer night in Tehran, shortly after the advent of the Islamic Republic, a young boy’s family is confronted by the harsh realities of a changed Iran while the followers of the new regime question their loyalties.  At first just a witness to the drama surrounding him, the young boy is soon required to summon the bravery that might save his family from these explosive circumstances.

- Ballet Minnesota celebrates its 22nd year of performing The Classic Nutcracker at the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University, December 18-20, 2009.

This magical holiday event boasts over 130 local, national and international dancers, vibrant choreography by Andrew Rist, Artistic Director of Ballet Minnesota, and exquisite costumes by Cheryl Rist, Costume Designer and Director of Classical Ballet Academy, sought after for her costuming worldwide. Additionally, audiences will be dazzled by internationally renowned guest soloists, Oksana Konobeyeva, formerly with the Bolshoi Theater, and Alexey Agudin, with the American Ballet Theater, performing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

For novices to the holiday ballet, the story begins on Christmas Eve. We join a young girl, Clara, her mischievous brother Fritz and their family hosting a party. A latecomer to the party is Clara’s mysterious Godfather Drosselmeyer. He presents her with a marvelous gift, a Nutcracker doll. As Clara goes to sleep that night, we are transported into a fantasy of the Rat King fighting the toy soldiers, The Nutcracker Prince escorting Clara through the enchanted snow-covered forest and on to his Kingdom of the Sweets where Clara accepts the throne from the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Purchase your tickets now! Call Ticketmaster 1-800-982-2787 or go to the O’Shaughnessy Box Office (for more information, call 651-690-6700.) Ask about group rates!

Performances:
Friday, December 18th, 7:30pm
Saturday, December 19th, 2:00pm
Saturday, December 19th, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 20th, 2:00pm
Tickets: $15-$40. Special Group Rates are available.

Additionally, three special performances for school groups are scheduled for December 16, 17 and 18, during school hours. Tickets are available for only $6 for this event. For more information or to make a reservation call 651-731-9129 or email poozelle@usfamily.net

The recipient of the world’s highest awards and honors, Padma Bhushan Alarmel Valli is India’s foremost exponent of Bharatanatyam, acclaimed internationally for her ability to turn a traditional grammar into subtle and deeply internalized dance poetry. Her dance is uncompromisingly classical but is, at the same time, an undeniable language of self-expression. Considered the greatest living master of the form, she has redefined the boundaries between tradition and talent, inheritance and invention.

Now in its 17th season, James Sewell Ballet, the internationally-renowned contemporary ballet company, brings to the stage an explosion of expression through music and motion.  MOVING WORKS, featuring four dance pieces, will be performed October 22-25, at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at Saint Kate’s campus in Saint Paul. Highlights include Protective Coloring for Pointe and Cello with effervescent Sally Rousse in the shoes and exceptional Laura Sewell with the bow; and a world premiere with music by The Bad Plus, the international progressive jazz trio.

+ Moving Works (1996)

Choreography:  James Sewell

Music:  Compilation

+ Protective Covering for Pointe and Cello (1996)

Choreography:  Sally Rousse

Music:  Steve Heitzeg

+ Simple Folk (2008)

Choreography:  Penelope Freeh

Music:  Ludvig von Beethoven

+ The Bad Plus Us (World Premiere)

Choregraphy:  James Sewell

Music:  The Bad Plus