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A Midsummer Night's Dream
Oct 18 - Nov 3
Program Note

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust 

Music by Felix Mendelssohn, Overture and Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream, op. 21 and 61 (1826, 1842); Overtures to Athalie, op. 74 (1845), The Fair Melusine op. 32 (1833), The First Walpurgis Night, op. 60; Symphony No. 9 for strings; Overture to Son and Stranger, op. 89 (1829)

Staged by Sandra Jennings 

Scenery and Costume Designs by Michele Oka Doner

Lighting Design by John Hall

Projection Designs by Wendall K. Harrington

Dramaturgy by Tarell Alvin McCraney 

To celebrate MCB’s 30th anniversary season, the company mounted a new production of Balanchine’s sumptuous, wildly acclaimed new production of, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love, illusion and reconciliation.  With a fairytale cast, Felix Mendelssohn’s glorious music, twenty-four children and six vocalists, spectacular new sets and costumes, and Miami City Ballet’s breathtaking dancers, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a dazzling spectacle for families and audiences of all ages. Reimagined by two international artists with ties to Miami -- dramatic direction by Tarell Alvin McCraney and original sets and costumes by the celebrated artist Michele Oka Doner -- this new Dream takes its inspiration from South Florida’s surrounding waterways while always remaining true to Shakespeare, Mendelssohn and Balanchine.

All Shakespeare’s famous characters are here: Oberon and Titania, the feuding King and Queen of the Fairies; the two pairs of muddled lovers; poor confused Bottom, who is magically transformed into an ass (in our version, a manatee); Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, who comes through the forest accompanied by her hounds (in our version, seahorses) to marry Theseus, ruler of nearby Athens; and of course the mischievous sprite Puck, who presides over the confusions and resolutions of the fiendishly intricate plot – Puck, who in the play speaks the famous line that perhaps most clearly reflects Shakespeare’s view of the characters he has brought to life, “What fools these mortals be.”

With so much of Balanchine’s great reputation based on his abstract (or black-and-white) ballets – The Four Temperaments, Agon, Episodes, Symphony in Three Movements – it’s easy to forget that he was also a supreme storyteller (just think of his Nutcracker). Somehow he makes this ultra-complicated story crystal clear – you're never for a moment at a loss as he unfolds this infinitely touching, charming and hilarious drama. And then, following the long first act, he gives us an elegant divertissement, with Theseus’ court becoming the setting for a formal exhibition of classical dance (it opens with Mendelssohn’s famous “Wedding March”) and at the heart of which is one of Balanchine’s most subtle and persuasive pas de deux. 

On a personal note: In the original production of A Midsummer Night’ Dream, the central role of Oberon was created on our Founding Artistic Director, Edward Villella, and during her twenty-four years at New York City Ballet, our current Artistic Director, Lourdes Lopez, danced Helena, the Act II pas de deux, and – early on – one of Hippolyta’s hounds!

 

Additional notes from Michele Oka Doner:

Opening image: Port of Miami underwater, 2014

Coral Castle, Act II, reimagined from a vintage photograph taken by Hans Hannau, early 1940s. 

Located in South Dade County, Coral Castle has become a part of Miami's mythic landscape. 

Costume designs and sets are based on the extraordinary archive of marine specimens at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School. Housed in the Marine Invertebrate Museum, almost a million creatures are cared for and investigated by Professor Nancy Voss, who kindly gave her permission for their use.

Additional Credits:

Costume Credits:

Costume Design Liaison Carole Divet Harting

Act I:  Euro Co Costumes 

            John Kristiansen New York Inc.

           Tricorne, Inc. 

           Fairies, Titania, Helena, Hermia and Butterfly headpieces by Maria Morales              

Act II: Halsey Onstage

            Additional Costume Design by Travis Halsey and Rachel Coyle

            Corps, Divertissement, Helena and Hermia headpieces by Maria Morales

Scenic Credits:

Design Assistant by Carlos Rodriguez

Draperies furnished and constructed by I. Weiss Theatrical Solution

Scenic painting by Scenic Art Studios

Properties construction by Michael Amico

Projection programming by Paul Vershbow

University of Miami's Rosenstiel School, the Nancy Voss Collection

Act I: Near an estuary on a Midsummer Eve

Act II: At the court of Theseus

 

MCB premiere: March 18, 2016, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, FL. 

The performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Balanchine® Ballet, is presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and has been produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique®, Service Standards established and provided by the Trust.

Miami City Ballet would like to acknowledge Miami City Ballet School students who appear in this production.

Welcome to the 2024/25 Season

Welcome MCB Friends and Family,

Miami City Ballet’s 39th season is, in some ways, the start of our 40th anniversary celebration. As stewards of this incredible art form, we maintain our commitment to our dancers, the heart and soul of our company, as well as to you, our audiences, by curating an ambitious season of ballet. 

It has been said that in George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one can see Shakespeare’s words written in the choreography. With designs and projections inspired by the shapes and colors found in marine life, our reimagined production trades the lush forest landscape for the coastal waters of South Florida.  

No season would be complete without George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, the family favorite and Florida-flavored holiday tradition. We hope you enjoy the festive magic this season brings, as this timeless classic continues to enchant and inspire.

In Winter Mix, Balanchine’s Walpurgisnacht Ballet and La Valse bring classical elegance to the stage, while contemporary choreographer Pam Tanowitz premieres her second work for MCB, complete with music by Grammy award-winning artist Jessie Montgomery, a young, fresh female voice in today’s classical music scene. 

Spring Mix offers a diverse range of choreographers and composers, showcasing our dedication to artistic variety. Alexei Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition is a ballet for ten dancers; Playful, tongue-in-cheek, but not without its dark shadows. In complete contrast, José Limón’s Chaconne offers baroqueinspired choreography set to Bach for a solo male dancer. Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces introduces a contemporary, urban feel, featuring Philip Glass’s minimalist score. Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux brings Balanchine brilliance to the mix–short, stunning, and supremely cherished, it’s a thrill ride for dancers and audience alike. 

Finally, we bring you the World Premiere of Carmen. This is the first commissioned work for the company by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, emphasizing our commitment to showcasing contemporary choreographic voices. Commissioned music by young classical Colombian composer Juan Pablo Acosta builds upon Bizet’s original–and iconic–composition. This unique fusion of styles demonstrates our enthusiasm for exploring new artistic directions and supporting burgeoning composers.  

This season, we are thrilled to be presenting work at The Moss Center, sharing some of our most delightful repertoire in an intimate environment. As a cornerstone of Miami’s cultural landscape, we take deep pride in continuing to enrich and inspire our community at every opportunity. 

Through a diverse range of programming, from timeless classics to bold new commissions, we continue to push the boundaries of ballet, ensuring that Miami City Ballet remains a vital and innovative force in the world of dance. With each step, leap, and turn, we celebrate the infinite possibilities of movement—and the vibrant community that supports us every step of the way. 

With love,

Lourdes Lopez
Artistic Director
Juan José Escalante
Executive Director
24/25 Season Company

Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez

Executive Director Juan José Escalante

Chair, Board of Trustees Jeff Davis

Founder Toby Lerner Ansin

Founding Artistic Director Edward Villella

Production and Lighting Director John D. Hall

Principal Conductor Gary Sheldon

Principal Rehearsal Director Roma Sosenko

Rehearsal Directors Joan Latham, Arnold Quintane, Tricia Albertson

Company Pianist Francisco Rennó

Please note:

* indicates Miami City Ballet School Alumni

Miami City Ballet Orchestra
Administration

Artistic Director: Lourdes Lopez

Executive Director: Juan José Escalante 

Chairman of the Board of Directors & Trustees: Jeff Davis

Board Liaison & Executive Assistant: Leslie Ann Reams


ARTISTIC 

Company Manager: Jessica Perez

Principal Rehearsal Director: Roma Sosenko

Rehearsal Directors: Joan Latham, Arnold Quintane, and Tricia Albertson

Company Class Accompanist: Leana Reisman

Company Pianist: Francisco Rennó

Music Director and Principal Conductor: Gary Sheldon


PRODUCTION AND WARDROBE 

Director of Production and Lighting: John D. Hall 

Production Stage Manager: Kelly Brown

Assistant Stage Manager: Bailey Kirk 

Head Carpenter: Brian Harris 

Properties Master: Marc Stoudt 

Head Electrician: Shane Cassidy

Assistant Electrician: Nicanor Smith

Sound Engineer: Sean M. Deceunick 

Assistant Carpenter/Flyer: James Sampedro

Properties Assistant: Gary Darling

Projection Operator: Wilmer Arellano

In Memorium: Richard Carter 

Wardrobe Manager: Carrie Cabrera 

Wardrobe Master: Ricardo "Pico" Asturias

School Wardrobe Mistress: Ibis Hernandez 

Shoe Inventory Assistant: Helen Cave

Seamstress/Seamster: Julia Villalobos, Alberto Fages

Makeup Artist: Ellen Dawson 

In Memorium: Jennifer Conrad 


DEVELOPMENT 

Senior Director of Development: Dena Liston

Senior Director, Major Gifts: Orene Tross-Harris 

Director of Special Events: Heather Rush

Director of Foundation and Government Relations: Michele Scanlan 

Manager of Foundation and Government Relations: Lee Eachus

Associate Director of Individual Giving- Palm Beach: Samantha Hurwitch

Special Events Manager: Somers Killian

Executive Assistant: Sherlton Chery


MARKETING 

Chief Marketing Officer: Chantell Ghosh

Senior Director of Marketing Operations: Mary Landreth

Director of Marketing, Communications and Content: Anne Mortomore

Director of Audience and Ticketing Services: Joshua Wickard

Senior Creative Services & Content Manager: Ali Castro

Senior Production Designer: Mina Rhee

Public Relations and Events Marketing Coordinator: Masha Enriquez

Digital Marketing Coordinator: Eden Cohen

Supervisor, Audience and Ticketing Services: Katharine Baines

Associate Coordinator, Audience Services and Ticketing: Leyda Castro and Adam Gamer

Audience Services Representatives: Randy Fumero, Andrea Lastro, Rafael Giraldo, Sofia Osorio, Jennifer Parra, Jade Emmanuel, Mariangel Rivero

General Press Representation: Billy Zavelson/Richard Kornberg & Associates

Marketing & Customer Relations Consultant: Nicole Wetzell

Creative Direction Consultant: Ron Roberts


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 

Director of Community Engagement: Brenda Alba

Community Engagement Programs Manager: Tharesa Z. Perry 

Community Dance Education Programs Manager: Norma Fuisting

Community Engagement Coordinator: Bianca Guirado

Arts in Education Program 

Teaching Artists and Musicians: Kassie Abreu, Blaire Andrews, Matthew Aubeuf, Efrain Chibas, Bradley Dunlap, Claudia Lezcano, Nuria Martinez, Luis Ocasio, Rae Wilcoxson

Community Engagement Program Assistants: Merle Inasi and Noeli Morejon 


FINANCE AND OPERATIONS 

Chief Financial Officer: Ainsworth Geddes

Payroll Manager: Marisa Rios-Lopez 

Finance and Donor System Manager: Carlos Lopez 

Staff Accountant: John Colon

Senior Director of Human Resources: Lina Aguirre 

Human Resources Assistant and Office Manager:  Joy Stanfield 


MIAMI CITY BALLET SCHOOL 

Chair: Lourdes Lopez 

School Artistic Director: Arantxa Ochoa 

School Managing Director: Cameron Basden

School Operations Manager: Jessica Bork 

Pre-Professionals Manager & Artistic Liaison: Manon Maher

School Programs Manager: Amanda Del Cerro

School Administrative Assistant: Vanessa Haro

Housing Manager: Nellani Rainford

Principal Faculty: Katia Carranza, Leslie Young Cheng, Alexander Iziliaev, Claudia Kuwana, Claudia Lezcano, Rosa Mercedes, Michaela Mann, Maribel Modrono, Fabian Morales, Kareen Pauld Camargo, Herman Payne, Renato Penteado , Granaina Rondena (La Merche), Rilanty Septiantari, Durante Verzola

Pianists: Marianela Castro, Juvenal Correa-Salas, Gladys Fariñas, Vivian Gonzalez, Yraima Menendez, Teresa Valdivia 


PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS 

Employment and Labor Law: Lisa Berg, Esq. — Stearns Weaver Miller, et al, P.A. 

Immigration Law: Glenn Rissman, Esq. — Stearns Weaver Miller, et al, P.A. 

Auditor: Robbins and Moroney, P.A. 


MEDICAL PROVIDERS

Director of Artistic Health: Alejandro Piris Niño, PT, DPT

Company Physician: Kathleen L. Davenport, MD

Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Specialist: Steven David Steinlauf, MD

Massage Therapist: Alexis Somoano LMT, Jill Davison, LMT

Part-Time Physical Therapists:  Audrey Lugo PT, DPT, CSCS, and Bethany Cook, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Strength and Conditioning: Chase Swatosh

Nutritionist: Maria Vallasciani MS, RD, LD/N, RN, CNSC, IBCLC

Mental Health: Dr. Scott Leydig, Psy.D.

Board of Directors

Jeffrey Davis, Chair

Charles Adelman
Jill E. Braufam
Eric Carpenter
Veronica de Zayas, Esq.
Alex DiLeonardo
Juan José Escalante, Ex Officio 
Robert Friezo
Dan Gelber, Former Mayor of Miami Beach
Kathy Guttman
Bruce Halpryn, Ph.D. 
Kristi Jernigan
Mamie Joeveer
Susan D. Kronick
Allen London
Lourdes Lopez, Ex Officio
Manny Marquez
Eleanor Pao
Saul Sanders, Treasurer
Michael Schultz

Board of Trustees

Sara Minskoff Allan
Toby Lerner Ansin, Founder
Ana-Marie Codina Barlick, Past Chair 
Robert Chaskes
Lester Coney
Philip DeBoer
Neil Devlin
Mike Eidson, Past Chair 
Ron Esserman*, Past Chair 
James Freeze 
Sheila O'Malley Fuchs
Dini Golden
Janine Gordon
Robert Gottlieb* 
Pearl Johnson
Leslie Kavanaugh
Jacqueline Kott* 
Elissa Kramer
R. Kirk Landon* 
Gerri LeBow* 
Rhoda Levitt, Past Chair 
Rita Stein* 
Sara Solomon
Zibby Tozer
John Vogelstein
Suzy Wahba
Gail Wasserman
Charmaine Waterfield
Diana S.C. Zeydel


* Trustees Emeriti

Miami City Ballet is proudly supported by:

Major funding for Miami City Ballet provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Arison Arts Foundation.  

Miami-Dade County support provided by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. Support for Miami City Ballet in the Palm Beaches generously sponsored in part by the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County.