Ballet Theatre of Maryland Presents 'Coppelia'
 
Annapolis, Md. - (January 28, 2008) – The Ballet Theatre of Maryland begins the 2008 calendar year with a beautifully-staged interpretation of one of the world’s favorite classical ballets, Coppelia, with original and classical choreography.  The performance, presented by Merrill Lynch, will be held at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts on Saturday, February 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday February 24 at 2 p.m.
 
Dianna Cuatto, BTM's Artistic Director, has weaved her own interpretation into this classic tale. 'Before there was a green ogre and his donkey there was Coppelia,' describes Cuatto, 'the story is really the original fractured fairy tale featuring a mischievous heroine, her fickle boyfriend, a mysterious toymaker, and his even more mysterious granddaughter. And yes, they do live happily ever-after, at least for now.'
 
This sentimental comic ballet concerns a mysterious inventor, Doctor Coppelius who has a wondrous collection of dolls in his secret laboratory that he desires to breathe life into. One of his prized possessions is a life-sized dancing doll he names Coppelia. With his creativity, the doctor manages to animate her and puts her out on his balcony.
 
Coppelia is noticed by one of the local handsome young villagers, Frantz, fiancée to Swanilda, the daughter of the town’s burgomaster. Charmed by her beauty, Frantz flirts with Coppelia, unaware that she is only a doll. His betrayal is witnessed by Swanilda, who is outraged at his cheating behavior a day before their wedding.
 
Originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Leon in 1870, Coppelia has been interpreted and adapted many times over the years, most famously by Enrico Cecchetti, Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa.
 
Tickets can be purchased through the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts box office by calling 410-280-5640 Mon., Tues., Thu., Fri. 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. or online at www.marylandhall.org. Group discounts are available for 10 or more people. For more information, please contact the Ballet Theatre of Maryland at 410-263-8289 or by email: info@balletmaryland.org.
 
Ballet Theatre of Maryland, located in Annapolis, Md., is the premier professional ballet company in Maryland. BTM employs a full-time company of professional dancers, as well as providing opportunities for dance students in its professional productions. For more information about BTM, visit www.balletmaryland.org or call 410-263-8289.