Central Ballet Theatre of Greeneville to present ‘Snow White’ on Jan. 18-20

Margaret Berry (Snow White) and Joshua Kurtzberg (the Prince) rehearse one of their dances.

Central Ballet Theatre of Greeneville will bring “Snow White: A Christian Twist on a Classic Fairy Tale” to the stage on Jan. 18-20 with a Christian theme to the beloved story.

Central Ballet Theatre’s newest story ballet brings the tale of Snow White, the funny seven dwarfs, the wicked Lady Queen and the rescuing prince to the stage of the auditorium in the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building at Tusculum College. The ballet opens at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. Two performances are slated for Saturday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.  A matinee performance is slated for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20.

While following the story of Snow White that is so well known, the Central Ballet Theatre version has a Christian theme. Artistic Director Lori Ann Sparks has adapted the fairy tale into a real life story that appeals to all ages.

“The story is a picture of life as I see it, with all the emotions man has always felt and always will, from hate and envy to love and happiness, sadness to hilarity, desperation to miraculous interventions,” Sparks said. “All directors use life to write their stories, some just leave out the part that God is actually there to turn to for help. I wanted to show that He is a choice we all have. Each year I try to do something different in our ballets. This year we have a narrator who helps to tell the story plus actual singers on stage.”

A cast of 87 will bring the medieval era story to life in striking period costumes. There will be kings and queens, adorable animals, a friar, an amazing mirror with an imprisoned sprite, live trees, a dove, raven and an owl.

Joshua Kurtzberg, from American Repertory Ballet in New Jersey, is returning to dance the role of the Prince. He played the role of Mordecai in CBT’s Esther last season. Also returning to the stage, after a broken foot that kept her from performances last season, is Parke Brumit to play the role of Angelica.

Joslyn Frazee and Lori Ann Sparks, both local Central Ballet professional dancers, have major roles.  Freeze portrays the Hart, a character that touches the heart. Sparks is dancing the Holy Spirit.

Margaret Berry will play the role of Snow White, and David Sparks will dance the role of the Huntsman.

The Prince (Joshua Kurtzberg) tries to wake Snow White (Margaret Berry) from this scene in “Snow White."

Snow White’s Mother, portrayed by Cleo Farr, begins the story with an announcement to her husband, the comedic King, played by Ben Sparks, that she is expecting. The child is born, and the mother is taken to heaven. Because there is no mother, the young Snow White, portrayed by Meg Butler, is given all her heart desires, so she grows up to be spoiled.

The King marries another who becomes the prideful Lady Queen, danced by Elizabeth Sparks. One day in the court’s chapel service, Snow White, now older, is convicted by the story of Jesus. She is called by the Holy Spirit to open her heart to Him, which she does. At once she becomes a new creation. The Enchanted Mirror (Leta Bishop and Rachel Peters) and Mirror Sprite (Emma Sanders alternating with Bekah Berry) see this new beauty and exclaim to Lady Queen that Snow White is now the most beautiful in the kingdom.

Enraged, the Lady Queen demands the Huntsman take Snow White out into the forest and kill her, bringing back her heart.  The Huntsman cannot kill Snow White for her beauty is so great.  He must find a substitute. The Hart gives her heart for Snow White’s life.

When Snow White becomes lost and frightened in the woods, she prays for help.  Angels come and lead Snow White to a little cottage where she makes new friends of seven very peculiar men.  They tell Snow White to never open the door to anyone, but an old lady appears needing a drink. In Snow White’s kindness, she opens the door. Snow White is then offered a beautiful red, enchanted apple that is most desirous. She takes a bite!

To find out what happens, you must come and see the ballet!

The ballet is part of Tusculum College Arts Outreach’s 2012-13 Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors over the age of 60 and $5 for children under 12 years of age. Tickets may be reserved by calling 423-724-7014. They may be purchased in Greeneville at The General Morgan Inn, James-Ben Studio and Three Blind Mice or at the box office prior to the performance.