Rebecca Sanders practices for her role as “Esther” in Central Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Story of Esther."
One of the Bible’s most inspiring stories will be brought to life on stage by Central Ballet Theatre in its production of “The Story of Esther” Jan. 20-22.
Four professional dancers and a cast of 99 community dancers will bring the biblical account of Esther to the stage in four performances in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus. The ballet is part of Tusculum College Arts Outreach’s Acts, Arts, Academia 2011-12 performance and lecture series.
The show will open at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20. Two performances are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21 – a matinee performance at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 7. The show will conclude with a 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, Jan. 22.
Full of drama, love, intrigue and faith, this full-length, contemporary ballet will be enjoyable for all ages. The story of the young, beautiful Jewish girl risking her life to save her people is not new. What is new and original is the telling of the story through ballet.
Central Ballet Theatre’s ballet mistress and artistic director Lori Ann Sparks has written the script from the Bible story, chosen music to depict the feel of the drama, overseen historical accuracy of costume designs and sets and created choreography to tell this historical story. Putting it all together took two years before the original ballet premiered in 2007.
New to the 2012 production are an added scene to depict the intensity of hatred between Mordecai and Haman and the added characters of the 10 sons of Haman. Local musicians and performers Walter, Angie and Kasie Willis have written a new original song for the ballet.
Performing the role of Esther, the young Jewish orphan who becomes queen and allows God to use her as instrument to save her people, will be Sarah Jacobs, a senior at Greeneville High School, and Rebecca Parker, a home-schooled senior from Greeneville. Dancing the role of the young Esther will be Maggie Sanders, a Greeneville home-schooled six-grader.
The role of Mordecai, Esther’s watchful uncle and caretaker, will be performed by American Repertory Ballet’s Joshua Kurtzberg. Carlos dos Santos, Jr. of New York City will dance the role of wicked Haman alongside Sparks, who will portray Zeresh, Haman’s conniving wife.
Joslyn Frazee, a former professional with Ballet Magnificat! and now resident of Morristown will also perform in the ballet. Brian Sparks will portray Persian King Ahasuerus.
While the dancers have been working on their technique and learning the choreography, a team of volunteers have been busy sewing costumes, building sets and creating props. For “The Story of Esther” about 200 costumes are needed and are being designed and created by volunteers, mostly parents of the dancers.
Local artists contribute much time and energy in Central Ballet productions and “The Story of Esther” is no exception. Scott Gailey, master craftsman, has constructed the sets under the designs of Blair Berry, who has organized the massive effort to bring the ballet to the stage. Local artist Barbara Badenhope painted and decorated many sets including the king’s throne. Jody Johnson, master seamstress, fashioned new costumes while other moms and local seamstresses helped sew and organize. Frank Mengel, technical director at Tusculum College, has designed all lighting effects and assisted in set design. Linnie Green designed and created the show’s promotional posters and billboard.
“Central Ballet Theatre could not present this performance to our community without the very generous contributions from the many businesses and individuals in our area,” said Parke Brumit, president of Central Ballet. “Because of our sponsors’ generosity, Central Ballet Theatre is able to offer scholarships to those that might otherwise not be able to participate. It is difficult to put into words how grateful the Central Ballet Theatre Board of Directors and dancers are for our donors.”
Sparks is appreciative of the support that the ballet has received. “Each person and business’s contribution of time, effort, talent and financial support has enhanced ballet in Greeneville so much, and for that I am grateful,” Sparks said. “This ballet is truly one of our best, and we hope everyone in Greeneville will want to take advantage of coming to see this historical drama of an inspiring and amazing Bible story come to life. Not only does this ballet allow the audience to visualize the history, but we hope that all people will leave with the uplifting message that no matter how bad life seems, God is always in control.”
Suggested donations for tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at Three Blind Mice, General Morgan Inn, Oak Spring Gallery, James-Ben Studio, by calling CBT at 423-525-9004 or at the box office the day of the performance. For more information visit www.centralballet.com.
Central Ballet Theatre is Greeneville’s non-profit, community ballet company that exists to promote growth, innovation, and technical expertise in the ballet fine arts in Greene County and its surrounding region. The ballet company seeks to create ballets with wholesome or biblical themes with the desire to enrich and inspire the lives of the dancers as well as the audience.
This project is partially funded by Arts Build Communities – a program funded by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Johnson City Area Arts Council, and by the Greene County Commission. The majority of funding came through local Greeneville businesses and families.