Pinocchio and Geppetto are a famously known puppet and puppeteer pair in American households, but in the ballet world it is the story of the doll Coppelia and eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppelius that ignites audiences’ imaginations. This comic ballet chronicles the story of Swanhilda and Franz, whose relationship is threatened when Franz mistakenly falls in love with the beautiful, lifelike mechanical doll Coppelia. Adventure ensues from there when Swanhilda and friends sneak into Dr. Coppelius’ workshop to investigate the mysterious object of Franz’s affection. The ballet happily ends with a big beautiful village wedding.

Coppelia, considered one of the greatest comic ballets to come out of the 19^th century, is a most beloved classical ballet. The ballet’s story was adapted from ETA Hoffman’s, Der Sandmann and Die Puppe. The lighthearted ballet first premiered on May 25,1870 with choreography by Arthur Saint-Léon and music composed by Léo Delibes. It has been presented over 500 times at the Paris Opera Ballet making it the most performed ballet there.

This will be The River Raisin Ballet Company’s third time presenting this ballet as a part of the River Raisin Centre for the Arts Marquee Season. The show is directed and features original choreography by RRB Company Director Gail Choate-Pettit and Assistant Company Director Melissa Moore. Dancers from Monroe County and surrounding areas auditioned for the production in December and have been rehearsing since January. The show will feature charming costumes designed and handmade by RRB Costume Mistress Dyanne Howland.

Since last doing Coppelia, Gail and Melissa have added creative touches to update the ballet and tie in pop cultural references including Jack in the Box, Pinocchio and Geppetto. Gail says that children will especially love the second act of the ballet, which takes place in Dr. Coppelius’ workshop. It is a visually delightful scene to watch as dolls come to life and dance.

See why CBS Detroit voted The River Raisin Centre for the Arts as “One of the best places to see ballet in Detroit.” Performance dates and times for Coppelia are Friday, April 11^th at 7 p.m, Saturday, April 12^th at 3:00 p.m and 7 p.m and Sunday, April 13^th at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are now available by calling the River Raisin Centre for the Arts at (734)-242-7722, stopping by our box office at 114 South Monroe Street or by visiting the RRCA website at www.riverraisincentre.org for tickets. They are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $12 for students and children. Coppelia is generously sponsored by DTE Energy and Tim Horton’s.