Milwaukee Ballet Offers Modern View on Dance Through Kaleidoscope Eyes

Milwaukee Ballet Company: Kaleidoscope Eyes. Photo by Tom Davenport.

MILWAUKEE – March 9, 2016 – Milwaukee Ballet proudly presents Kaleidoscope Eyes, an electrifying triple bill that is sure to shake off the winter blues. Kaleidoscope Eyes will run March 31-April 3, 2016 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

The Company will present Trey McIntyre’s A Day in the Life, set to the iconic music of The Beatles. Milwaukee Ballet will also present two world premieres: one from Milwaukee Ballet Choreographer-in-Residence Timothy O’Donnell, and one from Genesis 2015 winner Garrett Smith.

“Presenting new work is central to the mission of our Company. As artists, it’s in our very nature to stretch the boundaries of our art form and create works that are new and exhilarating,” says Artistic Director Michael Pink. “Audiences will be treated to three distinct and captivating pieces from exceptional choreographers. In addition to feeling the joy of seeing an incredible show, they will also experience the thrill of knowing they caught a glimpse of the future of dance.”

Trey McIntyre’s colorful A Day in the Life is a celebration of the music that defined a generation. Young and old alike will revel in the chance to see their favorites tunes from The Fab Four come to life. Originally created in 2006, McIntyre brings his modern masterpiece to Milwaukee for the first time. A Day in the Life is sponsored by Donna and Donald Baumgartner, Steve and Nancy Einhorn, Katie Heil, and Jodi Peck.

Choreographer-in-Residence Timothy O’Donnell presents his fifth world premiere for Milwaukee Ballet. O’Donnell joined Milwaukee Ballet in 2012 with a wealth of experience, having won The Australian Institute of Classical Dance’s national choreographic competition and appeared as a choreographer on “So You Think You Can Dance-Australia.” His new work, titled The Sixth Sin, explores the inevitable self-destruction that occurs when one gives into to the allure of envy.

To round out the trio, Genesis 2015 winner Garrett Smith returns with another world set to the music of cellist Zoë Keating. A rising star in the dance world, Smith was Presidential Scholar in the Arts and performed his choreography at The Kennedy Center. He is on contract with Norwegian National Ballet and is currently performing as a guest artist with SALT Contemporary Dance.

Kaleidoscope Eyes is supported in part by Milwaukee Ballet’s Campaign for New Work, sponsored by Sue and Allan “Bud” Selig. The 2015/16 Season of Literary Classics is presented by Donna and Donald Baumgartner, with operational support from the United Performing Arts Fund.

Ticket Information
Tickets for Kaleidoscope Eyes range from $35-$102, and are available online at www.milwaukeeballet.org or by calling 414-902-2103. Group bookings available.

Milwaukee Ballet Book Club
Thursday, March 10, 6:30-8pm
Villa Terrace
2220 N Terrace Ave, Milwaukee

Milwaukee Ballet’s season-long book club continues with Philip Norman‘s “SHOUT: The Beatles and Their Generation.” A journey through Beatlemania and 1960’s pop culture, the novel will also provide context for Trey McIntyre’s A Day in the Life.

The evening will include a presentation from Carl Rath (Lawrence University Conservatory of Music). A ‘child of the 60s,’ Rath’s love of The Beatles and popular music inspired him to develop courses in Rock-and-Roll History, as well as The Fab Four. He is the conductor for ‘1964 the Tribute,’ described by Rolling Stone as ‘the best Beatles tribute ever.’ Leading Artist Marc Petrocci, who is featured in the Beatles-inspired work, joins us to offer insight into performing to the music that defined a generation.

This discussion will be moderated by Milwaukee Ballet Director of Community Outreach Alyson Chavez. Attendees will come away with the following:

• Autographed copy of Michael Pink’s The Nutcracker coffee table book
• One-of-a-kind book bag designed by MKE Fashion Incubator
• 10% off at Boswell Books when you mention MKE Ballet Book Club

Admission: Suggested donation of $25/person (covers the book club for the season)
RSVP to Megan Spangberg at mspangberg@milwaukeeballet.org

About Milwaukee Ballet
Founded in 1970, Milwaukee Ballet celebrates its 46^th season as a staple of Milwaukee’s arts and culture scene. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Pink, Milwaukee Ballet has become world-renowned for presenting both bold new interpretations of story ballets, and cutting-edge, evocative contemporary works. Milwaukee Ballet is the home to an international company of dancers and is one of only a few companies in the nation to maintain its own orchestra. Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Milwaukee Ballet’s award-winning Community Outreach Department serves more than 30,000 people in Southeastern Wisconsin through original, interactive programs.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Ballet

Milwaukee Ballet Premieres “Casanova” in the Midwest

Oct 8th, 2024 by Milwaukee Ballet

The sensational production will open Milwaukee Ballet’s 2024/25 Season from November 1-3

Milwaukee Ballet Ends Season with Contemporary Show “MKE MIX”

Apr 17th, 2024 by Milwaukee Ballet

Three female choreographers present boundary-pushing works in the Company’s annual triple-bill.

Milwaukee Ballet to Enchant Audiences with “Cinderella”

Mar 5th, 2024 by Milwaukee Ballet

The magical production to include six performances, a student matinee, and a charitable shoe drive.