Auckland.Scoop » Royal New Zealand Ballet's magical Midsummer returns for Christmas

Press Release – Royal NZ Ballet

With the glittering Christmas season, the enchanting Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) returns A Midsummer Night's Dream. After a spectacular premiere in 2015, followed by an international tour, and not seen outside Wellington for almost a decade, this whimsical ballet created for the RNZB by Liam Scarlett will captivate audiences again from 24 October to 24 December 2024.

Cheyne Chalmers, Principal Partner of RNZB and CEO of Ryman Healthcare NZ, says: “It is an honour to celebrate our beloved partnership with the Royal New Zealand Ballet as it showcases the enchanting A Midsummer Night's Dream to live.

“As we celebrate a decade of collaboration, we remain committed to supporting the arts and the extraordinary talent of the Royal NZ Ballet. We are delighted to be part of this magical production and look forward to the joy and inspiration it will bring to audiences across New Zealand.”

A Midsummer Night's Dream became an overnight sensation when it premiered to sold-out crowds and critical acclaim. Tracy Grant Lord's stunning sets and costumes and Kendall Smith's brilliant lighting design bring Shakespeare's timeless characters and enchanted forest to life in a visually stunning performance that enchants audiences of all ages with gorgeous choreography, humor and Mendelssohn's iconic music.

RNZB soloist Shaun James Kelly says: “As one of the original 'Pucks' in A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2015 continues to be one of the highlights of my decade at RNZB. Bringing this iconic character to life and hearing the laughter and gasps of the audience as the story unfolds is truly magical – it's funny, quirky and unashamedly romantic. Flying across the stage in the magical forest world is pure delight for the dancers and the audience.”

Ty King-Wall, RNZB Artistic Director, says: “What a pleasure it is for us to begin our brilliant 2024 season with A midsummer night's dream. There is so much to see and appreciate in this production, for both children and the young at heart. Tracy Grant Lord's set is a wonder that makes you want to jump out of your seat and explore, and Liam Scarlett's wonderfully imaginative, complex and layered choreography brings this magical collection of characters to life.”

The Ryman Healthcare season of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be conducted by the esteemed Hamish McKeich, with performances in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland with the Orchestra Wellington, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia.

This Christmas, the RNZB brings this dazzling ballet to stages across Aotearoa, offering audiences of all ages a treat and a perfect celebration of ballet, music and theatrical wonder. Performances will take place in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and Takapuna.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a co-production with the Queensland Ballet.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Season information

Wellington
St James's Theatre
24 to 27 October
Christchurch
Isaac Theatre Royal
31 October to 2 November
Dunedin
Regent Theatre
7 November
Palmerston North
Regent on Broadway
November 12th
Napier
City Theatre
16 to 17 November
Rotorua
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
21st November
Auckland
Aotea Centre
5 to 8 December
Takapuna
Bruce Mason Center
13 to 14 December

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