In Dossev’s fanciful production, a widower, lonely father, is completely focused on his daughter, Joan. He has no thoughts of remarriage, and is raising his young daughter alone. Without her mother’s touch, Joan is somewhat of a tomboy. After rummaging through the attic together, the father retrieves an old typewriter and Joan joyfully discovers a book of Mother Goose rhymes. Her reaction to the poems inspires her father to write a play with his new found equipment. One of the family’s pets, a dog named Hollywood, sets them into motion, and soon they dream that their story can be brought to life as a film.
They travel to Hollywood in the hopes of selling the script and making a movie. The film studio loves the script, and they begin to prepare for the production. Auditions are held and a cast is chosen. Amid the activity, Joan becomes attached to the actress chosen for the lead role. Her clothes, glamour, and kindness touch Joan. She hopes her father will feel the same way about the actress, but to her disappointment, he does not. As the filming progresses, and the family animals wreack havoc within a big Egyptian scene, but the actress’s personality and sense of humor prevail. Thus, the father falls for her. The ballet ends with their wedding, attended by the all of the animals and other characters we have met on the way to Hollywood.
The entire FBP company is involved in this energetic and engaging world premiere. Two of the company trainees, Kara Gentile and Brenna DiFrancesco, will share the role of the daughter, a wonderful opportunity for these two young performers.
Some of the Mother Goose rhymes that will be included in the performance are: Old Mother Goose; A Candle; Pussy-cat and the Queen; Birds of a Feather; Little Jumping Joan; Rain; What are little boys made of; This is the Way; A Star; One to Ten; Ring a Ring O’Roses: Boy and Girl; Humpty Dumpty; Sneezing; and Jack Jingle.
Audience members are invited to stay for post-performance cookies and juice (courtesy of series sponsor Seven Stars Bakery), and photo opportunities with the performers amid the colorful sets and costumes. The series takes place at 4:00 PM Saturdays and 1:00 and 4:00 pm Sundays. To purchase tickets, call Festival Ballet Providence at 401-353-1129 or stop by 825 Hope Street.
The theater is limited to only 90 seats, giving audiences the rare opportunity to view dancers so closely, creating a thoroughly human and accessible format for audience members. The experience has been described as “you-can-hear-them-breathe-intimacy.” It’s thrilling – exciting – visceral. The series’ popularity often leads to sold-out performances, so it is suggested ticket buyers purchase their tickets in advance.
For more information go to http://www.festivalballet.com/v2/mothergoose_story.php.
February 25th, Saturday 4:00pm
February 26th, Sunday 1:00pm & 4:00pm
March 3rd, Saturday 4:00pm
March 4th, Sunday 1:00pm & 4:00pm
