Phantom, the Ballet returns to Moncton

Atlantic Ballet Theatre. Photo by David Corkum.

The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada’s summer production of World of Shadows – PHANTOM, the Ballet will return to Moncton’s Capitol Theatre for 12 exciting performances on Tuesdays and Thursdays between July 17 and August 23. T

“This is cultural destination tourism at its best,” said Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc. “The City of Moncton is thrilled to welcome back World of Shadows – PHANTOM, the Ballet for yet another season at the Capitol Theatre. This production has proven to be a tremendous asset to our city’s tourism offering, having attracted 3,000 spectators last summer. We’re certain that these thrilling performances will once again entertain and amaze audiences yet again this summer. We encourage everyone to support this production, and share it with others. Everyone should take the opportunity to see this tremendous ballet.”

The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is partnering with the City of Moncton, Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc., the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Greater Moncton to bring PHANTOM back to the Capitol Theatre. Summer presenting sponsor is McInnes Cooper, while Grant Thornton continues its long tradition as a founding sponsor for the company.

New Brunswick Minister of Social Development Sue Stultz, was pleased to confirm the Atlantic Ballet Theatre’s contribution to New Brunswick’s economy and tourism. “Arts and culture play an integral role in New Brunswick’s economy,” she said. “As a Monctonian, I want to say how proud I am to have witnessed the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada grow and prosper through the years . While the economic benefits Atlantic Ballet Theatre creates are clear, we must also recognize the social benefits that the arts can have on society and I would like to commend the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada on their strong commitment to community.

“I am delighted to announce that for every ticket sold to PHANTOM the BALLET this summer, two dollars will be donated to the United Way campaign of Greater Moncton. Our government is immensely proud to see these initiatives taking place, because it shows that you –Atlantic Ballet Theatre- are as committed as we are to rebuilding New Brunswick together.”

Atlantic Ballet Theatre. Photo by David Corkum.

Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe Member of Parliament Robert Goguen said, “The Government of Canada believes in arts and culture and we will continue to invest in this important sector of our economy as we have done in the past. In fact, the Government of Canada has invested in the Atlantic Ballet Theatre – and we are so proud that this investment has paid off as you have proven to be outstanding ambassadors for Canada throughout the world.”

Mr. Goguen also recognized the positive impact the company has on immigration. “The Atlantic Ballet Theatre also plays an important local role in immigration. Many of its dancers have become – or are in the process of becoming Canadian citizens. This was not likely one of the company’s main goals upon its founding about 10 years ago, but I can tell you that it’s most certainly a welcome spinoff.”

According to a major study conducted for the Department of Canadian Heritage and Industry Canada and titled The Economic Impacts of Cultural and Sport Tourism in Canada in 2007 (prepared by The Outspan Group Inc. Amherst Island in association with Research Resolutions & Consulting Ltd., Toronto), the gross domestic product derived from cultural tourism in Canada in 2007 amounted to more than $5.1 billion and produced labour income of almost $3.3 billion. Receipts for cultural tourism amounted to $8 billion. Cultural tourism alone generated over 110,000 full-time jobs. It is clear that an investment in cultural tourism initiatives have a substantive economic impact.

“This ballet has sold out every one of its Canadian and European performances,” said Norm Raynard of Grant Thornton, a major benefactor of The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada for several years. “Grant Thornton recently renewed our support as Founding Sponsor of the Atlantic Ballet Theatre for another five years, bringing our investment in the company to $600,000 – a wise investment in our cultural community and our local and provincial economy. From our perspective at Grant Thornton, the Atlantic Ballet Theatre is good business by representing our city, province, region and country on the international stage.”

Chris Borden of McInnes Cooper said that as Summer Presenting Sponsor for PHANTOM, his firm is proud to be a community partner in this cultural tourism project for downtown Moncton. “We want to see people put PHANTOM on their must-see list. Whether you’re visiting Moncton for just one day, a week or more, this is something not be missed. The production will entertain and amaze you with beautiful choreography and acting, amazing costumes and music.”

World of Shadows, PHANTOM – the Ballet: The story

Inspired by the famous novel The Phantom of the Opera, World of Shadows, Phantom – The Ballet evokes timeless themes and images of outcasts, love and loneliness. The narrative revolves around a man abandoned by society. Driven by hopeless love, he lives and haunts the theatre and lurks in the shadows of a world of his own creation. It is an emotional story of longing and heartbreak while yearning for something that will never be. Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy said, “PHANTOM is a wonderful experience with romance, heartbreak, beautiful dancing and haunting music. It’s great entertainment for all.”

Susan Chalmers-Gauvin, Co-founder and CEO of the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada, said the ballet is an original interpretation of Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera and set to the music of composer Francis Poulenc. “The ballet has toured to sold-out crowds across Canada and Europe and we are thrilled to give the production a summer home here in Moncton for the second summer in a row.”

Mrs. Chalmers-Gauvin added that Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is proud to be part of the downtown development and looks forward to strengthening the ballet’s role as a magnet for tourists in its second summer of performances at the Capitol Theatre.

She also expressed heartfelt gratitude and recognition toward the company’s many sponsors and supporters, including Grant Thornton, McInnes Cooper, the Government of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick. “We have been very blessed to have incredibly generous partners who realize the importance of cultural business and the positive impact we can have on the local economy.”

This year’s cast

This year’s talented lineup of dancers for the 2012 summer production of PHANTOM is: Sergiy Diyanov (as Erik); Brian Gephart, Janie Richard, Kyle Davey, Samantha-Jane Gray and Yuriko Diyanova (as Erik’s Thoughts); Anton Lykhanov (as The Persian); Anya Nesvitaylo (as Christine); Olena Zakharova (as Prima Donna); Brian Gephart and Kyle Davey (as the Theatre Directors); Janie Richard, Samantha-Jane Gray and Yuriko Diyanova (as the People of the Theatre); and Leigh Alderson (as Raoul).

Costume design is by Paul Daigle, an internationally known designer and former dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Set designer Brian Perchaluk is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg and the National Theatre School of Canada. Lighting design is by Pierre Lavoie who has worked as a lighting designer since 1982. World of Shadow’s dramaturge is by Sharon Pollock, one of Canada’s leading contemporary English-language playwrights.

Tickets

Tickets are still available for World of Shadows – PHANTOM – the Ballet, which opens today. They are on sale for $37.50 (plus CIF) for adults and $32 (plus CIF) for students and seniors and are available at the Capitol Theatre box office, 811 Main Street, Moncton, or by calling 506.856.4379 or 1-800-567-1922. Tickets are also available online www.capitol.nb.ca.

Performances will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Capitol Theatre between July 17 and August 23. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada

The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is a contemporary ballet company dedicated to performing original works by one choreographer – Artistic Director, Igor Dobrovolskiy. Founded in 2001 by Mr. Dobrovolskiy and CEO Susan Chalmers-Gauvin, the company pursues a continuous creative process through collaboration with like-minded artists attracted by the vision and artistic philosophy of its Artistic Director. The company has performed throughout Canada, as well as in the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, France and Germany. For more information on the company, visit their website at www.atlanticballet.ca.