GILLIAN MURPHY TO DEBUT AS JULIET ON MARCH 23

American Ballet Theatre (ABT), America’s National Ballet Company¬Æ, is proud to announce the principal casting for its Chicago engagement of the romantic classic Romeo and Juliet, choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan. ABT will present Romeo and Juliet in seven performances only, at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, in Chicago, March 21-25, 2007. American Ballet Theatre’s engagement at the Civic Opera House is sponsored by Chicago Title Insurance.

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s masterful interpretation of William Shakespeare’s enduring romantic tragedy entered ABT’s repertoire in 1985 and has since become one of the Company’s signature productions. Against the sumptuous setting of Renaissance Italy, MacMillan weaves a dance tapestry rich in character nuance and sensuality, and Sergei Prokofiev’s stirring music underscores the lyric beauty and passion of this beloved ballet’s star-crossed lovers.

The principal roles in Romeo and Juliet are widely considered to be the ultimate test of dramatic ability, at once demanding both consummate artistry and technique, while giving leeway for individual interpretation. ABT’s dancers, who hail from around the world, each bring distinctive qualities to these roles, creating a unique audience experience for every performance. The roles of “Juliet,” “Romeo,” and “Mercutio” will be danced in Chicago as follows: Julie Kent, Angel Corella, and Herman Cornejo (Opening Night, Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.); Irina Dvorovenko, Maxim Beloserkovsky, and Jesus Pastor (Thursday, March 22 at 2 p.m.); Xiomara Reyes, Angel Corella, and Herman Cornejo (Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.); Gillian Murphy*, David Hallberg, and Craig Salstein (Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m.); Paloma Herrera, TBA, and Jesus Pastor (Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m.); Irina Dvorovenko, Maxim Beloserkovsky, and Carlos Lopez (Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m.); and Gillian Murphy, David Hallberg, and Craig Salstein (Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m.). *Gillian Murphy will make her debut as “Juliet” on March 23. All casting is subject to change.

Each performance of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet will feature American Ballet Theatre’s 85+ member company, accompanied by a live 65-member orchestra performing the classic Prokofiev score. The production includes scenery and costumes by Nicholas Georgiadis and lighting by Thomas Skelton.

“ABT always looks forward to its return to Chicago,” said Kevin McKenzie, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre. “Chicago audiences appreciate the excellence of ABT’s artists and this feeling travels across the footlights each night. This year, we’re especially proud to be bringing Kenneth MacMillan’s passionate production of Romeo and Juliet. The Civic Opera House will be the perfect setting for the ballet’s rich tapestry.”

An Opening Night Gala, to benefit American Ballet Theatre, will take place Wednesday evening, March 21, featuring a pre-performance Gala reception at 5:30 p.m., prime seating for the 7:00 p.m. performance of Romeo and Juliet, and a post-performance champagne toast on stage with the dancers. ABT’s Opening Night in Chicago, co-chaired by Sonia Florian and William McIntosh, is generously underwritten by Chicago Title Insurance. Information and tickets for the Chicago Opening Night Gala, priced from $400, are available by calling 212.477.3030, extension 3245. For performance-only tickets, please call 312.902.1500.

Tickets for performances of American Ballet Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet, which range in price from $23 to $103, can be purchased by calling (312) 902-1500; by visiting the Civic Opera House box office; or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of 15 or more can receive discount pricing by calling (312) 922-2110, ext. 357. A limited number of student rush tickets, priced at $20, will be available on the day of each performance at the Civic Opera box office and through Ticketmaster. Students must present a valid ID.

For more information on American Ballet Theatre’s presentation of Romeo and Juliet at the Civic Opera House, March 21-25, 2007, please call (312) 902-1500 or visit click here.

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