For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Tami Adachi
(415) 370-9638
Chevron and the Ronn Guidi Foundation Present
The Secret Garden
Oakland Ballet Company
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland Ballet will perform The Secret Garden on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Oakland. Based on the Frances Hodgson Burnett children’s classic, the story tells the tale of a neglected garden that slowly stirs to life under the careful stewardship of three children. Choreographed by Ronn Guidi in 1996, the full length ballet comes to life again for two performances with Michael Morgan conducting members of the Oakland East Bay Symphony.
The production features Edwardian costumes, imaginative sets, and the music of English composer Sir Edward Elgar. In her review when the ballet first premiered 12 years ago, dance critic Judith Green said, “All praise to the Oakland Ballet for its lovely production of The Secret Garden.” Oakland Ballet veterans Joral Schmalle, Michael Lowe , and David Bertlin return in their roles as Archibald, Ben Weatherstaff, and Dr. Craven.
Guidi’s commitment to bring ballet back to Oakland began with the successful return of Ronn Guidi’s Nutcracker in December 2006. In October 2007, the Oakland Ballet Company made its official return to the Paramount stage with a highly acclaimed performance before an enthusiastic and delighted audience. Last December marked the 35th Anniversary of Guidi’s Nutcracker, the East Bay ’s longest running holiday production.
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Paramount Theatre:
Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m
Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m.
Ticket prices: $15-$50*
For tickets: ticketmaster.com, (510) 625-8497
For information: Paramount Theatre, (510) 465-6400
*Discounts for children and seniors available through Ticketmaster and the Paramount Box Office
For more information about the return of the Oakland Ballet Company, visit: www.rgfpa.org.