The Magic Toy Shop (La Boutique Fantasque), the charming one-act ballet, will delight the entire family!
May 6 – 7 at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
Students from Narberth’s Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society and the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts perform in an exciting collaboration of ballet and circus arts!
The Magic Toy Shop (La Boutique Fantasque) is a delightful story about toys that come to life, an exceptional little girl, and a love that endures despite the odds.
In a unique and creative collaboration between Narberth’s Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society and the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, student performers have worked together to present a charming family-friendly performance that combines the disciplined art form and beauty of ballet with the thrill and excitement of aerialists and juggling acts.
The three performances will take place at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center on May 6 at 7:30 pm and May 7 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets are $12 – $15 and may be purchased online at www.udpac.org or by visiting or calling the box office at 610.622.1189. Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is located at 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue in Drexel Hill, PA.
With music written by Ottorino Respighi and based on piano pieces by Gioachino Rossini, the collaborative production is set in an enchanted toy shop in France in the mid-1800s and features a fast-paced parade of whimsical characters, delightful dances, and an impressive array of acrobatics demonstrating strength and dexterity.
A little beggar girl meets a kind toy maker who brings two lover dolls to life, captivating the customers in the toy shop. Misfortune strikes when two different families haggle over the dolls, but then agree to purchase one doll each, separating the two forever. The little beggar girl devises a plan to keep the two together, but will it work?
“The audience members will very quickly see how these two art forms pair together well and help to tell a magical story in a way that can’t be done by ballet or circus alone,” said Melinda Pendleton, Director of PA Ballet Academy. “Combining ballet with the circus arts reaches further out into the community inviting that person who might love one art form and will now be exposed to a new art form.”
The one-hour performance is ideal for children ages four and up and will delight young and old alike. The young performers are certain to evoke a respect from audience members for their passion, hard work, and creativity.
The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center and Upper Darby Summer Stage are jointly sponsored by the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors and Upper Darby Township Mayor and Council through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.
No Comments