Atlantans will be trading biscuits for baguettes, and donning berets, if this keeps up.
Last week, the High Museum of Art celebrated a gift of 47 works by late 19th-century French artists led by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. And today, by coincidence, the Atlanta Ballet will announce that it will open its 81st season in October with the Paris-set “Moulin Rouge — The Ballet,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has learned.
While Canadian choreographer Jorden Morris’ story is about lovers Nathalie and Matthew, who are lured to late 1880s Paris by ambition and desire, Toulouse-Lautrec is a character in their drama.
Of course, the story is mainly an excuse for dancing at the legendary cabaret of the title, and the ballet will feature plenty of cancan and tango moves, with female dancers in long skirts showing lots of leg and heavily frilled underthings.
The Southeastern premiere is only the second ballet production on the Moulin Rouge — the subject of many paintings, books, musicals and movies (including the 2001 one with Nicole Kidman) — since the Royal Winnipeg Ballet debuted the dance last fall.
“Moulin Rouge” opens a season that mixes new moves (a world premiere by Christopher Hampson, a season-closing program of premieres) with familiar, family-friendly ones (“Nutcracker,” “The Sleeping Beauty”).
The lineup:
"Moulin Rouge — The Ballet," Oct. 22-31 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
"Nutcracker," Nov. 27-Dec. 26 at the Fox Theatre. The 51st production of the holiday classic will feature the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra for every performance instead of just on opening weekend, as has been the case in recent years. Choreography by artistic director John McFall.
"The Sleeping Beauty," Feb. 11-13, 2011, at Cobb Energy. Fairies, bluebirds, dashing suitors, spooky ghouls, trapdoors, evil curses and a kiss that can fix it all. Choreographed by McFall.
"Lambarena" and a Christopher Hampson world premiere, March 25-27, 2011, at Cobb Energy. Val Caniparoli's "Lambarena" merges classical ballet with African dance in eight movements. No details yet on the latest from Hampson (the company previously danced his "Sinfonietta Giocosa").
Evening of new works, May 13-15, 2011, at the Alliance Theatre. McFall is on the hunt for premieres by young choreographers in a program to be danced in the more intimate confines at the Alliance, bringing the company back inside the city for one of its four subscription programs.
Season tickets for four programs (not including “Nutcracker”), $88-$364 (a 25 percent discount). Series of two or three ballets also available. Individual tickets starting at $20 go on sale June 1.
Information: 404-892-3303, atlantaballet.com .
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