Danceworks Performance MKE and Milwaukee Opera Theatre took the stage to revisit the tale of Rusalka: a water nymph determined to find love by way of magic, featuring singing sprites, dancing goblins, and Jason Powell as The Moon. Rooted in Slavic folklore, and packed with ravishing music, Rusalka remains Dvořák’s best known opera. The tale’s classic arias accompanied a modern restructuring of the story by Powell with singing in Czech, speaking in English, and dancing in…dance!
To learn more about the artists in Rusalka, check out their bios and headshots here
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Artistic Team
Director - Jill Anna Ponasik Choreographer - Christal Wagner Adaptor - Jason Powell Music Director - Ruben Piirainen Harp - Erin Brooker - Miller Lighting Designer - Colin Gawronski |
Singers
Rusalka - Saira Frank The Prince - Tim Rebers The Moon - Jason Powell Ježibaba - Colleen Brooks Vodník - David Guzmán First Nymph - Tabetha Steege Second Nymph - Erin Sura Third Nymph - Brennan Martinez |
Dancers
Ashley Ray Garcia Greta Jenkins Jessica Lueck Cuauhtli Ramirez Castro Elisabeth Roskopf Zoe Glise |
Covers
Rusalka - Julianne Perkins The Prince - Anthony Androncyzk The Moon - Luke Hahn Ježibaba - Haley Gabriel Vodník - Edward Lupella First Nymph - Meggie Moyer Second Nymph - Danielle Gedemer Third Nymph - Emily Bergeron |
Photo Credit - Mark Frohna
Reviews
“...like a shot of adrenaline to a comatose heart."
~ Jeff Grygny, Play on Milwaukee
“…both companies have that mix of disciplined bodies and impish minds that bring converts. For the adventurous it’s a chance to see a distinctive adaptation of a rarely performed opera.”
~ Dom Noth, Urban Milwaukee
“beautiful tapestry of movement and song”
~ Cathy Jakicic, Broadway World
"The skill of the singer/actors and their musical accompanists was deeply pleasing, and even at the darkest moments in the story, some of the city’s best dancers were there onstage, so fully alive that it lifted my heart."
~ John Schneider, Shepherd Express
~ Jeff Grygny, Play on Milwaukee
“…both companies have that mix of disciplined bodies and impish minds that bring converts. For the adventurous it’s a chance to see a distinctive adaptation of a rarely performed opera.”
~ Dom Noth, Urban Milwaukee
“beautiful tapestry of movement and song”
~ Cathy Jakicic, Broadway World
"The skill of the singer/actors and their musical accompanists was deeply pleasing, and even at the darkest moments in the story, some of the city’s best dancers were there onstage, so fully alive that it lifted my heart."
~ John Schneider, Shepherd Express
The Man Behind the Moon
Want to learn more about our adaptation of Rusalka? Check out this interview with Jason Powell!
