FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

It is a joy to welcome you back to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for Colorado Ballet’s first production of the new year— an exciting Denver debut of Val Caniparoli’s beautiful and heartbreaking ballet Lady of the Camellias.

The level of artistic excellence involved in Lady of the Camellias is astounding. When the creativity and dedication of so many extraordinary artists are combined, something truly magical occurs on the stage. This gripping adaptation of Alexandre Dumas (fils)’s celebrated novel is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and I am thrilled to share this exquisite retelling of ill-fated lovers Marguerite and Armand with our audiences.

To everyone who has poured their talents into this production, I extend my sincerest thanks—our outstanding dancers, orchestra and artistic staff; our special guest artists David Korevaar, Abigail Nims and Andrew Garland; repetiteurs Charla Metzer and Maiqui Manosa; and, of course, choreographer Val Caniparoli and his creative team, Robert Glay de la Rose, David Gano and Trad A. Burns.

Friends and supporters, I also must express my most heartfelt gratitude to you. Thanks to you, the first half of our 2022/2023 Season saw record-breaking attendance and ticket sales, with both Dracula and The Nutcracker selling out entirely. Your stalwart patronage, charitable contributions, and inspiring support year after year enable Colorado Ballet to continue moving onwards and upwards. In the past year, we’ve grown our professional and studio companies, increased opportunities for training, education, and community engagement, and welcomed our new Executive Director, Sameed Afghani. None of this would’ve been possible without your support—thank you.

I hope you enjoy this performance of Lady of the Camellias, and I look forward to seeing you at the next stop on our journey through a season of timeless stories, Cinderella. And now, to 19th century France we go.

Gil Boggs Artistic Director