International Ballet Theatre Brings Dracula to Meydenbauer Center for Halloween

Giant Gargoyle heralds International Ballet Theatre’s

Halloween classic, Dracula!

Only West Coast production

October 27-31, 2006

The International Ballet Theatre (IBT), under the direction of Kirov Ballet dancer, master teacher, and world-renowned choreographer, Vera Altunina, will present the electrifying and passionate performance of Dracula, at Meydenbauer Theater October 27-31, 2006. Few dance companies in the world attempt to perform this macabre romantic thriller – IBT presents the only West Coast production of this classic love story.

A humongous, growling gargoyle (8’ tall, 12’ wingspan), with moving wings and a shroud of fog, will guard the entrance to Meydenbauer Theatre during the month of October, welcoming all arts patrons who dare to enter! The Gargoyle was built by Distortions Unlimited, and donated to IBT by Display and Costume (Seattle) to promote IBT’s annual cult classic, now in its third consecutive year.

Bram Stoker’s, gothic masterpiece, Dracula (1896) became a cultural phenomenon of the 20^th Century, canvassing film, music, dance and virtually all mediums of pop culture. IBT’s dance extravaganza of this classic tale seduces the audience with a range of emotion, exploring the depths of good and evil through elegance, beauty, and heart-pounding energy.

IBT’s production of Dracula is filled with diverse artistic offerings from classical ballet to theater jazz and modern dance choreographed by master teachers Jerry Tassin and Eva Stone. Eastern European folk rhythms, magicians, acrobats, warlocks doing an Irish jig, and witches tap-dancing on coffins create an energetic production not performed anywhere else on the West Coast.

Guest Artist

Anton Pankevitch, IBT guest artist and dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB), will perform the leading role of Jonathan. Mr. Pankevitch was last seen in PNB’s production of Jewels, May 2006.

Dractacular!

IBT transforms Meydenbauer Center into Castle Dracula for Dractacular! – an electrifying masquerade party, dinner and auction, prior to the Sunday, October 29^th performance. Tickets to the performance are included in the Dractacular! ticket price of $100 per person, $1000 per corporate table (10). Call 425.284.0444 for tickets.

Halloween Party

Dracula is entertaining for audiences of all ages, including children. Families are invited to bring children to the costume contest during the Saturday or Sunday matinee performances. All brave souls are encouraged dress up and join IBT for a very special performance on Halloween night where Dracula’s presence is sure to “touch” everyone in the theatre…

Tickets for Dracula are on sale beginning September 5^th by calling 206.325.6500 or www.TicketWindowOnline.com. Tickets are: $35 – Adult, $25 for Senior/Student, and $15 – child (12 & under). Performances open at Meydenbauer Theater in Bellevue, Washington (11100 NE 6^th Street, Bellevue, WA):

Friday, October 27 - 7:30pm

Saturday, October 28 – 2:00pm and 7:30pm

Sunday, October 29 – 2:00pm and 7:30pm

Tuesday, October 31 – 7:30pm

Sink your teeth into this intriguing drama of love, bloodlust, loss and redemption…of power and passion…of good and evil…and the search for immortality. “Long live Dracula. May he never rest in peace.”