Ballet in Cleveland Presents Ballets with a Twist Performing Cocktail Hour at PlayhouseSquare

Get ready to groove as Ballet in Cleveland brings New York City's hot next-generation dance company, Ballets with a Twist, to PlayhouseSquare's Ohio Theatre! The critically-acclaimed company will make its Cleveland debt with a performance of its signature show, Cocktail Hour, on Thursday, September 19th at 8pm.

Conceived and choreographed by celebrated dance-maker, Marilyn Klaus - whose background ranges from vaudeville and show dancing, to Isadora Duncan and classical ballet - Cocktail Hour is an intoxicating collection of dances, each inspired by a well-known beverage. The family-friendly show infuses ballet with an irreverent pop sensibility, launching the Martini, Gimlet, Manhattan, and more off the menu and onto the stage. You've never seen cocktails like these!

Cocktail Hour features original music by Stephen Gaboury, who has collaborated with Klaus for over 20 years. His music has been heard in film and on television, and he has performed with many A-listers, including Patti Labelle, Suzanne Vega and Ute Lemper. In 2004, he received a Grammy nomination for his work with pop/rock legend Cyndi Lauper. Gaboury also contributed as co-writer for selections in Lauper's recently-opened Broadway music, Kinky Boots, which earned thirteen Tony nominations and six wins (including Best Original Score and Best Musical) this year. 

Catherine Zehr is the artistic force behind Cocktail Hour's glamorous costume design. Her exquisite creations evoke the origins and spirit of each libation with vivid colors and embellishments. 

Critics and audience members agree: Cocktail Hour is an artistically seductive must-see. The Huffington Post raves that Klaus is "blasting boundaries between high art and entertainment," and that her style is a distinctive mic of "Hollywood glitz and New York polish," while The New York Ties praises her as "witty and fantastic." Recent performances also cause the attention of the Wall Street Journal. 

Ballet in Cleveland is a nonprofit organization committed to bringing professional classical ballet performance and events to Cleveland. With a mission to revitalize the presence of classical ballet in Cleveland, Ohio, the organization presents performances by the highest quality professional ballet companies while promoting the art through ballet-centered programming and events that not only foster interest, but also educate and entertain the community. Ballet in Cleveland highlights the importance, relevance, and entertaining artistry of professional classical ballet in the region. 

For show information and to order tickets, please visit: http://www.playhousesquare.org/default.asp?playhousesquare=58&objId=4160. For more information on Ballets with a Twist, please visit www.balletswithatwist.com or www.facebook.com/gotoBalletswithaTwist. For more information on Ballet in Cleveland, please visit http://www.balletincleveland.org.