For your Amusement, Lift Notes

Lift Notes. Paul Vasterling’s Dracula

September 24, 2024

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ON STAGE

April 2026
Romeo and Juliet

Dance Company: Philadelphia Ballet
April 30, 2026, 7:30 pm Romeo and Juliet

Academy of Music 240 S Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

Experience this reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s ubiquitous tale of star-crossed lovers, set to the renowned score of Sergei Prokofiev. Reimagined by Philadelphia Ballet’s Resident Choreographer Juliano Nunes, Romeo and Juliet follows the story of two young lovers from feuding families whose intense passion leads to their untimely tragic end.
Mere Mortals

Dance Company: San Francisco Ballet
April 30, 2026, 7:30 pm Mere Mortals

War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

Inspired by the Greek myth of Pandora’s Jar, Mere Mortals explores our relationship with artificial intelligence, its boundless potential, as well as the unforeseen consequences. Originally commissioned for Tamara Rojo’s inaugural season, the program returns as a fusion of electronic music, festival culture, and contemporary ballet. Merging the choreography of Aszure Barton...
May 2026
Romeo and Juliet

Dance Company: Philadelphia Ballet
May 1, 2026, 11:00 am Romeo and Juliet

Academy of Music 240 S Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

Experience this reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s ubiquitous tale of star-crossed lovers, set to the renowned score of Sergei Prokofiev. Reimagined by Philadelphia Ballet’s Resident Choreographer Juliano Nunes, Romeo and Juliet follows the story of two young lovers from feuding families whose intense passion leads to their untimely tragic end.

Choreographer: Paul Vasterling
Music: Bohuslav Martinů

Based on: Bram Stoker’s novel

Story: Dracula follows Count Dracula’s pursuit of the innocent Mina, whom he seeks to claim as his bride. As Dracula uses his supernatural powers to control Mina, her friends, led by Van Helsing, fight to save her from the vampire’s grasp. The ballet is filled with dark, gothic imagery and themes of love, power, and danger.

What to Look For:

The dramatic interplay between Dracula and Mina, as well as the eerie, atmospheric set design. The contrast between Dracula’s predatory power and Mina’s innocence adds emotional depth.

Notable Sections:

Climax: The final confrontation between Van Helsing and Dracula to save Mina.
Conclusion: Dracula is destroyed, and Mina is freed from his control.

Famous Performances: The Northern Ballet and Houston Ballet have presented notable productions of Dracula, with David Nixon and Ben Stevenson as famous choreographers.

Here’s the lift: “Dracula is a thrilling ballet that blends horror and romance, brought to life through its haunting choreography and atmosphere.”

MIsty Tompoles