MPAC presents SWAN LAKE
This production tells the romantic fable of dreamlike transformation, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Possibly one of the most popular ballets in contemporary times, this version was adapted and choreographed for MPAC by Carla Gibbs-Zellmer.
Cast Photo from MPAC's 2019 version of Swan Lake
Message from the Artistic Director
Carla S. Gibbs-Zellmer
Greetings and welcome to MPAC's presentation of SWAN LAKE! Thank you for supporting your community dance school and dancers.
This presentation is brought to you by the MPAC Dance Company, which is a select troupe from the greater student body of Milford Performing Arts Center. Company members are a dedicated group of students who put in a lot of extra time and hard work, beyond their regular, weekly dance classes. The payoff for their sacrifice and determination is they are placed into the lead roles during the annual Nutcracker, and they get to perform a Company-only show, like this one, each spring.
MPAC first presented the classic ballet, SWAN LAKE, in 2019. MPAC was in its seventeenth season, and after years of pleas from Company members asking to do this ballet, we were finally ready to take it on, and it is now proudly part of our repertoire. I originally delayed presenting SWAN LAKE for so long because it lives in this special place among the ballet canon, and I wanted to make sure we were truly ready. We were then, and we are again this year. The students in the production you're going to see today are a dedicated group of dancers who have sacrificed a lot of their timne to learn and practice their parts, and they have consistently worked really hard all along the way. They deserve lots of adulation and applause for their achievement, so please show them all the love throughout the performance.
Again, thank you for coming and supporting our dancers, and we look forward to seeing you again on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, May 24, for our annual Spring Recital, which features the entire MPAC student body.
Sincerely,
-Carla
SYNOPSIS
Act I – The Prince’s Birthday
It is Prince Siegfried’s twenty-first birthday and he is celebrating with friends. The Queen arrives to give him his gift of a crossbow, and reminds him that he must choose a bride at the ball the next evening, as he is to become King. Siegfried, realizing that his carefree days are at an end, wants to be alone. Prince Siegfried decides maybe hunting will help him find solace.
Act II – The Lake
Prince Siegfried arrives in the forest to hunt and enters a moonlit clearing by a lake and sees a magnificent swan in flight. He carefully takes aim with his crossbow, but, to his astonishment, the bird transforms into a beautiful woman, and he withdraws into the trees to observe her. Unable to resist his curiosity, he steps out, only to startle and frighten her. He assures her he will do her no harm and asks her to explain the marvel he has just seen. Odette tells him she is a Princess of high birth who fell under the spell of an evil sorcerer, cursing her to be a swan, and only assuming her human form in the hours of darkness. Indeed, this very lake is filled with her mother’s tears. She tells him she is condemned for eternity, and the spell can only be broken if her one true love swears his love for her. But if he should forswear her, she will remain a swan forever. At that moment the evil sorcerer, Von Rothbart appears. The Prince, astonished, reaches for his crossbow, but Odette immediately protects the sorcerer for she knows that if he is killed before the spell is broken, she too will die. The sorcerer disappears, and Odette slips away into the forest. Siegfried realizes his fate is now entwined with hers. Dawn approaches and Odette is compelled by the spell to return to her guise as a swan. Siegfried is left awestruck.
*** INTERMISSION ***
Act III – The Ball
Heralds and trumpets announce the start of the ball. Eligible young princesses from all over the world arrive to be introduced to Prince Siegfried so that he may choose a bride. The prospective brides dance with Siegfried and the Queen reminds him that he must choose one for his wife. As Siegfried struggles with his responsibility to marry, his mind remains with Odette and he cannot choose. Trumpets announce an uninvited guest – Von Rothbart with his daughter Odile. After the presentation of national dances, Von Rothbart holds the court in thrall and Siegfried is seduced by the beautiful Odile, mistaking her for his love, Odette. Siegfried announces his intention to marry Odile and swears his true love to her, believing that it will break Von Rothbart’s curse. Von Rothbart and Odile laugh at Siegfried’s blunder, who realizes that he has been the victim of a terrible plot. The scene darkens, and Odette is seen weeping at the castle door. Grief-stricken, Siegfried rushes to the lakeside.
Act IV – The Lake
At the lake, Odette is surrounded by her fellow swans, mourning her fate. Siegfried bursts into the glade, discovers Odette and begs for her forgiveness. Odette tells Siegfried that because of his betrayal, she must now remain a swan forever. Siegfried, knowing that his destiny is forever changed, declares his true love for her one last time. As dawn approaches, Von Rothbart appears, and reminds him of his pledge to Odile, threatening the lovers. Their only course of action is to throw themselves into the lake. Upon their deaths, Von Rothbart is vanquished and his curse is broken.
Apotheosis
The lovers are united forever in the hereafter.
Cast
In Alphabetical Order
Clare Adamcik
Queen's Attendant
I am 8 years old and have been dancing for three years. This is my 2nd Company show. Spelling is my favorite school subject. Besides dancing, I like to play with friends. When I grow up, I want to be a fashion designer.
Andrea Boronow
Courtier and Swan Corps
I am 18 years old and have been dancing 6 years. I have wrestled at DVHS for the last 4 years . I will be attending West Virginia University and Majoring in Exercise physiology and plan on getting my Masters in Occupational Therapy.
Julia Boronow
Courtier and a Baby Swan
This is my 4th Company show and I have wrestled at DVHS for 2 years.
I am part of the Business and Marketing CTE. I would like to study abroad in College and Major in Communications and Graphic Design with an emphasis in Fashion.
Kaitlin Adamcik
Courtier and Swan Corps
I am 14 years old and have been dancing for 9 years. This is my 2nd Company show. Besides dancing, I like to sing and volunteer. When I grow up, I want to be a cosmetologist.
Jewel Casteline
Courtier and Swan Corps
I am 10 years old and in 4th grade. I started dancing last summer and it’s my favorite thing to do. I also love art and playing Roblox. I would like to be either a dancer or a farmer (or both!) when I grow up.
Halie Decker
3rd Soloist in Pas de Trois, Baby Swan and Courtier
I am 14 years old and in the ninth grade at MVHS. My favorite subject is math . In my spare time i like to run and hang out with friends. My favorite styles of dance are lyrical and ballet. Im a teacher helper, and my favorite colors are lavender and baby blue.
Ashley Faillace
Courtier, Swan Corps , Spanish Princess
I am 15 and an apprentice at Mpac. This is my 4th company show. Ballet is my favorite style of dance. I attended AAB summer intensive last year and am attending The Rock ballet summer intensive.
Phoenix Faillace
Court Jester
I have preformed in 2 company shows and have been dancing for 3 years. My favorite type of dance is lyrical. I have been attending New Life Christian School for 7 years.l would like to pursue something in the arts.
Avery Gawlik
Queen's Attendant
I am 9 years old. This is my first company performance, but I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old. My favorite subjects in school are Science, ELA and Gym. I am learning to play the violin in my school’s orchestra. I want to be a dance teacher when I grow up.
Lucy Hill
Courtier and Swan Corps
I am 11 years old, and this is my first company show. I love to sing, dance, and swim. I like to take care of little kids and babies. I would like to be a professional singer and dancer when I grow up.
Molly Hill
Courtier and Swan Corps
I am 13 and a 7th grade homeschooler. My favorite things to do are crocheting, art, and ballet. I am very interested in history, apologetics, and cosmetology. I would like to be a hair, makeup, and nail stylist when I grow up.
Abigale (Abi) Majewicz
Courtier and Swan Corps
I am 11 and 3/4 years old.
I like to play piano and dance , my favorite style is lyrical.
My favorite color is purple and like reading graphic novels. When I grow up I want to be a dance teacher and own my own dance studio .
Makenzie Morgan
Courtier and Swan Corps
I am nine years old, but almost 10! I am loving doing drama at SES. I am a Oompa Loompa in our production of Charlie and the chocolate factory. I am in chorus, band, orchestra,and cheerleading. This is my 3rd Company show. My favorite color is teal.
Rylee Nitecki
Odette
Im 15 years old and have been dancing for 12 years this is my second time doing Swan lake. Im a senior apprentice and currently a sophomore at DVHS. My favorite style of dance is ballet. Im dancing the role of Odette, which is one of my dream roles. I want to be a professional ballet dancer when im older. I have been accepted into Joffrey ballets Year round Pre professional program for the next 4 years.
Hannah Olivier
Courtier, Swan Corps and Neapolitan Princess
I am 18 years old and this my 7th company show.
AP US Government is my favorite class. I am head lacrosse manager for the boys lacrosse team at DVHS and work at Green Valley Farms when I’m not dancing. I’m going to High Point University after I graduate from Delaware Valley. When I grow up I want to be a sports lawyer.
Brielle Ortiz
Courtier and Baby Swan
I am 11 years old. I play the flute. I was selected to participate in PM EA Bandfest. I love watching hair style tutorials and tik tok dances. I have an 8 month old puppy that follows me everywhere. When I grow up I want to be a Veterinarian.
Daeryan Padgett
Honorary Member, Courtier, Swan Corps, Russian Princess
I'm a returning company member and am currently a student at Mount Saint Mary College majoring in Chemistry. Dance has always been a big part of my life, and after graduating during COVID, I didn't want my dancing career to end, so after a six-year hiatus from company shows, I'm excited to be back!
Grace Sandor
Courtier and Swan Corps
I am 9 years old and I love homeschooling and spending time with my mom and my chickens . My favorite type of dance is a tie between ballet and lyrical. This is my second Company show. My favorite color is every shade of blue.
Emma Sandor
Queens Attendant
I am 7 years old and in First Grade. This is my 2nd Company show. I started at MPAC when I was 2. I love to sing and draw, and my favorite class is Art. I love watching the older girls dance on pointe and hope i can be like them someday. I want to be a Ballerina when I grow up.
Rachel Sandor
Swan Corps and Odille
I am 15 years old , and i have been in 4 company shows. I am an apprentice at MPAC and have been teaching for a few years. I would like to pursue a career as a Professional Ballet dancer. I have attended American Academy of Ballet summer intensive and have been accepted to The Rock school for ballet in Philadelphia for the Summer.
Stefania Smith
Queen
I have been dancing since I was 3. I love performing on stage and I have always been involved in ballet and theatre from a very young age. My greatest achievements are my 3 wonderful children and when I’m not moonlighting as a dancer I work full time as a social worker.
Eleanor (Elle) Valle
Queens Attendant
I am 8 years old and this is my 2nd company show.
My favorite classes are history and music. I am learning how to play the violin and the piano this year. I love company because I love to act, dance and be on the stage. When I grow up I want to be the President of the United States. I’m going to keep dancing always.
Olivia Webb
Courtier, Swan Corps and Hungarian Princess
I am 18 years old and this is my 3rd Company show at MPAC.
I like to crochet and I am a Nanny to a local family in my spare time.
Avangeline (Ava) Zellmer
1st Soloist in Pas De Trois, Baby Swan, and Courtier
I am 11 years old and this my 4 th company show .
Art and music are my favorite classes. Besides dancing, I am in chamber choir , orchestra and take private tumbling lessons. I am also a teacher helper for the little kid classes. When I grow up I want to be a professional dancer.
Colin Zellmer
Benno, 2nd Soloist in Pas de Trois and Von Rothbart
I am 14 years old and in the 8th grade at DVMS. I am in chorus, chamber choir, band, jazz band, and orchestra. I was chosen and attended the PMEAs for Violin and Voice this year. My favorite style of dance is jazz. I have been dancing since I was 2. I am currently a junior apprentice at MPAC. I want to be an Aerospace Engineer when I grow up.
Everett Zellmer
Prince Siegfried
I’m 17 years old and attend DVHS.
I have been dancing since I was 1 year old . I will be attending college in the fall and plan on obtaining a BFA in Musical Theatre. I play the Bass, Electric And Acoustic guitar. I take Vocal and Acting lessons, and I like to spend my spare time with my girlfriend.
Acknowledgements
PRODUCED BY: Milford Performing Arts Center
* Bryan Zellmer, Executive Director
* Carla Gibbs-Zellmer, Artistic Director
TEACHING STAFF
* Jessica Sudano: Modern Dance and Intermediate Tap
* Melissa Thomas: Advanced Tap and Theater Dance
* Carla Zellmer: Ballet, Lyrical, Combos, Company, etc.
APPRENTICES
* Ashley Faillace
* Rylee Nitecki
* Rachel Sandor
* Colin Zellmer
TEACHER'S HELPERS
* Halie Decker
* Ava Zellmer
LIGHTS
* Bryan Zellmer
AUDIO
* Allison Sudano
* Jessica Sudano
STAGE CREW CHIEF
* Dan Torres
BACKSTAGE CREW
* Dan Davis
* Devin Zellmer
BACKSTAGE COORDINATOR
* Barbara Sudano
HAIR/MAKE-UP DESIGNER
* Carla Zellmer
HAIR/MAKE-UP ASSISTANT
* Jessica Sudano
STUDENT CHECK-IN
* Janet Gibbs
* Patty Sandor
COSTUMES
* Carla Zellmer
FRONT OF HOUSE
* Christine Williams
* Elana Nitecki
* Josh Sandor
VIDEO
* The Davis Family
OTHER THANK-YOUS & MENTIONS
* Thanks to DVHS for use of their theater
* Insurance provided by: State Farm Insurance
* Special THANKS to all of the Parents, Ushers, Load/Clean-up Crews, Scholarship Committee and all else who helped with this show!
* A huge THANK YOU to all of the MPAC Families!
Notables (rules)
* Applauding during a dance IS acceptable (and appreciated)
* Please pickup after yourselves; don’t leave anything behind in the theater, whether you want it or not (use a trash can)...we want to be invited back for future shows!
* Please set your cell phones to vibrate; don’t text during the show; and don’t answer/talk on the phones in the theater (use the lobby if it cannot wait)
* While photography IS permitted, please DO NOT USE A FLASH during the show, and please be mindful of the people around/behind you with how and where you hold your device, and with the brightness of your screen turned down low.
* Live penguins are not permitted in the building. Please leave them at the zoo, public aquarium, or in their wild habitat. Thank you!
Thank You!
Thank You
...for your financial support!
For those in the position to do so, thank you for your support! Bake Sale Purchases and Donations help us support tuition scholarships (based on financial need), and college scholarships (for graduating company members).
We will be accepting donations by check (made out to "MPAC") and cash, in-person during performances, and we welcome digital donations as well, at any time:
Via Zelle (preferred): carla@mpaconline.com
Via Venmo:
@carla-zellmerMPAC
THANK YOU!!!!!