Falmouth, Maine – Good thing that 15 year old Ruth Gray has a lot of energy. This spring the North Yarmouth Academy freshman is juggling both private school demands and a major role in Maine State Ballet's spring performances of Cinderella.
As one of Cinderella's two stepsisters, Gray trains as a lead character, dancing nearly every day throughout her spring break. She certainly has a lot to juggle, including her regular ballet class schedule of four days a week plus Cinderella rehearsals. In addition, Ruth will participate in the Maine State Ballet Outreach Programs at the Falmouth Memorial Library and the Children's Museum. Next week she will perform in the Backstage at Cinderella shows, which give local school children an opportunity to experience the world of ballet in an up-close and personal setting.
Without the cooperation of the North Yarmouth Academy athletic department, Gray would never have been able to manage such a busy schedule. Anticipating the demands of the spring ballet and upcoming May recital at Maine State Ballet, Ruth applied for an athletic waiver for the spring term. Noting her passion for dance and commitment to attending classes throughout the year, that waiver was granted. Maine State Ballet then delayed the start of her rehearsals until North Yarmouth Academy's winter term was over.
"As a performer, Ruth is intelligent and thoughtful, always willing to take a risk on stage. Appearing as a stepsister presents a new and exciting chance for her to combine both her acting skills and ballet technique," reflects Christine Marshall. Marshall knows Gray well, having taught her in dance at Maine State Ballet since she was five years old. As the Artistic Director of the Mad Horse Theatre Company, Marshall also directed Ruth in last fall's production of The Children's Hour. In Cinderella, they perform together, with Marshall portraying Cinderella's wicked, and hilarious, stepmother.
The comic scenes involving Cinderella's stepsisters and stepmother will be combined with the enchanting dance sequences performed by the Maine State Ballet Company and upper level students from the affiliated school for the performing arts. Ruth Gray is just one example of the school's aspiring students. Gray's involvement and collaboration with North Yarmouth Academy, the Mad Horse Theatre and Maine State Ballet makes her a standout.
Cinderella opens at Maine State Ballet's in-house theater in Falmouth on Saturday, March 21. The ballet will be performed in three acts with two short intermissions. Performance times are: Sat. March 21, 2pm & 7pm; Sun. March 22, 2pm; Fri. March 27, 7pm; Sat. March 28, 2pm & 7pm; Sun. March 29, 2pm; Fri. April 3, 7pm; Sat. April 4, 2pm & 7pm; Sun. April 5, 2pm.
Seating is limited so reservations are necessary. The matinees are already sold out! All tickets are priced at $15; call 781-7672 to order.
The Maine State Ballet Theater is located at 348 U.S. Route One in Falmouth, across from Sullivan Tire. For information on Maine State Ballet programming, see www.mainestateballet.org
Contact: Eliza Miller - 207-781-7672
photo: Ruth Gray as 'Cinderella's Stepsister'
» back to Press Releases
