Founded in 1994, the critically acclaimed Inland Pacific Ballet (IPB) is led by Artistic Director/Choreographer Victoria Koenig and Co-Director/Choreographer Kevin Myers. The company’s repertoire includes ballet classics A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Les Sylphides, Graduation Ball, Swan Lake Act II, Giselle, Coppelia and The Nutcracker. IPB also performs contemporary classics by the legendary George Balanchine, along with a growing list of original works. Though the company is based in the Inland Empire, it has toured throughout Southern California and began touring nationally in 2009.
The Inland Pacific Ballet Academy was founded in 1991 and continues to provide professional quality dance training and performance opportunities for its students. On October 29-31 and November 4-7, 2021, the Academy’s Junior Broadway Program will bring Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and many other favorite Dr. Seuss characters alive with its production of Seussical JR. The production will have digital livestream viewing as well as limited in-person seating at the IPB Montclair Studios.
Inland Pacific Ballet Academy – Seussical JR. – (L to R) Kayley Rice as Grinch and Paige Maeda as Cindy Lou Who – Photo by Andrew Gaxiola
Seussical JR. is a kid-friendly production with a cast of performers ages 6-18. These young cast members reside in Azusa, Banning, Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Corona, Eastvale, Fontana, La Puente, La Verne, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and Upland.
IPA’s press release says that audiences will “be transported from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus as the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!”
Inland Pacific Ballet Academy – Seussical JR. – op Row (left to right): Amelia Arzaga as a who, Isabella Guerra as Mrs. Mayor, Elijah Abdelsayed as Mr. Mayor, Eva Sanchez-Castro as a who; Bottom Row (left to right): Sophia Abdelsayed as a who, Vivienne Gibbs as a who, Hadley Scheff as a who – Photo by Andrew Gaxiola
*Bonus Activity: Children are encouraged to come in costume to the October 29-31 performances and are invited to participate in a free Studio Trick or Treat for ticket holders with cast members after each of those performances only. It sounds like fun for the entire family!
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WHO: Inland Pacific Ballet Academy, the Inland Empire’s largest dance academy affiliated with Inland Pacific Ballet.
WHAT: Inland Pacific Ballet Academy presents Seussical JR.
WHERE: In Person: Inland Pacific Ballet Academy Studio Theater 7, 9061 Central Avenue, Montclair, CA 91763 or Digital Livestream Viewing.
WHEN:
– Friday, October 29*; 7:00 p.m.
– Thursday, November 4; 7:00 p.m.
– Saturday, October 30* & November 6; 7:00 p.m.
– Sunday, October 31* & November 7; 2:00 p.m.
TICKETS:
– Live in-person: Adults $25; Children 12 & under $15 – Guests are asked to arrive early and will need to complete a health screening questionnaire. Masks are required for all. General admission in-person seating is very limited and socially distanced.
– Digital Livestream: $35 per device per performance – A link will be forwarded to the purchasers’ confirmation email address. Each access link can be used on only one device at a time (phone, tablet, computer or Smart TV). All ticket proceeds support future IPB Academy programs.
To purchase tickets, click HERE. For program information, click HERE.
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Inland Pacific Ballet is currently planning for its spectacular annual production of The Nutcracker, including their K-12 school outreach program and in 2022, as part of the Trilogy Series, IPB will present an exciting program of contemporary dance in March, and in May will premiere Lilipada, a new original work choreographed by Zaylin Cano with an original score by Joss Cano.
To visit the Inland Pacific Ballet website, click HERE. The company can be followed on Facebook and on Instagram. It can also be reached at 909-482-1590
**Seussical JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Inland Pacific Ballet Academy – Seussical JR. – Nathan Tadros as Cat in the Hat – Photo by Andrew Gaxiola
