Meet the Players: Miriam-Rose LeDuc

In our Macbeth “Meet the Players” series, we’re interviewing the cast of our upcoming production. Get to know all the players you’ll see on stage in our ballet adaptation of ‘The Scottish Play’ March 29, 30 and 31 at the Athenaeum Theatre.

Today’s player: Miriam-Rose LeDuc

CRB: How long have you been with the company, and what role do you play in Macbeth?

Miriam: “This is my 3rd year. I’m playing Lady Macbeth.”

CRB: What are your thoughts about this particular production?

Miriam: “Macbeth offers a unique fusion of modern dance and ballet to tell Shakespeare’s thrilling story.   The movement itself is distinctive and exciting, and the ballet offers all the theatrical drama an audience could desire.  The visual projections and incredible music add to the intensity of this production.  Not to be missed!”

CRB: Do you have any hobbies?

Miriam: “In addition to dancing, I play and teach the violin.  One of my favorite CRB memories was performing a rendition of Franz Schubert’s Serenade D. 957, No. 4 for our 2017 gala.  I opened by accompanying another dancer live on my violin, and then finished the piece by dancing to a version I had recorded.  It was exciting to have the opportunity to use two different mediums that I love in the same work.”

CRB: What are some of your favorite CRB memories?

Miriam: “I feel that, in a way, my story at CRB has come full circle.  The first time I heard about the company was when I saw an audition posting for the original production of Macbeth in the spring of 2016.  I didn’t audition then, but as I continued taking and teaching classes throughout the city that year, I became friends with Jordan Mercer, who had danced Lady Macbeth in CRB’s original cast.  She encouraged me to audition for CRB in the fall, which I did, and joined the company in early 2017.  Jordan has since retired from the stage, but her friendship and support have greatly influenced my journey, and it means a lot to me to have the opportunity to dance a role that was created for her.”

CRB: What else would you like to share with readers?

Miriam: “The process for this ballet has been a lot of fun!  The characters are complex, and fascinating to analyze.  I am enjoying the challenge of interpreting and portraying Lady Macbeth through the movement.”

See Miriam and the whole cast in MACBETH March 29, 30 and 31 at the Athenaeum Theatre. Buy your tickets today!

Meet the Players: John Cartwright

In our Macbeth “Meet the Players” series, we’re interviewing the cast of our upcoming production. Get to know all the players you’ll see on stage in our ballet adaptation of ‘The Scottish Play’ March 29, 30 and 31 at the Athenaeum Theatre.

Today’s player: John Cartwright

CRB: “How long have you been with the company, and what character do you play in Macbeth?”

John: “This is my second year as an ensemble member, and I was a guest artist for 3 years. I play the role of Malcolm.”

CRB: “What is your take on this particular production of Macbeth?”

John: “CRB’s adaptation of Macbeth is both classical and modern, not only in the dancing and choreography but also in the storytelling. Wade has done an amazing job at bringing this story into a contemporary context while remaining true to the original story.”

CRB: “What are some of your thoughts about the rehearsal process for Macbeth?”

John: “I love how the dancers at CRB make rehearsals and performances feel like a family gathering. Everyone works together, doing their own parts, to make something larger than themselves come alive. The dancers care for each other, lift each other up emotionally, and bring their authentic selves to the stage.”

CRB: “What have been some of your favorite moments this season at Chicago Repertory Ballet?”

John: It’s been so lovely teaching company class on Wednesdays. I do a lot of teaching at different studios with children, but getting to teach the talented artists at CRB has been such a gratifying experience.

CRB: Anything else you want to share?

John: Without the generous support of our donors and patrons we would not be able to bring stories like Macbeth to life. So, thank you to everyone who gives their time, money, and energy to CRB so that we are able to share our passion.

See John and the whole cast in MACBETH March 29, 30 and 31 at the Athenaeum Theatre. Buy your tickets today!

Press Release: Macbeth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Wade Schaaf
Phone: 872.588.0431
Email: Info@chicagorepertoryballet.com

Macbeth returns to the stage

[Chicago, IL - February 6th—] This March Chicago Repertory Ballet revives our highly acclaimed 2016 production of William Shakespeare’s MACBETH. Founder & Artistic Director, Wade Schaaf, created a dramatic reworking of the Scottish tragedy. This high-tech and streamlined ballet adaptation promises to be a feast for the senses.

MACBETH is a tale of greed, ambition, and an insatiable lust for power.

Featuring projections designed by John Pobojewski of THIRST designs, lighting by Sarah Lackner, and costumes designed by Chicago favorite Nathan Rohrer, this ballet pulls you into a sleek world where political intrigue meets power-hungry egos—Wade Schaaf’s MACBETH delivers all the passion, drama, and nail biting action of any good Shakespearean tragedy!

Macbeth takes place March 29th, 30th, and 31st at The Athenaeum Theatre

Tickets are available on The Athenaeum Theatre’s website, or by calling the box office: 773-935-6875
—Group rates available by phone—

Chicago Repertory Ballet's mission is to bring storytelling and choreographic innovation to the stage while inspiring audiences and challenging preconceived notions of the art-form.  

Chicago Repertory Ballet is a not-for-profit tax exempt organization - under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

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If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Wade Schaaf via phone at 872.588.0431 or email Info@chicagorepertoryballet.com

Meet Nathan

Originally from Kansas City, Nathan has made a home here in Chicago, dancing with companies such as Giordano Dance Chicago and AJA productions. He most recently finished touring the West Coast with Odyssey Dance Theatre. He is thrilled to be performing with Chicago Repertory Ballet.

Meet Alana

Alana Jones is a Houston native. As a founding member of  Vitacca Dance Project under the direction of Kelly Ann Vitacca she trained under Ballet Master Phillip Broomhead while attending the High School of Performing and Visual Arts. In 2014 Ms. Jones was accepted on scholarship and trained with the American Ballet Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Thereafter, Ms. Jones was accepted on scholarship to SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance. During her time at Purchase College, Ms. Jones was invited into the ballet concentration where she performed and studied works by George Balanchine, Norbert De la Cruz, Michelle Ulerich and Colby Damon. 

During her four years she has also trained with Ballet X, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, The Rock School for Dance Education, Hubbard Street Dance and Arts Umbrella. 

 Alana recently earned her BFA and is excited for her first season with Chicago Repertory Ballet.

Meet Felicity

Felicity Lyon Nicholson began her formal dance training at the Fort Wayne Ballet under the direction of Karen Gibbons-Brown. She then went on to receive a BFA in Dance Performance from Butler University, during which time she performed works by Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Susan McGuire, Derek Reid, Patrick Hinson and many others. Upon graduation Felicity moved to Chicago where she studied on scholarship at Visceral Dance Chicago and at the Lou Conte Dance Center and performed work including Thodos Dance Chicago’s New Dances, Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s The Nutcracker, and the Moroccan tour of BDE’s Scheherazade. In 2016 Felicity became a member of Project606 Dance and Trifecta Dance Collective, where she was made Rehearsal Director in 2017. After performing Gerald Arpino’s “Light Rain” with the Fort Wayne Ballet in the Fall of 2018, Felicity is delighted to be back performing in Chicago for her first season with Chicago Repertory Ballet. 

Meet Sarah

Ms. Marley was born on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, training in the Cecchetti Method with Sonja Dickerson-Faust and Heidi Wright. She continued her training under the direction of Peter Stark with the Orlando Ballet School and was accepted into the trainee program at age fourteen, performing in the corps de ballet alongside the professionals.  Ms. Marley was invited by the legendary Fernando Bujones to join the company in 2004 and danced with the company for the next six seasons. That same year she became part of the Orlando Ballet School faculty, teaching various levels and adult ballet classes regularly. In 2009 Sarah partnered Silver Medal winner, Brooklyn Mack, at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. Ms. Marley has also danced with the San Diego Ballet, Company C Contemporary Ballet, the San Diego Opera and Smuin Ballet.  Through the course of her career Ms. Marley has performed soloist and principal roles in classical and contemporary works by Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Michael Smuin, Maurice Causey, Helen Pickett, Bruce Marks, Amy Seiwert, Patrick Corbin, Kenneth von Heidecke, and Garrett Ammon among others. This is Sarah's first season working with Chicago Repertory Ballet .

Meet Mauricio

Mauricio Fernandez is originally from Mexico where he received his early training at Estudio de Danza Antoinette de Puebla. To further his dance education abroad he attended, on full scholarship, the Boston Ballet School, Orlando Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York City, Idyllwild Arts Academy and Milwaukee Ballet.

He also received full scholarships offers to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Austin, Cornish College, Festival Ballet Theatre of Providence, Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, Nashville Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, National Ballet Academy of Denver and Texas Ballet Theatre. 

He has performed with several ballet companies including Compania de Danza Antoinette in Mexico, InlandPacific Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Western Chicago Ballet, Hinsdale Ballet Theatre, Springfield Ballet, Albany Berkshire Ballet and most recently with the Kentucky Ballet Theatre.

Mauricio is a Tap Gold medalist at Confederacion Inter-Americana de Profesionales de la Danza (CIAD), Intrancefest Tec de Monterrey and received first overall at several international dance competitions. He was a semifinalist in the Spotlight Awards of the Music Center of Los Angeles in 2012 and of the Youth America Grand Prix in 2015. In 2013 Mauricio received the Youth of Mexico Award for his achievements in the arts and has been recognized by AGMA as an Artist of Extraordinary Ability.

 He is currently working as a guest dancer, teacher, choreographer, and national dance adjudicator. He’s on faculty at Impact Dance Company and Virtues In Motion as well as Celebration Talent Convention and Star System’s Shock The Intensive. Mauricio is looking forward to his first season with Chicago Repertory Ballet.

Meet Your Summer Intensive Faculty!

Company Dancers: Miriam-Rose Le Duc, John Cartwright, Emily Fugett, Michelle Meltzer, Jacqueline Stewart, Luis Vazquez, Carley Klebba

Former Ballet Mistress: Sarah Olson

Founder, Artistic Director: Wade Schaaf

Study with this amazing faculty in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Improvisation for Ballet, and CRB Repertoire for a fun and challenging week of dance in the heart of downtown Chicago, Don't miss your chance: Register today!

Summer at CRB!

This Summer CRB spent three days at the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts teaching a masterclass, and holding a lecture/demonstration style performance. Among the works performed were segments from "The Four Seasons", "Illuminations" and ballet variations by Artistic Director Wade Schaaf. Working with this group of young artists was a great inspiration!

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CRB'S Summer Intensive is just ONE MONTH AWAY!

A perfect offering for the young artist (13 and up). Once a year, CRB offers an opportunity for young advanced dancers to work with the artists of the company. This year, the intensive will be in the heart of downtown Chicago at 218 S. Wabash. Dancers will have the opportunity to work on their technique and artistry with the company members at CRB. JOIN US!

Save the date!

CRB'S fall gala ENVISION is September 15th. Save the date for a fun evening of dance, drink and FUN all in support of Chicago's contemporary ballet company. Make sure to put September 15 on your calendar. Don't miss the CRB event of the fall!