The Joffrey Ballet brings Cinderella to stage

The Joffrey Ballet closes its 60th Anniversary Season with the return of Sir Frederick Ashton's three-act ballet, Cinderella. Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s classic score performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic, this enchanting fantasy is widely considered one of Ashton’s greatest full-length ballets.

"Cinderella is one of the most popular and lavish productions in the Joffrey repertoire and we look forward to sharing this magical production with audiences this spring,” according to Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director Ashley Wheater.

Full of splendor, humor and magic, Cinderella premiered at The Royal Opera House in London on December 23m 1948. London was recovering from the destruction caused by World War II bombing. The uplifting production offered "a glimpse of hope for a weary population."

The splendor in the production is easily found in the gorgeous sets and costumes. The humor comes from the tradition of having male dancers portray Cinderella's step-sisters. The magic happens when Cinderella and the Prince meet for the first time. The story, well-known to audiences, is performed in a fresh and creative way by the Joffrey Ballet.

The Joffrey Ballet performs Cinderella through May 22 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. congress Parkway in Chicago. Single tickets range from $32-$170 and are available for purchase at The Joffrey Ballet’s official Box Office located in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street, as well as the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by telephone at (800) 982-2787, or online at ticketmaster.com.