Ballet Western Reserve plans green-themed revue at Gardens

Ballet Western Reserve

YOUNGSTOWN

When John Len- non wrote the lyric “nothing’s gonna change my world” as the refrain to “Across the Universe,” he was trying to inspire environmental action.

The same can be said for Enchanted Evening at the Gardens, the annual collaboration between Ballet Western Reserve and Fellows Riverside Gardens-Mill Creek MetroParks.

The title of this year’s event — which is Friday — is The Recycle Revue, and it features the music of The Beatles.

This performance will be a sort of call to environmental action through dance, said Richard Dickinson, artistic director of BWR. Dickinson will serve as director and lead choreographer for the event, but will share the night with five other choreographers.

“We have chosen this year’s theme as a way of promoting awareness that each of us can do our part to protect and save the planet,” said Dickinson. He noted that there is no better place in the Mahoning Valley than the Gardens to remind us why we should be working so hard to save the earth.

Dickinson said the show will not be preachy or a lecture.

The Beatles music was selected for recyclability, in the sense that one can hear it over and over again. All costumes are being reused from BWR’s costume vault.

The Green Team will be on hand to promote its Reduce, Reuse, Recycle mantra.

“I am sure everyone will enjoy the very creative ways the choreographers have tackled the theme,” said Dickinson.

Keith Kaiser, horticulture director of the MetroParks, agreed. “Spring in the Gardens is truly magical,” he said. “The joys we receive from seeing color emerge on the daffodil and tulip plants remind us how lucky we are to have such great cultural assets in our community, such as a professional dance troupe and a botanical display garden. This year’s theme of expressing environmental issues through dance should connect with everyone who sees the performance.”

A wine and cheese reception will begin at 7 p.m. on the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center terrace, with the performance at 8 p.m. in the auditorium. Dessert and champagne will be served afterward, with a silent auction and dancing to a live band.

The annual Elegant Auction will feature clothing from Nanette Lepore’s collection, a “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” fall ticket package, a Jim Tressel-autographed football and other items.

Sneak Peek, the child-size version of the show, will be at 6 p.m. Thursday. It will begin with a tour of Fellows Riverside Garden, where BWR choreographers will be scattered throughout to teach children dance steps from the show. After light refreshments, the group will then proceed to the auditorium for the performance.