BIG SKY – The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, located in Big Sky’s Gallatin Canyon, is launching its debut season on the evening of Dec. 28 with a performance by the James Sewell Ballet, the dance troupe the New York Times calls “the company to see.”
Founded two decades ago in New York City, the troupe’s innovative work explores the technical boundaries of ballet. Choreographer and co-founder James Sewell has been called “one of American ballet’s most inventive choreographers.” Sewell’s works range from comic reenactments of Garrison Keillor’s “Guy Noir, Private Eye” and family-friendly renditions of Miss Spider’s Tea, to contemporary works that combine music, movement and boundary-breaking excitement.
WMPAC is located at Big Sky’s Ophir School campus, and is a collaborative initiative of the Big Sky School District #72, the Friends of Big Sky Education and the Big Sky community. The Arts Council of Big Sky is also a presenting partner for some of the season’s shows.
The center’s namesake, the iconic ski filmmaker Warren Miller, and his wife Laurie spend half of their time in Big Sky. The center’s mission is to establish and maintain a clear and stable artistic infrastructure to grow a community of confident performers and inspired audiences. The theater was named in honor of Miller’s ability to bridge skiing and the arts.
WMPAC’s debut season lineup is an eclectic mix of national and international acts, showing at the 280-seat venue from December 2013 through March 2014. The nine acclaimed shows will include the Chicago-based Second City comedy improv group, the Portland Cello Project, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet and the Moth Mainstage.
Each show will feature custom hors d’oeuvres catered by Bucks T-4 and a cash bar. Tickets for the first three shows went on sale Dec. 1; the next three go on sale Jan. 1, and the last three on Feb. 1.
Doors open for the James Sewell Ballet at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit warrenmillerpac.org.
