(ORADELL, NJ) -- On the heels of an enormously successful performance of "The Nutcracker", Ballet Arts and Adelphi Orchestra are teaming up once again to bring a totally live production of "Peter and the Wolf" to the stage. This cherished musical masterpiece, composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936, tells the story of a young boy named Peter and his adventures with a cast of animal characters, all represented by different instruments. The 30-minute production will feature talented dancers, including a live orchestra and a narrator to guide the audience through the story.

The show's co-directors, Marilyn Westlake-Nicols and Jane Silane, have been hard at work for months preparing for the performance. "We want to bring this classic tale to life in a way that is both entertaining and educational for audiences of all ages," they say. "Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends." Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the show, as "Peter and the Wolf" is an excellent introduction to classical music and ballet for young audiences. The role of Peter will be played by Jack Silane (River Edge), the part of the Wolf will be played by Isabella Lama (Oradell), both Philip DeRosa and Dr. Fred Fakharzadeh will share the role of the grandfather, and the narrator is River Dell High School Director of Music, Jeffery Wilson.

After “Peter and the Wolf”, the second act of the gala features excerpts from “Swan Lake”, “Giselle”, “La Fille Mal Gardee”, “Cinderella”, and “The Sleeping Beauty”. There will also be originally choreographed pieces in the dance styles of modern, contemporary, and tap. In addition, Sari Kaito and Kathleen Hahn will perform the classical variations that they showcased at the Youth America Grand Prix Semi-Finals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to revel in live dance and music with two of the leading arts organizations in our community. Ballet Arts is a premiere dance school serving the New York and New Jersey area and is proud of its students who attend prestigious summer intensive programs including American Ballet Theater’s Summer Intensive (Kathleen Hahn), Kaatsbaan Ballet Intensive (Jack Silane and Tessa Klein), and NJ Ballet Summer Intensive (Madeleine Krieger). Adelphi Orchestra is a professional, non-profit orchestra performing symphonic, chamber, operatic, and dance concerts. It is northern New Jersey’s longest continuously performing group.

The Spring Gala runs Saturday, May 6th, at 7:00pm and Sunday, May 7th, at 1:00pm at River Dell High School, 55 Pyle Street in Oradell, New Jersey. Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.BalletArtsNJ.com.

The Adelphi Orchestra is a professional, non-profit orchestra performing symphonic, chamber, operatic, and dance concerts. For the past 17 years, the Adelphi Orchestra has sponsored a Young Artist Competition and Young Artist Concerts throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. The Adelphi Orchestra presents concerts with accomplished national and international guest soloists and distinguished conductors.  For the past 6 years, The orchestra has been nominated by its peers for the  JerseyArts People’s Choice Award in the Favorite Orchestra/Symphony Division. The Adelphi Orchestra is a member of Opera America. It is northern New Jersey’s longest continuously performing orchestra and a member of the New Jersey cultural community for 68 years. The Adelphi Orchestra is a equal opportunity employer.

Ballet Arts opened its doors in the summer of 1976 by Diana Turner Hauser (Madame). Jane Silane & Marilyn Westlake-Nichols took over as the Directors of the School in 2014 and Madame continued to teach until her death in August 2020. Jane and Marilyn continue her legacy through the excellent training at the school and wonderful performances of the company. What started as a small ballet school has now developed into a special haven for all those who love dance. The core focus at Ballet Arts is on technique and stage productions, as well as instilling a sense of greater creativity, discipline, self-awareness, confidence, grace and fitness. Their mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment where in students of all ages and abilities may study the performing arts with enjoyment through various degrees of performance opportunities.

All photo credits Julia Chang Photography.