Sell out delights artistic director

Francesco Ventriglia.

Francesco Ventriglia didn't expect the Royal New Zealand's Ballet production of The Wizard of Oz to sell out in every centre within days of opening.

The artistic director and choreographer of one of the world's best known stories is delighted, but he also feels sorry for people who will miss out.

For those who have missed out there is an opportunity to see the dancers warm up before the show. It's a unique opportunity to see the dancers on stage doing a bit of bar works, dressed in their casual gear.

There is a gold coin donation at the door and people who wish to go are asked to meet in the Napier Municipal Theatre at 6.10pm for a 6.20pm start. It doesn't matter if you have a ticket to the show or not. Everyone is welcome for the half-hour session.

The Wizard of Oz is RNZB's biggest production of the year.

"The reaction from audiences who have seen the show has been amazing," Ventriglia said.

"They love the story of love and friendship.

"It was my wonderful Mama who first told me the story of The Wizard of Oz. I was about 5 years old in a big children's hospital in Genoa, Italy. Every afternoon to keep me occupied my mother and I would visit a little girl who was very sick. She was in insolation so I could only see her through the glass window. One day her bed was empty. I asked my mother where she was and she told me that the little girl had gone on an adventure to the Emerald City in the Land of Oz. I have never forgotten that little girl and it's really with her that my journey to Oz first began.

"I have loved my time with the RNZB. The dancers are generous artists. It's been a busy and intense time leading up to opening but I feel lucky and happy to be doing what I love."

Ventriglia. who is Italian, says he loves New Zealand.

"I fall in love with it more and more each day. There is so much space and energy here."

Drawing his inspiration from L Frank Baum's popular novel (originally published in 1900),Ventriglia has stayed true to the much-loved tale of Dorothy and her friends' magical journey to the Emerald City.

"This story is very close to my heart. I loved it as a child and feel that it holds many truths that are too easily forgotten or overlooked in adulthood. I'm delighted to choreograph this ballet for my New Zealand dancers and to have its world premiere in New Zealand " my new home," he said.

Originally created in Florence in 2013 as a one-act ballet, an accident of fate meant that the ballet was never performed. Years later, and on the other side of the world, Ventriglia has expanded and recreated his original production for the RNZB.

The new production features the "jazz age" music of French composer Francis Poulenc, which is fast and very cinematic. "Each character has their own dance vocabulary " classical pointe work, barefooted contemporary ballet, and even some ruby slipper tap dancing."

The stunning sets and costumes, designed in Italy by Gianluca Falaschi, bring Dorothy and her friends and foes to sparkling life in a magical world that will enchant audiences of all ages.

- The Ryman Healthcare Season of The Wizard of Oz is at Napier Municipal Theatre on Saturday, June 11, 7.30pm (Warm Up, Curtain Up at 6.20pm), and June 12, 4pm.