by April Helms
Special Products Editor
When the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet staged "The Empty Pot" in 2000, it marked the first full-length story ballet that choreographer Francis Patrelle had done with the pre-professional ballet company.
Even now, the ballet, which opens March 14 at the Akron Civic Theatre, holds "a special place" in Patrelle's heart.
"You go to a rehearsal and you work and work and work to get something done," Patrelle said. "But sometimes, something clicks. This is a special ballet. I'm thrilled at how well this ballet turned out. It's one of my favorites."
The task of putting this story to dance was given to Patrelle by the late Nan Klinger, founder of the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet.
"The Empty Pot," with original music by William Wade, is a one-act story ballet based on the same-titled book written and illustrated by Demi in 1990. Told through a series of scenes set in ancient China, the ballet tells the story of an aging emperor's quest to find a successor to rule his beloved kingdom. The emperor's love of flowers inspires him to challenge the children of the kingdom to a contest to determine the next ruler. One boy, Ping, stands out from the rest in an inspiring way.
The author-illustrator Demi will be available at all performances for a book-signing opportunity, said Michelle Linnen, who handles media relations with CVYB.
"She's just thrilled," Linnen said of the author. "She's a funny, funny person. She does such delicate work on her illustrations."
Linnen added the ballet company may do ballets based on other Demi books in the future.
Demi's books will be available at the Learned Owl bookshop in Hudson, Linnen added.
"This is what the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet does," Linnen said. "We take children's books and put them in ballet. When we find a story we like, we set it to music and invite a choreographer to come down."
Bob Peyak, a familiar face to those who have seen previous shows such as "Nutcracker Swings" and "Madeline," will return in a non-dance role as the Emperor. "Bikeshop Bob," as he is often called, owns Falls Wheel and Wrench in Cuyahoga Falls.
"I've known the Klinger family and Mia for many years," Peyak said. "My wife Martha grew up with the Klingers. My wife and I love this company."
Peyak jokingly calls himself "the human prop" for the pre-professional dance troupe, but he says he is happy to perform with the dancers.
"It's truly an honor," Peyak said. "The kids do such a good job."
Peyak said he doesn't dance, but he performs with the Summit Choral Society and has acted in local community theater.
At My BEST
CVYB also will present the world premiere of "At My BEST," choreographed by Tom Evert, with music by Grammy Award-winner Bobby McFerrin. BEST is an acronym for Body, Energy, Space and Time: The elements of dance.
Linnen said Evert's style was "more modern." Previous ballets Evert had choreographed for CVYB include "I Love Shapes" performed in 2006.
Ticket and show information
Performances of "The Empty Pot" and "At My BEST" will take place on March 14 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and March 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre.
Ticket prices are $25, $18 and $12, with group and Scout discounts available. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Akron Civic Theatre box office at 330-535-3179.
For more information, call the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet's information line at 330-996-1100 or visit www.cvyb.org.