Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre announces their 2019-2020 Performance Season
schedule.
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS AND OTHER TALES
– October 25 & 26, 2019 – The Tarkington
As
the resident professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will open
its 22nd Performance Season with THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS AND OTHER TALES. On the edge of Halloween, GHDT will cross
into the darkness through folklore and dance.
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS ofLust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath,
Envy and Pride will be interpreted through an eclectic array of music coupled
with GHDT’s unique and powerful fusion of dance styles. Included in the program will be the World
Premiere of LA LLORONA, a folktale
from Mexico and the Southwest about an apparition who cries and grieves for her
drowned children along the riverbanks.
Expect a surprise as GHDT will also perform a piece from the repertoire
vault! Known for dramatic storytelling,
music and dance, GHDT will bring to life these dark and obscure tales and leave
you with chills.
THE
NUTCRACKER – December 6 & 7, 2019 – Pike Performing Arts Center
Gregory
Hancock Dance Theatre presents THE
NUTCRACKER at Pike Performing Arts Center, December 6 & 7, 2019. GHDT’s full-length modern version features
the highly-talented dancers of G2, the pre-professional company of GHDT. G2 is joined by students from The Academy of
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and other young student dancers filling the stage
with movement and color! THE
NUTCRACKER follows the same overall story line as the original, but with a
uniquely different twist. This magical
version portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning
of the season through the gift and giving spirit of another homeless person. THE NUTCRACKER is a family favorite
and is sure to add joy and cheer to the holiday season.
ONCE
UPON A TIME – Weekends February 8-23, 2020 – The Academy of GHDT
In
February, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre
will once again transform its daily rehearsal space into a black-box theatre where
audiences will be entertained in a cabaret style, up-close and personal theatrical
experience. Travel through a world of fractured fairy tales and be
entertained by a delightful and whimsical montage of favorite characters. ONCE
UPON A TIME presents an enchanting classical musical score which sets the
scene for several well-known tales but with many unexpected and humorous twists
and turns. Light refreshments will be
served. Seating is limited.
EXODUS
– April 3-5, 2020 – The Tarkington
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is
thrilled to once again present the highly popular, full-length contemporary
ballet, EXODUS. Inspired by the Book of Exodus, but adapted
to our modern world, EXODUS is a
cautionary tale of hatred and ignorance.
The ten modern plagues include; desecration of the Earth, gun violence,
racism, war, poverty, crime, social media, government, selfishness and death of
the first born. Set to a score of epic
symphonic and choral music and enhanced with complex visual artistry, EXODUS will transport the audience into
an emotional story of love and sacrifice.
Don’t miss the newest of the GHDT masterpieces!
THERE’S
NO PLACE LIKE HOME – June 5-6, 2020 – The Tarkington
Gregory
Hancock Dance Theatre will close its 22nd Performance Season with
the World Premiere of THERE’S NO PLACE
LIKE HOME. A re-telling of the
classic story “The Wizard of Oz,” this adventure will travel through the exotic
world of India with a boy from Kansas.
On his quest for enlightenment, he encounters interesting characters
from the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses.
This new work will capture your curiosity and imagination as it inspires
and entertains. Join GHDT on their
journey to find THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE
HOME.
EXODUS, Gregory Hancock’s newest work will premiere at The Tarkington on April 5-6, 2019, at 7pm. Inspired by the book of Exodus, the second book of the Torah and Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), this production will be a contemporary re-telling, set in “anytime” and “any place,” with the original plaques of Egypt being replaced by contemporary cautionary tales for the modern world. GHDT’s talented cast will inspire the audience through powerful movement and theatrical storytelling. The Original Ten Plagues are exchanged for the Modern Day Ten Plagues. The final plague in both remains the same, to parallel the similarities of the two versions. History repeats itself, though it may not look the same.
The original musical written by Gregory Hancock, LA CASA AZUL, is coming back to the stage.
Production dates: July 11th-28th, 2019.
Venue: Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
Stay tuned for details on auditions, tickets, and more.
The new logo for LA CASA AZUL was created from the original painting, “Looking Within” by Mirvia Sol Eckert (Mirvia Rivera Eckert) with graphic adaptation by Dave Eckert.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will be performing THE WILD WILD WEST at The Academy of GHDT weekends February 9-24, 2019.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre brings the American Old West into the black-box cabaret setting for a fun and up-close, theatrical experience weekends in February! GHDT gives a nod to the Western movies of old Hollywood with its new production of THE WILD WILD WEST. Complete with cowboys, gunslingers, bandits, townsfolk, lawmen and saloon girls, this interactive performance will feature renowned music from popular Westerns and elaborate costume of yesteryear. Refreshments from the general store will be available. Be sure to bring your loot as this is the annual fund-raising event for GHDT. Cowboy boots, chaps and Stetsons are suitable attire for audience members.
Under the direction of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, the student production of The Nutcracker will be performed at Pike Performing Arts Center November 30 – December 1, 2018.
“Sometimes you must go on a journey to find home,” is the theme of this heartfelt, enriching story. In their 21st Performance Season, GHDT will revel in theatrical tradition with the renowned student production of this holiday classic with a modern twist. GHDT’s full-length contemporary version features the highly-talented dancers of G2, the preprofessional company of GHDT. G2 is joined by students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and other young student dancers filling the stage with movement and color! The Nutcracke r follows the same overall story line as the original, but is uniquely different. This magical version portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of a homeless man. GHDT’s The Nutcracker prominently presents a wide range of world and cultural music in contrast to the traditional Tchaikovsky score.
The homeless man wishes for Klara to have a better life. Finding a broken Nutcracker doll in the garbage, he presents it to her. He casts a magic spell over Klara and she dreams of the grim reality of life on the streets with mice who chase and torment her. The Nutcracker appears and battles the Mouse Queen. Klara slays the Mouse Queen in his defense. Klara’s tears fall upon the defeated Nutcracker and he is transformed into a handsome prince. The Prince takes Klara on a journey to a magical kingdom where the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy comes to dance with them. The colorful dances and costumes of the Kingdom dazzle Klara. She is no longer an orphan and has found her family. She will never be alone again. Through this adventure Klara has discovered the meaning of giving and the importance of giving from the heart. The greatest gift given is that of love and compassion for others. The Nutcracker is a family favorite and is sure to add joy and cheer to this holiday season.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is performing a pop-up performance on November 9th and November 10th. We let the fans vote between two fan-favorite shows, Alice and Her Bizarre Adventures in Wonderland or The Black Dahlia. The winner is…
Alice and Her Bizarre Adventures in Wonderland
Two Nights only!
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre takes a gothic turn into artistic delirium with a wonderful retelling of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Mad Hatters, Queens, and Caterpillars lead the way through this terrific journey through a dark and strange world. Alice was last performed February of 2013.
Reserve your seat at the Tea Party and follow Alice down the rabbit-hole! Click here for tickets!
To make THE CASKET GIRLS come to life, Gregory Hancock was not alone. He enlisted the help and partnership of Cory Gabel. Cory is a composer, and composed all of the music for THE CASKET GIRLS. The two worked together, while living in two different states, to make the show happen. Gabel was inspired by the legend of “The Casket Girls” and used it to come up with the storyline of the show.
“The story for Act 1 felt fairly natural to bring together, based off the original “legend” of the Casket Girls. Like with any historical theme, Gregory and I quickly decided to make the main character Catherine the center of the story. The backdrop of New Orleans, the Ursuline Convent, nuns, locals… the story came quickly, and I remember thinking distinctly that I wanted it to have a Westside Story kind of vibe. Or… Romeo and Juliet, gothic, tragic love. The ending we had fun with, and overtly went with the horror movie trope of leaving everything unknown – who opened the caskets? Was Catherine a vampire all along? Did the King of France actually send the vampires over covertly to take care of the “problem” of New Orleans?”
Gregory and the company were in Indiana choreographing and rehearsing, while Cory, who lives in Connecticut, would send new cuts and versions of the music leading up to the final version that was used for the show. Gregory and Cory actually did not even meet until the weekend of the performance back in 2009. Even before the show premiered as one act, both knew they wanted to expand the show and extend Catherine’s story.
“Even before finishing, we had the idea that when we’d add a second act to the show, it would be in a different, future time period – that was Gregory’s idea. So, I’ve somewhat been thinking of Catherine’s arc for the last 9 years. Gregory has a huge affinity for voodoo culture (he gifted me homemade voodoo dolls after the first show!), so we both knew we wanted that element in Act 2.”
Fast forward nine years, and here we are in 2018 doing just that. The one act show, is now a full two-at story ballet. Cory came up with a storyline for Act 2, and then composed music to fit.
“I really settled in and wrote the bulk of Act 2 this year once I knew we were going to do the show. I really liked the notion that Catherine felt alone after what transpired in Act 1, but then feels this kindred spirit with the voodoo clan, and in particular, two of the women within. Quickly, our villain emerges, and I was drawn to the idea of having him be a vulgar narcissist who is hell bent on destroying everything and everyone. I suppose a writer is always influenced by current events. So – the theme gelled that these different women – either physically alive or alive only in spirit – would unite to protect those they love and rid everyone of a leader with a warped sense of “leadership”.”
Going off of the storyline Cory came up with for Act 2, Gregory choreographed a truly remarkable piece. You’ll witness conflict, love, death, and even a masquerade ball. THE CASKET GIRLS will arrive at The Tarkington Theatre September 21st and 22nd at 7pm. For tickets, click here. To learn more about composer Cory Gabel, read below.
Cory Gabel
Cory Gabel is an American composer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He first became known as the lead singer and songwriter for the grunge rock-era band Limestone Rome from 1993 to 2001. As a composer, he is known for his solo piano work and his frequent collaborations with dance companies, producing original, modern dance and ballet scores.
Cory was born in Hays, Kansas, where music was a central part of family life. A self-proclaimed (and proud) “band nerd,” he earned his first composing credit in high school with the drumline feature “Revolt of the Proletariat,” and went on to be the drum major of the marching band. Yup, that happened.
After graduating college, Cory moved to Los Angeles, and founded the alternative rock band Limestone Rome with his sister, Ursula. Digital recording, streaming and the Internet changed the landscape for indie rock bands, so Cory fronted the band, produced its records, and founded his own record label.
Cory parlayed his 90s alt-rock experience into instrumental piano records (curious, right?) in the early 2000s, releasing One Road and Alabaster Sky. He continued to experiment as a producer, and the exposure of his diverse range of music to filmmakers and producers paved the way into composing for dance, theater, and the occasional strange short film.
In 2009, he teamed with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre for The Casket Girls. The project marked a career-defining turning point for Cory, as his rock and classical influences converged for the first time in a dark and dramatic piece. A new passion was affirmed, and the dance productions Water Wars, The Odyssey and The Moon would all soon follow.
In 2013, Cory combined his love of music and wine as a perfect excuse to embark on a “composing tour” of the California wine country. He spent a week in the vineyards of Paso Robles, keyboard in tow, using the surroundings as inspiration. The album Paso was the result, containing many of the nearly two dozen songs written during the tour.
Cory’s music and soundtracks can be found on Spotify, iTunes, and hundreds of digital outlets worldwide. His releases include the solo piano records Alabaster Sky and Paso, dance works The Casket Girls and Water Wars, the single Hallelujah and Limestone Rome’s Charge the Head. Sadly, nothing from high school marching band is available online. Yet.
Cory works from his home studio in Simsbury, CT, where he lives with his wife of 22 years, Donna, and their children Kiera, 12 and Max, 9
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will open its 21stPerformance Season with the return of the gothic drama THE CASKET GIRLS. Originally premiered in 2009 as one act, this modern vampire ballet features original music composed by recording artist Cory Gabel of Simsbury, Connecticut, and choreography by award winning Artistic Director Gregory Glade Hancock of Carmel, Indiana. After nine years, these two artists have reunited to complete this full-length theatrical collaboration. Based on the lore of the casket girls who arrived in New Orleans from France in 1729 dragging their trousseaus, Act I will wind you through the mysterious happenings of the Filles a la Cassette, their residency at the Old Ursuline Convent on Chartres Street, and the suspicious activities surrounding them. The premiere of the full-length production of THE CASKET GIRLS will move the story from the legends of yesteryear in Act I to current day New Orleans with vampires, voodoo and mystery in Act II. This production will bring to life this dark and obscure story and leave you with chills.
“As with many of my works, time and place are often vaguely indicated in order to make the theatrical dance appealing on many different levels and to keep my work relevant and current,” says Mr. Hancock.
“THE CASKET GIRLS is a fascinating and unique tale of the origins of vampires in New Orleans,” Mr. Hancock adds. “I thought it was perfect to create a theatrical dance production around this legend.”
“It’s meant to be big, loud and creepy,” says original score composer Mr. Gabel. “There is a little melancholy and heartbreak along the way, too.”
Audiences will find this little-known story interesting and engaging. “Full-length story productions always draw in audiences. Storytelling in the theatre gives audiences connection as well as insight into the artistic process of the creators. The cast can play roles and create characters completely different from their own personalities,” says Mr. Hancock.
Reuniting on this theatrical dance and commissioned music project after nine years was meant to be. “The original collaboration for Act I of THE CASKET GIRLS was a great experience,” comments Mr. Hancock. “Cory was wonderful to work with and we both seemed to always be in sync with ideas and the direction for the piece. We had originally talked about expanding it to a full-length piece, so it is nice to finally have this opportunity,” he adds.
A fan of contemporary dance, Mr. Gabel notes, “I think we both saw the first production as Act 1 from the beginning, knowing that there was much more of a story to be told. To return to the characters and the storyline was always a draw for me. In the years since, I’ve collaborated on several other dance productions, many of which I’m very proud, but THE CASKET GIRLS has remained my favorite – the story, Gregory’s choreography and staging, and the music is about as ‘Cory Gabel’ as it gets. Not every collaborator understands my particular mix of orchestra, ethereal voices and industrial rock!” The original THE CASKET GIRLS soundtrack is currently available on iTunes, Spotify and other digital download or streaming platforms. Music from Act II will be available in the near future.
“It is rather rare to experience this kind of collaboration in the current dance/music environment. I think audiences will really enjoyTHE CASKET GIRLS. They will get drawn into this thrilling drama and go on an incredible journey with the cast,” says Mr. Hancock.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents Intoxicating India at The District Theatre on Massachusetts Avenue during the Indy Fringe Festival August 16 – August 26, 2018.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is excited to perform at the Indy Fringe Festival for the first time. Bringing a sampling of their diverse repertoire, GHDT will mesmerize audiences with Intoxicating India, a theatrical dance production inspired by the history, art and culture of India. Choreographed and costumed in its entirety by Gregory Hancock, Founder and Artistic Director of GHDT, this 50-minute performance will provide an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. The Sari, a poignant piece depicting the desire to remain steeped in tradition while navigating the modern world, will immerse the audience in beauty through movement, music and costume. A solo work, Shiva’s Tandava, is inspired by the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon, Lord Shiva. As Nataraj, Lord Shiva dances tandava, the divine art form symbolizing the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, birth and death. Kalbelia, with vibrant costumes and rigorous movement is inspired by the Kalbelia Gypsies of Rajasthan, whose dances sometimes replicate the movements of snakes. Lagaan is one of the company’s signature works from the Indian repertoire and will round out this diverse performance. An abstract dance, Lagaan highlights the athleticism and beauty of the dancers, and is set to joyous and infectious music.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will perform on the following dates and times at The District Theatre:
Saturday, August 18 at 7:30 pm Sunday, August 19 at 9 pm Monday, August 20 at 6 pm Friday, August 24 at 10:30 pm Saturday, August 25 at 9 pm Sunday, August 26 at 1:30 pm
THE CASKET GIRLS – September 21-22, 2018 – The Tarkington
As the resident professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will open its 21st Performance Season with the return of THE CASKET GIRLS. Originally premiered in 2009 as one act, this modern vampire ballet features original music composed by recording artist Cory Gabel, and choreography by award winning Artistic Director Gregory Glade Hancock. After nine years, these two artists have reunited to complete this full-length dramatic work. Based on the lore of the casket girls who arrived in New Orleans from France in 1728 dragging their trousseaus, Act I will wind you through the mysterious happenings of the Filles a la Cassette, their residency at the Old Convent on Chartres Street, and the suspicious activities surrounding them. The premiere of the full-length production of THE CASKET GIRLS will move the story from the legends of yesteryear in Act I to current day New Orleans with vampires, voodoo and mystery in Act II. This production will bring to life this dark and obscure story and leave you with chills.
THE NUTCRACKER – November 30-December 1, 2018 – Pike Performing Arts Center
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents THE NUTCRACKER at Pike Performing Arts Center, November 30-Decebmer 1, 2018. GHDT’s full-length modern version features the highly-talented dancers of G2, the pre-professional company of GHDT. G2 is joined by students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and other young student dancers filling the stage with movement and color! THE NUTCRACKER follows the same overall story line as the original, but with a uniquely different twist. This magical version portrays Klara as a homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of a homeless man. THE NUTCRACKER is a family favorite and is sure to add joy and cheer to the holiday season.
THE WILD WILD WEST – Weekends February 9-24, 2019 – The Academy of GHDT
In February, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will once again transform its daily rehearsal space into a black-box theatre where audiences will be entertained in a cabaret style, up-close and personal theatrical experience. This season, GHDT gives a nod to the Western movies of old Hollywood (and Italy) with its new production of THE WILD WILD WEST. Complete with cowboys and cowgirls, gunslingers, bandits, townsfolk, lawmen and saloon girls, this new interactive performance will bring the American Old West to life in a fun and entertaining fashion with the dancers of GHDT. Light refreshments and beverages will be served. This is a fund-raising event for GHDT, so be sure to bring your loot in case you need to post bail! Grab your cowboy boots, chaps and Stetsons and join GHDT in THE WILD WILD WEST!
EXODUS – April 5-6, 2019 – The Tarkington
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is excited to premiere as part of the 2018-2019 Season, EXODUS, Gregory Glade Hancock’s newest work. This full-length contemporary ballet is inspired by the second book of the Torah and the Hebrew Bible, and presents the story of the Israelite’s delivery from slavery, the exodus from Egypt, the prophet Moses and the Promised Land with a contemporary flare. This epic new ballet features poignant and dramatic music, powerful choreography, beautiful costumes and inspiring theatrics. The talented cast will lead the audience on a journey through oppression and emigration to liberation and freedom for all. This ancient story resonates even today, and through the creative storytelling by Mr. Hancock, EXODUS is sure to become another masterpiece in the GHDT repertoire.
THE VIOLIN UNDER THE BED – June 7-8, 2019 – The Tarkington
Growing up, Florence Marie Hancock yearned to play the violin. Knowing this was impossible as a poor, young girl of the depression era, she resorted to dreaming about holding the instrument, hearing music and dancing. THE VIOLIN UNDER THE BED, so eloquently choreographed by Artistic Director Gregory Glade Hancock and an audience favorite, will once again return to The Tarkington stage. The performance is inspired by stories of Mr. Hancock’s mother and the experiences that brought her joy – art, nature, travel, and sports. The tiny vignettes represent segments of her life and all the gusto she brought to it. “I dedicate all of my work to my mother and her indomitable and enigmatic spirit,” says Mr. Hancock. This touching production is filled with emotion and enlightenment and will lift the spirits of each and every audience member.
