Columbia City Ballet presents “Cleopatra” at Koger Center

Pr incipal Dancer Regina Wil loughby in Columbia City Ballet’s “Cleopatra.” Photos by Burnie Flake The legendary story of Cleopatra, the Egyptian goddess who seduced two of the most powerful rulers of the ancient world, will come to the stage in February when Columbia City Ballet transforms the Koger Center into a magnificent vision of ancient Egypt and Rome.

“With the overwhelming audience and critical response to the premiere of Cleopatra, I wanted to bring it back, says Starrett, Columbia City Ballet’s executive and artistic director. “So many people wanted to see it again.”

Technical Director Barry T. Sparks and a dedicated stage crew started from scratch in 2008 to recreate the mammoth style of the era including the majestic architecture and landscapes of Egypt and Rome.

All the scenic backdrops came from a studio in Hollywood, Calif., and all the set pieces and props were created by Sparks and local scenic designers.

“ We were wildly successful in achieving the stunning visual effects,” says Sparks. “It was beyond our expectations the effect it has on the audience. When that curtain goes up, it’s just amazing.”

Principal Dancer Regina Willoughby returns in the title role of Cleopatra.

“Regina just continues to grow, “ says Starrett. “Rare is it that you work with an artist whom it seems was born to dance a certain role, and in this case it’s particularly rewarding as the role is so dynamic.”

New this season, Premier Danceur Peter Kozak portrays Julius Caesar with Principal Dancer Mark Krieger returning as Marc Antony. Prima Ballerina Mariclare Miranda will make a rare appearance dancing the role of Calpurnia, wife of Caesar, with William Moore Jr. as Ptolemy, Cleopatra’s ambitious younger brother and rival to the Egyptian throne.

Live animals — including a camel, cat, and snakes — are used in the production to balance the tremendous acting and bring a deeper dimension of realism to flesh out period detail and enhance the exotic atmosphere. The animals are provided by different individual owners and will be handled onstage by the dancers.

Columbia City Ballet presents “Cleopatra” for three performances only: Friday, February 5 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, February 6 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm.

Tickets are available at 251-2222, at all Capital ticket outlets, and online at www.capitaltickets.com.

For more information, visit www.columbiacityballet. com, or call 799- 7605 or 899-7408.