NBT, Cirque mix it up for ‘Choreographers’ Showcase’

Ballet, Cirque-a 2010?

That would be "A Choreographers' Showcase," the joint Nevada Ballet Theatre/Cirque du Soleil collaboration.

Set for two performances -- Sunday and April 25 at the Treasure Island's Mystere Theatre -- this third annual "Showcase" (which is subtitled with the marquee-busting "A Project Designed to Stimulate and Encourage Artistic Growth") features (count 'em) 11 original choreographed works from artists with Vegas' resident Cirque shows, as well as NBT dancers.

Among the Cirque shows lending talent to the program are "Love," "Ka" and "Zumanity." On the NBT side, fleet-footed Mary LaCroix, Grigori Arakelyan, Jeremy Bannon-Neches, Kalin Morrow and Alissa Dale contribute their choreographic skills.

(Also, a special matinee performance will be given today for students from NBT's Future Dance program, as well as the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy.)

Taking to Cirque's stage, a vast, visual wonderland in which the "Mystere" performers frolic, the joint effort promises a playful production full of spectacle not normally seen -- or even logistically possible -- at NBT's regular performance space at Artemus Ham Hall at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

So expect a show that's as eye-popping as it is soul-stirring.

That's just Cirque-ular logic.

Contact reporter Steve Bornfeld at sbornfeld@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0256.