Texas Ballet Theater’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the whimsical Shakespearean tale of enchanted lovers opens in Fort Worth this Friday and runs through Sunday, May 22. The production marks the final performance for prima ballerina Carolyn Judson who recently announced her retirement after nearly 20 years with TBT. She is paired with Ian Johnson, a nine-year-old TBT student cast in a supporting role as the Changeling.
Originally from California, Judson joined TBT in 2003, after training at Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy. She has performed in coveted title roles over the years in The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Cleopatra and Swan Lake, all of which were choreographed by Ben Stevenson. Judson also worked with Twyla Tharp and Queensland Ballet.
“I was the luckiest to find my perfect fit here at Texas Ballet Theater 19 years ago. Ben and the artistic staff believed in me and gave me opportunities and a safe space to grow, making it possible for me to have the most wonderful career,” says Judson.
Grateful for the relationships she’s forged with the production crew, dancers, and audiences, Judson says: “I look forward to spending more time with my kids as my career of being a ballerina comes to a close, but I will miss all of these people who have been a second family to me. Thank you to everyone for being such a special part of my life.”
In her final performance for TBT, Judson will perform as Titania, beautiful queen of the fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the whimsical tale of enchanted lovers who resolve mischievous mix-ups to reunite with their intendeds.
“I have been fortunate to work with ballerinas all over the world, very few have the magic that Carolyn Judson brings to the stage.” Remarks, Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., TBT Artistic Director.
As for Johnson, he has danced with TBT since late 2020 and his instructors say they were impressed by his determination and tenacity. Misha Berestnev, Jr., another nine-year-old TBT dance student is Johnson’s understudy and will perform during the Saturday matinee. The Changeling is a demanding role that features the much younger dancer engaging with the principal dancers throughout the production, which is Ben Stevenson’s first new, full-length ballet in 22 years.
“There is great excitement, hope, and anticipation at every premiere, and seeing a child make his professional debut embodies that. We are fortunate to work with such talented and committed dancers and to see the passion Ian and Misha bring to the stage is impressive and heartwarming at the same time,” enthuses, Stevenson.
Patrons are invited to experience the magic for themselves in A Midsummer’s Night Dream, May 20 – 22 in Fort Worth. Tickets are available for purchase online, https://texasballettheater.org/performance/midsummer-2021/ or at the Box Office, 877-828-9200.