Sam Greene relishes his role as Prince Lemon in Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s production.
“I like that I can be funny and boss people around that are older than me,” the 12-year-old Greene said.
Carmel-based IBC presents “Cipollino: A Fairytale Ballet” at 3 p.m. May 19 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. It is staged by Alyona Yakovleva-Randall and based on choreography by Henrik Mayorov.
“The choreography is really different,” Greene said. “There are a lot of weird moves and you have to act a certain way when you do it.”
The story is about fruits and vegetables. Prince Lemon and General Tomato put taxes on water and air for villagers.
Carmel resident Ethan Gold is in the title role of Cipollino, who fights the unjust treatment.
“He leads the protest against the tax,” Gold said. “They take Cipollino’s father, and Cipollino and Radish try to save him.”
Carmel High School freshman Maren Goddard, 15, plays Magnolia, the lead flower.
“It’s a challenging ballet because the choreography is so unique,” Goddard said.
Amelia Happel, 16, plays Radish.
“Radish is a fun role. A lot of the dancers are contemporary-based, and we get sad,” Happel said. “But this one is super happy. The choreography is so different. I’m excited to smile, have fun and act on stage.”
Ian Anderson-Conlon, 17, in his first year at IBC, performs as General Tomato.
“It’s more challenging and it’s a different role than I’ve ever done,” Anderson-Conlon said. “I’m more like a bad person who is under the rule of Prince Lemon. I do what I’m told and watch the villagers. The acting I feel has been more of a challenge than dancing because it’s a different kind of acting.”
Yakovleva-Randall agrees.
“Every move, every arm, every leg and step has to mean something,” Yakovla-Randall said.
For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
