News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 1/23/04   Click on image for publication quality photo Additional photos available at www.selu.edu/columbia/photos2004.html DOCTOR AND “DOLL” – Drew Davidson as Dr. Coppélius attempts to woo Klara (Tara Butler), who is pretending to be Coppélia, the life size doll he thinks he has brought to life, in the Ballet Jorgen production coming to Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts on February. 5. Tickets are on sale at the theatre box office, 220 E. Thomas St., 985-549-4371. COLUMBIA’S 2004 SEASON CONTINUES WITH BALLET JÖRGEN’S “COPPÉLIA”       HAMMOND -- Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, internationally acclaimed for its original choreography and artistic excellence, will bring the comedic "toy story" of “Coppélia” to the stage of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts on Feb. 5.       The ballet, described as "innovative, whimsical and amusing, yet dramatic in all the right places," tells the story of a beautiful and charming puppet who comes to life and ultimately falls for the wrong man. The enchanting production brought to the stage by artistic director Bengt Jörgen has been acclaimed for its delightful new choreography and colorful, playful costuming.       Tickets for “Coppélia,” which begins at 7 p.m., are $25, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $23, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1; and $20, Balcony 2.       The ballet’s story revolves around Dr. Coppélius, and the lovers Nathanael and Klara. Nathanael is fascinated by Coppélius’ creation, the life-sized doll Coppélia, not knowing that the doctor plans to rob him of his life force to bring the doll to life. When jealous Klara dons the doll’s clothing, Coppélius thinks he has succeeded. He falls in love with his creation and awakens dormant passions in Klara, too. Finally, Klara tosses the undressed doll at Coppélius’  feet. Coppélius is still in love with Klara, but he teaches Klara and Nathanael to love each other more deeply, and the pair is reunited.       Ballet Jörgen was founded in 1987 to create an outlet for Canadian choreographers. The company has grown to become the second largest is Ontario and the fifth largest in Canada. Renowned as a national center of choreographic development, Ballet Jörgen is recognized internationally for its entrepreneurial innovation, and its commitment to original choreography and artistic excellence.       The company is also regarded as the most prolific in Canada, presenting more performances to more communities than any of its provincial counterparts. In 2004, the company plans 131 performances to 74 communities in less than 45 weeks.       Also on Feb. 5, Ballet Jorgen will perform “The Velveteen Rabbit” for selected area schools as part of the Columbia Theatre’s on-going education outreach program. The performance is not open to the public.  Tickets for “Coppélia” are on sale at the Columbia box office, located in the downtown Hammond theater’s lobby, 220 E. Thomas Street, 985-543-4371. Box office hours are noon to five p.m., weekdays. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketweb.com.       The Columbia Theatre’s 2004 season continues on February 27 with “Mostly Mozart,” the first of a trio of concerts by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.  The season also includes the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” the comedy/drama “Earl Long in Purgatory,” Herman’s Hermits, the Ten Tenors, and bluegrass singer Marty Raybon.       For additional information or to request a 2004 season brochure, call the Columbia/Fanfare office, 985-543-4366. Information is also be available online at www.selu.edu/columbia.