Cape Cod & Islands Press Releases

Setpember 13, 2016, For immediate release

Caring Partners' Coats For Kids Collects Winter Coats from October 10 thru January 6, 2017 at all Anton's Cleaners, Jordan's Furniture and Enterprise Bank locations.
Plus size and infant coats especially needed this year to fulfill one mission: "Anyone who needs a coat, will have one."

TEWKSBURY, Mass. (September 13, 2016) - Everyone deserves a warm winter coat, and Caring Partners is ready to kick off the 22nd annual Coats for Kids coat drive sponsored by Anton's Cleaners, Jordan's Furniture and Enterprise Bank. Coats for Kids will run October 10th through January 6, 2017 with one simple goal - to help individuals who otherwise wouldn't be able to keep themselves and their families warm.

Each fall, Anton's collects, cleans and distributes over 45,000 coats to children and adults in need. In 2017, the organization hopes to reach a milestone: one million coats collected and distributed since the program began in 1995. Although winter officially starts on December 21st, school children are already feeling a dip in temperatures as the Farmer's Almanac predicts the Northeast to be "frigidly cold" this winter after a reprieve from shoveling last winter. Since coats are a necessity for both adults and kids, all donated coats are cleaned free of charge by Anton's Cleaners and distributed through distribution partners made up of major local nonprofit and social service agencies such as Massachusetts Community Action Programs, Salvation Army, Middlesex Human Service Agency, BU Medical Center Outreach Van Project, Wish Project, Community Giving Tree, Mental Health Association of Greater Lowell, Strafford County Community Action, Catholic Charities, and more.

Coats for Kids accepts warm winter coats that are gently used, good quality, and all sizes (especially XL and infant/pre-K sizes). The drive does not accept coats with rips, tears, broken zippers, or permanent stains, nor can we accept sweatshirts, vests and spring coats. Coats are accepted at all 42 Anton's Cleaners, six Jordan's Furniture stores, and 23 Enterprise Bank locations from October 10, 2016 through January 6, 2017.

Coats for Kids is New England's largest coat drive, with more than 200 school groups making up one half of all collections in 2016.

Local public, parochial and independent schools experience the rewards of community service and get incentivized through the School Rewards Program" offering great prizes to the schools who collect the most coats per capita - leveling the playing field so everyone has a chance to win. See website for registration form and details: antons.com.

Partners for the 2016-2017 Coats for Kids drive include Anton's Cleaners, Jordan's Furniture, Enterprise Bank, WickedLocal, Kiss 108FM, Fox 25 Boston, Jam'n 94.5, and 101.7 The Bull.

For more information, visit antons.com or contact Stephanie Littlefield, Anton's Cleaners Community Relations, at 978-851-3721 x15 or Stephanie@antons.com.

To register your school or company online to participate or donate, visit antons.com

January 16, 2016, For immediate release

VFP Voices of Peace Poetry Contest

Looking for Voices of Peace

Attention all Cape & Islands poets, grade K - Adults! Submit your poem for the 21st annual Voices of Peace Poetry Contest to Veterans For Peace, 39 Muskeget Lane, Centerville, MA 02632 by Friday, April 1, 2016. Winning poets are invited to read their poems, published in a stunning anthology, at a public ceremony this spring.

Contestants may submit only one poem on one side of an 8 1/2 X 11-inch page in free verse, rhyme or any form of poetry. Prizes for each grade level or category include $25 first places, independent bookstore gift certificates for second places, Honorable Mention and published anthologies for all winners.

Entries should be original unpublished poems focusing on: thoughts of peace and the abolition of war, hate or violence; what I can do to help make a peaceful world for all; some of the ways war can be avoided; inner peace; how we become peaceful within ourselves; or on examples of nonviolent attitudes and actions that lead to friendship, negotiation, social justice and peace.

For more specific submission information, contact Nina Tepper 413-265-1851 or email teppern@verizon.net using "Voices of Peace" in the subject line.

November 11, 2015, For immediate release

American Express Small Business Saturday, Holiday Floral and Wreath Event, Jewelry Trunk Show

MASSACHUSETTS November 10, 2015-- Casabella Interiors is the ultimate holiday d'cor destination. The design team is setting the stage for an unforgettable season by hosting special Holiday events in their East Sandwich boutique beginning with an open house celebration on Saturday, November 14th, from 10:30 to 5:00pm, and Sunday, November 15th, from noon to 5:00pm. To give their customers the experience of being invited to one of the most fashionable addresses in town, their boutique is decorated as if it were one of their expertly designed homes complete with exquisite holiday d cor, entertaining essentials, coveted gift ideas, and 3,000 square feet of design inspiration.

Casabella is also hosting a Decorating Tidings Weekend & American Express Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 28th from 10:30am to 5pm, and on Sunday, November 29th, noon to 5pm. Shop-owner-turned-interior-designer, Michele Chagnon-Holbrook said, Decorating for the holidays can be daunting, and it's really about the small details. Our design team has years of experience styling stairways, bookcases, mantles, tables, and hallways for our clients, and we'll be sharing ideas and inspiration at the event. During American Express Small Business Saturday, November 28th, customers receive a $10 credit on their American Express statement for all their purchases at Casabella when they preregister with American Express.

On Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th, Casabella Interiors is partnering with Consider the Lilies of Duxbury to bring you their Holiday Floral and Wreath Event. When you shop their signature collection of floral arrangements and wreaths, ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association.

At Casabella's Jewelry Trunk Show on Saturday, December 12th from 10:30am to 5pm, and Sunday, December 13th from noon to 5pm, customers will find something for everyone on their gift list. Chagnon-Holbrook said, Since opening our doors in 2011, our jewelry trunk shows which are always festive and fun have always been popular weekends. We spend months curating one-of-a-kind items from our favorite jewelry designers. People come from all over because they know that our handcrafted pieces are hard to find. If you can resist keeping them for yourself, they make the perfect gift.

Thursday evenings between December 3rd and December 17th, Casabella is hosting three Martini Mix & Mingle events from five to eight. Customers are invited to join Casabella's design team for an evening of after-hours gift shopping and design tips with a twist. In addition to complimentary gift wrapping, and refreshments at all their events, customers will find dozens of stocking stuffer ideas, and never-seen-before holiday accessories.

Alongside Casabella's holiday d'cor, they have a highly curated mix of traditional and trend-setting pieces from vendors across a wide range of categories including home furnishings, accessories, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting, rugs, bedding, custom window treatment, etc. You'll also find the Casabella label on many of their high-end products.

ABOUT CASABELLA INTERIORS Casabella Interiors is a full-service interior design studio and home furnishings store founded by shop-owner-turned-interior-designer, Michele Chagnon-Holbrook. Michele leads an award-winning design team recognized for their ingenuity, flawless execution, and unparalleled service. They bring a wealth of experience to couture clients throughout the East Coast. The impeccably curated boutique offers a mix of traditional and trend-setting pieces from vendors across a wide range of categories including home furnishings, accessories, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting, rugs, bedding, custom window treatment, etc. Their 7,000 square foot warehouse is stocked with Casabella private label home d cor products, and exquisite finds from vendors around the world.
To learn more, visit www.casabellainteriors.com

February 16, 2015, For immediate release

Free Community Sponsored Safety and Awareness Training Event for Families of Children with Special Needs Presented by A.L.E.C. - Autism and Law Enforcement Coalition

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are estimated to occur in one out of every 88 births. People with ASD are more likely to have 911 encounters than people in the general population.

SOUTH DENNIS, MA. February 24th, 2015-From 6 to 8 pm at the Dennis Police Headquarters in South Dennis, Ma., a special training/educational presentation is being held which is open to anyone in the community to attend free of charge.

Presented by ALEC of The Arc of South Norfolk Family Autism Center, this is a unique opportunity for parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in exploring the role of preparing a loved one with special needs for interaction with First Responders during an emergency, as well as communicating your loved one s needs to emergency personnel such as Fire, Police, and local Health responders.

Founded in 2003, the ALEC program began as a group of concerned parents and first responders who recognized a growing need for training that assisted firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs to effectively respond to situations involving individuals with autism. ALEC training helps foster a deeper understanding of ASD among public safety and law enforcement personnel.

ALEC also offers individualized training sessions, tailored toward parents, caregivers, and other community partners. This event will cover multiple dynamics, offering an important opportunity and insight to interested members of the local community.

* Entering a smoke-filled building, you are told there is a person with ASD still inside, possibly hiding. What is the best way to communicate with this individual? What kind of equipment may be needed to ensure a safe outcome?

* A local store manager reports a teenager acting erratically, rocking, flapping her hands, echoing the clerk's words. Is she on drugs? Is she in trouble? How can you determine if ASD is a factor?

* An adult is brought to the emergency room from an accident scene by ambulance. He flips light switches on and off repeatedly and shouts NO over and over. How might you calm the patient? How can you get needed information to best help the person?

* As a parent, what is your role in preparing your loved one for emergency situations? What is your role in informing your local First Responder agencies about your loved one diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? How do you go about doing these things?

"The training gave a good understanding of Autism. I didn t realize what I didn t know it was very enlightening and eye opening. Very focused to target audience."
-- Springfield, MA Area EMS

"The firefighters and EMT's of the FDNY were very pleased to partner with Capt. Bill Cannata and the Fire-Rescue Autism Program. Capt. Cannata combined both personal and professional experiences to teach first responders how to safely approach people with autism and compassionately care for their needs. The feedback was very positive and the program will become a permanent training tool at FDNY".
-- Chief Edward Kilduff, FDNY

This event is being co-sponsored by F.O.R.W.A.R.D.(Friends Or Relatives With Autism & Related Disabilities), Cape Abilities, and The Arc of South Norfolk Family Autism Center s ALEC Program. Attendance is free-of-charge to the general public.
RSVP to ohmankathy@gmail.com or pboskey@capeabilities.org
For more information call Kathy Ohman at 508.385.HOME(4663) or Troy Smith at 508.385.4663 ext. 410
Media contact: Angela Welch Strauss, angelawelch7@gmail.com
ALEC Program Information: Captain Bill Cannata Statewide Project Coordinator The Arc of South Norfolk
Ph: 781.762.4001 x420 Fax: 781.461.5950
wcannata@arcsouthnorfolk.org
508.423.0682 firerescueautism@yahoo.com www.firerescueautism.com
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/bill-cannata/3b/aa6/8b9

Local Event Info and Contacts:
F.O.R.W.A.R.D.(Friends Or Relatives With Autism & Related Disabilities)
Kathy McNamara Ohman President
Ph: 508.385.HOME(4663)
ohmankathy@gmail.com
www.go-forward.org

Cape Abilities
Troy Smith Marketing and Communications Manager
Ph: 508.778.5040 ext. 410
tsmith@capeabilities.org www.capeabilities.org

September 2, 2014, For immediate release, HARWICH

HARWICH CULTURAL COUNCIL SEEKS FUNDING PROPOSALS

Harwich Cultural Council seeks funding proposals. Grant applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2014. Send to HCC, Town Hall, 732 Main Street, Harwich, MA 02645. Applications and guidelines are available on Harwich Cultural Council website www.harwichma.gov/public_documents/HarwichMA_BComm/Cultural.

February 17, 2014, For immediate release, MASHPEE

THE SHROUD ENCOUNTER IS COMING TO MASHPEE

Could an ancient Jewish linen cloth be the actual burial shroud of Jesus? Could the Shroud of Turin be a document of the crucifixion? Is that even possible? Or is it nothing more than a medieval hoax?

For hundreds of years this ancient linen cloth etched with the faint image of a crucified man has mystified millions. It continues to speak from centuries past challenging us to unlock its many secrets. Nearly every scientific regimen has been employed to unravel the mystery and yet it remains unsolved. SHROUD ENCOUNTER will be coming to Christ the King Church located at 5 Jobs Fishing Rd in Mashpee, MA on Sunday, March 9th at 7:00 PM. Admission is free. A rare museum quality life-size replica will also be on display. This exciting educational event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council 13388 from Christ the King Parish.

Shroud Encounter is a production of the Shroud of Turin Education Project, Inc. and will be presented by international expert Russ Breault. The presentation is a fast moving, big-screen experience using over 200 images covering all aspects of Shroud research.

Mr. Breault has been featured in several national documentaries seen on CBS, History Channel and Discovery. He was interviewed last year for Good Morning America to discuss the latest research. He has presented at numerous colleges and universities including Duke, Johns Hopkins, Penn State and many others. See www.ShroudEncounter.com for more information.

The Shroud of Turin is the most analyzed artifact in the world yet remains a mystery. The 14-foot long linen cloth that has been in Turin, Italy for over 400 years and bears the faint front and back image of a 5'10" bearded, crucified man with apparent wounds and bloodstains that match the crucifixion account as recorded in the bible. Millions believe it be the actual burial shroud of Jesus. The historical trail tracks back through Italy, France, Asia Minor (Turkey) and may have originated in the Middle East according to botanical evidence.

A team of 40 scientists in 1981 concluded it was not the work of an artist. They found no visible trace of artistic substances on the cloth. The blood type is AB with human DNA. Skeptics have mounted numerous attempts to show how a medieval artist could have produced the image but all have been inadequate to fully explain how it was formed. The image is so superficial it effects less than 1% of a single thread. In addition, there is no image under the blood indicating the blood was on the cloth before the image was formed. No attempt at replicating the image has resolved these two key attributes. If the cloth indeed wrapped a corpse, there are no stains of body decomposition.

The Shroud was largely dismissed in 1988 when three carbon dating labs indicated a medieval origin. However chemical research published in a peer reviewed scientific journal in 2005 showed that the single sample cut from the outside corner edge may not have been part of the original Shroud material. In violation of the sampling protocol, only one sample was used for dating and was cut from the most handled area of the cloth, an area that should have been avoided. The sample area may have been repaired sometime during the Middle Ages. Many scientists now believe the carbon dating result is inconclusive.

Adding more doubt to the carbon date, new chemical and mechanical tests published in 2013 by Italian scientists with Padua University indicate a date range of 280 BC to 220 AD putting first century within the margin of error.

The mystery continues. National Geographic called it "One of the most perplexing enigmas of modern times." Shroud Encounter will cover all aspects of the history, science, art and theories of how the image may have been formed.

The Knights of Columbus is the largest fraternal lay organization of The Catholic Church. Knights are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism and Defense of The Catholic Church. Through strong volunteerism of time and talent, members of Council 13388 involve themselves in charitable programs to meet the needs of Christ The King Parish and the Mashpee, MA community. Christ The King Council was founded in 2003 by Church parishioners who saw a need for Catholic men to share their talents abilities and leadership in service to The Catholic Church and all those in need.

August 6, 2013, For immediate release, WEST BARNSTABLE

A SUMMER FANTASIA OF MUSIC: BROADWAY, OPERA, & CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE COMES TO WEST PARISH OF BARNSTABLE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 17TH AT 7:00 P.M.

WORLD RENOWNED CAROLINE WORRA AND KREG GOTSCHALL TO PERFORM.

In keeping with a history of providing extraordinary music programs in the historic West Parish of Barnstable Meetinghouse, just off Exit 5 on Route 6, The Music Board of West Parish is thrilled to present an evening of Broadway, Opera and Contemporary music open to the public on Saturday, August 17th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults & $10 for seniors and students.

Featured will be Caroline Worra and Kreg Gotschall, both renowned musicians in their own right. Caroline Worra is an internationally acclaimed soprano who has worked with over 20 opera companies, including the Boston Lyric Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, and Kreg Gotschall, is a vocalist and lead guitarist in the Steeplechase and Plan B bands. They sing everything from Tosca to Taylor (James). Just a few of the media praises for Caroline include:

"...a new soprano powerhouse." Alex Ross - The New Yorker "Worra sang all of her music wonderfully, with clean attack and informed stylistic mastery: clearly this is a serious artist destined for international stages." David Shengold - Opera News

GRAMMY NOMINATION for BEST OPERA RECORDING - Jenny in The Mines of Sulphur - Glimmerglass Opera 2007___

NOMINATION for BEST ACTRESS in an OPERA at DCTheatre Scene - Charlotte in Before Breakfast - _Urban Arias 2012

If you would like reviewer tickets, please contact us for reserved seating.

Address: 2049 Meetinghouse Road, Just north of Exit 5 on Route 6.

July 22, 2013, For immediate release, SOUTH DENNIS, MA

SRD Gallery presents an exhibition of works on the theme of Reflection by the members of the esteemed painters collective known professionally as Twenty-One in Truro. Curated by gallery director, Susan Reid Danton, the exhibition runs August 9 through 30, 2013, with a free opening reception on Friday, August 9, from 6pm to 8pm. The show will feature several works by each artist, providing viewers with both the breadth of their individual artistic accomplishment and their exemplary collaboration upon this evocative theme.

Congregating annually for a week s creative respite in the hills and waterways of Truro, MA, the Twenty-One are comprised of professional women painters who are currently celebrating an astonishing fourteen years of making and showing their art together. By virtue of their significant commitment to art-making and each other, the Twenty-One are known for masterful works that embody a strong sense of self, exploring concepts such as identity and the artistic process, while representing contemporary images that are evocative of the light, land and life so unique to Cape Cod. Each artist interprets her own vision of the natural world, employing instinct, education and skill developed over decades of thoughtful and determined practice, while preserving the distinctive character of a sisterhood of artists. From a confluence of artistic styles including impressionism, photorealism and lyrical abstraction, the result is a captivating exhibition that is at once elegant, approachable and powerfully resonant.

Twenty-One in Truro Artists: LaVerne Christopher, Michele Dangelo, Jane Eccles, Maryalice Eizenberg, Sarah Feilding-Gunn, Susan A. Hollis, Jane Lincoln, Jerre Moriarty, Rosalie Nadeau, Kate Nelson, Carol Odell, Julie Olander, Suzanne M. Packer, JoAnn Ritter, M Lou Sorrin, Lorraine Trenholm, Christie Velesig, Barbara Wylan, Linda Young and Joyce Zavorskas.

Now in its third year of operation, SRD Gallery has come to be known as a gem among fine art galleries on the Cape. The exhibition spaces entice both intellect and aesthetic sensitivity, providing the art lover with the feeling that exciting revelations are around every corner. Owner and director Susan Danton expertly coalesces a family legacy of prestigious fine art promotion with her own creative and discerning eye, producing monthly shows of contemporary fine art that are some of the best to be found on Cape Cod.

July 12, 2013, For immediate release

CAPE COD VILLAGE, a non profit organization developing housing for adults with autism, is hosting a fundraiser on August 12, 2013 at Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville on beautiful Cape Cod. AUTISM & AUTHORS: AUTISM S IMPACT ON FAMILIES will be moderated by WCAI s Mindy Todd & include a panel of 4 authors including Chatham's Lisa Genova, Ph.D. Music performance by Boston Higashi Jazz Band! For more information: www.capecodvillage.org or call 774-316-4640.

May 31, 2013, For immediate release, Sandwich, MA

Cape Cod Chorale to Present Greatest Hits The Cape Cod Chorale will celebrate the conclusion of its 30th Anniversary Year with a presentation of our greatest hits of the past years: folk songs, patriotic tunes, spirituals and ballads; selections from Broadway and Gilbert and Sullivan – an eclectic selection of pieces that have become the chorister's favorites. Some are bound to be your favorites too. So, plan to join us for a summer's evening of delightful song.

The chorale is directed by Chris Roberts and accompanied by Cathy Bonnett.

7:30 PM, June 22 at: Christ the King Parish Hall, 3 Job's Fishing Rd, Mashpee, MA 02649

Tickets are $15.00 for adults, children 12 and under attend free.

For reservations call (508) 420-3659 or visit www.capecodchorale.org

The chorale is grateful for the sponsorship of the Melody Tent and the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank.

April 15, 2013, Centerville, MA - The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod will present a Spring Talent Search for new bands to add to the lineup of the 2013 Summer Concert Series held for four weeks in eight towns across Cape Cod.

The Spring Talent Search will be held on May 15 at 6 p.m. at Tommy Doyles Irish Pub in Hyannis, MA. The event will give an opportunity for established and emerging bands who have never played the Summer Concert Series to play for a live audience and compete for open slots in the lineup. The public is invited to attend. Citizens Bank Summer Concerts

"Last year was our first opportunity to hold this kind of an open search and not only was the event fun to be a part of, but it showed once again how much amazing musical talent there is on Cape Cod." says AFCC Executive Director Kevin Howard.

The competition is open to all Cape-based bands who have not booked an AFCC Summer Concert in the past. Performing bands will receive media promotion and live exposure. The top two bands will be booked for one slot each in the Summer Concert Series at $350 each. The competition will be juried by a panel of "Celebrity Guests", who will rank the bands based on audience response, musicality, and compatibility with the family-friendly series.

The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, the region's designated arts agency, ensures the vibrancy of our cultural community by supporting, promoting, celebrating and strengthening the arts throughout the year.

For more information about the Summer Concert Series, visit www.artsfoundation.org or call 508-362-0066. Musical acts that would like to participate should send an email with their band's press materials to info@artsfoundation.org.

Former Stage and Film Actress Claire Luce's Book of Confessions part of auction April 30th in Plymouth, Massachusetts Personal diary includes intimate details of romance with son of former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. PLYMOUTH, MA - J. James Auctioneers & Appraisers will be auctioning off several lots from the personal collection of actress Claire Luce ( 1903-1989) in their April 30, 2013 sale to be held at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St. at 6:00 PM.

Among items included in this collection are autographed notes and ephemera, studio and personal photos of Ms. Luce during her London stage performance with Fred Astaire in The Gay Divorce (which all but ended her dancing career when she fell during a production), a rare photo of American Broadway producer Florenz Ziegfeld posing in a bathing suit along with Claire and several other Follies stars and a leather bound handwritten diary stamped LUCE in gilt on the spine (or as Ms. Luce calls it, her Book of Confessions ). Entries span from 1937-1945 where she notes her daily activities, her crushes and intimately describes her often turbulent romance with former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill s son, Randolph Churchill.

On January 24, 1937 Claire writes I was rather sad when R. left this morning-am amazed at my feeling for this pompous young man-continually spouting about his Papa Winston and his ancestors, the Duke of Marlborough, etc.-nevertheless shall allow myself this frivolous feeling

Additionally, Ms. Luce mentions conversations with former co-stars Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart and reminisces of her role in the film Up The River (1930), directed by John Ford. She gives us her dramatic account of countless dinner dates, plays, reviews, etc. with stage and film stars, artists, political and social figures during her time in London, Paris and New York. She frequently ends her entries with, "And Luce had ___ lovers"...

BARNSTABLE, CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS. On Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th, Coastal Dance Company will present Atlantic Coast Academy of Dance's 27th Annual performance of the “Nutcracker Gala” at the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center. Be a part of the magic as you witness the Nutcracker Prince’s triumphant battle with the Mouse King. Experience the beauty of darting Snowflakes, Arabian and Spanish dancers and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Delight in the sight of Mother Ginger, and feel inspired as you watch Clara’s dreams come true. Rave reviews from newspapers have quoted “The Nutcracker Gala is equal in standards with larger metropolitan companies… Cape Cod families no longer need to travel off Cape to see a professional Nutcracker.”

Cape Cod’s very own “Nutcracker Gala” provides an excellent opportunity for young and old alike to experience the world of ballet and live theatre right here on Cape Cod. This year’s performances of the “Nutcracker Gala” will be held at the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 8th at 4:00PM and Sunday, December 9th at 2:00PM. A cast of 14 dancers from the Coastal Dance Company will perform under the artistic direction of Ms. Tanya Vincent. Also performing are the children from the Atlantic Coast Academy of Dance school and our satellite program at the Cape Cod YMCA bringing a total cast of over 100 dancers to the stage. Tickets are reserved seats and range from $15.00 to $30.00. For tickets and directions, call our ticket office at 508-362-1411 or access us online at www.nutcrackergala.org.

Don’t miss your chance to share in this heartwarming ballet extravaganza.