THE WHO’S TOMMY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY MARCH 24, 2006


CIRCUS NEXUS CHOREOGRAPHER TAPPED TO STAGE
THE WHO’S TOMMY.


Noted International Choreographer and long time CIRCUS NEXUS collaborator, Christopher Fleming has signed to stage and choreograph a new production of The Who’s Tommy. Mr. Fleming most recent work for CIRCUS NEXUS includes the recently completed tour of Rites & Rituals.

For the first time in decades and the first time in the United States, The Who have granted permission for their ground breaking “rock opera” to be staged as a full length ballet. The Dayton Ballet will debut this eagerly anticipated production April 26 2007 at the Victoria Theatre in Dayton, Ohio.

"It's a real coup and we're excited about it," said Dayton Ballet’s Artistic Director Dermot Burke.

"Tommy" was added to the company's 69th season as soon as Mr. Burke won approval from the Who's representatives to use the original 1969 recording of the Pete Townshend rock narrative about a deaf, blind and mute pinball wizard.

"I'm not one of those who believe it can't be a ballet unless there are three layers of dust on it," said Burke.



Mr. Fleming is well known for his tenure as a New York City Ballet soloist and started his choreographic and directing career when George Balanchine sent him to Italy to lead a group of New York City Ballet dancers on tour. The ensemble performed a repertoire of Mr. Balanchine's ballets as well as Mr. Fleming’s own choreography. He has directed musical theatre and opera for nationally recognized groups such as the Prince Musical Theatre as well as major regional opera companies such as The Delaware Opera. Additionally his work has been seen Off-Broadway with productions such as Anne Frank and Me. At New York City Ballet he worked closely with Jerome Robbins and his work has always been seen as highly accessible to non-dance audiences. He is noted for bringing a very contemporary sensibility to all of his artistic endeavors.

Recently he was featured as the "Coach" in an episode of MTV's hit reality series Made. Mr. Fleming had one month to successfully transform a male high school "jock" into a ballet dancer and into a soloist role in The Nutcracker.

For more information:

CIRCUS NEXUS
Keith Arsenault - Executive Producer
813 831 3465
circusnexus@aol.com
www.circusnexus.org

THE DAYTON BALLET
Emilee Isaac - Public Relations
937 449 5060 x 131
etruesdale@daytonballet.org
www.daytonballet.org