The Casket Girls is a spectacular full-length ballet featuring sweeping sets, unparalleled dancing, and an electric score of all original music composed by artist Cory Gabel. This grim gothic tale, based on real life events in 1700’s New Orleans, takes you into a world shrouded in fog, dark convents, and even darker secrets. Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre also welcomes Guest Artist, Cody Miley to our stage.
The Casket Girls tells the story of the women ordered by the King of France to help populate the New World in 1729. Hand picked by the Bishop of Quebec, the women of noble standing and good backgrounds were sent to New Orleans to find suitable husbands and bring a sense of propriety to the rough city inhabited by pirates, scoundrels, and thieves. Arriving with their belongings packed in wooden trunks, an air of mystery surrounds them and their casket-like cases. Sent to live in a convent until suitable matches are made for them, the caskets are locked away in the attic. Our ballet follows the story of Catherine and her soon to be husband, Jean. Their wedding night erupts in disaster as her wedding trousseau is gathered from the attic, and the other caskets are found ominously open and empty. A story of intrigue, passion, and powerful defiance unfolds throughout this gothic, vampire-laden, ballet.
The Casket Girls features a specially curated score commissioned specifically for Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre by composer Cory Gabel, and can be found on Spotify and most streaming services. We are delighted to welcome the composer himself as our special guest for the performances. Corey Gabel and Gregory Hancock will be sharing the stage for a pre-performance discussion about their collaboration and unique working relationship. This is open to the public, with the performance to follow.
As always, Gregory Hancock weaves a story masterfully for the audience to get lost within. Stunning sets, mesmerizing dance, and stellar costuming, compliments this world class company. Guest Artist, Cody Miley joins GHDT for this amazing event. Mr. Miley, formerly of Dance Kaleidoscope, exhibits powerhouse performances, and we welcome him as our special guest.
