Photos courtesy of Ballet Magnificat!
This captivating evening will not only showcase the artistry of the renowned company but also feature Isaac Brackett, a shining star hailing from Rome itself, among its gifted ensemble. The troupe will bring to life Stratagem, a riveting ballet inspired by C.S. Lewis’s timeless masterpiece, The Screwtape Letters. This stop in Rome is part of a sweeping tour spanning Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, and New Jersey, before the company crosses continents to Kosovo and the Czech Republic later this spring.
Isaac Brackett’s story is interwoven with the very fabric of Rome’s vibrant arts scene. His journey began on this very stage at the tender age of four, performing in a Shorter College production directed by Sam Baltzer. Since those early days, Isaac has danced his way through illustrious stages with Rome Little Theatre, the Rome Shakespeare Festival, and Ballet Concerto of Fort Worth, Texas. Beyond performance, his artistic footprint extends to choreography for musicals in Rome and Cedartown, and teaching hip hop, tap, and musical theatre at The Dance Centre and Baird Ballet.
Recognized for his talent early on, Isaac was selected for the prestigious Governor’s Honors Program in dance during high school. But the call of destiny led him to join Ballet Magnificat! as a trainee during the pandemic—an audacious leap that catapulted him into the professional realm. Since then, his dance odyssey has spanned the globe, from The Prodigal tour across the U.S., Zambia, and Uganda, to a performance in Rome two years prior. His journey continued with The Scarlet Cord, a tour that carried him from American stages to the heart of Japan.
This season, Ballet Magnificat! unveils Stratagem, a mesmerizing two-act ballet choreographed by Tara Thibodeaux Drew. Tara, daughter of the company’s visionary founder Kathy Thibodeaux and Keith Thibodeaux—whom audiences fondly remember as Little Ricky from I Love Lucy—infuses the performance with rich legacy and innovative flair. Stratagem is a stunning exploration of spiritual warfare, vividly portraying the cosmic clash between malevolent forces and celestial guardians. With its eclectic mix of angelic protectors, flawed human souls, and mischievous, whimsical demons, the ballet invites audiences into a dance of temptation, struggle, and ultimate redemption.
The narrative unfolds as Professor Dreadsworth unleashes his most nefarious apprentices to ensnare dancers grappling with the shadows of Vanity, Greed, and Condemnation. The stakes rise as Guilt, Shame, Depression, and Condemnation weave their oppressive spell in a battle for the human soul. But amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope and resilience pierce through. Set to dynamic, contemporary choreography, the performance is a whirlwind of athleticism and emotion. With quirky costumes and electrifying special effects, Stratagem evokes the playful eeriness of Beetlejuice and the gothic charm of The Addams Family Musical.
After the curtain falls, the performers will step off the stage to engage with the audience, offering words of encouragement, inspiration, and, when hearts are open, moments of prayer.
This one-night-only spectacle begins at 6:30 PM on Sunday, March 9, marking Ballet Magnificat!’s final bow in Georgia this season. Secure your tickets in advance at North Broad Animal Clinic, The Dance Centre, and Baird Ballet. Discounted rates are available for seniors, students, and groups at ShowSavvyProductions.com or by searching “Stratagem” on Eventbrite.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $25.
Do not miss this transcendent evening of dance and storytelling. For tickets, scan or click the QR code below:
