Join us on June 8, 2025 as we perform Swan Lake at the Theater at South Lakes High School.
Taking a solitary walk by the lake, Princess Odette encounters the wicked Von Rothbart. Overcome with fear, she turns and runs in the hope of escaping his evil power. However, she is not quick enough, and Von Rothbart casts a spell on Odette, transforming her into a swan. Unless the curse is broken, Odette will forever be a swan, only to turn into a human at night Rothbart has one desire: To rule the kingdom and have all power.
Act I: Outside the Palace
It is Prince Siegfried’s twenty-first birthday as the courtiers and peasants have gathered to celebrate his coming of age. In the young prince’s honor, many toasts are made and a pas de quatre is danced. During the festivities the queen mother arrives and presents her son with the gift of a crossbow. She also informs him that the time has come for him to marry. The queen announces that she will give a ball the next evening and has summoned young princesses from around Europe deemed worthy of becoming his wife. The prince is to select the one who pleases him most.
Siegfried is overcome with anguish and disturbed by his thoughts. The idea of having to choose a bride from his mother's selections saddens him. As the revelers disperse, a flock of swans flying overhead catches the prince's attention. He reaches for his crossbow and leaves his own party. Rothbart begins his devious plan to cause Siegfried to fall in love with his wicked daughter, Odile, so that he can be ruler over the kingdom.
Act II: By the Lake
Siegfried enters the forest, as Odette arrives as well. Out of fear that Siegfried will see the beautiful swan and fall in love, Rothbart flies into the woods making every effort to interrupt the meeting before they can see one another. Rothbart demands all swans of the woods to come between the two, however he is too late as both Siegfried and Odette have caught a glimpse of one another. Love has taken hold.
Act III: The Ball
In weeks to come, Siegfried is forced to attend the engagment ball. As Siegfried prepares to meet potential princess brides, he becomes increasingly distracted by the image of Odette in the woods and cannot ignore his love for her. Siegried exits the party as Rothbart enters with his daughter, Odile. She dances for the Queen and lures her with charm, convincing her that she is the beauty her son met in the woods. She promises the Queen that she loves Seigfried and that he loves her as well. Before the Queen can summon her son back to the ball, she is convinced by Rothbart to agree to the marriage. In the frenzy of the moment, she hands the engagement ring to Rothbart. Rothbart reveals his twisted plan, and the Queen is distraught. Odette has arrived at the party, but it is too late. Odette will never be free to love Seigfried. Rothbart will be King, and the Siegfried will marry Odile.
Act IV: Swan Lake
Rothbart returns to the woods but is greeted by outrage. Seeing Odette’s grief cause her to faint into the lake, the other swans stand in fury against Rothbart. He is required to dance to exhaustion. Rothbart cowers down in fear and runs far into the woods. The swans mourn the loss of Odette, but to their surpise, she rises from the waters. Odette is freed from the curse and is released to go find her true love.