City Opera Ballet opens spring 2017 with Ballet Bellevue and Orchestra Bellevue performing the company’s first reprise of Jennifer L. Porter’s “Firebird” from March 24-26.

The performance features Stravinsky’s famous and much-loved score under the baton of music director/conductor Philip Tschopp.

Tyranny, subjugation, addiction and ultimately hope are some of the themes explored by Porter’s contemporary take on this (neo) classical ballet dating back to the era of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. The story is of Ivan, a man who innocently stumbles into a world of evil and corruption that is ruled by a cruel master through trickery and intimidation. In this ugly environment, Ivan encounters the Firebird, a beautiful, magical creature. At first Ivan is drawn to pursue and capture her, but compassion allows him to set her free, and it would be she who ultimately rescues him from darkness and evil.

Porter’s 2014 premiere, the very first production of “Firebird” on the Eastside, enchanted audiences with her imaginative staging of stunning choreography, particularly when it came to the challenges of fitting the company’s 50-piece orchestra into Bellevue’s only downtown venue where the orchestra pit limit is 34.

City Opera Ballet will also feature two new works by Jennifer L. Porter (music by Bern Herbolsheimer) and Laura Rodriguez (music by Felix Mendelssohn), commissioned to celebrate the amazing folks in hard hats and orange vests who are transforming the city.

“Firebird” runs for three performances March 24-26 at The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St., Bellevue. Tickets starting at $27 may be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com.