Coppélia is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic ballets of the nineteenth century and continues to hold a central place in classic ballet repertoire. At its heart, it is a story about curiosity, jealousy, and the fine line between imagination and reality.  
 
The story unfolds in the village of Galicia, a region that once belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the slopes of the Carpathian Mountains. As the curtain rises, the villagers gather in the town square to prepare for the Festival of Bells, a celebration led by the Burgomaster to honor the gift of a new bell from the Minister. Among them are Swanhilda and her fiancé Franz, a young couple whose happiness is already beginning to show strain.  
 
Across the square, perched silently on the balcony of a darkened workshop, sits a beautiful young girl engrossed in a book. She belongs to Dr. Coppélius, a strange and solitary toymaker, rumored to be something of an inventor and magician. The girl fascinates Franz, much to Swanhilda’s distress. Seeing her fiancé captivated by someone who never returns his attention, Swanhilda begins to doubt his loyalty. Swanhilda tests their love by shaking a stalk of wheat; hearing no noise, she believes Franz is unfaithful, and a quarrel soon erupts between them. 
 
As the village celebration comes to an end, Dr. Coppélius exits his workshop. He is approached by Franz and his friends who tease the old man, causing him to drop the key to his workshop. Swanhilda finds it and driven by curiosity and jealousy, decides to uncover the truth behind the silent girl on the balcony. 
 
Swanhilda and her friends sneak into Dr. Coppélius’s mysterious workshop, where they discover rows of life-sized mechanical dolls, each dressed in elaborate costumes. Before they can fully explore, Dr. Coppélius returns. He angrily drives the girls away, unaware that Swanhilda has hidden herself inside.  
 
Franz climbs through the window, hoping to meet the girl on the balcony who captured his attention. Dr. Coppélius welcomes him and, pretending to encourage his infatuation, offers him a drink that soon sends Franz into a deep sleep. Believing that he can finally bring Coppélia to life, the Doctor prepares a magical ritual to steal Franz’s vitality.  
 
Disguised in the doll’s clothing, Swanhilda takes Coppélia’s place. To Dr. Coppélius’s amazement, the doll appears to come alive. Swanhilda dances with exuberant freedom, revealing far too much personality to remain a convincing imitation. When the disguise is finally uncovered, Franz awakens, the lovers reunite, and they flee the workshop, leaving Dr. Coppélius alone with the ruins of his illusion and his workshop.  
 
The final act returns to the village square, where the Festival of Bells continues. Swanhilda and Franz appear once more, reconciled and ready to marry. Dr. Coppélius, initially angry, is appeased when he is compensated, and the villagers dance to celebrate the marriage of Swanhilda and Franz. The ballet ends with the village restored to joy and harmony.  
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Join us for Toledo Ballet’s whimsical production of Coppélia on April 25 & 26 at 2PM at The Valentine Theatre. Experience this beloved classic ballet brought to life! This performance is part of The Anderson’s Inc. Charitable Foundation Family Series and is supported by Shelli Jacobs and Directions Credit Union. Tickets