FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Bay Shore Ballet returns to the Fairhope Civic Center stage this spring, and invites audiences of all ages to come enjoy one of the great classical comedy ballets of all time, “Coppelia.”

It is ranked with some of the most famous and well-known ballets such as “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake,” and is performed internationally by all of the major professional ballet companies.

Originally set in Paris in 1870, “Coppelia” is a light-hearted ballet comedy set in a European village long ago, that tells the hilarious story about the misadventures of a peasant boy named Franz, who falls in love with a very lifelike doll named Coppelia, created by the mad scientist Dr. Coppelius.

In the story, Franz and his jealous girlfriend, Swanilda, become tangled up in the delusions of this mad scientist and there is chaos everywhere when these characters collide with the fury of Dr. Coppelius.

Bay Shore Ballet Theatre will present performances on April 24 at 7:30 p.m. on April 25 at 10 a.m. (which is a lower cost performance) and at 3 p.m. on April 25.

Artistic Director Janet Carole, former ballerina with major U.S. and Canadian professional ballet companies, brings this classic to life and adapts the full-scale ballet in three acts.

The production highlights the beautiful backdrops and sets of the late William Loyed, scenic artist whose commissioned works are seen in ballet companies throughout the South.

Stage designer Janet Loyed executes Mr. Loyed’s scenic work.

Professional lighting designer and stage manager Will Dobson lends his expertise to this delightful production.

Dancers of The Bay Shore Ballet Theatre are featured in principal roles, with supporting roles danced by more than 60 talented students of the Academy from the communities of Daphne, Mobile, Foley, Gulf Shores, Robertsdale, Point Clear and Montrose.

The leading roles of the flirtatious Swanilda and the high-spirited Franz are danced by Bay Shore Ballet principal dancers Katharine Gripp and Ryan Bowman.

Professional character actress Linda Taylor plays the frenzied and cantankerous old Dr. Coppelius.

Brad Davis is featured as the town’s benevolent burgomaster and Josh Rushton portrays the village priest.

Bay Shore Ballet Theatre principal dancer Emily Davis takes the effervescent role of Dawn, Lauren Aldridge whirls constantly in the spinning dance of Travail, Emily Rushton is featured in the poetic role of Grace, and Kristi Bell is showcased as the flamboyant Spanish Doll in the mysterious workshop of Dr. Coppelius.

Featured soloists include Annie Pearson who dances with elegance in the role of Prayer and Samantha Stewart who highlights the zesty Mazurka in Act I.

Destiny Taylor and Julianne Horak are the flirtatious maidens of the Betrothal Dance and Glorianne Morrow dances as one of the soloist in the lyrical dance of the Three Muses.

Bay Shore Ballet announces registration for its upcoming Summer Dance Camps and the Summer Dance Intensive to be held at the Academy from June 8 through July 30.

The schedules offers a flexible summer vacation schedule and tuition for all classes and camps.

“Dance Discovery” is a popular camp designed to inspire young dancers, ages 7-11, with classes designed for young performers in theater arts and ballet technique.

For the youngest dancers, ages 5-7, “Fairy Tale Ballet Camp” offers fun with ballet and fairy tales.

The Summer Dance Intensive offers a wide range of exciting and challenging classes for intermediate and advanced dancers including pointe, variations, partnering, character, modern, jazz and choreography from legendary classics.

All dancers are featured in the performance workshops with informal receptions at the conclusion of each camp.

Ticket prices for “Coppelia” are:

• For the Friday and Saturday regular performances, adult tickets are $12 and seniors and children 12 and under are $10; for the Saturday 10 a.m. preview performance, all seats are $5.

Ladies of the Bay Shore Ballet Society will host the Coppelia Sweet Shoppe and Ballet Boutique in the lobby.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Coffee Loft, 503 N. Section St. and at Page and Palette Bookstore, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope.

For more information about tickets or summer programs, call the Academy at (251) 990-9744.

Bay Shore Ballet will also present a cameo performance of “Coppelia” for the bay area schools on April 24 at 10 a.m. Teachers interested in attending this low-cost performance with their class can also contact Bay Shore Ballet Academy.

For more information about performances of “Coppelia,” including ticketing, group rates, schedules, summer dance programs or the cameo performance for school or groups, call (251) 990-9744, or visit www.bayshoreballet.com.