JOFFREY LISTS NEW WORKS IN SPRING SEASON

The Joffrey Ballet will include four new pieces and two familiar full-length works in its spring engagement, late April through mid-May, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

The season opens April 30 and closes May 18 with John Cranko’s “Romeo and Juliet,” and lists the Los Angeles premieres of “Birthday Variations” (set to music by Verdi) by associate director Gerald Arpino, “Force Field” (Steve Reich) by modern-dance choreographer Laura Dean and two pieces by Canadian choreographer James Kudelka: “Passages” (Thomas Tallis) and “The Heart of the Matter” (Prokofiev).

The new Arpino and Dean works will receive their first performances here on May 3. “Passages” will be danced for the first time here by the company on May 6, “Heart of the Matter” on May 7. In addition, a revival of Arpino’s “Secret Places” will be introduced here on May 8.

Besides “Romeo and Juliet” (scheduled for May 1, 2 and 17 in addition to the opening and closing nights), the Joffrey will present Cranko’s full-length “Taming of the Shrew” three times on May 10-11.

Other familiar repertory includes Agnes de Mille’s “Rodeo,” Paul Taylor’s “Arden Court,” Pilobolus’ “Untitled,” Antony Tudor’s “Offenbach in the Underworld,” Cranko’s “Jeu de Cartes” and five more works by Arpino: “Confetti,” “Round of Angels,” “Italian Suite,” “Light Rain” and “Kettentanz.”

Information: (213) 972-7611.