MUSIC AND DANCE : Joffrey Bill: From Massine to Prince

The Joffrey Ballet’s 4 1/2-week engagement at the Wiltern Theatre, Friday to June 7, includes the company’s first performances anywhere of Leonide Massine’s “Les Presages,” as well as the world premiere of Peter Pucci’s untitled pas de deux to music by Prince (first installment of a full-evening 1993 work titled “Billboards” to be shared by four choreographers).

In addition, the company will dance three ballets new to Los Angeles audiences: Artistic Director Gerald Arpino’s “Drums, Dreams and Banjos” (to music adapted from Stephen Foster), Pucci’s “Moon of the Falling Leaves” (Brent Michael Davids) and Laura Dean’s “Light Field/Structure” (Glenn Branca).

Previously performed locally by other companies, both Alonzo King’s solo “Prayer” (to Muslim chants) and Martha Clarke’s trio “Garden of Villandry” (co-choreographed by Robby Barnett and Felix Blaska to music by Schubert) will also be given their L.A. Joffrey premieres at the Wiltern.

After the first three performances of the run (the opening gala and two benefits sponsored by Absolut Vodka), all the Joffrey repertory divides into six different programs--including the full-evening “La Fille mal Gardee” (Ashton/Herold), which closes the season, June 3-7. Each program is scheduled to be repeated with changes of casting.

Evening performances are at 8, except for the Friday gala and all Sunday evening performances, which begin at 7:30. Matinees are at 2. There are no Monday performances and none on Tuesday, June 2.

Single tickets cost $15, $30, $40 and $45, with prices $5 higher in each section for the benefit performances on Saturday and next Sunday. Student-senior rush (on the day of performance) and group discounts are available. Information: (213) 563-3739.