Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is excited to celebrate its 55th Anniversary with a sparkling Emerald Season! From October 2024 through May 2025, the company will produce four full-length ballets and one mixed repertoire program. The season features beautiful classical ballets, exciting modern works and fun family performances. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre shared some of the best moments from this upcoming season with TABLE, so you can get excited about one of Pittsburgh’s greatest cultural institutions. Whether you’re a seasoned audience member or it’ll be your first time, the 2024-2025 season has something for everyone.
The Best Costumes, Music, and Plot Points in the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s 2024-25 Season
Peter Pan
October 25-27, 2024, Benedum Center
Escape to Neverland for a daring adventure with Wendy, John, Michael, Tinkerbell and Peter in the Pittsburgh Premiere of Peter Pan. This new interpretation of the classic tale is told through the eyes of a child.
Highlights:
- Spectacular onstage flying sequences!
- A fun mix of dance and theatre
Dramatic Plot Points:
- Swashbuckling sword fights between Peter Pan and the dastardly Captain Hook
Costumes:
- Updates on classic costumes inspired by punk fashion
The Nutcracker
December 6-27, 2024, Benedum Center
Set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh, The Nutcracker sweeps audiences into a thrilling journey with Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they travel through sparkling snow into the Land of Enchantment. This magical holiday tradition is a fantastic experience to share with friends and family!
Highlights:
- Five stunning scenes
- More than 100 artists
- A Christmas tree that grows to 15 times its size
- Sparkling, falling snow
- More than 30 magic tricks created by a professional magician
Dramatic Plot Points:
The action never stops with:
- A festive party scene
- A daring confrontation between the Rat King and the Nutcracker
- The glistening and gorgeous Land of Snow
- The Land of Enchantment, where Marie and the prince are entertained with a multitude of dances
Costumes:
- Stunning period costumes from the turn of the century
- 150 spectacular costumes
- 1,500 costume accessories
Music:
- The iconic Tchaikovsky score
Guest Stars:
- Local celebrities will appear in The Nutcracker’s opening party scene
Romeo and Juliet with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra
February 14-16, 2025, Benedum Center
The world’s most famous love story is brought to life in the emotional and timeless epic Romeo and Juliet. This version of the ballet takes a fresh approach to Shakespeare’s classic story by focusing on the youthfulness of the characters and the perspective of the priest, whose good intentions ultimately lead to the demise of the two star-crossed lovers. This moving performance is full of romance that will reach your heart and soul.
Highlights:
- Stunning choreography
- Romantic story for Valentine’s weekend!
Dramatic Plot Points:
- The classic tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – it is ALL dramatic plot points!
Costumes:
- A fresh, modern version of the ballet focuses more on the characters and the dancing than on the costumes and sets
Music:
- Sergei Prokofiev’s unforgettable score, played live by the PBT Orchestra
Spring Mix: 5 for 55
April 4-6, 2025, August Wilson African American Cultural Center
In honor of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s 55th Anniversary, artistic director Adam W. McKinney has selected five remarkable contemporary and classical works for Spring Mix – three that, throughout its history, the company has performed and two world premieres.
Highlights:
- World Premieres of Rite of Spring by PBT choreographer-in-residence William Moore and new work by acclaimed choreographer Caili Quan
- Beloved PBT Works From the Last 55 Yyars like George Balanchine’s sumptuous and sparkling Emeralds, Jorma Elo’s divine, fast-paced 1st Flash, and Dwight Rhoden’s intense and passionate Ave Maria
- A diverse blend of classical, modern and neo-classical ballet styles for a rich and varied experience
The Wizard of Oz with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra
May 9-18, 2025, Benedum Center
An extraordinary whirlwind of adventure lands in Pittsburgh with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre premiere of the whimsical The Wizard of Oz. This ballet follows Dorothy and Toto down the yellow brick road into Oz. Joined by the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion, they quest to find the Wizard and battle the Wicked Witch. This incredible family event includes all of L. Frank Baum’s signature characters and brings the Emerald City to dazzling life.
Highlights:
- This is the Pittsburgh Premiere of The Wizard of Oz.
- Projection technology
- Flying sequences
- Puppetry (including Toto in puppet form)
- Storyline that closely follows the beloved movie
Dramatic Plot Points:
- Dramatic fight between Dorothy and the Wicked Witch, and the friends’ quest to find Oz
Costumes
- 120 colorful costumes and 112 hats!
Music
- The score by Matthew Pierce will be played live by the PBT Orchestra
Story by Emma Riva / Photography courtesy of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
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