Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Will Open Its 55th Anniversary Season with the Family-Friendly Ballet

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) Peter Pan will open at the Benedum Center on Friday, October 25, 2024. This family-friendly ballet is a Pittsburgh premiere by choreographer Trey McIntyre. It will run October 25 through 27 at the Benedum Center as the opening production of PBT’s 2024-25 Emerald 55th Anniversary season. 

This version of Peter Pan is a fresh interpretation of the classic tale told through the eyes of a child. Peter Pan closely follows the classic book by J.M. Barrie and includes its beloved characters. This enchanting ballet is a breathtaking experience for audiences of all ages. 

In this Pittsburgh premiere, PBT invites audiences to escape to Neverland for a daring adventure with Peter, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, Wendy, John, and Michael. The production includes the familiar faces of many PBT artists, including:

• Principal artists Hannah Carter and Tommie Lin Kesten, who both portray Wendy
• Soloist Colin McCaslin and Corps de Ballet member Jack Hawn as Captain Hook
• Soloists Grace Rookstool and Diane Yohe as Tinkerbell
• Corps de Ballet members Jonathan Breight and Josiah Kauffman as Peter 
• The complete cast list can be found here.

“We are thrilled to invite audiences to escape to Neverland with us for Trey McIntyre’s incredibly imaginative and entertaining Peter Pan,” said Adam W. McKinney, artistic director at PBT. “I am very excited to introduce it to Pittsburgh. I think audiences will have enthusiastic responses because of its unparalleled flying scenes, dramatic sword fights, inventive costumes, familiar story, and magnificent choreography.”

McIntyre’s creative version of Peter Pan premiered in 2002 at Houston Ballet, where he worked as a Choreographic Associate. The ballet is set to composer Edward Elgar‘s original music as Niel DePonte arranged. Audiences are transported into an extravagant make-believe world through the visionary set designs by Tom Boyd, fantastical costumes by Broadway costumer Jeanne Button, stunning flying effects by ZFX, and magical lighting by Christina Giannelli.

TICKETS AND DETAILS

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s production of Peter Pan at the Benedum Center will run October 25 through 27, 32024. Single tickets start at $25 and are available at pbt.org or 412-456-6666.

PBT will offer the following PBT Education and Community Engagement Programs to expand the performanceexperience, and are open to all ticket holders:

• Opening Night Preview | Friday, Oct 25 | 6:30 p.m. With Peter Pan Choreographer Trey McIntyre and Stager Dawn Scannell. Location: Benedum Center, promenade level.
• Tea with Tink | Saturday, October 26 | 12:45 p.m.Get kids ready for the performance with some Peter Pan fun! Read the story with us, try out Tinkerbell’s dance, and watch a short Peter Pan vignette performed by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre students. “Tea” and cookies provided! Location: Benedum Center multi-purpose room, promenade level. Advance registration is required and can be completed here.
• Artist Q&A | Saturday, Oct. 26 | after the 7:30 p.m. performance Chat with PBT artists about their roles in the performance, working with the choreographer, and more. Location: In the theater.
• Curtain Up! | Sunday, October 27 | 1 p.m.The program begins with a unique opportunity to watch the last few minutes of company class and chat with the “flying” team from ZFX. Location: In the theater.

Registration is not required for most programs but is for Tea with Tinkerbell on October 26.

Categories: Arts and Ideas, Show Previews

Tags: Adam W. McKinney, Benedum Center, Christiana Giannelli, Edwar Elgar, Grace Rookstool, Hanna Carter, Jack Hawn, Jeanne Button, Jonathan Breight, Joshia Kauffman, Niel DePonte, Peter Pan, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Tom Boyd, Tommie Lin Kesten, Trey McIntyre, ZFX