Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has unveiled its 2026–2027 season, Escape Into Wonder, a five-program lineup running October 2026 through May 2027. The season features four full-length narrative ballets and one mixed-repertory program, combining classical works, a world premiere, and contemporary creations.
Artistic director Adam W. McKinney said the season was designed to balance familiar titles with new work, offering audiences a range of styles and storytelling traditions.
The season opens with Giselle with the PBT Orchestra (October 23–25, 2026, Benedum Center), the cornerstone of Romantic-era ballet. Choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, with later revisions by Marius Petipa, the production will be newly staged by McKinney. Set to Adolphe Adam’s score, performed live, Giselle explores themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness through its supernatural narrative.
The holiday season brings the return of The Nutcracker (December 4–27, 2026, Benedum Center), marking the final year of Terrence S. Orr’s long-running production. First premiered in 2002, Orr’s version reimagined the classic tale in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh and has become a fixture of the company’s repertory. PBT has announced plans for a new production beginning in 2027.
In February, the company presents Alice in Wonderland (February 12–21, 2027, Benedum Center), featuring world premiere choreography by André Santos. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s stories, the ballet introduces audiences to the fantastical world of Alice and its cast of iconic characters. The production is set to music by P.I. Tchaikovsky.
The season’s contemporary offerings appear in Spring Mix: World Premieres (April 9–11, 2027, August Wilson African American Cultural Center). The program will feature a new work by choreographer Omar Román de Jesús alongside original creations by PBT company artists, continuing the company’s emphasis on developing new choreography.
Closing the season is The Sleeping Beauty with the PBT Orchestra (May 7–9, 2027, Benedum Center). Choreographed by Marius Petipa and newly staged by McKinney, the ballet remains one of classical ballet’s most technically demanding works. Tchaikovsky’s score will be performed live.
Together, the season pairs cornerstone works of the classical canon with premieres and repertory milestones, reflecting both tradition and artistic development within the company.
2026-27 Season subscriptions are on sale now at pbt.org/subscribe or by calling 412-454-9107. Single tickets to individual performances will go on sale in August 2026, with the date to be announced.
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Season Listings
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