PBT’s Family-Friendly 2023-24 Season Finale is at the Benedum Center.
Photo by Michael Henninger
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Cinderella is a U.S. premiere by Australian choreographer Jayne Smeulders. This version of Cinderella stays true to the beloved fairy tale and classic 1944 Sergei Prokofiev score. The whimsical, transformational story includes favorite characters, updated classical choreography, glittering sets, gorgeous costumes, and a fairy tale ending that’s just the perfect fit.
The production’s four performances have two principal couples portraying the roles of Cinderella and the Prince for the first time. Principal Artist Tommie Lin O’Hanlon and Soloist Colin McCaslin will take the stage in the lead roles during the Friday and Saturday evening performances. Principal Artists Hannah Carter and Lucius Kirst will perform the roles during the Saturday and Sunday matinees. Additionally, Grace Rookstool and Tommie Lin O’Hanlon will perform the role of the Fairy Godmother. The artists will dance in the lead roles for the following performances:
- Tommie Lin O’Hanlon and Colin McCaslin, with Grace Rookstool as the Fairy Godmother: Friday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m.
- Hannah Carter and Lucius Kirst, with Tommie Lin O’Hanlon as the Fairy Godmother: Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m.
You can see the complete cast list here.
“This is one of the most beautiful versions of Cinderella I have seen,” said Adam W. McKinney, artistic director at PBT. “I am excited to share Jayne Smeulders’ U.S. premiere of Cinderella with Pittsburghers for the first time. I feel sure that they will love it as much as I do.”
Smeulders created her version of Cinderella in 2011 as a Principal Artist with the West Australian Ballet. Simon Guilbault designed the sets and costumes for this version of the beloved fairytale. These elements help tell this beautifully reimagined version of Cinderella in a fantastical world where dreams come true.
The following PBT Education and Community Engagement programs are available to help expand the ballet experience and are open to all ticket holders:
Opening Night Preview | Friday, May 17 | 6:30 p.m.
Join us to learn about Cinderella and the U.S. premiere of this magical ballet from the choreographer Jayne Smeulders! She is a former Principal Artist with West Australia Ballet and has choreographed numerous works.
Artist Q&A | Friday, May 17 | After the 7:30 p.m. performance
Attendees at this event can chat with PBT’s artists about their roles in the performance, working with the artistic team, and other burning questions.
Curtain Up! | Sunday, May 19 | 1:00 p.m.
The program begins with an opportunity to watch the last few minutes of company class, after which Maestro Charles Barker, the PBT Orchestra’s music director and principal conductor, will discuss Prokofiev’s transcendent Cinderella score.
All events will occur on the Orchestra level (first floor) of the Benedum. Registration is not required for these events.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
PBT will perform Cinderella at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts on:
- Friday, May 17, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 18, 2024 – 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 18, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, May 19, 2024 – 2:00 p.m.
Single tickets start at $29 and are available at pbt.org or 412-456-6666.
