Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre celebrates 50 years
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a 201920 mainstage season of returning favorites and collaborations with Pittsburgh connections.
The company — which opened its new production of “The Great Gatsby” Friday at Benedum Center — announced next season’s lineup at a private reception Thursday evening before a dress rehearsal.
It opens in October at Benedum Center, Downtown, with a revival of “Giselle” (Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot choreography; Adolphe Adam score) with the PBT Orchestra. PBT last staged this haunting tale of love, loss and redemption in 2016, timed with artistic director Terrence Orr’s 20th year with the company. This time, though, expect a few fresh touches, Mr. Orr said.
Come December, PBT rings in the holidays with its annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Once again, E.T.A. Hoffman’s beloved tale will boast a bit of local flair, with scenery modeled after notable landmarks such as the Kaufmann’s-turned-Macy’s department store clock in Downtown, the F.W. McKee residence in Shadyside and the view of the city’s skyline from Mount Washington.
In February, PBT will bring back Lew Christensen’s choreographic take on “Beauty and the Beast,” last seen here in 2015. Mr. Orr once danced as a principal in this ballet during his career, he said. In honor of PBT’s golden anniversary, Mr. Orr is looking to bring back some of the artists involved with the production he danced in.
Next March, in partnership with the August Wilson Cultural Center, the company will mount a mixed repertory program featuring works by LincolnLarimer native Kyle Abraham, Pittsburgh-based choreographer Staycee Pearl and longtime PBT collaborator Dwight Rhoden. Ms. Pearl also will serve as an artist in residence with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, Mr. Orr said.
To close the anniversary season in April 2020, PBT will present a program of Balanchine and Tchaikovsky works, a nod to the years that Mr. Orr’s predecessor Patricia Wilde was at the helm. “Theme and Variations,” “Allegro Brilliante,” “Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux” and “Diamonds” from “Jewels” will be the featured pieces, accompanied by the PBT Orchestra.
As a whole, Mr. Orr feels as though the season is a snapshot of PBT’s rich history.
“I think it shows all kinds of things that have happened over the last 50 years,” he said.
Subscriptions start at $81 and are on sale now at pbt.org or 412-454-9107. Single tickets will go on sale Aug. 6 at pbt.org or 412-456-6666.
PBT 2019-20 season
Performances at Benedum Center, Downtown, unless otherwise noted.
“Giselle” with the PBT Orchestra, Oct. 25-27.
“The Nutcracker,” Dec. 6-29.
PNC Presents “Beauty and the Beast,” Feb. 14-23, 2020.
“Here & Now,” featuring Kyle Abraham, Staycee Pearl and Dwight Rhoden, at August Wilson Cultural Center, Downtown, March 20-29, 2020.
“Balanchine & Tchaikovsky: A 50th Anniversary” with the PBT Orchestra, April 17-29, 2020.