PNB Unveils New Production of The Sleeping Beauty

Pacific Northwest Ballet continues its 2024-25 season with its much-anticipated world premiere production of the classic story ballet The Sleeping Beauty. Similar to PNB’s acclaimed production of Giselle, Artistic Director Peter Boal will oversee the staging of The Sleeping Beauty and provide additional choreography, in collaboration with historically-informed staging by dance historian Doug Fullington based on Stepanov notation.

Since its creation in 1890 in St. Petersburg, Russia, The Sleeping Beauty, with its score by Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa, has been a pillar of the classical ballet repertory. Pacific Northwest Ballet’s production, led by Artistic Director Peter Boal, strives to create a new version of the enduring classic, set in a timeless fantasy world inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and Northwest Coast art.

PNB’s staging will feature designs by some of the leading artists of our time: glass artist Preston Singletary will create his first theatrical scenic design, in collaboration with projection designs by Wendall K. Harrington. Costumes are being designed by Paul Tazewell, Tony Award-winner for Hamilton (and PNB’s Swan Lake), and puppet master Basil Twist will provide additional magical elements. Lighting will be by PNB’s resident lighting designer Reed Nakayama. In addition to the entire professional Company, more than 120 students plus the Professional Division from the PNB School will dance in The Sleeping Beauty.

“PNB’s new production of The Sleeping Beauty offers an exciting opportunity to present a timeless tale in a new light,” said Boal. “Our Beauty begins with a reexamining of original source materials. Notions of good versus evil, destiny and empowerment, and innovative interpretations of character and craft define this production. Northwest glass artist, Preston Singletary creates an ancestral realm anchored in North America. Paul Tazewell’s costumes build on Preston’s scenic designs with a vibrant palette and a modern day elegance that feels only a few steps from a high fashion runway. Add puppetry, projections, butterflies, brilliant dancing, and one of classical ballet’s finest scores and we have a unique story ballet that will promises to enthrall audiences for years to come.”

Combined with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the world-famous PNB Orchestra, and Petipa’s enduring choreography, The Sleeping Beauty honors tradition while innovating to create a new imagining of a timeless story for today’s audiences.

The Sleeping Beauty runs for eleven performances only, January 31 through February 9 at Seattle Center’s Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. Tickets start at just $38, with discounts available for children 14 and under. The program will also stream digitally February 13 – 17: Digital access is available by subscription only. For tickets and additional information, contact the PNB Box Office at 206.441.2424, in person at 301 Mercer Street, or online 24/7 at PNB.org.

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloists Dammiel Cruz-Garrido and Amanda Morgan as King and Queen Papillon, in costumes designed by Paul Tazewell for PNB’s upcoming world premiere production of The Sleeping Beauty. Photo credit Angela Sterling.