West Virginia’s Mothman legend takes the stage in Charleston Ballet world premiere
The Charleston Ballet will open its 2026-2027 season with the world premiere of The Legend of Mothman, an original ballet inspired by one of West Virginia’s most mysterious and lasting legends. Performances will take place October 23 and 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the West Virginia Culture Center Theater in Charleston, West Virginia.
Choreographed by K.R. Pauley, The Legend of Mothman brings together dance, storytelling, original music, and innovative visual technology to create a captivating new ballet. The production features an original story by Deborah Novak, a hauntingly unique score by composer Matt Jackfert, and innovative projection technology by Carol and Mike DelGrosso.
The legend of the Mothman began in November 1966, when residents near Point Pleasant reported encounters with a towering creature described as having glowing red eyes near the abandoned TNT area, a former World War II munitions site.
As reports continued, the mysterious figure became the subject of newspaper accounts, speculation, and folklore. Theories about the sightings ranged from misidentified birds to UFO sightings. Stories of unexplained phenomena and mysterious visitors known as the “Men in Black” further fueled the growing legend.
The most memorable chapter in the Mothman lore occurred on December 15, 1967, when witnesses reported seeing the creature near the Silver Bridge spanning the Ohio River between Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and Gallipolis, Ohio. Later that evening, the bridge collapsed during rush-hour traffic, resulting in the deaths of 46 people.
While the official investigation determined that the disaster was caused by a failure of the bridge’s suspension system, the tragic timing forever connected the Mothman legend with one of West Virginia’s most devastating events.
Today, Point Pleasant proudly embraces its connection to American folklore. The community is home to the Mothman Museum, the iconic 12-foot stainless steel Mothman statue, and the annual Mothman Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
The Legend of Mothman draws inspiration from documented events, historical accounts, and the rich folklore surrounding the mysterious creature.
Rather than simply retelling the legend, the production explores its atmosphere and mystery through the language of dance. Audiences will be transported into a world of strange sightings, unanswered questions, fear, curiosity, and the emotional stories that have kept the Mothman legend alive for generations.
Through K.R. Pauley’s choreography, the dancers bring the characters and atmosphere of the legend to life. Deborah Novak’s original story provides the dramatic foundation, while Matt Jackfert’s original score creates an evocative musical landscape. Adding another dimension to the production, Carol and Mike DelGrosso’s innovative projection technology transforms the stage through immersive visual imagery, blending technology with live performance to create a world where folklore and dance intersect.
The result is an original ballet that offers audiences a new way to encounter one of the state’s most recognizable legends.
Tickets for the world premiere of The Legend of Mothman are only available online at thecharlestonballet.com or by contacting The Charleston Ballet office at 304-342-6541.
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Advance ticket prices are $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door will be $40 for adults and $35 for students and seniors. For ticket and season information, call (304) 342-6541 or visit www.thecharlestonballet.com.
Image courtesy Charleston Ballet