Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) welcomes families to join them for a season of adventure with three magical fairy tale ballets. “The Family Fairy Tale Package” includes well-known, family-friendly storybook ballets featuring favorite characters and imaginative stories.
“This package is a wonderful way to introduce young people to ballet,” said Adam W. McKinney, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artistic director. “I love watching children’s faces light up with joy as they watch their favorite fairy tales come to life onstage.”
“The Family Fairy Tale Package” for the 2026-27 season includes:
“THE NUTCRACKER”
December 4-27, 2026 at the Benedum Center
Terrence S. Orr’s beloved version of The Nutcracker returns for its final year, inviting Pittsburgh audiences to gather one last time around this treasured holiday tradition. The Nutcracker overflows with warmth, nostalgia, and theatrical magic, whisking audiences into an unforgettable adventure with Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they journey through swirling snow and into the Land of Enchantment. As we prepare for an all-new production in 2027, this fond farewell honors a sparkling world that has lived in the city’s heart for more than twenty years.
Concept & Choreography: Terrence S. Orr
Music: P.I. Tchaikovsky
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre studio photo shoot Dec. 16 & 17, 2025, for “The Nutcracker.” Photo by Justin Merriman.
“ALICE IN WONDERLAND”
February 12-21, 2027 at the Benedum Center
Don’t be late! Pittsburgh audiences are invited to join Alice as she falls into a whimsical wonderland where the unexpected awaits around every corner. Based on the beloved Lewis Carroll books, Alice in Wonderland comes to life as an extraordinary adventure featuring visually dazzling sets, curious characters, vivid costumes and magical moments. The ballet features new choreography by André Santos and includes familiar characters, such as the eccentric Mad Hatter, the evil Queen of Hearts, and the mysterious White Rabbit. Alice in Wonderland will entertain the whole family with an unforgettable escape into a world where imagination knows no bounds.
Choreography: André Santos
Music: P.I. Tchaikovsky
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre studio photo shoot Dec. 16 & 17, 2025, for “The Sleeping Beauty.” Photo by Justin Merriman.
“THE SLEEPING BEAUTY” with the PBT ORCHESTRA
May 7-9, 2027 at the Benedum Center
Enter a radiant kingdom where true love triumphs with a single kiss. The Sleeping Beauty enchants with immaculate choreography and fairytale charm. Audiences will delight in the lavish staging, gorgeous costumes, exquisite dancing and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, performed live by the PBT Orchestra. The ballet unfolds with delightful dances by Princess Aurora and Prince Désiré, six good fairies, the vengeful Carabosse and storybook characters including Puss ‘n Boots, the White Cat, Bluebird, and Princess Florine. PBT invites audiences to step into this storybook classic that’s a dream for audiences of every age.
Original choreography: Marius Petipa
New staging by Adam W. McKinney
Music: P.I. Tchaikovsky
Take your family on this sweet, season-long adventure and provide them with the perfect introduction to the world of dance. Tickets for the three-ballet Family Fairy Tale package start at just $82.50 for adults. Packages for children (ages 3-17) start at $50.25 and are available at pbt.org/fairytale or by calling 412-454-9107.