All photos by Rich Sofranko, courtesy of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presented Peter Pan at the Benedum Center Feb. 12-14 and Feb. 19-21. Characters include Wendy, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. The show offered a changing rotation of dancers. PBT’s next performance is “Mixed Repertory #2” at the Byham Theater Mar. 10-13.
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) flew across the Benedum’s stage this past weekend in its production of “Peter Pan.”
The company’s performance ran from Feb. 12-14 and Feb. 19-21. The production, featuring choreography by Jorden Morris, told the fairytale story of the characters Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell.
“It’s ‘Peter Pan’… a title for over a century. That is one of the reasons why I did it,” PBT Artistic Director Terrence Orr, said in a phone interview Thursday. “This happens to be a very good production, and I happen to enjoy it.”
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) soloist company member, Gabrielle Thurlow, dances the role of Tinkerbell in “Peter Pan.” PBT premieres its “Mixed Repertory #2” with three new ballets to the Pittsburgh area in March.
Morris, a Canadian choreographer, has set other productions for the company, including “Moulin Rouge – The Ballet,” which PBT performed in 2013. This is the second time the company has performed Morris’ choreography for “Peter Pan.”
“He tells a great story,” Orr said. “Jorden is a narrative choreographer, so he’s got a sense of humor.”
Hannah Carter, a soloist with PBT, danced the part of Wendy in the performance and said knowing the story helped with her portrayal of the role.
“Knowing [the story] from such a young age… you kind of know who Wendy is,” Carter said in a phone interview Friday. “She is just a very caring person; she wants adventure in her life.”
Carter, originally from England, trained at the Royal Ballet Theatre and previously danced with the Estonian National Ballet. After two years, she transitioned to PBT, and this marks her third season with the company.
She shared how excited she was for the flying experience in the performance, and expressed that the sets were her favorite part of the production.
“The set is incredible, changing from the Darling’s house, to Neverland and the ship,” Carter said. “It’s a great production overall.”
The production of Peter Pan has come to an end for this season, but PBT is premiering a new production from Mar. 10-13 at the Byham Theater that offers a large variety of styles.
The company will present their “Mixed Repertory #2,” which consists of four different ballets: “A Fellow Feeling,” choreographed by Yoshiaki Nakano, a principal dancer at PBT, “Eternal Idol,” “Jardin Aux Lilas” and “Man in Black.” Orr explained that three of the works are a premiere to the Pittsburgh area.
“I think [the audience] will see a lot of new works that are all different from each other,” Orr said. “They are going to take away a whole new experience of dance.”
“Man in Black” is a piece set to the music of Johnny Cash, and Orr said it is not a traditional ballet.
“This is not pointe shoes and pink tutus,” Orr said. “They are wearing cowboy boots.”
Adrienne Reau, a sophomore dance major, said she has not attended one of PBT’s performances before and hopes to do so soon, but believes the company offers a good experience for students and dancers in the Pittsburgh area.
“[Students] see what kind of companies are in the area…to be exposed to the dance culture in Pittsburgh,” Reau said in a phone interview Monday.
Carter explained one of the main reasons she loves being a part of PBT is their choice of repertoire.
“I love all the rep we do. We get to do such great ballets,” Carter said. “I haven’t even been here for three years, but I have already kicked off many things off my list.”
She also offered up advice for students and dancers about achieving goals.
“Be realistic about what you want, and if it’s really what you want, go head-strong for it,” Carter said.
The “Mixed Repertory #2” will run at the Byham Theater from Mar. 10-13. If interested in more information about PBT’s upcoming performances or for tickets, students are encouraged to visit its website at pbt.org.
