\ud83c\udfad NEW! Los Angeles Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
\u201cThe performing arts remind us of our shared humanity, offering space to reflect, feel and come together. Our new dance season brings extraordinary artists from around the world to Los Angeles, each illuminating the power of movement to tell our stories, celebrate our differences and connect us in meaningful and joyful ways,\u201d said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center. \u201cWe invite audiences of all ages to be swept away by the beauty, emotion and thrilling power of dance. Together, we can discover the wondrous possibilities that only live performances can deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n
The season will open in October 2026 at The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre with Ballet Festival: <\/a>Jerome Robbins<\/a>, a Joyce Theater Production, comprised of three mixed-repertory programs curated by renowned New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck<\/a>. She has assembled an exceptional roster of artists from leading ballet companies around the world, including herself, Roman Mejia and other dancers from New York City Ballet, along with members of San Francisco Ballet and Paris Opera\u00a0Ballet. Performed to live chamber music, each work illuminates why Robbins remains one of dance’s most influential storytellers with his unparalleled musicality, wit and emotional depth; in Suite of Dances, a piece included in two of the three featured programs, Peck is the first woman to perform the iconic role originally created by Robbins for Mikhail Baryshnikov<\/a>. Ballet Festival: Jerome Robbins<\/a> is Peck’s second curatorial program for L.A.’s performing arts center, following The Music Center’s BalletNOW in 2017. In addition to being an L.A. premiere, the engagement at The Music Center is the only U.S. performance in the 2026\u20132027 season.<\/p>\n Known for her Tony Award\u2013winning\u00a0choreography for\u00a0Moulin Rouge!\u00a0The Musical, trailblazing choreographer Sonya Tayeh<\/a> brings the music and fearless spirit of singer-songwriter\u00a0Sin\u00e9ad O’Connor to The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre in January 2027.\u00a0The Surge: An Ode to Sin\u00e9ad O’Connor<\/a>, a Joyce Theater Production,\u00a0will be performed by a remarkable cast of 10\u00a0women whose collective 500 years’ experience, presence, strength\u00a0and vulnerability drive this new electrifying\u00a0production. Set to O’Connor’s emotionally raw music, the bold\u00a0work explores resilience, rebellion and the\u00a0enduring power of female expression in its L.A. premiere.<\/p>\n Alvin Ailey<\/a> American Dance Theater returns to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler<\/a> Pavilion in March 2027<\/a> for the fourth year of its exclusive Southern California residency at The Music Center. Under the leadership of Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack<\/a>, the company will treat audiences to both new and classic works from the AILEY repertory that continue to uplift and inspire fans, including the beloved Revelations. Each performance is a testament to the company’s passion, artistic excellence and commitment to breaking ground, including new works by contemporary choreographers\u2014cementing AILEY’s pioneering legacy as one of the most celebrated dance companies in the world.<\/p>\n In June 2027, audiences of all ages will enter a world of enchantment with The Joffrey Ballet<\/a> in the West Coast Premiere of The Sleeping Beauty<\/a>, spectacularly reimagined by two-time Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon<\/a>, OBE, and\u00a0performed by one of the world’s premier dance companies alongside a live orchestra. The classic fairy tale\u00a0follows Princess Aurora, whose joyous christening is cursed by the wicked\u00a0Carabosse and dooms the princess to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth\u00a0birthday. As an entire kingdom slumbers under the spell, only true\u00a0love’s\u00a0kiss can awaken Princess Aurora and restore harmony to the realm.\u00a0Wheeldon’s dazzling choreography unfolds amid J\u00e9r\u00f4me Kaplan’s sumptuous costumes and scenery, bringing the timeless masterpiece of romance, beauty and adventure\u2014and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score\u2014vividly to life. Named New York City Ballet’s first-ever resident choreographer in 2001 and artistic associate of The Royal Ballet in 2012, Wheeldon rose in prominence for bringing ballet to Broadway; he directed and choreographed MJ The Musical on Broadway in 2022, winning four Tony Awards including Best Choreography.<\/p>\n After 20 years, Spain’s acclaimed\u00a0Compa\u00f1\u00eda\u00a0Nacional\u00a0de Danza<\/a> returns to The Music Center in July 2027 and closes the season with the thrilling North American\u00a0debut of\u00a0Don Quixote<\/a>. Based on Miguel de Cervantes<\/a>‘ legendary tale of an\u00a0idealistic knight daring to dream the impossible dream, this joyful ballet bursts with dazzling technique,\u00a0humor\u00a0and flair. Choreographer Jos\u00e9 Carlos Mart\u00ednez, one of the most respected ballet artists today who currently serves as dance director of the Paris Opera Ballet, brings authenticity to this work by honoring its Spanish influences with nuance and integrity through traditional dances\u00a0and theatrical elements that reflect their true origins. \u201cJos\u00e9 Carlos Mart\u00ednez got it right,\u201d lauds Spain’s La Raz\u00f3n. \u201cThanks to the updating of the movements, the introduction of the bolero and the fandango and a greater agility in the transitions\u2026resulted in a greater dynamism compared to the original.\u201d<\/p>\n BALLET FESTIVAL: Jerome Robbins<\/a> (L.A. Premiere and only U.S. performance in the 2026\u20132027 season)<\/p>\n Friday, October 23, 2026, 7:30 p.m. Curated by Tiler Peck<\/a> Choreographer: Jerome Robbins<\/a> Works performed by permission of The Robbins Rights Trust.<\/p>\n Program for Friday, October 23: Four Bagatelles; Concertino; Other Dances featuring Tiler Peck<\/a> and Roman Mejia; and In the Night<\/p>\n Program for Saturday, October 24: In the Night; A Suite of Dances featuring Roman Mejia; and excerpt from Dances at a Gathering featuring Tiler Peck<\/a><\/p>\n Program for Sunday, October 25: Four Bagatelles; Concertino; A Suite of Dances featuring Tiler Peck<\/a>; and excerpt from Dances at a Gathering<\/p>\n Discover the brilliance of legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins<\/a>, a visionary artist who helped shape American ballet by blending classical ballet with jazz-infused theatricality. Curated by New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Tiler Peck<\/a>, this special program brings together an extraordinary roster of dancers from New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and other major companies to showcase Robbins’ masterpieces. Performed to live chamber music, the works reveal the wit, musicality and emotional depth that define Robbins’ timeless choreography.<\/p>\n THE SURGE: AN ODE TO SIN\u00c9AD O’CONNOR (L.A. Premiere)<\/p>\n Friday, January 15, 2027, 7:30 p.m. A Joyce Theater Production Director and Choreographer: Sonya Tayeh<\/a> Trailblazing choreographer Sonya Tayeh<\/a>, known for her Tony Award\u2013winning choreography for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, brings the music and spirit of singer-songwriter Sin\u00e9ad O’Connor to the stage in a powerful new work. The Surge is performed by a remarkable cast of 10 women with a collective 500 years’ experience, whose presence, strength and vulnerability drive this electrifying production. Set to O’Connor’s music, the work explores resilience, rebellion and the enduring power of female expression in a bold theatrical performance that pulses with emotion and movement.<\/p>\n Alvin Ailey<\/a> AMERICAN DANCE THEATER<\/p>\n Wednesday, March 31, 2027, 7:30 p.m. The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler<\/a> Pavilion Alvin Ailey<\/a> American Dance Theater returns for the fourth year of its exclusive Southern California residency at The Music Center, bringing the passion, artistry and spirit that have made it one of the most celebrated dance companies in the world. With extraordinary dancers and a dynamic repertory that blends classics with contemporary works, including the beloved Revelations, the company continues to expand the possibilities of modern dance.<\/p>\n THE JOFFREY BALLET<\/p>\n Thursday, June 24, 2027, 7:30 p.m. The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler<\/a> Pavilion THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (West Coast Premiere)<\/p>\n Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon<\/a> Enter a world of enchantment with The Sleeping Beauty, spectacularly staged by two-time Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon<\/a>, OBE, and performed by one of the world’s premier dance companies. Set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, the beloved fairy tale follows Princess Aurora, whose joyous christening is cursed by the wicked Carabosse, dooming the princess to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday. As an entire kingdom slumbers under the spell, only true love’s kiss can awaken Princess Aurora and restore harmony to the realm. Wheeldon, whose credentials include the first-ever resident choreographer for New York City Ballet and artistic associate of The Royal Ballet, offers dazzling choreography, which unfolds amid J\u00e9r\u00f4me Kaplan’s sumptuous costumes and scenery, bringing this classic masterpiece vividly to life.<\/p>\n COMPA\u00d1\u00cdA NACIONAL DE DANZA<\/p>\n Thursday, July 15, 2027, 7:30 p.m. The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler<\/a> Pavilion DON QUIXOTE (North American Premiere)<\/p>\n Artistic Director: Muriel Romero **Additional Choreography of the Bolero and Fandango: Mayte Chico<\/p>\n Wonder and excitement take flight as Spain’s acclaimed Compa\u00f1\u00eda Nacional de Danza returns to The Music Center with the exhilarating North American debut of Don Quixote. Based on Miguel de Cervantes<\/a>‘ legendary tale of an idealistic knight daring to dream the impossible dream, this joyful ballet, choreographed by Jos\u00e9 Carlos Mart\u00ednez, bursts with dazzling technique, humor and flair. Mart\u00ednez’s staging is grounded in cultural authenticity, reimagining the ballet’s Spanish influences with nuance and integrity through traditional dances and theatrical elements that reflect their true origins.<\/p>\n \n 2026 Theater Fans’ Choice Awards – Live Stats\n <\/p>\n \n Best Featured Performer in a Play – Top 3\n <\/p>\n \n 1.<\/strong> \n 8.1% of votes\n <\/p>\n \n 2.<\/strong> \n 5.7% of votes\n <\/p>\n \n 3.<\/strong> \n 5.4% of votes\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nSaturday, October 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
\nSunday, October 25, 2026, 2:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
\nA Joyce Theater Production
\nThe Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre
\nPerformed to Live Music<\/p>\n
\nLighting Designers: Jennifer Tipton<\/a>, Ronald Bates<\/a>
\nCostume Designers: Anthony Dowell, Florence Klotz<\/a> and Santo Loquasto<\/a>
\nComposers: Johann <\/a>Sebastian Bach<\/a>, Frederic Chopin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Igor Stravinsky<\/a>
\nProduction Stage Manager: Jacqueline Reid<\/a>
\nLighting Supervisor: John Cuff<\/p>\n
\nSaturday, January 16, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
\nSunday, January 17, 2027, 2:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
\nThe Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre
\nPerformed to Recorded Music<\/p>\n
\nMusic: Sin\u00e9ad O’Connor
\nLighting and Scenic Designer: Tom Visser
\nSound Designer: Marc Cardarelli<\/a>
\nAssociate Choreographer: Jenn Freeman
\nCostume Designer<\/a>: M\u00e1rion Tal\u00e1n de la Rosa
\nAssociate Costume Designer<\/a>: Mieka van der Ploeg<\/a>
\nCo-Rehearsal Directors: Jenn Freeman and Lauren Gerrie
\nProduction Manager: Jenna Hanlon<\/p>\n
\nThursday, April 1, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
\nFriday, April 2, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
\nSaturday, April 3, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
\nSaturday, April 3, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
\nSunday, April 4, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
\nSunday, April 4, 2027, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
\nMixed repertory of classic and contemporary works, including Revelations, to be announced
\nLast company appearance at The Music Center: 2026<\/p>\n
\nFriday, June 25, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
\nSaturday, June 26, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
\nSaturday, June 26, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
\nSunday, June 27, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
\nSunday, June 27, 2027, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
\nPerformed with Live Orchestra
\nLast company appearance at The Music Center: 2024<\/p>\n
\nMusic: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky<\/a>
\nSet and Costume Design: J\u00e9r\u00f4me Kaplan
\nLighting Design: Mary Louise Geiger<\/a>
\nProjection Design: Daniel Brodie<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFriday, July 16, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
\nSaturday, July 17, 2027, 2:00 p.m.
\nSaturday, July 17, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
\nSunday, July 18, 2027, 2:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
\nPerformed to Live Music
\nLast company appearance at The Music Center: 2007<\/p>\n
\nChoreography: Jos\u00e9 Carlos Mart\u00ednez (inspired by the versions of Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorski)**
\nMusic: Ludwig Minkus
\nChoreography Assistant and Staging: Elna Matamoros
\nSet Design: Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Guerrero
\nCostume Design: Carmen Granell
\nLightning Design: Nicol\u00e1s Fischtel (A.A.I.)
\nCharacterization, Makeup and Wigs: Lou Val\u00e9rie Dubuis<\/p>\n
\n ![\"Theater](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778633176_679_CHOICEAWARDS-1777549390.png\")
\n <\/a><\/p>\n
\n Laurie Metcalf – Death of a Salesman <\/p>\n
\n Alden Ehrenreich – Becky Shaw <\/p>\n
\n Ben Ahlers – Death of a Salesman <\/p>\n