BREAKING NEWS: The Joffrey Ballet has just announced its highly anticipated 2026-27 season, featuring a trio of imaginative story ballets that will captivate audiences in Chicago. Kicking off on September 17-27, 2026, the season will include the Chicago premiere of “Liliom,” an adaptation of the classic 1909 French play that also inspired the musical “Carousel.”
This unique ballet, choreographed by the renowned John Neumeier, follows the story of Liliom, a romantic carny whose dreams clash with the harsh realities of life during America’s Great Depression. This will mark the first time any American company has staged “Liliom,” making it a groundbreaking event for local arts enthusiasts.
The season continues with a special Valentine’s program titled “Notes on Love,” running from February 4-14, 2027. This evening will feature a world premiere by Houston Thomas, a talented Chicago native and alumnus of the Joffrey school. Thomas, who has made significant strides in Europe, returns to his roots with “Dear Chicago: A Love Letter,” celebrating the city’s spirit through dance.
In a nod to classic ballet, the Joffrey will close its season with the North American premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s reimagined “The Sleeping Beauty,” scheduled for May 13-23, 2027. This innovative version of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score promises to offer audiences a fresh perspective on a timeless tale.
The beloved holiday production, “Nutcracker,” will also return, running for four weeks in December, though details on ticket sales for this production are pending.
Subscriptions for the 2026-27 season start at $138 and are available for purchase by calling 312-386-8905 or visiting joffrey.org. Single tickets to all performances will go on sale this summer.
This announcement marks a significant moment as the Joffrey Ballet enters its seventh decade, reaffirming its commitment to innovative storytelling and community engagement in the performing arts. The lineup not only highlights established works but also emphasizes the importance of local talent and new voices in the ballet scene.
Stay tuned for updates as the Joffrey Ballet prepares for what promises to be an extraordinary season filled with passion, creativity, and a deep love for Chicago.
