Tony-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's Like Water for Chocolate ballet makes its New York premiere June 22. The performance is part of American Ballet Theatre’s Opening Night Gala, which launches its 2023 summer season at the Metropolitan Opera House. Performances of the new piece, inspired by Laura Esquivel's novel, run through July 1.
Young Mexican woman Tita finds an escape from the pressures of duty and family tradition through cooking. But things take a turn when she falls in love with her forbidden and wealthy neighbor. The three-act ballet from Wheeldon and composer Joby Talbot originally made its world premiere at London's The Royal Opera House with the Royal Ballet last summer.
Rounding out the creative team are scenic and costume designer Bob Crowley (An American in Paris), lighting designer Natasha Katz (MJ), and video designer Luke Halls (The Lehman Trilogy).
Principal dancers for the season include Joo Won Ahn, Aran Bell, Isabella Boylston, Skylar Brandt, Daniel Camargo, Herman Cornejo, Thomas Forster, Catherine Hurlin, Gillian Murphy, Calvin Royal III, Hee Seo, Christine Shevchenko, Cory Stearns, Devon Teuscher, Cassandra Trenary, James Whiteside, and Roman Zhurbin.
ABT also announced productions of Giselle July 3-8, Swan Lake July 10-15, and Romeo and Juliet July 18-22.
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