There are stories that entertain, and then there are stories that transport. Some tales whisper across the years, growing softer with time, while others only seem to grow louder, more vibrant, more enchanting with each retelling. The tale of The Wizard of Oz belongs to the latter. It is not simply a children’s fable, nor just a Hollywood relic—it is a portal, a dreamscape, a Technicolor world of wonder that has enthralled generations. And now, the Cincinnati Ballet is set to conjure that world anew, summoning the magic of Oz to the grand stage of the Springer Auditorium at Cincinnati Music Hall from February 21 through March 2, 2025.

This is not just another performance; it is a reimagining, a spectacular ballet adaptation brought to life by the celebrated choreographer Septime Webre. With every movement, leap, and turn, the dancers of the Cincinnati Ballet will bring L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters to life: the courageous Dorothy, the ever-loyal Scarecrow, the tender-hearted Tin Man, and the lovable Cowardly Lion. As they embark on their journey down the yellow brick road, they will face the menacing Wicked Witch, her army of flying monkeys, and challenges that test their courage, heart, and wisdom.

A Symphony of Movement and Music

Ballet is storytelling at its most poetic—a language spoken not in words, but in motion. And here, the magic is twofold. The production is set to an exquisite score by composer Matthew Pierce, performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The music does not merely accompany the dancers—it breathes life into them, guiding their steps, elevating their emotions, and immersing the audience in a symphonic journey that feels as boundless as Oz itself.

The fusion of movement and melody, of storytelling and spectacle, ensures that this performance will be something entirely unique—familiar yet fresh, timeless yet immediate. Whether you know the story by heart or are experiencing it for the first time, this ballet promises to unveil a new dimension of Oz that you have never seen before.

A Theater as Grand as the Tale It Holds

Few venues are as fitting for an event of this magnitude as Cincinnati Music Hall. A National Historic Landmark, this grand Victorian-Gothic masterpiece, built in 1878, has long been a beacon for the performing arts. Its Springer Auditorium, adorned with intricate architectural details and a sweeping proscenium stage, is a place where the past and present collide in breathtaking harmony.

Recent renovations have ensured that the theater retains its historic splendor while offering modern comforts—state-of-the-art acoustics, plush seating, and an ambiance that transforms every performance into an immersive experience. With a capacity of 2,500, the theater’s soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers will provide the perfect backdrop for the magic of Oz to unfold.

Visual Alchemy: A New Oz Comes to Life

While the story of The Wizard of Oz is embedded in the collective consciousness, this production dares to present it in an entirely new light—literally. The Cincinnati Ballet has partnered with cutting-edge visual artists to create a world of awe-inspiring projections and special effects that will transport audiences straight into Oz. Expect swirling tornadoes, glowing emerald landscapes, and a golden road that gleams beneath Dorothy’s feet.

These immersive visuals will blur the line between stage and reality, ensuring that even the most seasoned Wizard of Oz fans will find themselves seeing the story through new eyes. It is the magic of theater at its finest—the ability to take something beloved and familiar and transform it into something wholly new and unexpected.

Performance Schedule & Ticket Information

For those eager to witness this spellbinding ballet, performances are scheduled as follows:

February 21, 2025: 7:30 PM
February 22, 2025: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
February 23, 2025: 1:00 PM
February 26-28, 2025: 7:30 PM
March 1, 2025: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
March 2, 2025: 1:00 PM

With a production of this scale and the beloved nature of the story, tickets are expected to sell quickly. Secure your seats early to ensure you don’t miss this extraordinary event. Tickets can be purchased directly through the Cincinnati Ballet’s official website.

An Inclusive Experience for All

The Cincinnati Music Hall is dedicated to making performances accessible to all patrons. The venue provides accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and other accommodations to ensure that every audience member can fully enjoy the production. Guests requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact the box office in advance to make arrangements.

For full accessibility details, performance schedules, and ticket purchases, visit Cincinnati Ballet.

The Magic Awaits

For over a century, The Wizard of Oz has reminded us of the power of home, heart, courage, and friendship. This ballet adaptation captures that essence while offering a fresh, visually stunning, and musically rich experience that will linger in the minds of audiences long after the final curtain falls.

This is not just a performance; this is an invitation to step into a dream, to believe in the impossible, to be swept away by the power of dance and music. Cincinnati, the yellow brick road has been paved—the only question that remains is, will you follow?

Lions, Witches, and Dazzling Dance