Madison Ballet is kicking off its 45th season with a bold new production that embraces the Halloween spirit. The company will present the world‑premiere full‑story ballet “Jekyll & Hyde,” a dramatic dance adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale.
Artistic vision behind the premiere
Executive Artistic Director Ja’ Malik explained his inspiration for the project during an interview with WMTV15. “I was looking for something to honor the tradition coming up of Halloween, scary stories, scary times, and I had a toss‑up between Frankenstein and Jekyll & Hyde,” Malik said. “I realized so many companies are already doing Frankenstein, so why not be out of the box and do something creative, different and exclusive for Madison. Jekyll & Hyde won out.”
Malik added that the ballet will be the first full‑length story ballet produced under his artistic direction, giving the dancers a chance to showcase both their technical skill and their acting ability. “It’s going to be an exciting ballet for Madison, new audiences, old audiences, returning audiences,” he said. “I’m just excited for them to see us put on a full story ballet for all the audiences that we have garnered over the years.”
Performance schedule and venue
The opening night performance is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. The company will follow with two shows on Saturday, Oct. 31 – a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 7 p.m. – and a final matinee on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. All four performances will take place at the historic Starlight Theatre, a beloved Madison venue.
Tickets and additional details are available on the Madison Ballet website. The production promises to blend classical ballet technique with theatrical storytelling, offering a family‑friendly yet thrilling experience for anyone looking to celebrate the season with culture and creativity.
Why this matters for Madison’s cultural scene
By presenting a full‑story ballet for the first time, Madison Ballet is expanding the city’s artistic offerings and providing a platform for local talent to explore narrative dance. The production aligns with the city’s tradition of supporting the arts while giving residents a unique, season‑appropriate entertainment option.
Community members are encouraged to attend, whether they are longtime ballet enthusiasts or newcomers drawn by the Halloween theme. The show aims to attract a broad cross‑section of Madison’s families, seniors, and students, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
