Milwaukee Ballet’s ‘Peter Pan’ To Hook Audiences This Spring

MILWAUKEE – April 27, 2023 – Milwaukee Ballet continues its Season of Timeless Tales with childhood favorite Peter Pan, presented by We Energies Foundation. This family-friendly adventure is imagined for the stage by Artistic Director Michael Pink and features performances by Milwaukee Ballet Company, dancers from Milwaukee Ballet II, and students from Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy. Performances will run May 11-14 at Marcus Performing Arts Center.

“We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Neverland to life once again. Its timeless themes of adventure, the changing nature of love, and, of course, growing up will resonate with audiences of all ages,” says Pink.

Milwaukee Ballet premiered Peter Pan in 2010 to sold-out audiences, which they quickly followed by another run in 2012 due to popular demand. This production was then restaged in 2014 for nationwide broadcast by PBS, making it the first nationally distributed Milwaukee public television performing arts special since 1992.

Peter Pan was meant to be performed once again during Milwaukee Ballet’s 2019/20 season, which celebrated the organization’s 50^th anniversary, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was worth the wait,” promises Pink. “I’m delighted by the vigor and creativity with which our dancers have brought this story to the stage after a long few years of anticipation.”

Amongst other visual delights, Peter Pan features several spectacular flying sequences with dancers suspended in midair, a magical effect provided by the professional aerial production company ZFX. The magic is enhanced by a beautiful score composed by Philip Feeney, which was recorded for the aforementioned broadcast of Peter Pan.

This production will celebrate audience-favorite Leading Artist Annia Hidalgo, who has danced with Milwaukee Ballet since 2012. Hidalgo will take her final bow on the Marcus Center stage after the Sunday night performance. Her last production with Milwaukee Ballet will be Encore, a selection of classical and contemporary works running from June 1-11 at Baumgartner Center for Dance.

“I feel grateful for every single person who has contributed to the foundation of who I am as a dancer and who has followed my career,” says Hidalgo. “When I think about the younger generations of dancers, I want them to know that everyone can find joy in dance. Always put yourself out there in search of new ways to grow.”

Pink, who worked closely with Hidalgo throughout her tenure at Milwaukee Ballet, reminisces, “Annia has been a shining light from the moment she joined our Company. I am confident she will continue to radiate the same levels of enthusiasm and energy in everything she does in the future.”

Peter Pan’s all-ages appeal, captivating production value, and farewell to beloved artist Hidalgo will leave the whole family flying high.

Story Summary 

Wendy Darling and her younger brothers, John and Michael, love to play make-believe about a world named Neverland, home of Peter Pan and his magical friends. Much to their surprise, they’re visited one night by the real Peter Pan, who flies them to Neverland to experience the magic! While there, they meet Peter’s lovable band of Lost Boys, Princess Tiger Lily, and the dastardly Captain Hook and his crew of pirates. After a series of exciting adventures and close calls with danger, the Darling siblings must find a way to return home so they can grow up – but will Peter go with them or remain forever young in Neverland?

Performance Information 

Peter Pan runs May 11-14 at Marcus Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $44 and are available for purchase via the Milwaukee Ballet Box Office at 414-902-2103 or online at milwaukeeballet.org.

The performance schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, May 11, 2023 — 07:30 PM
• Friday, May 12, 2023 — 07:30 PM
• Saturday, May 13, 2023 — 02:00 PM
• Saturday, May 13, 2023 — 07:30 PM
• Sunday, May 14, 2023 — 12:30 PM
• Sunday, May 14, 2023 — 06:00 PM

Peter Pan is presented by We Energies Foundation. Milwaukee Ballet’s 2022/2023 Season of Timeless Tales is presented by Donald & Donna Baumgartner with support from United Performing Arts Fund, Wisconsin Arts Board, CAMPAC, Milwaukee Arts Board, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.