Milwaukee Ballet Presents a Powerful Triple-Bill with Originals

Milwaukee, WI – January 19, 2023 – Milwaukee Ballet kicks off the second half of its 2022/23 Season of Timeless Tales with a contemporary program that includes two world premieres, an original score, and the revival of an audience favorite.

Originals runs February 9-12 and marks Milwaukee Ballet’s much-anticipated return to The Pabst Theater for the first time in three years. The program features work by three acclaimed and award-winning choreographers, each of whom is a past winner of the Company’s acclaimed biennial Genesis Choreographic Competition.

“The three choreographers joining us for Originals each has a distinctive style of exploring themes and inspirations,” explained Artistic Director Michael Pink. “Their very different works will showcase our dancers’ amazing talents, from fierce athleticism to powerful emotional expression.”

Winner of Milwaukee Ballet’s 2022 Genesis Choreographic Competition, Price Suddarth, returns to stage a new work that interprets internal tension and conflict, alongside a hauntingly beautiful original score by Alfonso Peduto. Internationally celebrated choreographer and 2007 Genesis winner Nelly van Bommel returns to Milwaukee to restage Gelem, Gelem, which premiered at The Pabst Theater in 2008. Timothy O’Donnell explores the teenage experience in a new piece set to the cult favorite music of Radiohead, in what will be his final work before leaving his role as Milwaukee Ballet Resident Choreographer.

“Tim is one of the most talented artists I have had the privilege to work with. There seems no end to his artistic abilities. Beyond his obvious talents as a choreographer, he is an accomplished dancer, actor, graphic artist, teacher, and mentor,” reflected Pink, “We wish him all the best and hope Milwaukee Ballet will, in some way, continue to be a part of his next adventure.”

O’Donnell presents his seventh new work on the Company as he closes on more than a decade of service to Milwaukee Ballet. After winning Genesis in 2009 and returning as a guest choreographer the following year, he was invited by Pink to join the Company as a dancer in 2012. Quickly becoming a fan favorite, he danced a variety of roles, including, notably, his portrayal of the title character in Dorian Gray and Marcello in La Bohème. He retired as a leading artist in 2019. As Resident Choreographer, O’Donnell staged various pieces for Milwaukee Ballet II and Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, in addition to works he created on the Company.

“It has been my pleasure to perform and create work for this wonderful city over the past 13 years, and while it is time for me to say goodbye to Milwaukee Ballet, I leave with nothing but gratitude,” shared O’Donnell. “Milwaukee Ballet is a shining star in our city’s culture, and I am proud to have been a part of it. I look forward to maintaining a strong artistic connection with the Company and our wonderful dance community in the years to come.”

Performance Information

Originals runs February 9-12 at The Pabst Theater. 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, February 9, 7:30 PM
• Friday, February 10, 7:30 PM
• Saturday, February 11, 7:30 PM
• Sunday, February 12, 1:30 PM

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.