Oklahoma City Ballet opens 2024-2025 season with ‘Peter Pan’

-- Season opener sparkles with magical take on a familiar story


Oklahoma City Ballet sprinkles fairy dust this weekend at the Civic Center opening their 2024-2025 season with “Peter Pan.” 

Choreographed by Jorden Morris, this classic story runs through October 20th, 2024. The original story by JM Barrie is a familiar one, and all the recognizable characters are seen here. This is perhaps the most magical adaptation of the fairytale, and the pros at OKC Ballet make every complex move look easy.

The cast of principals rotate roles each night, which gives audiences a chance to see fresh dancers and unique interpretations. An invited media preview to the final dress rehearsal featured Alejandro Gonzalez as Peter Pan, Paige Russell as Wendy, and Anna Tateda as Tinkerbell. All are flawless, as usual, and leave no room for blinking as their dancing is simply unmissable.

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Peter Pan, Oklahoma City Ballet, (Photo by Jana Carson)

Standout performances are given by Marco Corcella as Captain Hook and Mr. Darling, Courtney Connor Jones as Mrs. Darling and Tiger Lily, and Joseph Hetzer as the infamous Crocodile.

Peter Pan is the perfect ballet for families, including those with young children and anyone interested in the arts. The swashbuckling and sword fighting are mild, and the dancing is magnificent. Patrons of all ages are sure to be entranced by this story and the beautiful images these dancers create on stage.

The technical elements in this dance are particularly challenging. 

While everyone wants to see Peter Pan fly, that is a feat that is hard to pull off during a live performance. Minor hiccups with the transitions can be distracting. The magic is somewhat lost when the cables that lift the dancers are out of place. Technical issues happen, and the stage can at times have a mind of its own. 

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Peter Pan, Oklahoma City Ballet, (Photo by Jana Carson)

However, the result is worth the patience required, and the dancers seem comfortable while dancing on air. They fly to and fro, and when they strike familiar poses, it’s simply joyous to witness. Anyone willing to suspend disbelief, and maybe squint a little, will delight in the experience, even with strings attached. 

Coming shows this season

While OKC Ballet is known for its holiday staple “The Nutcracker,” the company runs a full season and performs a variety of ballets throughout the year. This year’s “The Nutcracker” production is being redesigned and will feature new costumes, sets, and lighting. 

After the holidays close out, the ballet is back in full force in February with “Swan Lake”. Taylor Swift fans, aka Swifties, should take note. A recognizable costume from a famous music video will make its appearance in this production!

A Choreographic Showcase runs March 20th – 23rd, 2025 at the OKC Ballet studio, located at 6800 N. Classen Blvd. This intimate setting is perfect for a night of new works and gives the company a chance to choreograph their own dances and show off their skills and artistry. This series is now in its sixth year and has become an audience favorite.

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Peter Pan, Oklahoma City Ballet, (Photo by Jana Carson)

The company returns to The Civic Center in May for a never-before-seen production of their annual “Shorts.” Shorts features three ballets in one night. The 2025 lineup includes Otra Vez, an Afro-Cuban work by Stephanie Martinez, Divertimento No. 15 by George Balanchine, and an exciting new dance that audiences won’t want to miss. 

OKC Ballet is debuting a brand-new dance, choreographed by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, which features the music of Oklahoma-City-based rock band The Flaming Lips.

OKC Ballet presents sensory-friendly performances of all their ballets, including one of Peter Pan on October 19th at 2 PM. This relaxed environment is well suited for patrons of any age who benefit from lower sound levels, softer lighting, and overall reduced noise. No orchestra or pyrotechnics are utilized during these performances to optimize a comfortable environment.

A resident ballet company is the surest sign of a thriving local arts scene. Oklahoma City is rich with theatre, music, and dance, and the best of it all is featured at OKC Ballet. With a wide variety of unique and classic offerings, and family-friendly experiences throughout the year, 2025 is shaping up to be their best one yet.

Visit okcballet.org for tickets to all performances. 


Author Profile

Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.