Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Peter Pan at The Smith Center Review
The Smith Center was magically transformed into Neverland for the world premiere of Peter Pan, a fresh reimagining of choreographer Trey McIntyre’s 2002 production. Nevada Ballet Theatre brought the beloved tale to life with performances that ran from April 19 through Sunday.
This version featured brand-new sets and costumes designed by Emma Bailey, known for her work on SIX the Musical. Created in Scotland and transported to the U.S. by boat, the stunning designs added a bold, imaginative flair to the production.
Las Vegas audiences were the very first to experience this breathtaking spectacle before it continued on to Columbus, Ohio, and Fort Worth, Texas. After seven weeks of rehearsals at Nevada Ballet’s Summerlin studio, the company delivered a magical performance filled with childlike wonder, mischief, and adventure.
Beloved characters like Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook danced their way through a whimsical world, making this production a memorable conclusion to the ballet company’s season. It also marked a heartfelt farewell for dancer Emma McGirr, who performed the role of Wendy before retiring from the stage.
The world premiere was co-presented by Nancy Houssels and Elaine Wynn, with choreography by Trey McIntyre and music by Sir Edward Elgar, adapted and arranged by Niel DuPonte. The creative team, including set and costume designer Emma Bailey and lighting designer James F. Ingalls, along with an extensive crew, brought Neverland vividly to life.
The production was dedicated in loving memory to Elaine Wynn and supported by the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation.
Enchanting Elegance: Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents ‘Cinderella’ Review
This version of the story was performed by the Nevada Ballet Theater, under the creative direction of choreographer, Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. with a musical score by Sergei Prokofiev.
Nevada Ballet’s version of Cinderella was breathtaking and the costumes were stunning. The set was designed by Thomas Boyd and Starbird Productions, and costumes were designed by Patty McGarity. The layers of backgrounds created a detailed and immersive experience for each of the story’s settings from any seat in the audience, and the costumes in this production were absolutely stunning.
Every act of this ballet was truly captivating thanks to the incredible performances by the company’s dancers and the Nevada Ballet Orchestra. On opening night, the titular character was danced by Jaime Derocker, alongside Robert Fulton as The Prince. Especially memorable was the moment when Cinderella arrives at the ball and is greeted by The Prince, who takes her hand as she descends the stairs at the entryway entirely en pointe.
Jack Grohmann and Cameron Kesten took on the roles of the stepsisters, adding several moments of comedic relief while still showcasing impressive dancing and acting, throughout the performance. Christina Ghiardi’s performance as the Fairy Godmother, along with Fairy Spring’s Betsy Lucas, Fairy Summer’s Rebecca Haftl, Fairy Autumn’s Mirella Costa Neto, and Fairy Winter’s Brooke Lyness included some of the most mesmerizing group choreography sequences I’ve seen in this type of ballet. Leo Mcgrath, whose role of The Jester brought with it unexpected moments of awe, especially through the character’s leaps and stage presence.
Cinderella was a breathtaking experience absolutely stunning and beautifully done in every way. By far one of the best Ballet’s, I have seen so far.
Here are some tips before showtime: Arrive early and take advantage of photo opportunities and grab a bite to eat at the following Dining Partners:
-1228 Main
1228 S. Main Street, Las Vegas NV 89104
1228mainlv.com (702) 602-0531
-Westgate Las Vegas Edge Steakhouse
3000 Paradise RD., Las Vegas, NV 89109
westgateresorts.com (702) 732-5277
-The Pepper Club
921 S Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
thepepperclub.com (725) 228-2393
-Triple George Grill
201 N3rd St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
triplegeorgegrill.com (702) 384-2761
-VIC’S Las Vegas
Symphony Park, Downtown Las Vegas, 355 Promenade Place
vicslasvegas.com (725) 755-5299
-Veranda
3960 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas South
fourseasons.com/lasvegas (702) 632-5121