Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents Hansel and Gretel at The Smith Center May 15–24

By Debbie Hall

A darkly enchanting fairy tale is coming to the Las Vegas stage as Nevada Ballet Theatre presents Hansel and Gretel at The Smith Center from May 15–24. This visually stunning Las Vegas premiere transforms the beloved Brothers Grimm classic into a thrilling theatrical spectacle filled with Gothic fantasy, cinematic inspiration, and breathtaking choreography.

In this bold reimagining, audiences follow the perilous journey of Hansel and Gretel as they wander through a mysterious, dangerous world filled with extraordinary characters, looming threats, and magical surprises. At the center of the adventure is the terrifying and wildly imaginative Ice Cream Witch, whose sinister obsession with baking children adds an unsettling twist to the timeless story. Combining innocence with darkness, the production creates an immersive fantasy experience in which wonder and danger coexist.

The original score by Claire Cowan and choreography by Loughlan Prior bring emotional depth and explosive energy to the production. Drawing inspiration from the black-and-white film noir era of the 1930s, the creative team incorporates visual influences from silent film icon Buster Keaton, blending physical comedy with dramatic storytelling. Through vaudeville-inspired theatricality, dynamic movement, and stunning stage visuals, the production delivers a captivating experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Adding to the magic are extraordinary costumes by Academy Award-winning designer Kate Hawley, known for her work on Crimson Peak, Pacific Rim, and Frankenstein. Hawley’s intricate costume creations, combined with elaborate projections and inventive staging, transport audiences into a fantastical realm where sweetness sparkles on the surface while darkness lurks beneath. Every detail contributes to a richly layered production that is visually mesmerizing from beginning to end.

Throughout the performance, Hansel and Gretel encounter a cast of whimsical and eccentric characters who bring humor, mystery, and unpredictability to their journey. While the production embraces spectacle and fantasy, it remains rooted in the original story's enduring themes: hardship, survival, hope, and the timeless triumph of good over evil. These universal ideas continue to resonate with audiences across generations, making the ballet both emotionally meaningful and visually unforgettable.

Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Hansel and Gretel promises an experience unlike anything audiences have seen before — a dazzling fusion of dance, theater, cinematic storytelling, and dark fairy-tale imagination. With its spectacular visuals, emotionally driven choreography, and inventive theatrical design, this production is poised to become one of the season’s must-see performances in Las Vegas.

Audiences should prepare to enter a world where nothing is quite as it seems and every sweet surprise may hide a deliciously dark twist to experience the magic, mystery, and theatrical wonder of Hansel and Gretel.

Performances of Hansel and Gretel run May 15-24 at Reynolds Hall in The Smith Center May 15-24. For more info, visit The Smith Center and Nevada Ballet Theatre. Follow on Facebook @thesmithcenter and @NevadaBalletTheatre, Instagram @smithcenterlv and @nvballet, and X @SmithCenterLV and @NVBallet.