ARB Dancers Anthony Pototski and Annie Johnson, photo by Harald Schrader Photography
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- American Repertory Ballet (ARB) presents the World Premiere of Cinderella, the timeless fairytale of a young woman who rises above adversity to find hope, love, and her own happily-ever-after. Performances take place March 6–8, 2026 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
Audiences are invited into a world of enchantment as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother alters her destiny, a Prince captures her heart, and kindness and courage prevail over cruelty. With choreography by Samantha Dunster, ARB’s recently appointed Artistic Director, this magical production features dazzling new sets and costumes, an international cast of professional artists, and 36 young students from Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet. A spellbinding experience for all ages, Cinderella is the outing for the whole family to enjoy!
“Choreographing Cinderella for the extraordinarily talented dancers of ARB has been a truly momentous experience,” says Dunster. “They are not only excelling in their technique, but their artistry and comedic timing are sublime. Each dancer brings the story to life with uniquely personal and imaginative touches.”
ARB Dancer Annie Johnson, photo by Harald Schrader Photography
ARB’s production of Cinderella features “Cinderella, Op. 87 Ballet,” composed by Sergei Prokofiev, with a libretto by Nicolai Volkov. The enchanting score acts as an evocative undercurrent to the performance, capturing the ballet’s elegance, humor, wit, and romance.
The production design team includes Bella Mazzoni and Rylee Berger (Scenic/Props), Janessa Cornell Urwin (Costumes), and Jason Flamos (Lighting).
“Samantha Dunster and I started the costume design process by choosing vibrant colors for the ball costumes, which provided further direction and inspiration for the rest of the characters,” says Cornell Urwin. “We wanted lots of dynamic hues to highlight the feeling of being immersed in a fairy tale, as well as fabrics and textures that move and sparkle to create magic.”
Mazzoni adds: “We provide an exaggerated sense of realism, with elongated walls, grand decor, and glitz of gold, still encapsulating the magic behind the story. Our audience will feel the warmth and vibrancy of the world through our choices of color, representing the warm love and compassion the namesake of the show possesses. We didn't want the audience to just see the story of Cinderella, but feel every moment with her and those around her."
ARB Dancers Annie Johnson and Anthony Pototski, photo by Harald Schrader Photography
At its core, Cinderella is a story of resilience and transformation. Through moments of tenderness, comedy, and grandeur, ARB’s production elevates the familiar tale into a whimsical, yet sophisticated ballet, with several off-stage engagement opportunities throughout the weekend to enhance the experience. Audiences of all ages will leave the theater celebrating Cinderella’s enduring fantastical themes of hope, love, and triumph.
TICKET AND VENUE INFORMATION: Performances take place Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7:00pm*; Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2:00pm** & 7:00pm†; and Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00pm‡. Tickets for Cinderella range from $42 to $72, not including additional 4% NBPAC Ticket Fee. Tickets are available for purchase online. The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is located at 11 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
* ”Happily Ever After” Opening Night Reception ($50 add-on to ticket purchase) with ARB Dancers, artistic leadership, and VIPs immediately following the performance. Light bites and beverages will be served.
** Audio Description available for this performance.
† “Prelude to the Ball,” for ages 18+, your fairy tale evening begins before the clock strikes midnight! Register here for $50 to take part in a ballet class with American Repertory Ballet faculty at 60 Bayard Street from 3:30pm-5:15pm where you will learn to waltz like you’re headed to the royal ball. After class, head to Stage Left Steak, where you will be greeted with a complimentary welcome glass of Prosecco, and enjoy 25% off all wine ordered at the table or bar. Then, head next door to the theater, and watch the magic unfold as Cinderella begins at 7:00pm. Tickets for the performance, and any food or drink at Stage Left, sold separately.
‡ ”Bibbidi Bobbidi Ballet,” ($15 add-on to ticket purchase) a workshop designed for the whole family, will take place on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00pm in the second floor studios at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. Participants will learn choreography from the production, meet the artists as a peek behind the scenes, and then head to the theatre to watch the magic come alive on stage! This add-on can also be purchased by contacting the NBPAC Box Office at [email protected] or by calling 732-745-8000.
Runtime for CINDERELLA is approximately 2 hours including two intermissions.
With a distinctive reputation for innovation and individuality, American Repertory Ballet (ARB) is recognized as one of the state’s premier performing arts organizations. Presenting classical repertory alongside new and existing contemporary work, ARB is a founding resident company of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center while also performing in major venues across New Jersey and beyond for an annual audience of more than 30,000. Founded in 1954 as the Princeton Ballet Society, ARB has been designated a “Major Arts Institution'' by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and has been awarded a Citation of Excellence by the Council. The company is a core partner of The Arts Institute of Middlesex County and has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and other major foundations and leaders in the field as a prominent force in the field of dance. Princeton Ballet School, ARB’s official school, attracts talent from around the world while providing opportunities for local students of all ages, such as through its award winning DANCE POWER program.
Princeton Ballet School (PBS) is the official school of American Repertory Ballet. PBS has gained an international reputation for its excellent dance training since its founding in 1954 by “New Jersey’s First Lady of Dance,”[1] Audrée Estey. At its studio locations in Princeton and New Brunswick, PBS offers classes in ballet, contemporary dance, tap, character, and more. PBS provides opportunities for students ages 3 through adult, including its award-winning DANCE POWER program, and performance opportunities, such as the option to participate in American Repertory Ballet’s celebrated annual production of The Nutcracker.
