Previews: CINDERELLA at Mimi Ohio Theatre

As a ballet, the first documented versions of Cinderella date back to 1813, but most modern productions are based on Charles Perrault’s 1697 book, “Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper,” and the 1940s Bolshoi Theatre’s ballet production with a libretto by Nikolai Volkov, music by Sergei Prokofiev, and choreography by Rostislav Zakharov, with a comedic handling of the stepsisters' characters popularized by Sir Frederick Ashton’s 1948 production for The Royal Ballet. 

For Cleveland Ballet Artistic Director Timour Bourtasenkov’s new production of Cinderella, premiering May 15-17, 2026, at Playhouse Square’s Mimi Ohio Theatre, he incorporated much of that tradition while crafting a ballet uniquely his own. 

Like Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino, who famously starts his filmmaking process with music, Bourtasenkov says he began the creation of his new Cinderella by forgoing the popular Prokofiev score he feels is too heavy, in favor of curating his own recorded soundtrack for the ballet using a variety of music including some from other “Cinderella” scores by composers Dmitry Kabalevsky, Aram Khachaturian, Gioachino Rossini, Alfred Schnittke, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Richard Georg Strauss.

Bourtasenkov also fashioned all-new choreography for the 2-hour, 2-act ballet that follows the familiar “Cinderella” storyline with a few character and scene modifications not often seen in ballet versions in the United States. 

One of those character modifications is the elimination of Cinderella’s father, whose funeral opens the ballet. This serves to deepen empathy for Cinderella, who is now alone in the world and at the mercy of her stepmother and stepsisters, who, after the funeral, immediately begin treating her poorly and as their servant.  

Another change is the addition of a Master of Ceremonies character, to be danced by Emmanuel Martirosyan, who delivers the Prince’s Ball invitation to Cinderella’s stepmother (Lauren Stenroos) in Act 1 and directs Act Two’s Ball activities. 

Bourtasenkov also beefs up the appearance of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother toward the end of Act I, giving her a Cavalier partner and an entourage of fairies, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter fairies who dance for and help prepare Cinderella for the Prince’s Ball. 

The ballet’s happily-ever-after ending will also have its own unique magic, says Bourtasenkov.

The family-friendly ballet’s movement vocabulary, says Bourtasenkov, will be a blend of classical and neoclassical ballet with some contemporary and jazz movement mixed in. 

The new production will also benefit from colorful, ornate costumes, sets, and props acquired from Charlotte Ballet, along with some fabricated at Cleveland Ballet.

For the company’s performances on May 15 and 16 at 7 PM, and May 17 at 1 PM, the role of Cinderella will be danced by Anna Cole with Johan Mancebo as The Prince. The Fairy Godmother & Cavalier will be portrayed by Svetlana Svinko & Alexander Guzmán, and the Stepsisters will be danced by Erinn Crittenden and Alia Federico.  

The company’s performances on May 15 at 10:30 AM and May 16 at 1 PM will feature Nashializ Gomezo Orengo as Cinderella, Vadim Slatvitskii as The Prince, Albina Ghazaryan and Narek Martirosyan as The Fairy Godmother & Cavalier, and Madison Campbell & Chelsea Endris as the Stepsisters (To view the full cast list, click here).

Helping fill the stage will be 40+ students from the Academy of Cleveland Ballet in supporting roles, including mice, woodland creatures, clock bells, and more.

“I have a good feeling about this production,” says Bourtasenkov. “I can’t wait to see the joy and excitement on the faces of our youngest patrons experiencing the magic of ballet, perhaps for the very first time. “This production also presents an exciting challenge for our artists, and I’m incredibly proud of how our dancers are rising to meet the demands of the new choreography with dedication and artistry.”

Cleveland Ballet performs Cinderella, 10:30 AM & 7 PM, May 15, 1 PM & 7 PM, May 16, and 1 PM, May 17, 2026, at Playhouse Square’s Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio. Tickets $36-$156 with all taxes and fees included. To purchase tickets, visit cleveballet.org/cinderella or call (216) 241-6000. 

Behind the Curtain Artist Talks
6:20-6:35 PM in the back of the theatre:
Friday, May 15 | 7 PM show
Saturday, May 16 | 7 PM show

Meet & Greet Photo Opportunities with Cleveland Ballet Cast
In the lobby following select performances:
Saturday, May 16 | 1 PM show
Sunday, May 17 | 1 PM show

Fairy Face Jewels
Visit the Patron Services table in the lobby before the performance:
Friday, May 15 | 7 PM show
Saturday, May 16 | 7 PM show

Dress Up & Win Nutcracker Tickets
Come to Cinderella dressed up and visit the Patron Services table in the lobby before the performance and receive a raffle ticket. The winner will be announced at intermission and will win two tickets to Cleveland Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

Open for ALL performances
Cleveland Ballet Cinderella Boutique
In the lobby before, during intermission, and after the show

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