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Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Dracula Opens on Halloween Night! Audiences Can Experience the Tantalizing Dance Drama Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at the Benedum Center


 
PBT Artist: Colin McCaslin; Photographer: Michael Henninger
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (October 21, 2025) – Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) eagerly-awaited return of Michael Pink’s spine-chilling Dracula will open on Halloween night Friday, October 31  at 7:30 p.m. at the Benedum Center. Pink’s Dracula is unlike any other ballet as it combines exquisite storytelling with theatrical choreography and irresistible sensuality to create a riveting performance.
 
PBT will present four performances of this spellbinding dance drama from October 31 to November 2, 2025. Based on Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic horror story, Dracula features dramatic choreography, exquisite storytelling, opulent costumes, theatrical sets and a gripping original score by Philip Feeney. The ballet’s attention to detail makes Dracula a compelling and thrilling experience from start to finish, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
 
“Michael Pink’s interpretation of Dracula is a mesmerizing ballet with universal appeal,” said Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney. “Its frightening storyline, mix of terror and passion and PBT’s skilled artists will keep audiences enthralled. We are excited for Pittsburgh audiences to experience the thrill of Dracula again over Halloween weekend.”
 
About Michael Pink’s Dracula
Dracula is based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, detailing London businessman Jonathan Harker’s journey to Transylvania to meet Count Dracula, a mysterious figure who embodies both courtly elegance and menacing force. Dracula, a vampire surviving on the blood of the living, casts spells over Jonathan and his friends, who must sacrifice everything to stop him.  
 
Michael Pink created Dracula in 1996 in collaboration with England’s Northern Ballet Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Gable (1940-1998). Widely regarded as a ballet far ahead of its time, the production has maintained its appeal as a cutting-edge and theatrical presentation of the unique style of “dance drama” that made Michael Pink famous.
 
The score is by composer Philip Feeney, the costume and set design are by Tony Award-winner Lez Brotherston, and the lighting design is by Emmy Award-winner David Grill.  
 
Notes:
This production contains adult content and adult thrills, so it is recommended for audiences ages 14 and older.
 
Complimentary tickets are available for press who plan to cover the show. Please contact Laurie Rieger, 412-877-6364
 
The casting is available here.
 
Schedule 
Four Dracula performances will be held at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh at the following times:
  • Friday, October 31, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 2, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
 
Ticket Information 
Single tickets for Dracula start at $33.50, including all fees, and are available at pbt.org or by calling 412-456-6666. Tickets for students are available for $27. Season subscription packages are also available. More information is available at pbt.org or by calling 412-454-9107.
 
Groups purchasing eight or more tickets save up to 50%. More information is available at pbt.org/groups. 
 
Theater Programs 
Audience members are invited to join PBT at the theater for a series of pre- and post-show programs for Dracula. Details here. 
 
Friday, October 31 | Opening Night Preview | 6:30 p.m
More details available shortly here.
 
Friday, October 31 | Artist Q&A | after the 7:30 p.m. performance
More details available shortly here.
 
Saturday, November 1 | Tea with the A.D. | 6:45 p.m
Grab your tea – or your favorite drink – at the bar and join Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney for an informal conversation before the performance. The event will take place in the central lounge area of the Liberty Lounge, located on the 2nd floor of the Benedum.
 
Saturday, November 1 | Artist Q&A | after the 7:30 p.m. performance
More details available shortly here.
 
Sunday, November 2 | Curtain Up! | 1 p.m
This is a special opportunity to see the dancers warming up before the show. Then we’ll chat with PBT Company Artist Caitlyn Mendocino about the production. The event will take place in the theater.
 
Sunday, November 2 | Audio Described Performance | 2 p.m.
Patrons experience the performance through verbal description of the action on stage, including choreography, storyline, scenery and costumes. If audience members are interested in using the audio description, they should visit Guest Services at the Benedum Center to receive a headset.
 
Coming Up Next in the 2025-2026 Season:
  • The Nutcracker,  December 5-28, 2025, Benedum Center
  • America 250 with the PBT Orchestra, February 20-22, 2026, Benedum Center
  • Spring Mix, April 10-12, 2026, August Wilson African American Cultural Center
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the PBT Orchestra, May 15-17, 2026, Benedum Center

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