The Joffrey Ballet Opens Its 70th Season in Chicago With the U.S. Premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Fiery “Carmen”

It’s finally ballet season! The Joffrey Ballet has opened its 70th anniversary season with the U.S. Premiere of Liam Scarlett ’s Carmen, a ballet that tells the tale of love, betrayal, and defiance set in a 1930s Spanish cigarette factory . In this fiery ballet adaptation of the world’s most popular opera, Scarlett brings new intensity to *Carmen. * Set to Georges Bizet’s tantalizing score, Scarlett’s *Carmen * premiered at the Norwegian National Ballet in 2015 and has been praised for its rich, raucous, and profoundly moving portrayal of passion, betrayal, and emotional unraveling. Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director: > Carmen is fearless—magnetic, passionate, and impossible to contain . Liam’s choreography demands both physical rigor and emotional depth, pushing our artists to their fullest potential and captivating audiences in the process. This production sets the tone for a powerful season . *Carmen * features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet. Carmen tickets and schedule --------------------------- Liam Scarlett’s ***Carmen* is happening at the Lyric Opera House** from Thursday, September 18, to Sunday, September 28, 2025. * Thursday, September 18 at 7:30 PM * Friday, September 19 at 7:30 PM * Saturday, September 20, at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM * Sunday, September 21 at 2:00 PM * Thursday, September 25 at 7:30 PM * Friday, September 26 at 7:30 PM * Saturday, September 27, at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM * Sunday, September 28 at 2:00 PM Source: https://secretchicago.com/joffrey-ballet-70th-season-carmen/