The Joffrey Ballet marks 70 years with U.S. premiere of Scarlett’s 'Carmen'

The Joffrey Ballet will open its highly anticipated 70th anniversary season with the U.S. premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Carmen, a bold reimagining of the legendary tale of love, betrayal and defiance. Set against the turbulent backdrop of a 1930s Spanish cigarette factory, this gripping ballet traces the path of the fierce and enigmatic Carmen, a woman determined to live and love on her own terms. Her fateful encounter with the obsessive Don José leads to an explosive romance that spirals toward inevitable tragedy.

With performances running September 18–28, 2025, at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House, Carmen promises to ignite the stage across ten electrifying shows.

Known for his emotionally charged choreography, Scarlett, whose Frankenstein drew critical acclaim, imbues this classic story with new urgency and psychological depth. Set to Georges Bizet’s iconic score, this ballet adaptation premiered with the Norwegian National Ballet in 2015 and was hailed for its raw intensity and evocative storytelling.

British designer Jon Bausor, celebrated for his ability to create emotionally immersive environments, brings Scarlett’s vision to life with a gritty, industrial set and striking costumes that reflect both the turmoil and allure of Carmen’s world.

Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, called the production “an evocative and theatrical masterwork,” adding, “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.”

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Live music will be performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra under the baton of Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet. Carmen production sponsors include the Holly Palmer Foundation and Max Mara, whose support helps bring this production to life.

Performances take place at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, with showtimes beginning Thursday, September 18, and continuing through Sunday, September 28. Tickets are available exclusively through The Joffrey Ballet and can be purchased at the Lyric Opera Box Office, by calling 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.

(Audiences are advised to avoid third-party resellers and purchase directly for the best pricing and guaranteed authenticity.)