ArtsLink’s 2024-25 Concert Series continues Sunday, October 27 with a performance of “Hansel and Gretel” by the Oglebay Institute Youth Ballet. The show will start at 3pm at the Lincoln Theater and is sponsored locally by Marble King.

For more than 200 years, children around the world have been captivated by the story of brave siblings “Hansel & Gretel” and their adventures in the woods with fairies, gingerbread children, and a house made of candy.

Young and old alike can once again enjoy this classic story in which good triumphs over evil. Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance presents an original adaptation of “Hansel & Gretel” ballet.

The performances are part of Oglebay Institute’s Children’s Theater Season, which brings classic, well-loved stories from the page to the stage through theater and dance.

Oglebay Institute director of dance Cheryl Pompeo said, “Kids get excited about the characters and music they know but get to see the story presented in new and interesting ways. They are introduced to the beauty of dance and observe how dance can be used as a means of self-expression and storytelling.”

Pompeo added that the show is appropriate for all ages and is a “wonderful way for families to spend quality time together engaging in the arts.”

“Almost everyone has heard the bedtime story of ‘Hansel & Gretel,’ but few have seen the ballet,” she added.  “Although it follows the traditional storyline, the ballet is a completely different experience from reading it in a book. The characters jump off the page to tell the story through expressive, dynamic music and dance.”

Tickets for ArtsLink members are $10 for an individual and $20 for a family (2 adults and kids under 18), for non-members $15 for individuals and $25 for a family, students are $5, and will be available at the door. Theater parties are welcome; 10% discount for groups of 10 or more, with advance reservation.

Funding for this program is made possible with assistance from The City of New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Commission, West Virginia Northern Community College, WETZ/WYMJ Radio, Antero Foundation, and EQT Foundation. This program is presented with financial assistance from the WV Department of Arts, Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts. Additional funding application has been made to the Harry E. and Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust, a component fund of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley. ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact us at 304-455-2278 to request assistance.