The Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with the Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier’s landmark narrative ballet Liliom. Inspired by Ferenc Molnár’s 1909 play and later the basis for the musical adaptation Carousel, Liliom traces a haunting story of love and redemption set against the faded glamour of a Depression-era amusement park. One of the choreographer’s most profound artistic endeavors, Neumeier’s theatrical tour de force comes to life with an evocative score by multi-Academy Award®-winning composer Michel Legrand. Liliom takes place for ten performances only at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, from September 17–27, 2026.
Neumeier’s adaptation follows Liliom, the charismatic but self-destructive carnival barker whose fierce love for Julie is unraveled by pride, poverty, and rage. Set amid the dreamlike, faded glamour of an American amusement park during the Great Depression, passion turns toward crime—and ultimately, tragedy.
Granted a chance to return to Earth after death, Liliom confronts the consequences of his choices and attempts one final act of grace. What remains is a stark reckoning with guilt and the fragile possibility of redemption. Rarely presented in the United States, the Joffrey is the first American ballet company to bring Liliom to life. Distinguished by Neumeier’s signature emotional depth and theatrical nuance, Liliom takes shape through multi-Academy Award®-winning composer Michel Legrand’s evocative score, blending classical and jazz influences that echo a restless America.
Liliom, Courtesy of Czech National Ballet, Photo by Sergei Gherciu
One of the most influential artists of our time, Neumeier returns to the Joffrey and the Lyric Opera House following the critically acclaimed run of The Little Mermaid in 2023 and the Lyric Opera’s first collaboration with the Joffrey, Orphée et Eurydice, in 2017. Learn more about John Neumeier here.
The 2026-27 season continues with two-time Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon's The Nutcracker, returning with its unmistakable sense of magic, December 4–27, 2026, followed by Notes on Love, February 4–14, 2027, a program exploring love through four distinct lenses—with favored works by Liam Scarlett and Nicolas Blanc, alongside a world premiere by Winning Works alum Houston Thomas. Closing the season in glorious fashion is the North American premiere of Christopher Wheeldon's The Sleeping Beauty, a timeless fairy tale transformed into a theatrical spectacle, featuring Jerome Kaplan’s lavish costume and set design and Tchaikovsky’s greatest score. The beloved classic is a magical celebration for audiences of all ages, May 13–23, 2027.
With gratitude to Liliom Presenting Sponsors Lynda Sue Lane, M.D. and Mr. and Mrs. Joel V. Williamson, Major Sponsor Pamela Crutchfield, and Production Sponsors Holly Palmer Foundation and Max Mara.
Title: The Joffrey Ballet presents Liliom
Dates: Thursday, September 17–Sunday, September 27, 2026
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Thursday, September 17 at 7:30PM;
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Friday, September 18 at 7:30PM;
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Saturday, September 19 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM;
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Sunday, September 20 at 2:00PM;
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Thursday, September 24 at 7:30PM;
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Friday, September 25 at 7:30PM;
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Saturday, September 26 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM;
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and Sunday, September 27 at 2:00PM.
Location: Lyric Opera House
20 North Upper Wacker Drive
Box Office: The Joffrey Ballet is the only official seller with the best prices. Be aware of ticket re-sellers offering overpriced or invalid tickets. Tickets are available for purchase at the Lyric Opera Box Office, located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at www.joffrey.org.
About The Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 71 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works. Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.
The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2026–2027 Season Sponsors: The Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Florian Fund, Gallagher, and Anne L. Kaplan. Season-long sponsorship of the Company Artists is generously made possible by Margot and Josef Lakonishok.
Live Music Sponsors: Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges our Season Partners: ATHLETICO and Chicago Athletic Clubs.
For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit www.joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.