Ballet and the Beasts takes the stage at new-look Montgomery Zoo

National admin September 21, 2026 0 Comments

Ballet and the Beasts takes the stage at new-look Montgomery Zoo

It wouldn’t be fall at the Montgomery Zoo without a cast of wild animals dancing under the stars for Ballet and the Beasts.

“We always love our collaboration with the zoo,” said Danny Mitsios, artistic and executive director of the Montgomery Ballet.

On Sept. 25, gates open at 6 p.m., and performances start at 6:30 p.m. The free performance from Montgomery Ballet will feature the traditional “Carnival of the Animals,” from the composition by Camille Saint-Saëns, paired with poem verses written by Ogden Nash. Dancers perform as a variety of animals, including an elephant, kangaroos, roosters, tortoises, lions and fossils.

Mitsios said the night also features act 2 of “The Fairy Doll Ballet” from the company’s spring performance. It’s a “happy ballet” story choreographed in the 1800s about a magical toy shop where mechanical dolls come to life at night.

“Beautiful music, it’s wonderful,” said Mitsios, who said “The Fairy Doll Ballet” very kid friendly.

Several guest performances are also being arranged for the night, Mitsios said. Ballet and the Beast often features dancers from area colleges.

“We love bringing these guest artists in and sharing the stage with community members,” Mitsios said.

Guests will come in through the zoo’s new entrance at 2301 Coliseum Parkway. There is no admission charge. Performances will take place in the same field area of the zoo as usual. While the bleachers there offer a great view of the stage, guests are also welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to set up on the grass.

For those who wish to pay for VIP seating, it’s available and includes a table, chairs and a beverage. VIP tickets are available to purchase for $25. For more information or to purchase VIP tickets, please contact the Montgomery Ballet at montgomeryballet.org or by phone: Studio 334-409-0522 or Google Voice 334-721-3687.

Big cast, with more responsibility for younger dancers

There’s no shortage of dancers from Montgomery Ballet. Mitsios said the company has grown to 11, the largest group he’s seen during his time leading the group.

“I have a fantastic group this year,” Mitsios said. “I’ve been really blessed that a lot of dancers have returned, and we have a lot of new dancers that have great new energy. They’re super excited to be here.”

There will be plenty of young dancers from Montgomery Ballet’s school as well. It’s a good thing the stage at the zoo is going to be even larger than before.

“We have a lot of choreography and costume changes to make sure everybody has an opportunity to be on stage,” Mitsios said.

Mitsios has danced as “Carnival of the Animals” lead characters like the Lion in several previous performances. This year he’s playing the Mule, and leaving the Lion role to a younger generation.

“I’m giving my teenage boys the chance to do Lion for the first time,” Mitsios said. “I want to challenge them.”

For “Fairy Doll,” Mitsios will play a mime – the silent performers, usually in black and white with makeup who do scenes with things like invisible walls or pulling imaginary ropes.

It’s been a wild summer for Montgomery Ballet

The new home of Montgomery Ballet on Coliseum Boulevard is a lot newer than it was just a few months ago, thanks to major repairs after summer storm damage that peeled the roof off “like a tin can.”

Along with the wind damage, they had flooding that required Mitsios to remove and replace a new dance floor.

“Basically we have a new building now, besides the foundation and the walls,” Mitsios said. “New electric. New plumbing. New air conditioning. Everything. We should be good for the next decade at least.”

The damage happened in late June, about a month after they held a grand opening in the building. Fortunately, the funding and repairs happened in time for Montgomery Ballet’s school to open on time.

“We didn’t skip a beat,” Mitsios said.

Much more to come from Montgomery Ballet

“We’re excited to continue this tradition,” said Mitsios, who also said this is a great treat to do just ahead of getting into “Nutcracker” mode for the end of of the year – on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

This year’s Montgomery “Nutcracker” performance will happen first, ahead of the company’s annual road trip to surrounding cities.

“We’re going to Selma twice, and we’re looking at other cities,” Mitsios said.

Greenville has been a frequent tour stop, but this year they’re having to look for a new venue there because the high school auditorium is not available.

“I want to bring ballet to as many communities as possible,” Mitsios said.

By the time “Nutcracker” comes around, spring dates for performances will be scheduled, Mitsios said.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at [email protected]. To support his work please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Ballet and the Beasts takes the stage at new-look Montgomery Zoo

Reporting by Shannon Heupel, Montgomery Advertiser / Montgomery Advertiser

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This story was originally published September 21, 2026 at 5:07 AM.