New Orleans Ballet Theatre to Stage Dracula in October
The production opens at the Orpheum Theatre on October 29 for a three-day run featuring Donald Jones Jr. as the lead.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Dance
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The New Orleans Ballet Theatre will stage its production of Dracula at the Orpheum Theatre from October 29 through October 31, 2026. Donald Jones Jr. will star in the title role for the two-hour performance.
Why it matters
This production connects the classic vampire legend to local folklore by incorporating the 18th-century legend of the casket girls from the Ursuline Convent. The show also infuses traditional ballet with modern rock and roll elements and movement inspired by people on Bourbon Street.
The performance lasts two hours including an intermission and takes place at 8 p.m. for the first two nights and 2 p.m. on the final day. The production is inspired by the original 1897 novel by Bram Stoker.
The players
New Orleans Ballet Theatre
Founded in 2002, this local organization produces professional dance performances and maintains a repertoire of both classical and contemporary works.
Donald Jones Jr.
A professional dancer who previously performed with Katherine Elena Hanson in the company's 2021 Nutcracker production.
Bram Stoker
The author of the 1897 novel Dracula, which serves as the literary inspiration for this ballet production.
The details
Choreographers incorporated distinct dance moves observed on Bourbon Street to shape the performance, while vampire characters utilize heightened physical awareness throughout the show. Audience members attending the performances are encouraged to wear costumes.
Timeline
Performances are scheduled for October 29, 30, and 31, 2026.
The Nutcracker is set for December 2026.
New Works will be performed in the spring of 2027.
Swan Lake is scheduled for May 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This production continues the collaborative history established by the 2021 Nutcracker production. It reflects a growing trend in regional ballet companies blending classic literature with modern pop-culture aesthetics to reach broader audiences.
Attendees can participate in the theme by wearing costumes to the performances at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets provide access to a two-hour show that integrates diverse musical influences and local historical motifs.
The takeaway
The New Orleans Ballet Theatre continues to evolve its repertoire by blending classical foundations with local urban inspiration. Residents interested in regional performing arts can look forward to a full seasonal calendar extending into 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the local arts scene, visit the New Orleans Dance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.
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