BalletMet Will Premiere Marilyn Production in Columbus

The new ballet will debut at the Davidson Theatre on October 16, 2026, to honor Marilyn Monroe.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Dance

Gouache-painted illustration of a pair of satin ballet slippers on a stage, symbolizing the art of contemporary dance. — BalletMet will premiere its new contemporary production, Marilyn, at the Davidson Theatre in Columbus starting October 16, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you enjoy seeing real historical figures' lives portrayed through dance in your local theater?

BalletMet is set to debut its contemporary production titled Marilyn at the Davidson Theatre starting October 16, 2026. This performance marks a milestone celebration of the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe.

Why it matters

BalletMet developed this new production to share a contemporary narrative and foster a deeper connection with the local Columbus community. The show utilizes dance to interpret the iconic figure's life story from her childhood through her 1962 death.

The production runs for two hours, including a 20-minute intermission. Rush tickets are available for $15 for K-12 teachers and college students who present a valid ID.

The players

BalletMet

This professional ballet company is based in Columbus and is a key contributor to the regional arts scene.

Dani Rowe

She is the choreographer responsible for creating the movement narrative for this production.

Shannon Rugani

She composed the original music score specifically for this ballet performance.

Marilyn Monroe

She was a legendary American actress whose life and career are the central subject of this performance.

The details

Choreographed by Dani Rowe with an original score by Shannon Rugani, the production tells the story of Marilyn Monroe using movement, costumes, and music without dialogue. This collaborative work between BalletMet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and Tulsa Ballet will run at the 77 S. High St. venue through October 24, 2026.

The production Marilyn premieres at the Davidson Theatre on October 16, 2026.
Performances are scheduled to run through October 24, 2026.
The ballet portrays events from Marilyn Monroe's life up until her death in 1962.

Industry Dynamics

This production reflects the ongoing trend of performing arts companies using contemporary choreography to reframe historical pop culture figures for modern audiences. By collaborating across state lines, the involved ballet companies are pooling creative resources to sustain high-budget narrative works.

Local residents and students can secure tickets for the performances at the Davidson Theatre through October 24, 2026. Eligible students and teachers can take advantage of $15 rush pricing to access the show at a reduced cost.

The takeaway

This production highlights the evolution of modern dance as a tool for biographical storytelling. Audiences interested in the arts can attend the performance to see how the choreographer interprets the complexities of a 20th-century icon through movement.