PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET "Giselle" April 10 - April 19, 2026 Opening Night Review!
GISELLE
Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall
Seattle, WA
Review: Friday 4/10/26 7:30 pm Performance
The fan favorite classical full length ballet, “Giselle”, performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet, opened up on Friday evening at McCaw Hall. A ghostly story with a large amount of mime work, the production is one I reviewed back in 2023.
Right off the top, the performance was highly dramatic across both Acts I and II. If you yearn for more storytelling in your ballet, this show will deliver it in spades. The mime work was exquisite by the entire company. The story really lends itself well to an operatic interpretation. Perhaps the opera world has already tackled Giselle. There’s a mental note for me to look into that further.
There was plenty of good to report on from Friday night’s performance.
Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan as Giselle was spectacular. I’ve seen her perform other roles in other reps but I have to say this role she just absolutely shined in. Her artistry with her demanding dance requirements, her acting to tell the story and captivate the audience, as well as really leading the charge and owning the role, she was amazing.
Kyle Davis as Duke Albert was solid and effortless in his performance. I know his technical ability is always sound with the past roles I’ve seen Kyle dance but Friday night he complimented Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan to perfection. He was very emotive in his acting and he, too, carried the story forward in both acts.
Amanda Morgan as Myrtha was another standout. She has been on the cusp of greatness for many reps in my opinion. She is a principal level dancer. I hope to attend the first rep next season and see her being promoted to that level. She’s already there and she deserves it, Mr. Boal.
Now, there’s one area I need to mention which I’ve also mentioned in other reviews the past few years. The corps des ballet.
There were moments when the corps looked good. I’m not picking at their overall performance at all. But, there were also times when they were lacking. I don’t know what it will take to get the corps to the level I had seen pre-pandemic and even a little post-pandemic. But, when they aren’t in sync, wow, it really shows. It’s frustrating at times because I know what they could be but they just aren’t consistent. I keep rooting for them with every rep I attend but so far they aren’t there yet. But, I’m hopeful they will get there.
The set, lighting, and other design elements were great enhancements to the production. I should also mention that conductor Emil de Cou had the orchestra shining like he has all season long.
Overall, “Giselle” is right up there with some of my other favorite ballet productions from the Pacific Northwest Ballet. It’s another recommended example of just how good overall the company is in 2026.
“Giselle” runs through April 19th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall
Seattle, WA
Review: Friday 4/10/26 7:30 pm Performance
(Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan and Kyle Davis as Giselle and Albert, in Peter Boal’s acclaimed staging of Giselle. PNB presents Giselle onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall, April 10 – 19, 2026. For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)
The fan favorite classical full length ballet, “Giselle”, performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet, opened up on Friday evening at McCaw Hall. A ghostly story with a large amount of mime work, the production is one I reviewed back in 2023.
Right off the top, the performance was highly dramatic across both Acts I and II. If you yearn for more storytelling in your ballet, this show will deliver it in spades. The mime work was exquisite by the entire company. The story really lends itself well to an operatic interpretation. Perhaps the opera world has already tackled Giselle. There’s a mental note for me to look into that further.
There was plenty of good to report on from Friday night’s performance.
Spoiler alert: She dies…at the end of Act I. Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in Peter Boal’s acclaimed staging of Giselle. PNB presents Giselle onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall, April 10 – 19, 2026. For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.
Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan as Giselle was spectacular. I’ve seen her perform other roles in other reps but I have to say this role she just absolutely shined in. Her artistry with her demanding dance requirements, her acting to tell the story and captivate the audience, as well as really leading the charge and owning the role, she was amazing.
Kyle Davis as Duke Albert was solid and effortless in his performance. I know his technical ability is always sound with the past roles I’ve seen Kyle dance but Friday night he complimented Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan to perfection. He was very emotive in his acting and he, too, carried the story forward in both acts.
Amanda Morgan as Myrtha was another standout. She has been on the cusp of greatness for many reps in my opinion. She is a principal level dancer. I hope to attend the first rep next season and see her being promoted to that level. She’s already there and she deserves it, Mr. Boal.
(Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Amanda Morgan as Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, in Peter Boal’s acclaimed staging of Giselle. PNB presents Giselle onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall, April 10 – 19, 2026. For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)
There were moments when the corps looked good. I’m not picking at their overall performance at all. But, there were also times when they were lacking. I don’t know what it will take to get the corps to the level I had seen pre-pandemic and even a little post-pandemic. But, when they aren’t in sync, wow, it really shows. It’s frustrating at times because I know what they could be but they just aren’t consistent. I keep rooting for them with every rep I attend but so far they aren’t there yet. But, I’m hopeful they will get there.
The set, lighting, and other design elements were great enhancements to the production. I should also mention that conductor Emil de Cou had the orchestra shining like he has all season long.
Overall, “Giselle” is right up there with some of my other favorite ballet productions from the Pacific Northwest Ballet. It’s another recommended example of just how good overall the company is in 2026.
“Giselle” runs through April 19th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
(Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Amanda Morgan as Myrtha, summons the ghostly Wilis in Peter Boal’s acclaimed staging of Giselle. PNB presents Giselle onstage at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall, April 10 – 19, 2026. For tickets and information, contact the PNB Box Office, 206.441.2424 or PNB.org. Photo © Angela Sterling.)
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