Canadian company reimagines the Shakespeare classic through dance
GUELPH, ON December 17, 2025 — with Experience this captivating, modern take on an adored Shakespeare classic. Part of Movement: The Dance Series, Ballet Jörgen – A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Sunday, January 11, at 2 p.m.
This whimsical Shakespearean story is ripe for adaptation — a lighthearted, comedic tale of mischief and magic centred on Athenians who find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies. This setting feels familiar to our Canadian woodland landscape, which choreographer Bengt Jörgen playfully takes advantage of. Audience members of all ages will be delighted by the show’s use of friendly creatures such as moose, beavers, bears, and squirrels.
In addition to the company’s professional dancers, the show features 10 local dancers, aged 9 to 17, as part of Ballet Jörgen’s Local Participant Program. The performers bring Jörgen’s vision to life featuring music by Felix Mendelssohn. This show is set to the composer’s famous overture from 1827 and instrumental score from 1843, including the popular piece “Wedding March.”
Adding to the show’s fantastical spirit are creative set and costume design by Sue LePage and mood-setting lighting design by Madhu Seran. Heinar Piller is the show’s dynamic Stage Director and Drama Coach.
Known for the warmth and beauty of its productions, Ballet Jörgen stages performances across Canada and the United States. Travelling more than 50,000 kilometres, the company brings professional ballet to large and small communities with more than 1,500 performances, classes, and community engagement events each year.
With magical characters and playful sets, this family-friendly show is suitable for all ages and generously supported by Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth and funding from the Government of Canada.
Tickets to Ballet Jörgen – A Midsummer Night’s Dream are $59 for adults, $57 for patrons over 60 years old, $39 for patrons under 30, and $29 for those under 14. Subscribe & Save 20% when you buy tickets to four or more shows. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or go to https://riverrun.ca/whats-on/ballet-jorgen-a-midsummer-nights-dream/.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre | City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]