Louisville Ballet is bringing Mary Shelley's gothic classic to life just in time for Halloween, with a new interpretation of Frankenstein set to premiere at the Brown Theatre on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31. The production marks the first original work for the company from Artistic Director Anthony Krutzkamp since he took the helm in 2025, and it promises to dig into the emotional wreckage at the heart of Shelley's 1818 novel rather than simply retelling its famous horror.
A New Vision for a 200-Year-Old Story
According to Louisville Ballet, the production is described as exploring the humanity of Dr. Frankenstein's shocking creation, with the company's own materials noting that Shelley's gothic novel is brought to life in an electric new production for Halloween weekend. As reported by WHAS11, Krutzkamp said the ballet focuses on creation, abandonment, consequence, and the vulnerability of both Victor and the creature. He also framed the work around a pointed question for the audience: who is the real monster.
Krutzkamp, who was named Louisville Ballet's artistic director effective Oct. 1, 2025, according to the station's report, called the piece a fully original multidisciplinary work for the company. The Voice-Tribune notes that this is his first choreographic effort since joining Louisville Ballet, with the Voice-Tribune reporting that the show is scheduled at the Brown Theatre on Oct. 30-31, 2026.
Set, Costumes and a Debut-Heavy Cast
Per the same account, the production will feature brand-new set designs, custom costumes and atmospheric lighting built specifically for this telling of the story. WHAS11 also reports that the show will give several new company dancers their mainstage debuts, a notable moment for performers stepping into Louisville Ballet's spotlight for the first time under its new artistic leadership.
The score has drawn some conflicting reports. WHAS11 states that the production's music was curated and compiled by Justin Gray, the company's music manager, with credited music by composer John Adams. However, a separate report from WBIW describes the score as music by Tchaikovsky performed by the Louisville Orchestra. The discrepancy between the two accounts has not been resolved.
Showtimes, Accessibility and Venue Details
Frankenstein will have one performance at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, and two performances on Saturday, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., according to WHAS11. Louisville Ballet's own event listing confirms the same schedule and adds that the full production runs approximately two hours, including one 20-minute intermission.
American Sign Language interpretation will be available for the pre-show talks and curtain speeches at every performance, per Louisville Ballet. Audio description is available upon request, and wheelchair seating is available at both the Kentucky Center and the Brown Theatre, the company notes. The Brown Theatre itself sits at 315 West Broadway and seats 1,443 patrons, according to Kentucky Performing Arts.
Tickets are available online at louisvilleballet.org and through the box office, WHAS11 reports, and the Louisville Ballet box office can be reached at (502) 583-2623.
Part of a Bigger Season — and a Bigger Trend
This new Frankenstein arrives as part of Louisville Ballet's anniversary season, which the Voice-Tribune describes as centered on new work and reimagined repertory while still honoring the company's history. Louisville Ballet was founded in 1952 and is considered the fifth-oldest ballet company in the country, the outlet notes.
The timing also puts Louisville Ballet in good company nationally. Pointe Magazine notes that Halloween weekend is bringing a wave of gothic-themed ballet premieres, including Madison Ballet's Jekyll & Hyde running Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, as well as world premieres of Dracula from Carolina Ballet and Avant Chamber Ballet earlier in October. For Louisville audiences, though, the main event remains close to home: a reimagined monster story landing at the Brown Theatre just as the city gears up for Halloween.
