MAY 1-3, 2026

Sherlock

Paired with the World Premiere of Maria A. Konrad’s Lumina and Donald Byrd’s Wake the Neighbors

venue: POLK THEATER, TPAC

About the program:

Step into the shadows and follow the clues as we close our 2025-26 season with Sherlock, the electrifying centerpiece of our annual Attitude series. Acclaimed choreographer Penny Saunders returns to our main stage with a dazzling Tennessee premiere that reimagines one of literature’s most iconic figures in an entirely new light.

In this riveting ballet, the legendary Sherlock Holmes comes to life through bold choreography, cinematic flair, and immersive storytelling. But this is more than a mystery—it’s a journey into the brilliant, enigmatic mind of writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. Complete with original costumes, noir-style lighting, and evocative set design, Sherlock is a thrilling co-production with Grand Rapids Ballet and Ballet Idaho. Made even more transporting by the integration of vintage 1940s radio broadcasts from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, this nostalgic audio layer will pull you straight into the Victorian-era inspired world of gaslight intrigue and elegant suspense.

Balancing the program are two compelling works that continue the Attitude series’ tradition of presenting cutting-edge contemporary ballet. The evening opens with Tony-nominated choreographer Donald Byrd's Wake the Neighbors, a compelling and emotionally resonant experience for audiences. Alongside this is the world premiere of Maria A. Konrad’s Lumina! This piece is inspired by Adele Bloch-Bauer, the iconic figure immortalized by Gustav Klimt’s portrait of her. This contemporary ballet illuminates how presence, desire, and creativity can shimmer through history and light.

Whether you're drawn to the cerebral thrill of Sherlock Holmes or the fearless beauty of contemporary choreography, this year’s Attitude promises an unforgettable finale to the season—mysterious, mesmerizing, and masterfully performed.

Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m.
Lumina: Run Time TBA
15-minute intermission
Wake the Neighbors: 6 minutes
15 minute intermission
Sherlock: approximately 45 minutes