Utah Metropolitan Ballet Presents Snow White at UVU

Utah Metropolitan Ballet (UMB) will stage three public performances of the classic fairy tale Snow White on September 18 and 19, 2026. The production, featuring original choreography, will take place at the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Ballet Brings Classic Tale to Stage

The Utah Valley-based professional ballet company will present two evening shows and one matinee. Performances are scheduled for Friday, September 18, at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, September 19, at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Founding director Jacqueline P. Colledge created the original choreography for the production. Cassandra Barney designed the sets and costumes, with Suellen Baum also contributing to costume creation and Christine Rader providing additional construction.

Cast Features Company Principals

The cast includes UMB company members, with Hallie Jo Carvajal as Snow White and Matteo Garattoni as the Prince. Principal artists Toshihiro Harada and Ryan Hatch also perform, alongside solo artists Jesyca Buck, Alex Hatch, Sydney Lee, and Parker Niksich.

Amy Cook will portray the Evil Queen. The Seven Woodsmen will be danced by members of Jacqueline’s School of Ballet Studio Company.

Sensory-Friendly Performance Offered

A special sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at 10:00 AM. This show aims to accommodate families affected by autism, providing an inclusive viewing experience.

Public tickets for the performances start at $36 and are available through the UMB website. Student rush tickets will be offered for $16 on the day of the performance at the Scott and Karen Smith Theatre box office at UVU.

Regional Arts Scene Expands Offerings

The Utah Metropolitan Ballet's production of Snow White contributes to the growing cultural landscape in Utah Valley. The company, a professional ballet organization, regularly brings classical and original works to local audiences, enhancing access to performing arts in the region.

This performance follows a trend of regional arts organizations expanding their programming to include family-friendly and accessible options. Such initiatives aim to broaden audience engagement and foster appreciation for the arts across diverse community segments.

Outlook for Local Performing Arts

If ticket sales meet expectations, the success of Snow White could encourage UMB to invest further in large-scale productions and community outreach programs. This would likely lead to more diverse offerings for local audiences and potentially increased funding for the company.

Conversely, if attendance is lower than anticipated, UMB might re-evaluate its production scale or marketing strategies for future performances. This could impact the frequency of major ballet productions in the region, potentially shifting focus to smaller, more cost-effective shows.

Broader Economic and Cultural Impact

The staging of such productions supports the local economy through ticket sales, employment for artists and technical staff, and patronage of local businesses by attendees. A robust performing arts sector can attract tourism and enhancing a region's cultural appeal.

The main open question is whether the sensory-friendly performance model will be widely adopted by other arts organizations. If successful, it could set a precedent for increased accessibility in live entertainment across the state, benefiting a wider demographic of potential patrons.