Media Release

February 18, 2026… Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, shared today that Pinocchio by Olivier Award-winning choreographer Will Tuckett returns to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts March 13 – 22.   

This newly reimagined production features Toronto-based actors who accompany dancers onstage as narrators to guide the audience through Pinocchio’s many adventures. The production also features American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation by Marcia Adolphe at every performance. 

Hailed a “family-friendly extravaganza” by the Toronto Star, Pinocchio is a heartwarming work that brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale. Created for the National Ballet in 2017, the visually spectacular production combines magical stagecraft, breathtaking dancing and even a whimsical touch of Canadiana.

“A feast of visual delights.” CBC Entertainment 

“A fresh, rollicking, interdisciplinary retelling of a classic story... effervescent.” 
The Dance Current 

Pinocchio features an original score by Paul Englishby that draws from numerous musical sources, including jazz and West End musicals and colourful sets and costumes designed by Colin Richmond. 

A perfect escape for March Break, this ballet is a delightful adventure for the entire family. Discounts for children 13 and under are available for all performances.  

About Pinocchio 

Community Engagement 

The National Ballet is pleased to present two special presentations of Pinocchio on March 17 starting with a Relaxed Performance of Act II. This performance is designed to welcome the Disability Community into the National Ballet’s artistic space. Families and individuals who usually find access to the arts limited can enjoy a live ballet performance in a more approachable environment.  

Following the Relaxed Performance is a Share the Magic presentation of Pinocchio where 1,600 community members will be invited to enjoy the performance for free. Since its inception in 1986, Share the Magic has provided free access to live ballet experience to nearly 120,000 audience members, inspiring children and families with the joy and beauty of great dance.  

About the Relaxed Performance 

About Share the Magic 

Casting to be announced at a later date.  

2025/26 Season Sponsor: BMO 

Lead philanthropic support for Pinocchio is provided by The Walter Carsen New Creations Fund. Additional support is provided by Rosamond Ivey, Tim & Frances Price, an anoynmous friend, The Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada and The Producers’ Circle. 

The Producers’ Circle (2017): Gail & Mark Appel, John & Claudine Bailey, Inger Bartlett & Marshal Stearns, Susanne Boyce & Brendan Mullen, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, The Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin & Roger Garland, C.M., The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Rosamond Ivey, Hal Jackman Foundation, Anna McCowan-Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Judith & Robert Lawrie, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Jerry Lozinski, O.C. & Joan Lozinski, O.C., The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado, C.M. & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lynda & Jonas Prince, Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M., K.C., Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan, Sandra Simpson and Noreen Taylor, C.M. & David Staines, C.M., O.Ont.  

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages; and the Government of Ontario with the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Minister of Sport.