Matthew Bourne's "The Red Shoes" Is Coming to the US—Starring ABT and NYCB Principals

British dance fans are already in love with Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes: The show, which debuted across the pond last fall, earned raves from critics and two Olivier (London’s equivalent of a Tony) Awards. Now, Bourne’s Red Shoes—an adaptation of the iconic 1948 film—is about to embark on a North American tour. And some very familiar faces will be joining the cast.

Telling the story of the passionate but ill-fated ballerina Victoria Page (“Why do you want to dance?” she’s asked in the film, to which she famously answers, “Why do you want to live?”), The Red Shoes is full of meaty dance-acting parts. So we’re especially excited that Bourne has tapped two fabulous dance-actors, New York City Ballet principal Sara Mearns and American Ballet Theatre principal Marcelo Gomes, for the show’s tour. Mearns will dance the part of Victoria Page during the production’s NYC run at New York City Center, October 26–November 5. (As followers of her Insta account know, she’s already been rehearsing the part like crazy.) And Gomes, who’s no stranger to Bourne productions—he’s danced the lead in the choreographer’s trailblazing all-male Swan Lake—will play principal character Julian Craster at all tour locations.

You can find more information about the tour, which kicks off September 15 at L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre and includes stops in DC and Charlotte, NC, here. Check out the show’s 2017 trailer: