American Ballet Theatre (ABT) will open its Summer season with a black-tie gala on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 P.M. at the Metropolitan Opera House. The June Gala marks the New York Premiere of Like Water for Chocolate, a new ballet inspired by Laura Esquivel’s seminal novel. ABT’s summer season will run through July 22, 2023.

Christine Shevchenko as Mama Elena in Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate

From the award-winning team of choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and composer Joby Talbot, featuring scenery and costumes by Bob Crowley, lighting by Natasha Katz, and video design by Luke Hall.
Like Water for Chocolate tells the story of Tita, a young Mexican woman overwhelmed by a sense of duty and family tradition. Tita’s only form of expression is through cooking, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls in forbidden love with her wealthy neighbor Pedro.

Cassandra Trenary (Tita) and Herman Cornejo (Pedro) in Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate

The evening will begin with a champagne reception, and, following the performance, guests will be escorted to Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall for an evening of dinner and dancing. American Ballet Theatre will offer 12 performances of Like Water for Chocolate through Saturday, July 1, during

The ballet received its World Premiere by The Royal Ballet on June 2, 2022, at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.

Catherine Hurlin as Gertrudis in Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate

American Ballet Theatre June Gala will honor Yolanda Santos, Founding Member of ABT’s Global Council and Founder of Ballet de Monterrey, and Laura Esquivel, author of the best-selling and beloved novel, Like Water for Chocolate. Proceeds from the June Gala support American Ballet Theatre and its education and engagement programs.

Christine Shevchenko as Mama Elena in Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate

Thursday, June 22, 2023
Gala Performance 6:30 P.M. – Metropolitan Opera House
Dinner to Follow David Geffen Hall

Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center
30 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023

Cassandra Trenary (Tita) and Herman Cornejo (Pedro) in Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate

For tickets visit www.metopera.org