PNB lineup includes Tharp, Morris works

Pacific Northwest Ballet has announced much of its 2008-09 season, which continues to reflect artistic director Peter Boal's interest in both exploring the company's classical roots and expanding its reach into contemporary dance. The season will begin in September with a repertory program of works from modern-dance legend Twyla Tharp, including "Nine Sinatra Songs" (performed by PNB in 2006) and two world premieres created especially for the company.

Subsequent programs will include an evening of new work (including world premieres from New York City Ballet's Benjamin Millepied and PNB's Kiyon Gaines and a PNB premiere from Mark Morris), the 25th anniversary run of Kent Stowell's "Nutcracker," George Balanchine's neoclassical trio "Jewels," and a "Broadway Festival" celebrating the art of musical-theater dance. The festival, slated for spring 2008, will feature works such as Christopher Wheeldon's "Carousel" (set to Richard Rodgers' music), Broadway choreographer Susan Stroman's "Take Five ... More or Less," and Jerome Robbins' "West Side Story Suite." Details about two additional repertory programs are to be announced.

Subscription tickets will go on sale in late March; subscription renewals begin today. For more information, see www.pnb.org.

Moira Macdonald: 206-464-2725 or mmacdonald@seattletimes.com