Coppélia
New York City Ballet
Wednesday • Jul 09, 2025 • 7:30pmThursday • Jul 10, 2025 • 7:30pmFriday • Jul 11, 2025 • 7:30pmSaturday • Jul 12, 2025 • 2:00pm
The delightful tale of a mad inventor and the life-like doll he creates, The New York Times calls Coppélia “story ballet done to perfection.”
One of the greatest comic ballets of the 19th Century, Coppélia has remained one of the best-loved classical works in the ballet repertory. The three-act ballet features a lush, melodic score by Delibes, a fairy-tale set and extensive ensemble dances.
In Coppélia, a young man named Frantz becomes infatuated with a life-like doll named Coppélia, created by the eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppélius. Frantz’ fiancée, Swanilda, discovers the truth and cleverly tricks Dr. Coppélius into believing she is Coppélia, ultimately exposing the deception and reuniting with Frantz in a joyful celebration of their love.
Wendy Whelan, New York City Ballet’s associate artistic director, said to The New York Times: “‘This is lighthearted and warm and easy to watch. It’s a reminder of the beginnings of ballet: the storytelling, the classical dance, the pantomime.’ Plus, Whelan added, ‘it’s fun and it’s funny.’”
The lavish production features scenery and costumes by Rouben Ter-Arutunian, additional costumes by Karinska, and lighting by Mark Stanley.
Featuring a large cast of children from the Capital Region, Coppélia was commissioned by SPAC and held its world premiere in Saratoga in 1974.
Can’t decide which performance to attend? Join us for one of our themed performance nights, Date Night @ SPAC (Thursday, July 10) or Family Night (Friday, July 11). See more details below!
Program
Coppélia
Choreography: George Balanchine & Alexandra Danilova, after Petipa
Music: Léo Delibes
This program is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes long, inclusive of two 20-minute intermissions.
Themed Performance Nights
Date Night @ SPAC — Thursday, July 10
On Date Night, the SPAC grounds will have everything you need for a perfect evening out at the ballet with your loved ones! Enjoy complimentary wine and beer tastings from Keuka Spring Vineyards and Whitman Brewing Co., and capture the night with a souvenir photograph taken by On the Spot Photos. Plus, peruse a pop-up flower shop by Goode Farm Flowers with single stems and bouquets available for purchase. Date Night activities begin at 5:30PM when gates open.
Principal Cast List
Click below to see the 2025 New York City Ballet at SPAC performance castings.
*Program and casting are subject to change.
New York City Ballet’s 2025 residency is made possible in part by support from The Adirondack Trust Company
“Kids in Free” presented by Fenimore Asset Management
Ways to Save
Family Four Pack
Buy four amphitheater seats for $99!
Offer valid for ticket pricing levels 5-9 in the amphitheater.
Discount will apply automatically at checkout once cart contains (4) tickets comprising of (2 or 3) child tickets and (1 or 2) adult tickets.
Kids in Free
For New York City Ballet only– Kids 16 and under are free on the lawn and 50% off in the amphitheater (with an accompanying adult ticketholder)!
$40 under 40
Individuals up to 40 years old can enjoy $40 tickets inside the amphitheater!
Offer valid for pricing levels 4-7, ticket must be picked up at will call with valid ID for proof of age.
SPAC Member Discount
SPAC Members receive 15%-20%* on all New York City Ballet tickets! Not a member? Join today!
*Discount is tiered by membership level.
SPAC Amphitheater
Our main stage has a 25,000 person capacity with sheltered seats for 5,200 people and a sloping lawn for an additional 20,000 people.
SPAC Event Ground Rules
Applicable for SPAC-produced events only, including Saratoga Jazz Festival, New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and other special events.
Permitted Items
- Food, beverages, and disposable utensils (compostable, plastic, reusable, etc.)
- Blankets and breathable ground coverings
- Umbrellas
- Please note: Only personal-sized umbrellas will be permitted on the amphitheater lawn.
- Lawn Chairs
- Please note: Lawn chairs must not exceed 43” in height when opened. Lawn chairs on the center amphitheater lawn must not exceed 26″ in height when opened.
- Tents
- Please note: Tents of any size will NOT be permitted on the Amphitheater lawn or are immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage.
*Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day*
Items Not Permitted
- Metal utensils
- Plastic tarps
- Lawn chairs over 43” in height when opened
- Tents are prohibited from the Amphitheater lawn as well as the area immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage
- Grills, cooking equipment, or any flame that uses a liquid, gas, or gel accelerant
- Laser pointers
- Drones
- Professional audio or video recording equipment
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc.
- Pets (except ADA approved service animals)
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Weapons of any kind
*Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day*
Ground Rules
- Security Procedure – To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for SPAC visitors and staff, all bags will be inspected, and all personnel will be searched via metal detectors. Bags include but are not limited to coolers, baskets, tote bags, purses, diaper bags, strollers, and other containers. Any item that is not permitted to come onto the SPAC grounds should be disposed of or returned to your vehicle.
- Smoking is permitted on the SPAC grounds in designated areas only. Please ensure that all cigarette butts are disposed of properly.
- Guests are welcome to bring items such as blankets and umbrellas but please consider others around you. If your items are disruptive to others, you may be asked to remove them.
- Reentry is permitted for SPAC-produced events. Guests must obtain a reentry wristband from staff at the gates prior to exiting the venue.
- SPAC has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and citizenship. Harassment includes but is not limited to stalking, verbal or physical intimidation, offensive verbal comments, physical assault and/or battery, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome physical attention. If you are made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please immediately report any concerns to SPAC staff or security personnel so appropriate action can be taken.
House Rules for Classical Performances
Applicable inside the amphitheater for New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra events.
- Beverages are permitted in the amphitheater, but food is not.
- As a courtesy to the performers and the audience, guests arriving after the performances begin will not be seated until the earliest appropriate opportunity in the performance at the discretion of the House Staff.
- Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the start of the program. Texting and making calls in the theater is not allowed. Should an emergency arise in which you must use a mobile device, we ask that you step outside of the theater to avoid disturbing other guests.
- Video, photography, audio, or cell phone recording during performances is prohibited.
All SPAC ground rules are subject to change. By entering the SPAC grounds, guests agree to abide by the rules listed above. Management reserves the right to modify these rules or can request to see the contents of any belongings brought on property at their discretion. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the utmost levels of safety and convenience for our guests and staff.
Group Sales
Experience SPAC together! From groups of friends and family to corporate outings, senior centers, summer camps, and arts schools, we can curate a special experience for your group of 10 or more. We offer discounts, flexible options and can work with your group leader to tailor your needs for a memorable day.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re visiting from out of town, or want to stay the night nearby after an event, Saratoga Springs has a place waiting for you. As part of our commitment to the community, SPAC is proud to collaborate with preferred hotel partners to offer the best experience to our guests.