Rusalka (2025)
In collaboration with Danceworks Performance MKE
February 14 - 23, 2026 at danceworks studio theatre
Danceworks Performance MKE and Milwaukee Opera Theatre took the stage to revisit the tale of Rusalka: a water nymph determined to find love by way of magic, featuring singing sprites, dancing goblins, and Jason Powell as The Moon. Rooted in Slavic folklore, and packed with ravishing music, Rusalka remains Dvořák’s best known opera. The tale’s classic arias accompanied a modern restructuring of the story by Powell with singing in Czech, speaking in English, and dancing in…dance!
To learn more about the artists in Rusalka, check out their bios and headshots here
Artistic Team
Director - Jill Anna Ponasik
Choreographer - Christal Wagner
Adaptor - Jason Powell
Music Director - Ruben Piirainen
Harp - Erin Brooker - Miller
Lighting Designer - Colin Gawronski
Singers
Rusalka - Saira Frank
The Prince - Tim Rebers
The Moon - Jason Powell
Ježibaba - Colleen Brooks
Vodník - David Guzmán
First Nymph - Tabetha Steege
Second Nymph - Erin Sura
Third Nymph - Brennan Martinez
Dancers
Ashley Ray Garcia
Greta Jenkins
Jessica Lueck
Cuauhtli Ramirez Castro
Elisabeth Roskopf
Zoe Glise
Covers
Rusalka - Julianne Perkins
The Prince - Anthony Androncyzk
The Moon - Luke Hahn
Ježibaba - Haley Gabriel
Vodník - Edward Lupella
First Nymph - Meggie Moyer
Second Nymph - Danielle Gedemer
Third Nymph - Emily Bergeron
Photo Credit: Mark Frohna
Reviews
“...like a shot of adrenaline to a comatose heart."
~ Jeff Grygny, Play on Milwaukee
“…both companies have that mix of disciplined bodies and impish minds that bring converts. For the adventurous it’s a chance to see a distinctive adaptation of a rarely performed opera.”
~ Dom Noth, Urban Milwaukee
"The skill of the singer/actors and their musical accompanists was deeply pleasing, and even at the darkest moments in the story, some of the city’s best dancers were there onstage, so fully alive that it lifted my heart."
~ John Schneider, Shepherd Express
“beautiful tapestry of movement and song”
~ Cathy Jakicic, Broadway World
The Man Behind the Moon
Want to learn more about our adaptation of Rusalka? Check out this interview with Jason Powell!