The Portland Ballet Presents 'The Enchanted Toyshop'

[October 28, 2025]

Submitted by The Portland Ballet

When the shop closes, the toys come alive! The Enchanted Toyshop, The Portland Ballet’s charming holiday production, returns on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at PSU’s Lincoln Hall for three performances at 1, 4, and 7 p.m.

The Enchanted Toyshop tells the story of two curious children accidentally locked in a toyshop after hours. As the clock strikes, dolls, soldiers, playing cards, and poodles spring to life. Each toy has its own story to tell, creating a whimsical parade of characters.

“The Enchanted Toyshop captures the magic of discovery,” said Artistic Director Nancy Davis. “It reminds us how art can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary — where toys dance and imagination takes flight.”

Photos: Blaine Truitt

First staged by The Portland Ballet in 2003, The Enchanted Toyshop reimagines the 1919 ballet La Boutique Fantasque (“The Fantastic Toyshop”), with choreography by John Clifford and music by Rossini arranged by Respighi. Clifford, a former principal dancer and choreographer with the New York City Ballet, captures the elegance and humor of the original, transforming it into a one-act, family-friendly performance that has become a Portland holiday favorite.

The production showcases students from The Portland Ballet’s Youth Company and also younger dancers, offering students the opportunity to perform professionally on stage while introducing audiences to the next generation of artists.

TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

When: November 29 at 1, 4, and 7 p.m.

Where: Lincoln Hall at Portland State University, 1620 SW Park at Market, Portland, OR

To Purchase Regular Tickets: Prices are $16-$40.  Tickets may be purchased at theportlandballet.org, by emailing tickets@theportlandballet.org, or by calling 503-452-8448. 

Ticket Specials: Discounts are available for Groups of 10+ and Arts for All program members Student Tickets: $10–$18 Family Package: When purchasing two adult and two or more youth tickets, all youth tickets will be discounted – $7 off in Tier 1, $6 off in Tier 2, and $5 off in Tier 3. 

THE PORTLAND BALLET

The Portland Ballet, a world-class dance academy in Portland, Oregon, is committed to fostering the future of ballet by building the next generation of dancers and audiences. Founded in 2001, TPB is shaped by the vision, artistic experience, and family-centered sensibility of the founding directors. Artistic Director Nancy Davis and Executive Director Jim Lane trained at the School of American Ballet and enjoyed distinguished professional careers in companies throughout the U.S. After retiring as principal dancers of the Los Angeles Ballet – where their partnership onstage led to marriage and family off the stage – they moved to Portland, Oregon, and founded The Portland Ballet. Graduates have carried TPB’s reputation for excellence into major professional companies and conservatory programs throughout the U.S. and abroad.