'The Most Incredible Thing' Debuts at City Ballet

Rehearsal for the world premiere of New York City Ballet's "Most Incredible Thing," choreographed by Justin Peck.

New York City Ballet premieres a new ballet based on the Hans Christian Andersen folk tale, "The Most Incredible Thing" this evening.

It is the first narrative ballet from the company’s resident choreographer and soloist Justin Peck, who has become one of ballet world’s most in-demand choreographers, with upcoming premieres of his work by multiple dance companies including the Paris Opera Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet and the Miami City Ballet. Recently, the documentary Ballet 422 featured Peck as he created a new work for City Ballet.

This new show, however, represents a turning point for the 28-year-old: it is the first narrative ballet that he has created and is his biggest, featuring more than 50 performers as well as new music from composer Bryce Dessner and sets and costumes by the artist Marcel Dzama.

"It is both unusual and exciting," said Leigh Witchel, who has reported on City Ballet for many years. He spoke with WNYC’s Soterios Johnson about the new production, along with Marina Harss who wrote about the new ballet for The Guardian.