WMTV 15 News interview with Ja’ Malik

Leigh Mills and Ja’ Malik, Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Madison Ballet opens its 45th season with the world premiere of "Jekyll and Hyde." Executive Artistic Director Ja’ Malik joined WMTV 15 host Leigh Mills to talk about the ballet on the Wednesday, October 21, for the 4:00 p.m. live broadcast.

“I was looking for something to honor the tradition coming up of Halloween, scary stories, scary times, and I had a toss-up between Frankenstein and Jekyll & Hyde,” Ja’ Malik said. “I realized so many companies are already doing Frankenstein, so why not be out the box and do something creative, different and exclusive for Madison. Jekyll & Hyde won out.”

The performance will be the first full-length story ballet under Ja’ Malik’s artistic vision and will give the dancers an opportunity to showcase their acting skills.

“It’s going to be an exciting ballet for Madison, new audiences, old audiences, returning audiences,” Ja’ Malik said. “I’m just excited for them to see us put on a full story ballet for all the audiences that we have garnered over the years.”

Opening night of Jekyll & Hyde will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. There will be a 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. show on Saturday, Oct. 31 and a show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1 at the MYAarts Starlight Theatre. There is a preview performance on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.

View the segment here: https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/10/21/madison-ballet-premiere-jekyll-hyde/

Discover more about the peformance here: https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info