'Carnival Of The Animals'

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Pennsylvania Ballet presents it latest program at the Academy of Music from May 9th through 12th.

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"Really great dancing, great theater," says Roy Kaiser, Artistic Director.

He also says the show includes three ballets--two by the legendary George Balanchine, the narrative ballet "Ballo della Regina" (which means "Dance of the Queen") and the more abstract "The Four Temperaments."

"The music is Hindemith, and it's one of his most enduring works. It's been in the repertoire of many, many companies around the world," Kaiser says.

The show closes with the headlined ballet, Christopher Wheeldon's colorful theatrical production "Carnival of the Animals."

"It's a story of a young boy who spends the night in the New York Museum of History," explains Kaiser. "As the night goes on, the animals around him come to life."

The story is based on a book by John Lithgow, who will also perform.

"It's very exciting," he says. "He plays the night watchman, so he narrates the piece, and there is a chance that he could dance. But you have to come see the performance to find out."

For more info or for tickets, visit: www.paballet.org