The Royal Ballet's A Winter's Tale in U.S. Cinemas Feb. 17

This June, The Royal Ballet is making a long-awaited tour to Washington, DC, Chicago and New York City. But on February 17, ballet lovers across the U.S. can see the company in movie theaters for a one-night-only screening of Christopher Wheeldon’s A Winter’s Tale, which premiered last year. Based on William Shakespeare’s play, the ballet follows the jealous King Leontes (played with emotional tour de force by Edward Watson), who mistakenly suspects that his pregnant wife Hermione (the sublime Lauren Cuthbertson) is having an affair with his best friend, King Polixnes (Federico Bonelli). Sarah Lamb, Zenaida Yanowsky and Steven McRae complete the all-star cast.

Shakespeare’s play is famously complicated. But a preview screening of the film in NYC on Wednesday showed that Wheeldon and his team of collaborators have smartly packaged its intricate narrative with dramatic clarity and contemporary freshness. But what’s most exciting is seeing a full-length story ballet that’s never been attempted before—and the dancers’ performances are stellar. While nothing beats live theater, the film translates beautifully on the big screen and includes behind-the-scenes footage with Wheeldon, cast members and composer Joby Talbot. Check out the sneak preview below; for tickets and theater locations near you, click here.