4 out of 5 stars

Adapting the 2010 film “Black Swan” for the stage presents challenges. How to cast and choreograph convincing ballet scenes? And without the iconic Tchaikovsky score? A story tweak addressed the former and a good-not-great Dave Malloy score, with odes to “Swan Lake” famous motifs, the latter. The result? An at-times thrilling new musical with incredible lighting and sound design, exhilarating special effects and an electrifying lead performance by Melanie Moore. Nods to ballet life add humor (galas, pointe shoe prep rituals), while subtle book improvements and a new showstopper or two could help this show take wing…to Broadway? Hopefully. — Ryan Kinkade

At American Repertory Theater (Cambridge, Mass.), through July 12, 2026; americanrepertorytheater.org. (Review date: July 2, 2026)