The popular Chicago-based ballet troupe starred in Robert Altman’s film The Company and was favored as the Music Center’s resident dance company for a few short years. The company retains an avid local fan base, which should welcome this weekend’s challenging program. The rep includes Deuce Coupe, Twyla Tharp’s enthusiastic celebration of the Beach Boys’ hits; the West Coast premiere of Donald Byrd’s Motown Suite (his first work for the company); and Laura Dean’s exquisite but underappreciated Sometimes It Snows in April. The latter was originally the opening segment of Billboards, a full evening tribute to the music of Prince; it was Dean’s third dancework for the company, and the sensuously playful choreography broke new ground in exploring where the Joffrey dancers could take her whirling-dervish-infused modern idiom. Unfortunately, Dean’s delightful offering was overwhelmed by the toe-shoe-in-the-mouth excesses of the other three Billboards choreographers. This revival gives it a chance to shine on its own. Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., dwntwn.; Thurs.-Fri., March 22-23, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 24, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; $25-$115. (213) 365-3500 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.