'The Nutcracker' dances back to LI stages
New York Dance Theater's "Nutcracker" (the "Snow Scene" shown here) will be performed at Adams Playhouse, Hofstra University, Hempstead, Dec. 10 and 11 and Dec. 17 and 18, 2011. Credit: Handout
Let the "Nutcrackers" begin. Long Island has them by the dozen. Here are four highlights.
Eglevsky Ballet choreographer Lazlo Berda premieres his first full-length ballet with a remake of "The Nutcracker" at Tilles Center. Berdo, former principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, has recruited two current Boston principals -- Lia Cirio as the Sugar Plum Fairy and James Whiteside as the Cavalier.
harborballettheatre.com
Harbor Ballet in Port Jefferson brings back a Tony nominee for its 20th annual "Nutcracker." Ashley Tuttle, who earned her Tony nod for Broadway's "Movin' Out," was a late addition last year when the Sinatra musical "Come Fly With Me" closed. Tuttle returns as the Sugar Plum Fairy opposite her former American Ballet Theatre partner, Craig Salstein, as the Cavalier.
For its 30th annual "Nutcracker," New York Dance Theatre at Hofstra's Adams Playhouse remains inspired by Balanchine's New York City Ballet version once performed by director Frank Ohman. "Christmas is really for children," Ohman says. "That's one reason we have so many dances for them." The 60 kids in the ensemble, plus extra scenes set to selections from other Tchaikovsky scores ("Swan Lake," "Sleeping Beauty"), make this the biggest Long Island "Nutcracker" in more ways than one.
For the 11th year, "Clara's Dream -- The Nutcracker" presents Tchaikovsky's masterpiece from a child's perspective.
Take a backstage tour to see how the "Nutcracker" spell is cast and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and friends.
Students from the Bridgehampton conservatory collaborate with members of the New York Dance Ensemble.
In "The Nutcracker Sweet," 30 local kids dance with a corps of professionals.
Performers from the Sacramento Ballet are featured.
For its 25th anniversary "Nutcracker," Christopher Fleming directs homegrown talent in leading roles, including Danielle Troyano of Port Jefferson making her company debut as the Snow Queen.
The Bay Shore dance school's production augments the original 1892 choreography by Marius Petipa with Vassily Vainonen's 1934 alterations.
One of the relative newcomers among Long Island "Nutcrackers" recruits Adam Rogers of the Pennsylvania Ballet as Cavalier and Snow King.
You could say "The Nutcracker Suite" is a greatest-hits version.
Company founder and Russian native Valia Seiskaya keeps this Suffolk North Shore tradition alive and, yes, dancing.
Two young dancers from Long Island appear in the New York City Ballet's annual production of "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center's Koch Theater. Sophie Hod of Great Neck is in the ensemble as a teen party girl and a candy cane. Lily Chen of Manhasset also dances as a candy cane.
"The Nutcracker" runs through Dec. 31. The Balanchine-choreographed ballet will be simulcast live in movie theaters across the country Dec. 13 -- Farmingdale Multiplex, Holtsville's Island 16 and Westbury Stadium 12 on Long Island -- and broadcast on PBS Dec. 14. Simulcast tickets are available at the theater box offices or fathomevents.com. For Lincoln Center tickets, call 212-496-0600 or go to nycballet.com.
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