Stepping Out

Visions of Sugar Plums

'The Nutcracker' dances onto local stages

Posted

Holiday Stage

New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’
New York Dance Theatre’s version of the holiday classic returns to the Hofstra stage this weekend. As always, it’s performed in the style of the legendary George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet production, with guest artists from the New York City Ballet, among other dancers. This year’s soloists include NYCB Principal Dancer Daniel Ulbricht as the Cavalier and NYCB Soloist Brittany Pollack as the Sugar Plum Fairy. In all, a cast of 80 dancers, including children, bring the ballet to life. Philip DuClos and Henry Berlin, who both appeared as the young Prince at Lincoln Center, share the same role with New York Dance Theatre. The Balanchine tradition is maintained from storyline through choreography, and sets and costumes, guided by Artistic Director Frank Ohman.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17, 12 and 5 p.m. $42, $32 seniors and children 12 and under. Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hempstead. (631) 462-0964 or www.ohmanballet.org.

A Nutcracker Reimagined
Long Island’s professional dance company, the Eglevsky Ballet, presents an enhanced staging of the festive seasonal treat, accompanied by the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra. The company, which was founded in 1961 by Andre Eglevsky, formerly with American Ballet Theater and the New York City Ballet, offers up a variation on the traditional staging. Eglevsky’s Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry has added unique dimensions throughout. The company’s dancers are joined by guest artists Unity Phelan, New York City Ballet soloist, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Jared Angle, New York City Ballet principal dancer, as her Cavalier. Actor Chris Comfort portrays Clara’s grandfather Drosselmeyer. Eglevsky alumni also join the cast, appearing in the ballet’s well-known party scene.
Saturday, Dec. 16, 1 and 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 17, 2 p.m. $78, $58, $48. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Rte. 25A, Brookville. (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.tillescenter.org.