Stepping Out

'The Nutcracker' in its many variations

Local stages glitter with the holiday treat

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Holiday Stage

New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’
New York Dance Theatre’s version of the holiday classic dances its way back to Hofstra ‘s theater. As always, it’s performed in the style of the legendary George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet production, featuring guest artists from the New York City Ballet. The Balanchine tradition is maintained from storyline through choreography, sets and costumes, guided by Artistic Director Frank Ohman (a former NYCB soloist). This season’s guest artists include NYCB Principal Dancer Daniel Ulbricht as the Cavalier and NYCB’s Brittany Pollack as the Sugar Plum Fairy. In all, a cast of 80 dancers, including children, bring the ballet to life. Ohman continues his tradition of playing the role of the grandfather in the party scene that opens the ballet, joined former NYCB soloist Robert Maiorano in the role of Clara’s mysterious godfather Herr Drosselmeyer.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15-16, 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.

More Visions Of Sugar Plums

‘Nutcracker’ Reimagined
Long Island’s professional dance company, the Eglevsky Ballet, presents an enhanced staging of the festive ballet, 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, brings some innovative elements to the classic production. Eglevsky 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. Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry has added unique elements throughout, including dispensing with the pas de deux usually performed by the Snow Queen and Snow King. Instead, it will be danced by Clara (16-year-old Erin Delargy) and the “Nutcracker Prince” (16-year-old Lochlan Brooks, who studies with the ABT). The two young dancers will dance a pas de deux to the music for the famous snow scene.
Saturday, Dec. 15, 1 and 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. $78, $58, $48. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LUI Post, Rte. 25A, Brookville. (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.tillescenter.org.