Looking for performances of The Nutcracker ballet on Long Island in December? Here are details on 10 family-friendly shows in East Hampton, Greenvale, Huntington, Manhasset, Old Westbury, Patchogue, Rockville Centre, Westbury, and Westhampton Beach.
The story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince exists in numerous versions, all more or less based on the Russian original from the 1890s. This year, Long Island boasts 7 different performances of The Nutcracker ballet, some of which are shortned to be more kid-friendly. Get the details on these shows below:
Ovation Dance Repertory’s The Nutcracker Suite
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, Patchogue
Dec. 6, 8-9
Expert choreography and lavish costumes are the hallmark of the Ovations Dance Repertory’s production of The Nutcracker Suite.
Nutcracker Ballet
South Side High School, Rockville Centre
Dec. 7-9
Where can you watch dancers from prestigious companies such as the Boston Ballet, Washington Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, New York City Opera, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Jerome Robbins Broadway, all in one show? In the magical Nutcracker Ballet. Produced by Leggz Ltd. Dance and the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, this full-length production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker features more than 100 young dancers from the greater metropolitan area, with accompaniment from the 70-piece South Shore Symphony Orchestra. Rockville Centre native Kathleen Breen Combes, now a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, performs as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Hampton Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
John Drew Theater-Guild Hall, East Hampton
Dec. 7-9
The Hampton Ballet’s version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet is choreographed by Sara Jo Strickland and features students from the Hampton Ballet Theatre School as well as a few parents and local actors.
Max & Ruby: Nutcracker Suite 2012
NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Westbury
Dec. 9
The whole family will enjoy this child-friendly rendition of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.
Huntington Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center at Marshall University, Huntington
Dec. 8-9
The dance company’s 31st annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse at Marshall University. Want to meet Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy? Join the dance company for Nutcracker Sweets, a tea with the cast of The Nutcracker, on Dec. 1 at 10am at Huntington Dance Theatre in Huntington. Tickets are $5 and available at the door.
Lynch School of Ballet's The Nutcracker
Huntington High School Auditorium, Huntington
Dec. 15-16
Lynch Ballet Company's production of the classical Christmas favorite The Nutcracker, promises to delight audience with it's dynamic cast of some 120 dancers, stunning new costumes and guest performer Alberto Valazquez from the internationally esteemed American Ballet Theater II, in the role of Cavalier. Valazquez is joined by Lynch company dancers Alyssa Brogan and Danielle Margolis in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairies.
Lumiere Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
The Maguire Theater at SUNY College, Old Westbury
Dec. 15-16
Guest artists Oksana Maslova, formerly from Odessa Opera Ballet and Moscow Ballet, and Anton Kandaurov, formerly from Kiev Ballet and Moscow Ballet, will perform on Saturday evening.
The Nutcracker Sweet Ballet
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, Westhampton Beach
Dec. 15-16
A cast of local children perform The Nutcracker Sweet Ballet, joined on stage by professional ballet dancers. This year's production offers expanded scenes and new costumes.
The Eglevsky Ballet Nutcracker
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, Greenvale
Dec. 21-23
This year, the Eglevsky Ballet brings excitement to Long Island in the form of the production of The Nutcracker choreographed by distinguished choreographer Laszlo Berdo. This version is an annual treat for the families of Long Island, danced to the traditional lush score by Tchaikovsky, while bringing Clara’s magical holiday journey to life. Returning guest artists Lia Cirio and James Whiteside, principal dancers of The Boston Ballet Company and American Ballet Theatre, will join the professional company of 24 dancers. They will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. New this year, Aran Bell, star of the popular documentary First Position, will star as the Nutcracker.
Can’t Make it to the Theater?
An Afternoon at the Ballet with Dr. Kolb: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
Manhasset Public Library, Manhasset
Dec. 20
With its Mouse King, Nutcracker Prince, snowflakes, Spanish hot chocolate, Arabian coffee, Chinese tea, Russian candy canes, Danish marzipan, dewdrops, flowers, and Sugar Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker ballet has something for everybody. Dr. Kolb will read and re-enact the fascinating original story.
Also See:
Where to See The Nutcracker in NYC
Top 10 Holiday Shows in the City
Our full, searchable calendar of events for the NYC area
