New York Dance Theatre, under the direction of former New York City Ballet soloist Frank Ohman, will present its thirty-fifth season of The Nutcracker at Hofstra University, Hempstead on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18, at 12 and 5 p.m. on both days. Tickets for this full production ballet are $42 and $32 (seniors and children 12 and under) and may be purchased on line at www.ohmanballet.org or by calling 631-462-0964.
Ohman’s production is the largest Nutcracker on Long Island with added music, scenes, and dances, and is the only one performed in the tradition of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center version. Special guest artists Alicia Holloway and DaVon Doane of the Dance Theatre of Harlem will appear as the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier. Several artists from New York City will also join Ohman’s troup.
Philip Leclose, who performed the role of the young Prince for two consecutive years at Lincoln Center, will appear in that same role in Ohman’s 2016 production. Over the years Frank Ohman has created original dances and scenes which have been incorporated into the ballet.
In this 35th anniversary year he has added “Snow Flurries” who beckon the Snow Queen and King at the start of the enchanting Snow Scene, and two baby reindeer who accompany the prancing reindeer pulling Clara’s sled.
With the elegant Christmas Party Scene, the Battle of the Toy soldiers and Giant mice, the live Snow Storm, and the brilliant dancing in the Land of the Sweets, The Nutcracker appeals to all ages. In all, a cast of eighty children, pre-professional and professional dancers will bring this classic story ballet to life on the stage of the John Cranford Adams Playhouse.
