Seiskaya Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ at the Staller Center, Dec. 15-17 

The Seiskaya Ballet’s “Nutcracker” has become a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island.  This year’s staging of “The Nutcracker” is again scheduled for five performances: Dec. 15 to 17 at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts.

This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike.  Newsday called the production, “enchanting,” “polished,” “...child friendly—a storyteller’s ‘Nutcracker’...”  And in another Newsday article the reviewer gushed: “...lavish... and ...sumptuous...”  Other reviewers proclaimed it: “...glorious... Dazzling ….extraordinary...”  The cast will be led by guest artist David Wright, dancing the dual roles of Cavalier/Nutcracker, a featured artist with the Dance Theater of Harlem. Seiskaya Ballet’s award-winning principal dancers Vivian Ye, Madeleine Martufi, Nina Zhang and Kaede Urso plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Eva Pyrros, Diana Atoian and Lara Caraiani round out the stellar cast.

Seiskaya Ballet’s “Nutcracker” is truly an international collaboration beginning with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s most famous score.  Sets and several costumes were designed by Poland’s Margaret Piotrowska whose highly respected work in Polish television and stage productions has garnered wide praise.  Directed by founder Joseph Forbes, scenery was executed by Scenic Art Studios which has been credited with painting over 300 Broadway shows.  The imaginative and unusual sculptures utilized in the Seiskaya Ballet’s production were the brainchild of creative artist Matt Targon.  Choreographed by celebrated Russian-born Valia Seiskaya, this acclaimed production is imbued with bravura dancing, energy and endearing charisma.

The company’s 2023 “Nutcracker” season should again garner praise.  Judith H. Bernstein of Newsday headlined her Seiskaya “Nutcracker” review, “a delicious holiday confection for young and old.” Reviewer Michelle Isabelle-Stark entitled her review, “Seiskaya Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ Is Dazzling and Breathtaking.”  The Seiskaya Ballet’s “Nutcracker” is considered Long Island’s premier “Nutcracker” production.

Don’t miss the production that Newsday described as “...a seasoned recipe for holiday cheer” and the New York Times praised as “lavish.”  Tickets are on sale at the Staller Center Box Office at (631) 632-ARTS and at www.nutcrackerballet.com.