Ballet Long Island will bring the Russian legend of The Firebird to the stage in Ronkonkoma with performances on April 9 and 12.
The production, directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Debra Punzi, blends romance, adventure, and a dramatic battle scene. The story follows Prince Ivan as he confronts an evil wizard and attempts to rescue a captive princess with the help of the mystical Firebird.
The battle scene, which pits a valiant prince against the wizard and his minions, is Punzi's favorite. “That’s a very complicated and exciting scene,” she said.
Showtimes are 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, and 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the company’s venue at 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children and seniors, available for purchase online or by calling 631-737-1964.
In an interview with South Shore Press, Punzi explained that The Firebird is based on a Russian legend in which the Firebird offers a magical feather to anyone who captures her, promising to help them in times of trouble.
When Prince Ivan captures the Firebird, she offers him a feather in exchange for his release. The adventure continues with the discovery of a garden with a tree bearing golden apples and a princess held captive with her court. The prince and princess express their love in the language of ballet, a romantic pas de deux. The grand finale features a wedding.
Punzi, who helped found Ballet Long Island, continues to teach and choreograph for the company.
“I got together with some other people who wanted to start a ballet company, and we did, and we've been doing ballets constantly for 40 years,” she said.
Although based in Ronkonkoma, the nonprofit arts organization has taken its shows on the road.
“We perform at quite a bunch of different venues,” Punzi said, mentioning The Nutcracker performances at locations such as the College of Staten Island and various Nassau County libraries. Local stage performances for 2025 will run through May and begin again in September.
For more information, visit https://balletlongisland.com.