New York City Ballet returns to SPAC Wednesday with dance, insights, stories | The Daily Gazette SECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHER: Shares0 Opening night is Wednesday with a new time of 7:30 p.m. “It’s incredible” said Jonathan Stafford, the artistic director of the company. “It’s our first live performance before a seated audience. We’ve always had such a good relationship with SPAC. It’s part of our DNA. And it’s my 23rd season. To keep my streak intact, I came up last year to visit. It’s a special place and it’s a fitting way to begin our season.”