PORTLAND

The Maine State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will fill Portland’s Merrill Auditorium with the beauty and joy of the season Saturday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 8.

This favorite family holiday tradition will feature live music from the Maine State Ballet Orchestra, decadent costumes and stage scenery by Gail Csoboth, and beautiful dancing by more than 300 of the most talented dancers in Maine.

Maine State Ballet’s revered principal dancer, Janet Davis of Windham, and 18-year old Rhiannon

Pelletier of Raymond will share the role of Sugar Plum Fairy.

Likewise, Glenn Davis of Windham will reprise his role as the Nutcracker, splitting time with 17- year old Maiki Saito of Scarborough, who formerly danced as the Russian Cossack in last year’s performances.

Two gifted teenagers alternate performances in the role of Clara: Adrienne Pelletier of Raymond, a veteran of the role at the age of 16, and Alyssa Bryan, age 15, of North Waterboro. Meanwhile 16-year old Errol Kurtz, of Raymond, will entertain the audience with his leaps as the Russian Cossack.

Performances of Maine State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will be held at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

Tickets are on sale through Porttix at 842-0800, online at mainestateballet.org or tickets.porttix.com, or at the Merrill Auditorium box office noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Tickets are priced at $20 to $60, and discounts are available for groups, seniors and children. For more information, call Maine State Ballet at 781-7672, or visit www.mainestateballet.org.