CAMDEN — Atlantic Ballet Company presents the Nutcracker at Camden Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, both at 3 p.m.

“Tchaikovsky's musical score brings joy and laughter as it pulses throughout this spectacular traditional Christmas tale,” said the Ballet, in a news release.

"Beautiful backdrops and brilliantly colored costumes enhance our dancers as they celebrate the popular Spanish, Russian and Chinese partnering  duets,” said director Michele Cox. "In the second act a colorful array of Flowers and Petals dance with their beloved Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy in Waltz of the Flowers. As one of the highlights of Christmas by the Sea weekend in Camden, the Nutcracker commences the holiday season for our families here at ABC."

This production showcases challenging roles for Atlantic Ballet Company advanced dancers and provides dance opportunities for thirty five students dancing in the P2P Dance Center training school locations: P2P Dance Center on 27 Knowlton Street, Camden / Belfast Dance Studio's P2P Dance / Camden Rockport Elementary School's P2P Dance. These students joyfully dance in roles spanning from Party Scene children to the spectacular Sugar Plum Fairy, according to ABC.

Guest artist Cristian Laverde Koenig hails from New York City, dancing the roles of Soldier Doll, Party Scene Uncle, Nutcracker Soldier and Land of Sweets Cavalier. Koenig battles the Mouse Queen in a fencing duel and partners Atlantic Ballet Company's own Sugar Plum Fairy, Camden resident Paloma Killoran.

Audience members will enjoy Uncle Drosselmeyer's magical gifts to Clara and her brother, Fritz, the Peppermint Balls and Candy Canes tempting Clara with their Sweetness and Jesters popping out of a giant Jack In The Box.

Tickets for sale at camdenoperahouse.com
$16 for Children 12 and under
$16 for Seniors
$25 for Adults