PORTLAND — Maine State Ballet will kick off the holiday season with eight performances of “The Nutcracker” at Merrill Auditorium, Friday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 3.

Maine State Ballet has been staging “The Nutcracker” since 1976, making it the longest-running “Nutcracker”in Maine. It is the original classic production, set in early 19th-century Germany, featuring Clara, Fritz, Uncle Drosselmeyer and all the familiar characters. 

Maine State Ballet is the only company in Maine with permission to perform original choreography by world-renowned choreographer George Balanchine. His classic choreography can be seen during Snowflakes, Waltz of the Flowers and the Marzipan Shepherdess dance. All other choreography is by Artistic Director Linda MacArthur Miele.

The production features music from the Maine State Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Carla M. Kelley Brenner, accompanied by the voices of the new Maine State Ballet Choir.

The role of Clara is shared by principal soloist Adrienne Pelletier and soloist Brooke Sowerby, who will be making her debut. Principal dancer Nathaniel Dombek reprises his role as the Cavalier, and corps de ballet member Boomer Druchniak will debut as the Nutcracker Prince.

Principal dancers Veronica Druchniak and Rhiannon Pelletier split the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Dew Drop Fairy. Character artist Fred Bernier plays the mysterious Drosselmeyer, and principal dancer Roberto Forleo brings his energy to the roles of Toy Soldier and Russian.

Performance dates are 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3.

Tickets are on sale through Porttix at 207-842-0800, or www.porttix.com, or at the Merrill Auditorium box office noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Tickets ranges from $21 to $66, with discounts available for groups, seniors and children. Friday, Dec. 1, is Student Night. Specially-discounted student tickets for that show only can be purchased by calling or visiting the Merrill Auditorium box office.

Local talent appearing in the production include, from Auburn: Abigail Libby, soldier; Kira Sawicki, Confectionery Page; Natasha Sawicki, Little Page; from Bridgton: Sophia Berry, Little Page; Madison Frost, soldier; Rayme Reynolds, soldier; Acadia Webb, angel; Becci Webb, mother.

From Durham: Ava Cass, Little Page; Paige Gelhar, Arabian, Russian; Sydney Gelhar, soldier; Eleanor Thornton, Mother Ginger; Gwyneth Thornton, party child, Chinese; Jordan Young, soldier; from Farmington: Elysia Roorbach, Spanish; from Harrison: Lucy Ward, soldier.

From Lewiston: Hannah Bergeron, party child, Chinese; Bailey Joseph Michaud, party child; from Minot: Gracie Pray, angel; Amber Shelley, Russian, mouse; from New Gloucester: Ella Hawkins, soldier; Sunny Heath, reindeer.

From Norway: Kate Dilworth, soldier; from Oxford: Natalie Gelinas, angel; from Turner: Molly Brown, Russian; Ella Caron, Confectionery Page; and from Waterford: Kaya Joseph, soldier.

FMI: 207-781-7672, mainestateballet.org.