New Bedford Ballet will perform its annual production of A New England Nutcracker on December 14, at 1:00pm and 4:00pm at Keith Middle School Auditorium located at 225 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford, MA. Journey back to the 1850s, as this favorite holiday story is re-imagined through New Bedford's historic whaling era and prepare for the "City That Lit the World" to light up your holiday season.

Set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, the performance follows young Mary through a night of adventure.  You'll begin at the lavish home of Captain Ephraim Williams where many guests, including Herman Melville, arrive at a holiday party, and the family celebrates the homecoming of the Captain after years at sea.  He shares tales of his travels and comes bearing gifts, including exotic, dancing animals, and of course, a beautiful nutcracker for young Mary.  After Mary drifts to sleep, the real adventures begin as the audience watches battling mice and soldiers, ending with the triumphant defeat of the Mouse Queen.  The magical journey continues as Mary sails through dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets.  The performance is filled with colorful and playful characters from around the globe, including those unique to the New England region.  The audience is entertained by Spanish Flamenco Dancers, French Flute Dancers, and Russian Folk Dancers as well as New Bedford Whaling Sailors. The performance brings a much-loved international holiday tale into our hometown.

This original adaptation of the traditional Nutcracker ballet, created by Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, Artistic director of the New Bedford Ballet, features choreography by Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault, Pamela Mateus, and Sara Brownell.  This simple version with narration is engaging for children, and the hour-long performance is perfect for anyone juggling the many events that fill the holiday season.

Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $15 for seniors, students, and children two years – twelve years. Children two years and younger are free.  All proceeds from the ballet support the New Bedford Ballet Foundation, a non-profit organization.  For over thirty years, the Foundation has granted scholarships and given thousands of area school children and seniors the opportunity to witness the splendor and beauty of ballet. As a result of private and corporate contributions to the Foundation, the Youth Ballet will also be performing A New England Nutcracker for students from PACE Head Start, Kennedy Donavan Center, House of Possibilities, and other community organizations.

Celebrate the season with this classic holiday story that never gets old. Tickets may be purchased online at www.newbedfordballet.org. For more information, please visit the New Bedford Ballet website at www.newbedfordballet.org or contact the New Bedford Ballet Office at 508-993-1387.