Nutcracker comes to life on the Averitt stage to kick off the holiday season

Annual tradition features local talented dancers

Clara, played by Tessa Salter, finds herself surrounded with dancing mice after falling asleep during a scene from the Averitt Center for the Arts production of "The Nutcracker."

Clara and mice — Clara, played by Tessa Salter, finds herself surrounded with dancing mice after falling asleep during a scene from the Averitt Center for the Arts production of "The Nutcracker."

"The Nutcracker" is an annual tradition in the Boro that kicks off the holiday season in full force. Audiences can get lost in the story as Clara battles mice, travels through the Land of Sweets and across the Lemonade Sea, and is entertained by the Sugarplum Fairy.

The ballet has delighted area audiences for more than a decade, and is one of the most anticipated events of the season.

This year, Clara is being portrayed by Tessa Salter, with Kyler Williams playing the Little Nutcracker Prince.

The curtain goes up today at 7 p.m. at the Averitt Center, and on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25, with discounts available for military, first-responder, city of Statesboro and Bulloch County employees, and students.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.averittcenterforthearts.org, or by calling 912-212-2787.

After emerging from Mother Ginger's giant hoopskirt, her children, portrayed by Annabelle Carlisle, Chole Weaver, Giovanna Spivey and Amayah Moore, perform for Clara.

Mother Ginger kids — After emerging from Mother Ginger's giant hoopskirt, her children, portrayed by Annabelle Carlisle, Chole Weaver, Giovanna Spivey and Amayah Moore, perform for Clara.

Arabian dancers Ana Grace Evans, front, Abbie Gunder, center, and Anna Kate Croft, float across the stage during dress rehearsal Wednesday evening.

Arabian Dancers — Arabian dancers Ana Grace Evans, front, Abbie Gunder, center, and Anna Kate Croft, float across the stage during dress rehearsal Wednesday evening.

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