Taylor Soma and Derek Sakakura play the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier in MAPA’s production of “Nutcracker Sweets.” Photo by Grins2Go.

LAHAINA — This holiday season, Maui audiences are in for a sweet treat when Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) presents “Nutcracker Sweets,” a delightful adaptation of the treasured holiday classic “The Nutcracker.”

Playing for two performances only on Sunday, Dec. 5, at The Maui Theatre at Old Lahaina Center, “Nutcracker Sweets” is a whimsical, family-friendly ballet featuring guest artist Derek Sakakura and over 100 Maui dancers.

See the show to introduce a young child to the magic of Clara’s dreamlike journey, or honor an annual tradition of seeing this time-honored ballet for the umpteenth time.

With stunning costumes designed by Kathleen Schulz and choreography by Barry Brinker Jones, Kathleen McKeon, Virginia Holte and Derek Sakakura set to the timeless Tchaikovsky score, this production will dazzle audiences of all ages.

Sakakura, a principal ballet dancer and teacher for over 15 years, will perform the roles of Cavalier and Snow King.

Currently performing the role of Taro in ‘Ulalena, he has worked all over the world with major dance companies, including Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, San Francisco Opera Ballet, Ballet Hawaii and Ballet Austin.

Sakakura will partner with MAPA’s top ballerinas, who have recently returned from summer intensives at American Ballet Theater in New York, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Bolshoi, Houston Ballet Academy and Kirov Academy.

“Nutcracker Sweets” will be staged at The Maui Theatre, the state-of-the-art home of ‘Ulalena at 878 Front St.

Show times are 3 and 7 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for children 12 and under. Call the MAPA Box Office at 244-8760.

For more information on MAPA, call 244-8760 or visit www.mauiacademy.org.