The production will feature over 200 student and community ballet dancers ages three to adult.

KAHULUI — Alexander Academy Performing Company will stage “The Nutcracker 2023” on Saturday, Dec. 16, with shows at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. in the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater.

Selling for $15-$50, tickets went on sale Nov. 2 at MauiArts.org. For information, call (808) 878-8970 .

A holiday tradition, this full-length ballet features beloved music by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky. The Alexander Academy production is led by Artistic Directors Absalon Figueroa and Amelia Nelson, with costumes by Jennifer Oberg and her Sewing Hui and Alexander Academy.

“I am incredibly excited and inspired to present our third annual production of ‘The Nutcracker,’ “ said Figueroa. “It has been exciting to restage our ballet to fit the pre-professional level of our dancers and challenge them as artists.” Executive Director Danelle Watson Keenan added, “The music, dancing, costuming from ‘The Nutcracker’ warms my heart and is part of the charm I feel each holiday season. So many of our advanced dancers have been studying with us since they were three years old, and now they have leading roles. I love seeing the students grow up in our studio.”

Nelson commented, “I am incredibly honored to be a part of bringing this classic ballet to a Maui audience. I hope that our Nutcracker will become a treasured holiday tradition that families can look forward to for years to come.”

The two-act, three-scene ballet tells the tale of young Clara, who befriends a Nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. The Nutcracker turns into a Prince and takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow, an enchanted forest wonderland where they are welcomed by dancing snowflakes. The Prince escorts Clara to the Land of Sweets, where they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Prince then tells her about their daring battle with the army of rats and she rewards them with a celebration of dances.

This year’s cast features Anuhea Kelly and Sydney Rebugio sharing the role as the Sugarplum Fairy, Skye Rosenblad as Snow Queen, Adele Fabbio as Dew Drop, Macie Madaus as the Rat King, and Sol Bridgeford as Clara, to name a few. Joseph Hernandez joins the production from Axis Dance Company in San Francisco as the Cavalier and Nutcracker.

The youngest dancers ages 3-6 are sure to steal the show featured as angels and mice.

In honor of the families affected by the Maui wildfires, Alexander Academy is hosting a Toy Drive fundraiser. Help spread holiday magic by donating new or gently used toys. Donations are accepted at Alexander Academy (870 Hali’imaile Road, Makawao) or at the MACC inside the front gate drop-off tables during performances on Dec. 16.