FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The area’s premiere ballet company, The Bay Shore Ballet Theatre, returns to the stage with its highly acclaimed production of the great holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” to be presented at the Fairhope Civic Center on Dec. 5, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.

Janet Carole, artistic director, formerly leading ballerina with several U.S. professional ballet companies, has restaged this famous ballet in its entirety for dancers of the Bay Shore Ballet Theatre and students of the academy with more than 60 talented dancers from throughout the county.

The endearing tale of E.T.A. Hoffman highlights the beautiful score of Peter Tchaikovsky, and features elaborate sets designed by professional designer, the late William Loyed.

Many of Loyed’s commissioned set designs can be seen in numerous professional productions throughout the South.

The lighting is expertly done by Will Dobson, formerly lighting director for Ballet South.

The story of a beautiful little girl named Clara begins one magical Christmas Eve long ago as Clara’s family prepares for the family’s annual Christmas party in their magnificent Victorian house.

Clara’s mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives with his nephew bringing gifts for all the children and many surprises, along with wonderful life-sized mechanical dolls.

For Clara, he brings the very special gift of a nutcracker. Late that night Clara tiptoes downstairs to find her nutcracker under the Christmas tree. As she falls asleep a strange dream begins.

In Clara’s dream, Clara watches as Drosselmeyer summons the nutcracker, and brave little toy soldiers come to life under the Christmas tree as they join in to fight the menacing King of the Rats and his ragtag army of rats.

When all seems lost and the nutcracker and the valiant soldiers have been defeated, Clara throws her shoe at the Rat King to kill him.

Magically, her nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince, and Clara and Drosselmeyer are swept away on a fantastic journey to the majestic Kingdom of Snow. The Prince and the elegant Snow Queen dance together in a majestic Pas de Deux, while snowflakes swirl around them in a beautiful waltz.

The role of Clara is danced alternately by Morgan Foster and Susan Roh, and the role of the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer is played by Brad Davis.

The role of the nephew, the Nutcracker Prince, is played by Brian Yancey, and Kristi Bell dances as the majestic Snow Queen.

Glorianne Morrow and Samantha Stewart are alternately featured in the role of the arrogant King of the Rats.

As the story continues Clara and Drosselmeyer travel on to the fantastic Kingdom of Sweets to meet the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy. The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince summon their court to dance for Clara while they bring flowers and sweets from all around the world.

Bay Shore Ballet principal Emily Davis and guest artist, Matthew Johnson, pair together in the beautiful Grand Pas de Deux dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

Principal dancer Lauren Aldridge appears as the sparkling Rose Queen in the lavishly choreographed Waltz of the Flowers.

Emily Rushton and Julianne Horak are featured as soloists in the charming Chinese Tea along with Samatha Stewart and Glorianne Morrow; Kristi Bell and Lauren Aldridge dance alternately as the fairy tale character of Little Bo Peep with her sheep; Tracy Peters and Destiny Taylor are highlighted along with Bay Shore Ballet principals in the flamboyant Spanish Chocolate.

The exotic Arabian Coffee is danced by principals Emily Davis and Kristi Bell.

Principal character dancer Linda Taylor returns once again to delight audiences as the much loved Mother Ginger with her Ginger Snaps.

Bay Shore Ballet Co. dancers also featured in the spirited Russian Licorice dance and in the Waltz of the Flowers are Paige Bertagnolli, Hannah Doggett, Lily Frances Fontenot, Brodie Foster, Carly McRae and Shelby Rider.

In the party scene, other featured soloists include the older sister Louise, danced by Destiny Taylor, and the precocious little brother Fritz, danced alternately by Susan Roh and Morgan Cooke.

Clara’s mother and father are portrayed by Bobbi Pate and Justin Bennett, and the grandparents by Linda Taylor and Joe Roh. Also appearing as parents in the party scene are Judy and Tom Morrow, Nancy Fontenot and Ellis Ollinger.

Apprentice dancers to the Bay Shore Ballet Theatre also appearing include Abigail Doggett, Rachel Favret, Ashlyn Hamel, Margeaux Houston, Sarah-Nolan Jernigan, Annie O'Neill and Sarah Templeton.

Tickets are now on sale at the Bay Shore Ballet, 305 Fels Ave. in Fairhope; Paige and Pallette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope; The Coffee Loft, 503 N. Section St. in Fairhope; or on sale at the door at the Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Section St., before performances begin.

Ticket prices are $5 for all seats at the Dec. 5, 2 p.m., full-length preview performance.

For all other performances, adult tickets are $12, seniors and children age 12 and under are $10.

Reserved tickets at $15 are available for the final two performances.

Special cameo performances for Baldwin County school groups and classes are also being presented on Dec. 4, at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

To reserve group seating for school groups to attend these special cameo performances at a low-cost ticket rate, for reserved tickets, or formore information about the Saturday or Sunday performances, call the Bay Shore Ballet at (251) 990-9744.

The ladies of the Bay Shore Ballet Society will host the Nutcracker Boutique and the Nutcracker Suite Shoppe in the lobby during the intermission with holiday gift ideas and refreshments.