Local ballet performs 'The Nutcracker' this weekend at OWA

Ballet Opera Alliance is presenting its second annual performance of “The Nutcracker” Ballet at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, in Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College.

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Ballet Opera Alliance will present its second annual performance of “The Nutcracker” Ballet at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, in Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College. For tickets, call the box office at 755-7416.

Ballet Opera Alliance is the first and only Brunswick County group to offer the traditional and complete “Nutcracker,” a full evening of entertainment for the entire family.

New this year is a custom-designed Christmas tree that will grow onstage, plus the Kingdom of Sweets drops, both painted by regional artist Rusty Hughes.

What’s the same this year is a cast of local young dancers chosen from open auditions and representing several different schools.

Michelle Joy will reappear as Sugar Plum and Queen of Snow. Joining her in the roles of Cavalier and Snow King is Michael Crawford. David Pittenger will reprise the role of Arabian, partnering with Brunswick County’s own Ashley Stewart.

Crawford began dancing with the Maryland Youth Ballet and at the Kirov Academy, spending summers at The Rock School and San Francisco Ballet. Crawford joined the Washington Ballet and went on to study in the professional division of The Pacific Northwest Ballet. He has danced with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Jose Mateo Ballet, Ballet Memphis, American Repertory Ballet, The Washington National Opera, Adam Miller Dance Project, Kinetic Dance Works and TranscenDance Group.

Tickets are $18 per adult, $12 for seniors and children. Group rates are available.

Call the OWA box office at 755-7416.

The performances are made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council through the Brunswick County Arts Council.