‘The Nutcracker’ to open at Grand Opera House Dec. 16

First State Ballet Theatre is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its production of “The Nutcracker” in Copeland Hall at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington.

Performances are set for 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16; 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17; and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18.

The professional ballet company’s first production of “The Nutcracker” at The Grand in 2002 featured two professional guest artists heading a cast of students dancing multiple roles. This year’s production will feature the FSBT’s company of 21 professional artists from around the world who live, work and dance in Delaware. More than 35 students from the school of First State Ballet Theatre will round out the cast in the children’s roles.

Over the past 20 years, the production has been updated with new choreography, new costumes and new dancers, but the essence of the ballet remains the same. Theatre-goers come year after year to hear the timeless Tchaikovsky score, be swept away by the fantastical story of Marie and her handsome prince and their magical journey to the Land of Sweets, and to create new memories with family and friends each holiday season.

Tickets range from $20 to $57.

To learn more and purchase tickets, call 1-302-652-5577 or go to thegrandwilmington.org.

For more, go to firststateballet.org. The Grand Opera House is at 818 N. Market St., Wilmington.