Carolina Ballet presents the company's eighth annual production of the holiday family classic, "Nutcracker," at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium of the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

There will be 14 performances from Dec. 19-28.

Although the curtain doesn't go up on "Nutcracker" until Dec. 19, Carolina Ballet has been working on the production since the weekend following Labor Day in September, when more than 200 children auditioned for parts as soldiers, mice, gingerbread cookies, truffles, party scene children, and, of course, the role of Clara, every little girl's dream.

"It is an enormous commitment," says Artistic Director Robert Weiss.

"We are very grateful to all the parents who are willing to give up so much of their own time to let their children be in Carolina Ballet's professional production."

Patrons are urged to buy their tickets for "Nutcracker" early to be guaranteed the best choice of seats.

For ticket information, call (919) 719-0900 or Ticketmaster at (919) 834-4000.

Ticket prices range from $15 in the outer balcony to $100 in the Golden Circle.