The North Carolina State Ballet presents the "Nutcracker" at the Crown Center, Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium/Theater Dec. 7, 13, and 14.

Directed by Charlotte Blume, some 60 dancers and actors will bring the beloved Tchaikovsky score to life.

Guest Artists Hong Yang and Wei Ni will star as "Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Cavalier."

Hong Yang trained in Bejing, China, and has performed with the National Ballet of China and the Ballet Jorgen in Toronto, Canada.

Wei Ni trained with the Shangyang ballet in China and has performed with the Tulsa Ballet Theatre and the Pittsburg Ballet Theatre. Both Yang and Ni are principal dancers with The Carolina Ballet in Raleigh.

Wei Ni will also dance the "Nutcracker Prince" with Alexa Copenhaver (Dec. 14) and Amanda Klinikowski (Dec. 7 and 13) as Clara. "Little Clara" is performed by Ambra Adams (Dec 7 and 13) and Megan Still (Dec. 14).

April Glasper dances the "Jewel" in "Waltz of the Flowers" and alternates "Harlequin" with Davianna Nelson.

The "Mouse King" is performed by Paul Hovey, a local fencer and fencing coach with the All-American Fencing Academy. Daniel Moore, a local actor, will perform as "Drosselmeyer."

The traditional ballet of the season is presented in two acts and three scenes and is fully staged with sets; backdrops and costuming that reflect the favorite and possibly the most performed ballet of all time.

The "Nutcracker" is supported in part by a grant from the Arts Council of Cumberland County and community sponsors and patrons.

Tickets may be purchased at the Crown Center Box office and are $14 for general seating. Military personnel receive a discounted ticket of $11 at the Crown Center Box office with ID.

Curtain time is 3 p.m. for each show.