By Mary Elle Hunter

Special to The Pilot

The traditional ballet that is a mainstay of the holiday season worldwide makes its appearance in the Sandhills for the Thanksgiving weekend.

Moore OnStage and Taylor Dance present a lavish version of "The Nutcracker" as an ideal entertainment for the gathering of families in the holiday mood.

The classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince will be told in music and dance at the Robert E. Lee Auditorium of Pinecrest High School on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26, at 7:30 p.m, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 26 and 27.

A special "Land of the Sweets" showing of "The Nutcracker" on Saturday morning, Nov. 26, has been designed to particularly attract families with children who want to interact with the personalities on stage.

A "Parade of Characters" from "The Nutcracker" begins at 9 a.m. in the lobby of the auditorium, followed by a chance for youngsters to meet and talk with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker, Clara, the Mouse King and the other characters from the ballet, before curtain time at 10 am.

Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras, since picture taking will definitely be allowed, and signed cards with autographs will be distributed.

According to Rita Taylor, who with her husband, Gary, are the directors of the production, the opportunity gives the children a very tangible experience, as well as a chance to talk with the dancers. "We present a slightly shortened version of 'The Nutcracker' for this performance, which runs exactly one hour and five minutes.

"Then, at the end of the show, we have a delightful giveaway, with the dancers who have performed the various roles participating in a raffle of gift objects tied to the story. Children are asked to sign up for the raffle before the show starts for a chance to win a prize, such as beautifully decorated toe slippers of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen, Candyland games, the Mouse King's toy sword, or a replica of a Nutcracker, among other prizes."

Ticket prices for "The Nutcracker" are $23 for adults and $15 for students for the evening performances on Nov. 25 and 26, and for the matinee on Nov. 27. Special pricing for the 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon matinee on Nov. 26, is $15 general admission for all seats, with a reduced $10 ticket price for all members of the military and their families.

Tickets for the "Land of the Sweets" presentation, which begins at 9 a.m., with a curtain time of 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, are $20 for all seats.

For information and for ticket reservations, call (910) 692-7118.