Kingsville resident Cynthia Moreno as Spanish, pictured at bottom far right. Corpus Christi ballet will present the holiday classic, The Nutcracker on Dec. 18, 19, and 20 at the Selena Auditorium in the American Bank Center. The production features a lavishly costumed cast of over 140 dancers and actors, elegant scenery and costumes.

The larger-than-life role of Mother Ginger will be portrayed by three wellknown local personalities. Bo Atterberry, Head Football Coach of Texas A&M University Kingsville’s Javelinas, will appear in the Friday, Dec. 18 performance. Popular radio personality Bob Jones is set to appear in the role on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Carol Scott, former CCISD Board President and owner of Kailo Communications Studio will bring Mother Ginger to life on Sunday, Dec. 20.

The music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky will be played live on Saturday and Sunday by the Corpus Christi Ballet Orchestra conducted by Maestro William Reber.

Kingsville resident Samantha Larsen will perform as Cook. This year marks the 36th annual production of this traditional holiday favorite.

Professional artists Zoltan Boros of Columbia’s Classical Ballet and Shannon Cruz will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Zoltan Boros will also dance the role of Snow Prince with Elizabeth Hooper as Snow Queen.

Xavier Barrera will again portray the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer. Michael Bannigan of Houston’s Ballet Forte will perform as the enchanted Nutcracker who comes to life to do battle with the Rat King. This year Mia Carvalho will perform a new Arabian dance along with guest artists Michael Banigan, Vincent James, Jeiron Wong and James Vargas.

The coveted role of Clara, the young girl whose Christmas dream comes true, will be danced alternately by Allison Abbott, Miram Hafez, and Sarah Green.

From her family living room Clara is transported on a magical sleigh through the lovely Snow Forest to the Kingdom of Sweets, a fantasyland filled with colorful characters who entertain Clara with exquisite dancing. Fritz, Clara’s mischievous brother, will be dance alternately by Samuel Brehm, Grayson Bearden, and Matthew Brehm.

New choreography and a changing cast make this famous ballet fresh and exciting every holiday season. This year we will also feature new costumes for the Snow scene. The Nutcracker is a spectacular event for the whole family to enjoy.

Performances are set for Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.

Friday’s performance is family night with all tickets half price. Tickets range from $11.50 to $31.50, with discounts available for military, seniors, and students.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets, the American Bank Center ticket office and the Corpus Christi Ballet’s office at 1621 N. Mesquite St.

For information contact, Corpus Christi Ballet at 361- 882-4588.