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An opportunity to enjoy a classic Christmas treat is returning to the Camellia City for the second year in a row.

The Montgomery Ballet is bringing its 48th annual production of “The Nutcracker” to the stage of the Greenville High School Auditorium on Sunday, Dec. 8 at
2:30 p.m.

Montgomery Ballet Theater, founded in 1958, is one of only two professional ballet companies in the entire state. The company, which began its partnership with the Butler County Schools System in 2018, will bring to the local stage the same talented dancers, elaborate costumes and colorful sets used in their Montgomery performances — and at a fraction of the ticket cost.

MBT director Danny Mitsios says it is all a part of the ballet company’s grass-roots effort to partner with various school systems to bring the arts to towns and communities around the state.

“We are excited at the opportunity to bring our dancers and this marvelous art form to students and families around Alabama, and to do it at a very reasonable cost. Everybody deserves exposure to the arts,” Mitsios said.

Following the performance, the dancers typically come out to meet audience members, answer questions and pose for photos with their fans, making the event an extra-special memory.  And local students may be working behind the scenes — and even appear on stage — so audience members should keep their eyes open, advises Mitsios.

The MBT  has already brought three performances to the Camellia City and the GHS stage, including “The Nutcracker” and the classic fairy tale “Snow White.”

 Tickets for the Dec. 8 performance of “The Nutcracker” are on sale now online at montgomeryballet.org. The cost is $12 per ticket; tickets will be mailed directly to attendees.

“The stage in Greenville is absolutely perfect for our use and we look forward to returning to your city and sharing this holiday classic with you all,” Mitsios concluded.

The Butler County Schools System is seeking local sponsors to help keep arts productions like MBT’s “The Nutcracker” coming to town.

“All donations are tax deductible and a $100 donation will provide 4 tickets to the ballet; a $250 donation will provide 6 tickets; a $500-plus donation will earn the donor 10 tickets to ‘The Nutcracker’  and all sponsors will be recognized in programs in both Montgomery and Greenville,” Debra Strycker said.

Any individual or business interested in sponsoring the upcoming production is asked to call or text Debra Strycker at 828-244-9352, via email at debrastrycker@gmail.com, or contact Tina Powell at 382-2665, ext. 1100 or via email at tina.powell@butlerco.k12.us for more information.