Elizabeth Conway, a Dunmore resident, will appear as the Sugarplum Fairy in this year’s production of the Nutcracker presented by the Ballet Theatre of Scranton.

Ballet Theatre of Scranton and Marywood University will present their 40th anniversary annual free performances of The Nutcracker Ballet on Dec. 26,  27 and 28 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. each day at Marywood’s  Sette LaVerghetta Center For Performing Arts.

While there is no charge, reserved seat tickets are available to the general public , on a first-come , first serve basis, at the Marywood box office (2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton) two hours prior to the specific performance.

For additional information please call 570-347-2867 (BTOS).

The original Scranton production was first conceived  by the Company’s late founder Constance Reynolds, a native of Scotland, to thank the NEPA community for their welcoming hospitality .  In return, since 1976, her company “gave back” to the community through the gift of The Nutcracker during the holiday season . The tradition continues under the direction of Mrs. Reynolds chosen successor, Joanne Arduino, current Artistic Director.

Since its first presentation, over 350,000 citizens, from within a 60 mile radius, have enjoyed the production and have made it a part of their holiday tradition.  

Ballet Theatre of Scranton and Marywood University have maintained the free production through the dedication of its Board, Directors and Dancers and the generosity of local benefactors. Over 150 people are involved in the annual event including professional designers, technicians and guest artists.

To date, the production has been staged 270 times as a free gift; 4800 regional dancers have performed , and hundreds of volunteers, including the artistic staff, technicians , designers, and dancers, have donated their time and talents.

A few highlights of Ballet Theatre of Scranton’s Nutcracker gift are toys coming to life, snow falling on dancing snowflakes, a traveling angel who transports Clara and her Prince on their magical journey, and a 20 foot growing Christmas tree.