<p>&nbsp;</p><p class="MsoNormal">PORTLAND, Maine &ndash; Portland Ballet Company&rsquo;s (PBC) <em>The Victorian Nutcracker </em>is set in Victorian era Portland with stage sets and costumes inspired by the Victoria Mansion. <em>The Victorian Nutcracker</em> will be performed with full orchestra at<strong> Merrill Auditorium on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.</strong> Additional performances will take place in the <strong>Westbrook Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.</strong> with recorded music. Join Portland&rsquo;s professional company, along with a cast of talented student dancers, for this annual holiday celebration.</p><p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p><p class="MsoNormal">This year features new and exciting choreography by Associate Artistic Director Nell Shipman in Act 1. Audience favorite Megan Buckley returns as the Sugarplum Fairy, and Joseph Jefferies will partner Deborah Grammatic as the Snow Prince and Princess.<strong> Gorham resident Ellie Sato</strong> dances the role of Olivia, the young girl who takes this magical journey. Ellie is a student in Portland Ballet&rsquo;s pre-professional program and is a junior at North Yarmouth Academy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p><p class="MsoNormal">Lawrence Golan returns to Maine to conduct the orchestra, which features many members of the PSO. He is a former concertmaster of the PSO, and currently serves as Principal Conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic, Music Director of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the Denver Philharmonic. The performance also features the voices of the Victorian Festival Singers for the Snow Scene.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;~~~~~</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>About Portland Ballet: </strong>Portland Ballet was founded in 1980 with a mission to enrich the community through classical ballet training, education, outreach, and performance. This small professional company performs throughout the year in southern Maine, presenting full-length classics as well as highly regarded contemporary choreography under the direction of Artistic Director Eugenia L. O'Brien. For more information about Portland Ballet, its school and programs, visit <a href="http://t.lt05.net/c.asp?p4iknOiCtqmR7f4YwoN8nA1ZMsUJnsQ63x7KYn2R2+wg" target="_blank">www.portlandballet.org</a> or call 207/772-9671.<strong> </strong></p>