Ballet Theatre of Scranton Presents The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre of Scranton. under the artistic direction of Joanne Arduino, will kick off the holiday season with its 49th annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Theater at North over Thanksgiving weekend on Friday November 29, Saturday November 30, and Sunday December 1. Please note the new performance times each day: noon and 5:30 pm. This traditional gift to the community has offered free public performances since 1976. Free tickets can be picked up at the box office at the Theater at North on the day of the specific performance, two hours prior to curtain. This year, an inaugural pilot, sensory friendly performance is being offered to an invited audience as well as the traditional educational performances for area school children. Over 100 local dancers from ages 9- adult will perform and will feature Elizabeth Schneider and Laura Durkin as Sugarplum Fairy (each in three performances), Gianna Vachino as Clara, John Roman Vachino as the Nutcracker Prince, Brennan Connor as Snow King, Gabrielle Snyder as Snow Queen, and Valentina Ruiz Giraldo as Dewdrop. Professional guest artists George Sanders (of Twyla Tharp company, NYC) and Sanford Placide (previously of Dance Theater of Harlem, NYC) will perform as Cavalier in 3 performances each. Benefactor seats are available by calling 570-347-2867 before November 1.