SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Hundreds of people packed the Zwerling Auditorium at the Schuylkill Haven Area High School to see Schuylkill Ballet Theatre's annual performance of "The Nutcracker."
"I look forward to coming every year because I bring my granddaughter who is interested in ballet. It's always an interesting production," Louise Dietrich, 67, of Pottsville, said of her granddaughter, Thea Gangewere, 7, of Leesport.
This is the 34th production of the holiday classic by Schuylkill Ballet Theatre. The first performance for the public was Saturday. Several cast members said they were nervous before the first show, but now the jitters had all but subsided.
"I was more nervous last night," said Emily Zehner, 15, of Orwigsburg, who plays Clara. "I'm really excited. I hope that the audience likes it."
Lauren Tidmore, who portrayed the Sugar Plum Fairy, prepped for her performance backstage.
"This is my first time in the role. As a little girl, I've always idolized the Sugar Plum Fairy. The part is just so elegant and powerful at the same time," she said.
Greg and Ben Schuettler have been in the production for 20 years. The 24-year-old twins from Port Carbon said they enjoy dancing for others. Greg's portrayed the Snow King, while Ben danced the role of the Prince.
When asked why people keep coming back to watch "The Nutcracker," Greg said, "It's a wonderful holiday story to get everyone in the Christmas spirit."
Based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" by E.T.A. Hoffman, it's the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King. Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky later turned the story into the world-famous ballet.
Cindy Huber, 46, of Orwigsburg, attended with her granddaughter, Olivia Tymchyshyn, 6, of Schuylkill Haven.
She said the experience was worth the time.
"The costumes were really beautiful," Huber said.
There is nothing like watching the show "to get you in the Christmas spirit," she said.
Jill Krewson, vice president of Schuylkill Ballet Theatre, said 400 tickets were sold for Saturday's performance and a final count was not yet available for Sunday's show.
About 700 people attended last year.
The event is a must-see for people, she said.
"It's tradition, and it starts off the holiday season," Krewson said.