Coastal Carolina University is presenting "The Nutcracker," performed by Columbia City Ballet, on Thursday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium. Tickets are $30 for the first floor section 1; $25 first floor section II and balcony; students 18 and younger receive a $5 discount.

This classic Tchaikovsky ballet is about a young girl named Clara whose wooden nutcracker doll comes to life and takes her on a magical journey, a peek into a child's dream filled with dancing fairies, toy soldiers and mouse armies.

For this perennial holiday favorite, Columbia City Ballet artistic director William Starrett has assembled a cast of world-class dancers, including medalists and former members of the National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet. The cast of the production also features young dancers from the Grand Strand community who auditioned for the performance.

"The Nutcracker" is performed more times and for more people than any other ballet in the company's history. The Columbia City Ballet has performed it since 1966. The company's production features elaborate costumes and sets that include 100 pounds of snow made of Mylar and glitter.

The event is sponsored by Horry Telephone Cooperative.

For more information, contact the Wheelwright Box Office at 349-2502.