SANFORD — A cherished highlight of the holiday season, A Victorian Nutcracker from Portland Ballet, sweeps audiences into a world of wonder, elegance and Maine’s own history; they return to Sanford
Performing Arts Center for two shows on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 and 7 p.m. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, this enchanting production follows the journey of a young girl whose magical Christmas Eve dream begins with the gift of a mysterious nutcracker.
As the clock strikes midnight, her living room transforms into a stage for swirling snowflakes, dancing toys and a breathtaking voyage to the Land of the Sweets.
What makes A Victorian Nutcracker unlike any other is its distinctly local flavor, even featuring a 2022 graduate of Sanford High School. Now a senior at the University of Southern Maine, Sanford's own Camille
Alipalo will once again return to her hometown to dance in this production. The first act unfolds within the grandeur of Portland’s own Victoria Mansion, with characters and scenes inspired by the city’s rich
past.
Ornate Victorian-era costumes and meticulously detailed setscapture the romance of the 19th century, while the vibrant choreography brings each scene to life—from the thrilling clash of the Mouse King and
the Nutcracker Prince to the ethereal waltz of snow drifting across the stage.
Portland Ballet’s exceptional company of dancers — celebrated for their artistry, grace and precision — infuses every moment with heart and spirit. Their deep connection to the community makes this production
more than a performance; it’s a gift to the region, blending world-class technique with the warmth of homegrown tradition.
Gather your family and friends to create new memories or revisit a treasured tradition. With its dazzling visuals, stirring music and heartfelt storytelling, A Victorian Nutcracker is more than a holiday outing, it’s an experience you’ll carry with you all season long.
Tickets are $35-$55, with discounts for subscribers, students, seniors and military veterans. For information, visit sanfordpac.orgor call the box office at (207) 206-1126, or visit in person Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon.