ASHTABULA — “The Nutcracker” holiday tradition remains intact this year, with the even opening tonight at the Ashtabula Arts Center.

This classic holiday favorite has played to sold-out audiences nearly every year and, for many families, is as much a Christmas tradition as a visit to the mall to see Santa.

Directed by Shelagh Dubsky, performances will be today through Sunday, Dec. 12, 13, 14,

18, 19, 20 and 21. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.

Loosely based on the tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the idea to create a ballet based on this fanciful story was the brainchild of Ivan Alexandrovitch Vselvolozhsky, director of the Imperial Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 1890, Vselvolozhsky assigned the

project to choreographer Marius Petipa and composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who had recently collaborated to produce the successful “Sleeping Beauty.”

Petipa didn't feel the story would work as a ballet and once convinced to take charge of the production, he wrote a new scenario, creating a Sugar Plum Fairy to rule the Kingdom of Sweets. But Tchaikovsky, who liked Hoffmann's original version, felt the changes watered down the strength of the story.

Nevertheless, he agreed to the job, determined to finish it quickly so he could devote more time to an opera for which he had more enthusiasm.

While Tchaikovsky suffered from severe misgivings during his work on the ballet, the music endeared itself to him once he was finished. “Strange that when I was composing the ballet I kept thinking that it wasn't very good but that I would show them (the Imperial Theater) what I can do when I began the opera,” Tchaikovsky said. “And now it seems that the ballet is

good and the opera not so good.”

“The Nutcracker” premiered in December 1892. Today, Tchaikovsky's score is recognized around the world as one of the greatest of holiday classics.

Audiences will watch as a magical spell causes the walls of the Stahlbaum house to expand and the spectacular Christmas tree grows to several times its original size. Witness Clara's little Nutcracker doll spring to life and brace yourself for the roar of cannons during the memorable battle scene between the Nutcracker Prince and the Evil Mouse Queen.

Then you will share young Clara's dream as she experiences a beautiful and memorable night journeying with her brave and valiant escort, the Nutcracker Prince and see all the magical events that take place in the enchanted Snow Forest and at the palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Advance ticket purchases are recommended and can be made by visiting the

box office at 2928 W. 13th St. or by phone at (440) 964-3396. Patron seating is $12, adults $10, seniors $9 and students/children $8. Walk-ins are welcome if seating remains available.