Photo Provided Ella Nugent in the role of Clara of the Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance’s the Nutcracker

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance is gearing up to bring its Nutcracker performance to the Unified Bank Jr. Rec Center for the first time.

Located at 102 Fair Ave., the Unified Bank Jr. Rec Center will host the performance on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Stclairsvilleparksandrecreation.com or by calling 740-695-2037.

Based on the book “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written by E.T.A. Hoffman, the Nutcracker ballet revolves around a young German girl named Clara. Clara falls asleep on Christmas Eve and is transported into a Christmas fantasy where a nutcracker turns into a prince, toys become soldiers and enchanted lands are filled with dancing fairies, snowflakes and flowers.

The Nutcracker performances are part of Oglebay Institute’s Children’s Theatre Season, which brings classic stories from the page to the stage through theater and dance.

“Oglebay Institute is excited to take the show on the road and bring this production to the brand-new Unified Bank Jr. Rec Center,” Director of Dance Cheryl Pompeo said.

She added that the performance will feature a beloved story that children relate to.

“Kids not only get excited about the characters and music they know but also get to see stories presented in new and interesting ways. Performances introduce kids to the beauty of dance. They also learn how dance can be used as a means of self-expression and storytelling,” she said.

Recreation director Eric Gay said he anticipates the show selling out and recommends residents interested in attending to purchase their tickets before they’re all gone.

He added that he is extremely excited to be able to bring the Nutcracker to St. Clairsville’s newest addition to its recreation department.

“The main purpose of this facility was truly to be for a variety of events and this one in particular, we are thrilled to host,” Gay said.

Gay is hopeful that the event will provide residents an opportunity to see the Jr. Rec Center.

“We are hoping this will give individuals a chance to see our new building, and all that it has to offer,” Gay said.

Mayor Kathryn Thalman said the event will be wonderful for kids, older residents, and people like her who enjoy the Nutcracker.