The Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” is coming to Vicksburg for the first time. “We are ecstatic to have such talent in Vicksburg,” said Erin Powell, marketing and events coordinator for the Vicksburg Convention Center and Auditorium. “It’s not often that we’re able to offer this caliber of talent.”

The Moscow Ballet has performed Tchaikovsky’s Christmas ballet in Jackson before, but opted for Vicksburg this year.

Tickets for the Dec. 29 performance at Vicksburg Auditorium are available and, if purchased early, can qualify for discounts.

Three simultaneous tours will bring the “Great Russian Nutcracker” to more than 70 cities in the United States in November and December. This year’s performance, choreographed by Anatoly Emelianov, features the ballet’s second act in the “Land of Peace and Harmony.”

If you goThe “Great Russian Nutcracker” will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Vicksburg Auditorium. Tickets are available online at www. ticketmaster.com, by phone at 601- 355-5252 or at the Vicksburg Convention Center box office. Discounts are available at www. nutcracker.com. Prices range from $25 to $65.The production is self-sustaining, Powell said, meaning that the auditorium will not have to make any changes for the set. The production sets up its own flooring the morning of the performance.

The Moscow Ballet began performing the “Great Russian Nutcracker” in 1993, but also features performances of “Cinderella,” “Swan Lake” and “Carmen.”

“The Nutcracker” was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and is based on a fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffman.

The main character, Clara, sometimes known as Marie or Masha, is presented a nutcracker doll at Christmas. As she sleeps, the Nutcracker comes to life and defends Clara from mice and their king. After the Nutcracker stabs the Mouse King, he is transformed into a prince. He and Clara are transported to a new world with dancing snowflakes. In this land, Clara and the prince are entertained by different dancing sweets, like the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Moscow Ballet’s version features puppets, unicorns and a giant, sixhanded grandfather clock.

Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 601-355-5252 or at the Vicksburg Convention Center box office.