Maine State Ballet presents eight performances of its critically acclaimed classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker, over two weekends November 24th through December 3rd.  This perennial favorite of Portland's holiday season, a family holiday tradition, is Northern New England's largest and most spectacular Nutcracker.  Under the direction of Artistic Director and former New York City Ballet member Linda MacArthur Miele, Maine State Ballet's The Nutcracker features the traditional story of the Nutcracker Prince and Clara, classic choreography, glorious sets and dazzling costumes by Production Designer and Associate Director Gail Csoboth and live music by the Maine State Ballet Orchestra conducted by Karla M. Kelley Brenner.  Thirty professional ballet company members along with over two hundred local, Southern Maine dancers comprise the large cast.