Jose Mateo’s Ballet Theatre will present its 17th annual production of “The Nutcracker” from November 26 - December 19 at The Sanctuary Theatre in Harvard Square, followed by performances December 22 - 26 at the new Duxbury Performing Arts Center.

Artistic Director Jose Mateo commented, “A challenge in presenting ‘The Nutcracker’ for the 17th season is in taking a production that audiences have come to embrace as an anticipated tradition and offering them something new and surprising. This year’s production will be like no other with our new sets at The Sanctuary Theatre and our new venue at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center.”

Choreographed by Mateo, Ballet Theatre’s original production of “The Nutcracker” will feature more than 200 children, ages 6 - 18, from throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire as mice, soldiers, polichinelles, cherubs, party children and angels.

In addition to its home at the 250 seat The Sanctuary Theatre, the company has three satellite schools, including space in Hingham, Falmouth and now Duxbury. The Duxbury Performing Arts Center is a new state-of-the-art facility with seating for up to 1000.

Now in its 19th season, Jose Mateo’s Ballet Theatre is Boston’s second largest ballet company and the only ballet company in New England to present a full repertory -- more than 50 original works -- by its own resident choreographer.

For tickets and information, call 617-354-7467 or visit www.BalletTheatre.org.

-- OnStage Boston

11/15/04