The largest regional ballet will deliver sugar plum star power this year in Ventura County Ballet Company’s (VCBC) production of “The Nutcracker.” The holiday extravaganza is set to take place with its first set of performances on November 22-23 at Oxnard Performing Arts Center, followed by performances on December 13-14 at Ventura College Performing Arts Center.

Local residents and beyond are invited to witness this must-see holiday event as Ventura College’s 52-piece live symphony orchestra will accompany VCBC, thrilling audiences with its captivating storytelling, enchanting choreography, amazing imagery and stitched-to-perfection costumes.

VCBC has achieved a spectacular production by combining national and international professional dancers with pre-professional dancers and musicians. Playing as “The Prince” will be Australian Aaron Smyth, lead dancer of Joffrey Ballet Chicago, formerly with American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Smyth placed 3rd in the popular television series “Australia’s Got Talent.” He performs as a guest artist with many prominent dance companies around the world.