Southwest Virginia Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" is this weekend.

Details

• What: “The Nutcracker” performed by the Southwest Virginia Ballet
• When: 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday
• Where: Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre at the Roanoke Civic Center
• Cost: $13 to $37
• Tickets: (888) 397-3100, tickets.com.

Here's the skinny on this weekend's Southwest Virginia Ballet production of "The Nutcracker," with music by Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky: The Christmas tree will grow, snow will fall around dancing snowflakes, exotic sweets and candies will come to life and Roanoke Vice Mayor David Trinkle will appear in the party scene.

The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy will be reprised by last year's star, Blacksburg's Jordan Elizabeth Long, while New Castle's Aaron Canfield is the Nutcracker Prince. In all, more than 100 young dancers will participate, with support from 250 volunteers. "This is a performance that will thrill all ages and lift holiday spirits," promises the SVB Web site. Though some previous "Nutcrackers" here have been danced to live music, this year's music is pre-recorded. What: "The Nutcracker" performed by the Southwest Virginia Ballet

-- Kevin Kittredge