Angels Camp, CA…“Everyone thinks they are just coming to another Nutcracker, but this year is going to be really different,” said Michaela Jarnagin, who stars as Clara. “It’s different, but it’s fabulous!” “The Nutcracker” has become a local tradition in Calaveras County. The classic ballet will be presented December 17-19, 2015 at the Bret Harte Theater in Angels Camp. The beautiful theater and the professional quality of the production entrance newcomers and lure appreciative audiences back year after year for sell-out performances.

Each year, Artistic Director Tammie Lee creates a fresh version of the magical tale of Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and their Christmastime adventures in the Candy Kingdom. This year’s Nutcracker is set in an orphanage at the turn of the century; Clara and Fritz’s parents have passed away in the Plague, and Dr. Drosselmeyer is a visiting magician. The production features several new characters and many new costumes, including Mrs. Gingerbread and a Chinese Dragon.

Michaela saw Studio 4 Dance Theater’s “The Nutcracker” for the first time when she was nine years old and has wanted to portray Clara ever since. She has been dancing with the company now for five and half years, taking up to five hours of classes every week to build her dancing skills.

The ballet will have more of a theatrical feel this year, with new dances and lighting as well. “I’m excited. I think all the changes are to the benefit of the show,” said Michaela.

Opening night (6pm on Thursday) tickets are $13/adults; $10/youth ages 13-17; $7/children 12 and under; and Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday matinee are $15/adults; $10/children 12 and under. Reserved seats can be purchased until the night before the show at www.studio4dancetheater.com or by calling 1-800-595-4849. Tickets are available at the door, one hour before the performance, for every show that is not sold out.