The Repertory Dance Theatre of the Lehigh Valley (RDT) 35th production of the “Nutcracker” ballet is at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

After the Dec. 3 performance, the public can meet Clara and other Nutcracker characters at the “Downtown Allentown Tree Lighting Celebration” in the Allentown Arts Park, 20 N. Fifth St., Allentown, in the vicinity of Miller Symphony Hall.

The holiday festivities, from 4 - 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Arts Park, include music, horse-drawn carriage rides, face-painting, arts and crafts, hot chocolate, Santa toy giveaway, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. The tree lighting event is free and open to the public.

The “Nutcracker,” under the artistic direction of Jennifer Haltzman Tracy and Trinette Singleton, presents professional guest artists from the Eglevsky Ballet, Mari Takayama and Thierry Blannchard, who perform the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, respectfully.

Daniel Mayo, formerly with Ballet X, will reprise his role as the Nutcracker Prince. Samantha Fruhwirth, RDT alumni and formerly with American Repertory Ballet, will dance new choreography for the Pierrot Doll and Trepak dance.

RDT’s professionally-trained dancers and local adult performers complete the cast of 50 in the magical holiday tradition. The performance is accompanied by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ronald Demkee. Also performing is the St. Ann’s School Chorus.

With new choreography and costumes, a magical growing tree, sword fights, and snowfall, RDT’s “Nutcracker” transports audiences to the magical Land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker doll, in the classic tale by Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Jennifer Haltzman Tracy says the annual “Nutcracker” has become a family tradition for performers and audience.

The mix of professional guest performers, local dancers, returning dancers, and students, come together to make the production a magical collaboration.

“It’s about having [everyone] shine,” says Haltzman Tracy in a phone interview. “It’s their moment.”

“This year, instead of our Dew Drop, we have Holly Binder, our Clara, and our Nutcracker Prince [Daniel Mayo] dancing in the center of all the Flowers. We always like to change it up a bit.”

Returning guest artist Samantha Fruhwirth will perform Trepak, the Candy Cane dance, with new choreography created by Trinette Singleton, as well as the Pierrot Doll.

“She’s always been a vibrant performer,” says Haltzman Tracy. “She’s fabulous. We’re so excited to have her back.”

Student dancers include Holly Binder, a freshman at Allentown Central Catholic High School, as Clara. Loie Cristali, a junior at Easton High School, will alternate with dancer, Abby Pinkerton, in the Spanish dance and as Marzipan Princess.

The lead in the Chinese dance is Kara Liu, a senior at Emmaus High School. Lead Arabian dancer is Danielle Curtin.

Several RDT alumni are now members of the DeSales University Dance Department, returning to perform in RDT’s “Nutcracker.”

“We love having them. It’s a good mesh. I’m very proud. The dancers are always very open to new people and other dancers coming in, so that it’s always a very good environment for everybody to learn.”

Singleton’s granddaughter, Maggie Donnelly, will perform as the Bunny.

Haltzman Tracy’s daughter Alexis and son Evan, will perform as Party Parents.

Ronan O’Reilly will play Fritz.

Herr Drosselmeyer will again be played by Eric Feinstein. “It’s always a pleasure having Eric. He adores the role.”

Wardrobe mistress is Jamie Cristali, who also is in the Party Scene.

One of the highlights, as in past years, is the orchestra, the Allentown Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Ronald Demkee.

“We’ve been so privileged and honored to have Ronald,” says Haltzman Tracy. “He has a heart of gold and is a fabulous conductor.”

In addition, the Saint Ann’s School Chorus, Emmaus, under the direction of Ariel Scholz, will sing during Waltz of the Snowflakes.

Thierry Blannchard began his dance training at the age of eight in São Paulo, Brazil, at Elizandra Bellotto School and, subsequently, the Bolshoi Theatre School in Brazil. He is a member of the Eglevsky Ballet.

Blannchard’s repertoire includes roles in “The Nutcracker,” “Don Quixote,” “Raymonda” and “Swan Lake.” He was third-place finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix in Brazil and traveled to New York City to participate in the finals.

Mari Takayama was born in Japan. She received a scholarship and graduated from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, with a concentration in ballet, affiliated with Tokyo City Ballet.

Takayama participated in summer and winter intensives at American Ballet Theatre; Miami City Ballet; American Academy of Ballet, New York City; Kirov Academy of Ballet, Washington, D.C.; Bolshoi Ballet Academy, and London Studio Center.

Most recently, Takayama performed with American Repertory Ballet as a trainee for their 2020-2022 season. This is her first season as a full company member in the Eglevsky Ballet.

Daniel Mayo was a member of the BalletX contemporary ballet company from 2014-2018. Mayo, of South Carolina, received a BFA in Dance from The Juilliard School, and danced with Atlanta Ballet from 2007-2010, when he joined the Rubberband Dance Group, Montreal, performing in North America, Europe, Asia, and dancing in film projects.

Mayo has performed professionally as a guest artist with The Atlanta Opera, Dance Grand Moultrie and Bennyroyce Dance Productions.

RDT “Nutcracker” performances receive funding from The Charles H. Hoch Foundation, Verna O. Canova Foundation, The Harry C. Trexler Trust, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, The Julius & Kathryn Hommer Foundation, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. and The British Food Depot.

Tickets: Box Office, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown; www.repertorydance.org; www.allentownsymphony.org; 610-432-6715