This Thanksgiving weekend, The Dance Annex Studio for the Dance Arts will return to Kittery’s STAR Theatre for its fourth annual production of The Nutcracker. Artistic Director Julie Hebb and her company of dancers bring this timeless holiday story to life Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1. Featuring a brilliant cast of local professionals, students, and special guest artists, this magical production is sure to delight audiences of all ages! This year’s exciting cast includes returning guest artists Ruth Whitney, former principal dancer with Festival Ballet Providence, as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Boston Dance Theater’s Henoch Spinola as her Cavalier. Ava Peltz will premiere as Clara and Spotlight Award-winner Don Goettler will return as the mysterious toymaker Drosselmeyer. Other featured roles will be performed by members of the Annex Contemporary Dance Company, Ms. Hebb’s troupe of professional dancers, including Elyssa Bigos, Angela Grassie, Lorelei Marquis-Samon, Meghan McCoy Seedner, Nathan Moyer, Abigail Patten, and Ian Rodgers. Updated costumes and fresh choreography will offer something new for 2019 viewers. “We’ve made some exciting changes in Act II this year, and we’re excited to share them with our audience,” said Ms. Hebb. The Dance Annex invites Seacoast families to begin their holiday season with The Nutcracker at The STAR Theatre this Thanksgiving weekend. Performances are Friday, November 29 at 6pm, Saturday, November 30 at 1pm and 6pm, and Sunday, December 1 at 1pm.