Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s 2019 production of “The Nutcracker” opens Friday at the Ashtabula Arts Center.

This is the 38th year for the production, and it will feature new costumes choreography and characters.

According to Director of Dance Clover Robinson, “We’ve introduced the roles of the Polichinelles for two of our younger dancers, Macy Seymour and Henry Lebzelter. They lead the Bon Bons with Clara and her Prince, danced this year by Harper Hammond and Isaiah Hommes, and they also help welcome Clara and the Prince to the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy at the beginning of Act II. These are roles that let them stretch their abilities and challenge themselves, preparing for the next level of their dance education.

“Russian will feature seven dancers, which is the largest cast we’ve had for that particular piece. It’s showcasing younger dancers in some very high-energy choreography, and we have new, authentic costumes for them. I think our audiences are going to love it.”

Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 22 along with a special Thursday performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at the center, 2928 W. 13th St., Ashtabula. Half-price tickets are available for the Dec. 19 performance with donations of nonperishable food items and / or personal hygiene items for the Faith Food Pantry.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students, senior citizens and military and $11 for children if purchased in advance and $17, $15 and $13 the day of the show. Tickets are available online at ashtabulaartscenter.org and by calling 440-964-3396.