Reporter staff

Visiting Russian dancers Dmitry Zavalishin and Maria Makarenko from the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg will lead the cast in the International Ballet Theatre’s classical production of “The Nutcracker” through Dec. 23 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.

IBT’s production honors the original style and character of the ballet as it was first created by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa in St. Petersburg in 1892.

In addition to the guest artists from Russia, the cast also features local favorite comedian and actor Won Israel in the role of Herr Drosselmeier. IBT company members from Kirkland include Melanie Anderson as Snowflake and Russian; Sarah Cook as Snowflake and Chinese; and Alison Epsom as Waltz of the Flowers Soloist and Snowflake. Pre-professional students from Kirkland include Audrey Robinson as Snowflake, Butterfly and Waltz of the Flowers; and Maddy Tucker as Snowflake, Butterfly and Waltz of the Flowers.

In addition, participating students from Kirkland include: Hanna Johansson, Amelia Greenberg, Cassandra Foy, Leah Marshall, Annie Charvat, Alexis Fexy, Golnaz Hafizi, Kristianna Weber, Isabel Cleofe, Kate Edwards, and Samantha Park. Adult dancers and guest performers from Kirkland include: Teresa Anderson, Bill Anderson, Susan Berkey, and Bruce Evans.

The following performances will be held at the Meydenbauer Center: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 2 p.m. Dec. 20; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22; and 2 p.m. Dec. 23. Tickets are $50 adults, $40 seniors/students and $25 children under 12. For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com or call 800-838-3006. For more information about IBT, visit www.interballettheatre.org.