COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - A classic Christmas performance for ballet and theatre enthusiasts is returning to central Ohio this week. The BalletMet is back in Columbus sharing the magic of "The Nutcracker" with opening night on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ohio Theatre. Twenty-two performances are scheduled through Dec. 28, featuring more than 180 Academy students and trainees alongside the professional company and BalletMet 2. “The Nutcracker is the one production every dancer has been a part of, but what’s so special is that every company’s production is always unique,” said BalletMet Artistic Director Remi Wörtmeyer. “I can’t wait to experience my first BalletMet Nutcracker alongside my new Central Ohio community.” (Courtesy: BalletMet)(Courtesy: BalletMet)(Courtesy: BalletMet)(Courtesy: BalletMet) As the theatre is filled with the sounds of composer Tchaikovsky, the story follows Clara, who is given a wooden nutcracker on Christmas Eve. After falling asleep, Clara wakes to find her family’s Christmas tree has tripled in size and the nutcracker has come to life. Clara then goes on an adventure through The Land of Snow and the courts of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Chi-Chi’s comeback plans: Will it include an Ohio restaurant? The ballet is approximately an hour and 50 minutes. Act I is 50 minutes, followed by a 20 minute intermission, with Act II set for 40 minutes. This year, BalletMet is offering two chances to experience the sensory friendly My First Nutcracker. This production is good for our younger fans and any child who may prefer a shorter, less crowded and more casual environment, according to the BalletMet. Tickets are on sale now and range in prices from $38.50 to $102.55. You can buy tickets online by following this link or at the CAPA Ticket Center at 39 E. State St. The BalletMet is also giving back to the community this holiday season by providing donation bins to drop off essential items for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. Drop off bins will be available at several performances. Below are the dates and times of all the show times.Dec. 12 – 7:30 p.m.Dec. 13 – 7:30 p.m.Dec. 14 – noon and 5:30 p.m.Dec. 15 – noon and 5:30 p.m.Dec. 17 – 7:30 p.m.Dec. 18 – 7:30 p.m.Dec. 19 – 7:30 p.m.Dec. 20 – 11:00 a.m. (My First Nutcracker/sensory friendly environment) and 7:30 p.m.Dec. 21 – noon and 7:30 p.m.Dec. 22 – noon and 5:30 p.m.Dec. 24 – noonDec. 26 – 11:00 a.m. (My First Nutcracker/sensory friendly environment) and 7:30 p.m.Dec. 27 – noon and 7:30 p.m.Dec. 28 – noon and 7:30 p.m.