PORTLAND – Portland Ballet Company will bring “The Victorian Nutcracker,” its version of the classic ballet set in Portland, to Merrill Auditorium Friday, Dec. 23.

Performances of the ballet, with sets, costumes and characters inspired by historical figures, will be at 2 and 7.30 p.m.

The story unfolds as young Olivia follows her Nutcracker Prince to the enchanted Kingdom of the Sweets, where she is dazzled by the Russian Trepak, the Sugarplum Fairy and other dancers from around the world.

Accompanying the professional dancers will be the Portland Ballet Orchestra.

Conducting will be Sean Newhouse, assistant conductor at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He is the first American-born conductor in 15 years to be appointed assistant conductor to the BSO.

Tickets range from $17 to $47. They are available through PortTix at www.porttix.com or by calling 842-0800. For more information, call the Portland Ballet at 772-9671 or visit www.portlandballet.org.