Methuen Ballet Ensemble\, an established ballet company under the artistic direction of Vanessa Voter Shaheen\, has staged "\;The Nutcracker"\; for over twenty-five years. All principal roles are performed by members of Methuen Ballet Ensemble\, whose experience totals over 150 years of classical ballet training under Ms. Shaheen'\;s tutelage. Students of Voter'\;s School of Dance and North Shore Performing Arts Center perform all other roles. Dancers hail from Methuen\, Lawrence\, Merrimac \,Haverhill\, N. Andover\, Georgetown\, Groveland\, Boxford\, Ipswich\, Salisbury\, Rowley\, Newbury\, and West Newbury\, MA\, as well as Salem\, Pelham\, Plaistow\, Windham\, and Manchester\, NH.
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\nEach year\, this production has become more elaborate with stunning visual effects and custom-designed costumes by a well-known Canadian designer. All performances include a giant growing Christmas tree\, a heavenly mist\, and an abundance of snowfall. Note: No chemicals will be used during this production. The mist effect will be achieved with the lighting design.