Part of what sets this Nutcracker apart is the choreography by the troupe's co-artistic director Alexander Vetrov. It has none of the naturalism of Balanchine and of most American choreographers who try to place their stamp on this classic. Instead, it is graced with the sort of calculated artificiality and showiness that has made the Bolshoi (Vetrov's former home) the company by which all others are judged.

The cast of the Friday performance was illuminated by a number of performances that were brighter than new lights on the tree. Andrey Prikhodko often defied gravity in the role of the magician Drosselmeyer, a part that is often played by a much more earthbound, older dancer. Yevgeni Anfinogenov was a fluid and athletic Nutcracker Prince. Mariya Kudyakova stood out in the Russian segment (naturally) of the around-the-world-with-dolls second act. And Emily Maciejewski, 16, proved an able Clara. These and the other Friday dancers will be seen in Sunday's matinee. A different cast will be featured today.

But all of the performances include the gorgeous and colorful costumes, exceptionally clever sets and effects (the snowfall in the lovely Dance of the Snowflakes segment was much more convincing than the real winter weather we had last week) and Tony Tucci's very thoughtful and effective lighting design. And all of this is supported by a pit orchestra led by conductor Ron Spigelman that is as smooth and flowing as the dancers.

So if you are not worn out on this ballet, which is as inevitable at this time of year as visiting relatives (or maybe even if you are), you might find that this very Russian production has more than enough going for it.

GRADE: A

Metropolitan Classical Ballet
The Nutcracker
8 p.m. Sat; 2 p.m. Sat-Sun
Texas Hall, University of Texas at Arlington
$10-$30
817-275-0598
www.mcballet.org

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