By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer As Christmas approaches, the cast of Grebel Center for Dance’s production of “The Nutcracker” is preparing for opening night at Chelsea High School Dec. 19. This is the 11th performance of “The Nutcracker” for the Pelham-based dance school and will be its first year performing at Chelsea High School. The show is usually done at Pelham High School, but was moved because of renovations to the auditorium. “We are always excited to open,” said Debbie Grebel. “We can’t wait to see how it turns out. We’ve got a great rapport with the studios and the dancers and the teachers. So we are excited.” “The Nutcracker” is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The story centers on Clara and a nutcracker she was given for Christmas. They travel to dream land and the Land of Sweets, encountering characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mother Ginger. This year, Pelham Police Chief Larry Palmer will play Mother Ginger. “It’s been really nice,” Grebel said. “He’s so excited about it. He is so easy to get along with and talk to. He just fits right in.” Grebel said some of her favorite scenes include the “Waltz of the Flowers” and the “Intrada,” which is the dance between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her cavalier. With a cast of about 50 people, Grebel said the cast has worked together well, and the performing children enjoy having the older kids to look up to. “It’s been great,” she said. “We have few more professional dancers with us this year. Our youth ballet, they learn a lot getting to work with professionals. I think it expands their education. The little ones just adore them all.” In addition to performing in a new theatre this year, Grebel said they have another cast in Montgomery performing at the Davis Theatre. The show opens Dec. 5 in Montgomery and the cast will be using the same costumes and set as the cast performing in Chelsea. Grebel said that has been a challenge for them, but the cast is ready to go full force with rehearsals until opening night. “The Nutcracker” will be performed at Chelsea High School Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit Tututix.com/GrebelDance. Tickets will also be available at the door.