Internationally renowned ballet dancers Ashley Murphy and Brooklyn Mack star in Los Angeles Youth Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” by award-winning choreographer Andrea Paris-Gutierrez, which caps the holiday season with four performances on Dec. 21, at 7 p.m., Dec. 22 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 23 at 2 p.m., at Glendale’s Alex Theatre.

The Los Angeles Youth Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” features more than 80 dancers, including Ashley Murphy and Brooklyn Mack. (photo by Iker Gutierrez)

Murphy, who will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy, is a principal dancer with The Washington Ballet and previously danced for 13 years with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Kirov-trained, Mack, who will perform the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cavalier, was formerly a principal dancer with The Washington Ballet.

The Nutcracker will be performed by Darrion Sellman, a 14-year-old virtuoso who moved from Virginia to Los Angeles to train with Paris-Gutierrez and L.A. Youth Ballet. Sofia Monroy, 15, and Ellie Wein, 14, alternate as Clara; and Malcolm McLaurin Takumi, 11, and Marcel Ramirez, 12, alternate as Clara’s brother Fritz.

The roles of children and parents at the party, soldiers, Mouse King, mice, snowflakes, flowers and dolls are performed by L.A. Youth Ballet students.

Paris-Gutierrez’s youth-inspired version of the two-act ballet featuring Tchaikovsky’s score and more than 80 dancers premiered last season to critical acclaim.

Tickets start at $25.

The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd. For information and tickets, call (818)243-2539, or visit alextheatre.org.