While her hair rollers do their part, Angela Dellasala, 12, of Gorham dances onstage with other angels during a technical rehearsal for the Maine State Ballet's 40th anniversary production of "The Nutcracker." The show runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 25 through Dec. 4 at Merrill Auditorium.

Dancers playing Snowflakes wait to enter the stage during Tuesday's dress rehearsal.

Eliza Albert of Scarborough holds still as her mom Tricia, right, and fellow dancer Ryleigh Raber, 13, of Falmouth attach a bow in her hair before the dress rehearsal.

Adrienne Pelletier performs the part of Clara during the dress rehearsal.

The Snowflakes cover the stage at Merrill Auditorium.

Adrienne Pelletier, as Clara, and Nathaniel Dombek, as the Nutcracker Prince, rehearse for the show that opens Friday in Portland.

The Nutcracker Prince, performed by Nathaniel Dombek, battles the Mouse King, performed by Maiki Saito.

Dancers fill the stage during a dress rehearsal for the Maine State Ballet's 40th anniversary production of "The Nutcracker."