Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic “The Nutcracker” meets the big top this weekend as Sarasota Ballet brings back its own local twist on the holiday favorite with “John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker.” Choreographer Matthew Hart created the production for Sarasota Ballet in 2012. It resets the familiar story to the 1930s and a hotel in New York City where Clara and her family get a glimpse of Ringling circus performers as they prepare to head for their winter home in Sarasota. The Sarasota Orchestra accompanies the production. 

“John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For ticket information: 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org