With its usual panache, Ballet Hawaii has produced another extravagant "The Nutcracker," rich in talent from near and far. It also has, thankfully, returned to live music, played by the superb Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ann Krinitsky.

Based on a tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the action of "The Nutcracker" takes place in a 19th-century home in Germany in Act 1 and the Kingdom of the Sweets in Act 2. Sets by Peter Dean Beck and ornate costumes by Anne Namba, David Heuvel and Sharie Hartwell, enhanced by the subtle lighting of Trad A Burns, bring the story magically to life.

Choreography for this production, credited to Tom Pazik, has been enhanced by contributions from Timour Bourtasenkov, Derek Daniels, Diane Letoto, John Selya and Michael Vernon. The first-act party scene has been tightened and flows much more smoothly than in years past. Attention has been paid to details in interactions of the many characters onstage.

In contrast to the party narrative scene, Act 2 takes place in a fantasy world and is propelled by a series of divertissements.

Although arguments can be made against featuring such a large number of guest artists, the fact remains that Ballet Hawaii offers local dance lovers an opportunity to see some of the finest dancers of our time. Soloists from the New York City, Australian and Carolina ballets join more than 185 young local dancers.

Returning to Ballet Hawaii after several years’ absence is Honolulu’s own Amanda Schull, formerly with the San Francisco Ballet and now co-starring on the USA Network series "Suits."

Act 1 depicts an elaborate Christmas party given by the Silberhaus family. Presiding over the affair are the elegant parents (Bourtasenkov and Schull) and their children, Marie and Fritz. A special guest, the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives with his nephew and proceeds to entertain with his wondrous mechanical toys. Australian Ballet’s Steven Heathcote, in the role of Drosselmeyer, presents a figure of authority capable of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with a gesture.

Despite brevity, the solos of the mechanical dolls provide high points in the first act. Impeccably danced by Sterling Hyltin as the Columbine doll, Amar Ramasar as the Harlequin doll and Selya as the moon-walking, popping Soldier doll, these vignettes offer precise technique with humorous pantomimic touches.

Among the noteworthy local performers of the younger generation are Allison Johnston as Marie, Nicole Gentry as Fritz and the talented 16-year-old Jacob Ly in the dual role of the Nephew and the Nutcracker Prince. The corps de ballet, consisting of Ballet Hawaii’s advanced dancers, demonstrates clearly the sound training the troupe offers. Its execution of the "Waltz of the Snowflakes," which closes the first act, provides support for the fine level of dancing by soloists Lilyan Vigo Ellis and Andrew Veyette as the Snow Queen and King, respectively.

Although the duet of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Megan Fairchild) and her Cavalier (Joaquin De Luz) serves as the high point of Act 2, many cameos stand out. Noteworthy is the sensual, acrobatic Arabian pas de deux performed by Hyltin and Ramasar. (All four, along with Veyette, come from the New York City Ballet.) Other highlights include a folksy and virtuosic Russian trepak; a charming Chinese ribbon dance with soloist Martin Harvey, formerly of The Royal Ballet; and the "Waltz of the Flowers" featuring the sharp, dynamic dancing of Carolina Ballet’s Vigo Ellis.

For entertainment that’s family-friendly and aesthetically inspiring, Ballet Hawaii’s "The Nutcracker" is a must-see.