A&E

Lafayette Ballet Theatre presents ’The Nutcracker’

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Karel Cruz and Lindsi Dec perform as the Nutcracker Prince and Sugarplum Fairy in Lafayette Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker.”
Photo by Lindsay Thomas

Lafayette Ballet Theatre will present two performances of “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

This full-length classical ballet in two acts features Lafayette Ballet Theatre professional company dancers, principal guest artists from Pacific Northwest Ballet (Seattle) and more than 150 children studying ballet in local academies. Audiences will enjoy a magical experience as talented artists, dazzling stage sets, spectacular special effects and Peter Tchaikovsky’s delightful musical score bring this engaging E. T. A. Hoffmann tale to life before their eyes.

An Acadiana tradition, this ballet presented this year by Lafayette Ballet Theatre only has sold out in the past, so organizers are advising patrons to purchase tickets early to ensure availability. For information about student discounts and group rates, contact the Heymann Box Office at 337-291-5555 or Lafayette Ballet Theatre at 262-0444.

For more fun and to further support Lafayette Ballet Theatre – a nonprofit ballet company and arts education organization – “Nutcracker” fans of all ages are invited to attend the holiday party, “Land of the Sweets.” This social event immediately follows the Sunday, Dec. 11, matinee “Nutcracker” performance at approximately 4 p.m. in the Heymann Convention Center (behind the theater). Attendees may enjoy hot cocoa and soft drinks while sampling hors d’oeuvres, pizza and sweets from area restaurants. Stars of “The Nutcracker” will be on hand for autographs and photos, so don your dressy apparel.

Tickets for “Land of the Sweets” are $28 and also are available at the Heymann Center Box Office. No additional fees apply. For tickets to “Land of the Sweets,” call 337-291-5555.

Tickets are available now through the Heymann Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Call or visit the Heymann Center Box Office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on weekends during scheduled events, or visit www.ticketmaster.com anytime. Tickets are priced according to seat location, as follows: front orchestra, $53; back orchestra, $45; first balcony, $38, second balcony, $25. Prices listed do not include Ticketmaster fees.