NEW ORLEANS – Delta Festival Ballet announced its 44th season of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, returning to the stage with two performances: Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. Both performances will be held at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. This celebrated production features the world-class Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Glenn Langdon, bringing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life with the full brilliance of a live symphony orchestra.
This year’s production features a roster of internationally acclaimed guest artists, including Chun Wai Chan, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, and Aoi Fujiwara, first soloist with Houston Ballet. They will dance alongside a distinguished cast of local professionals and more than one hundred youth dancers from dance studios across the region, sharing the stage in a spectacular holiday celebration.
Directed by Joseph Giacobbe, Delta Festival Ballet shares its continued mission to uphold and advance the tradition of professional classical ballet in New Orleans. The role of Clara will be performed by Logan Kadden and Abby Mumphrey, both students of Mount Carmel Academy and Giacobbe Academy of Dance, representing the next generation of local artistic excellence.
With enchanting choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and the soaring sound of a live orchestra, Delta Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker remains a family-friendly, full-length holiday classic that delights audiences of all ages. From dancing snowflakes to the magical Land of Sweets, this production promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the season’s spirit.
Tickets are on sale now at www.deltafestivalballet.com and MahaliaJacksonTheater.com.