NATCHITOCHES – The Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will present the 37th Annual Christmas Gala on December 3-4 at 7 p.m. and December 5 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Tickets are $15. NSU, BPCC@NSU and LSMSA students are admitted free with a current student I.D. Tickets can be purchased online at https://nsu.la/GalaTickets.
Director of Choral Activities Dr. Shane Thomas is the Gala director. More than 300 Northwestern State students, faculty and staff in the School of Creative and Performing Arts combine their talents to present the Gala as a kickoff to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. Large crowds attend the Gala each year, and special matinee performances for school groups provide a formative arts experience for children from Natchitoches Parish and the surrounding region.
This year’s production tells the story of the search for Santa Claus across the United States as he finds the most spirited and jolly recruits to grow his elvish employment. Mrs. Claus and the elves are in a frantic search far and wide for Santa, combing major cities like Honolulu, New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis and even Natchitoches to find Santa and restore holiday joy. CAPA ensembles will each highlight different regions of the U.S. on the hunt for Santa.
“This is my first time directing Gala and I was interested in tying in cultural traditions from across America’s diverse cityscapes while also building in some fun searching for our lost Santa Claus.” Thomas said. “Different regions across the U.S. will be highlighted on our quest to restore holiday cheer for the world.
“In connecting with one of my favorite cartoons – Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? – we have an opportunity to highlight the beauty of our vast and varied country while also emphasizing what makes the holidays so special. The finale, featuring all of CAPA’s performing ensembles, will do just that: ring in the season with peace, love and hope.”
Other performing ensembles include the NSU Jazz Orchestra, Musical Theatre Ensemble, NSU Dance Company, Demon Heat, the NSU Choirs, NSU Percussion Ensemble, Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra and the Demon Dazzlers.