By David West
11/26/2018

NATCHITOCHES – Tickets are still available for Northwestern State University’s 30th annual Christmas Gala to be performed Nov. 28-30 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Performance times are 7 p.m. each evening with a 9 p.m. performance on Nov. 30.

Tickets are $15. NSU, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D.

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. More than 10,000 people attend the Gala each year which is based on the long-running Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.

Gala Artistic Director Michael Rorex said this year’s performances are part of the celebration of the 30th year anniversary of the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts. According to Rorex, the program will incorporate popular pieces from years past such as the non-singing monks who will be back with the “Hallelujah Chorus.”  There will be an addition to the Toy Soldiers presentation and the NSU Men’s Chorus will have a new piece to present as part of the celebration.

The Gala opening will include the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra, the NSU Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, the NSU Dance and Ballet ensemble, the NSU Choirs, NSU musical theatre students and all the beauty of lights and colorful backdrops on stage.

Tickets can be purchased online at capa.nsula.edu. For more information, call (318) 357-4522.