NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Jefferson Performing Arts Society returns to the Jefferson Performing Arts Center for the first time since before Hurricane Ida with The Nutcracker for two shows only on Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19 at 2:00 p.m. The ballet will feature live music from the JPAS Symphony Orchestra playing the beloved familiar music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, based on ETA Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and The Mouse King.
The ballet is directed by Kenneth Beck and choreographed by Kimberly Matulich-Beck with the Jefferson Ballet Theatre. This is JBT’s third annual collaboration with JPAS and its 15th annual Nutcracker production.
Director Kenneth Beck says, “It just wouldn’t be the holidays without The Nutcracker. It’s been part of my Christmas season for four decades – as a dancer, choreographer and most recently as co-director of ballet with my wife, Kimberly.
Today, The Nutcracker has taken on a new meaning. In our ever-changing world, it is a symbol of coherence and unity. The dancers who participate in The Nutcracker and the public should experience something normal despite the pandemic and other disruptions. We all deserve the comforts of a beautiful, traditional vacation getaway. Please join us!”
Free parking is available at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center at 6400 Airline Drive. The box office will open one hour before the start of the show. Customers are encouraged to mask up inside.
