Conceived in 1892 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker is based on the libretto by Alexandre Dumas père, titled The Tale of the Nutcracker, which is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.

Each year the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet presents this heartwarming story in a ballet extravaganza full of celebration and holiday sparkle – the perfect holiday family event.

This year’s production comes to us from an international and local ensemble that will grace the Strand Theatre stage on November 19th. The 32nd annual North American tour showcases a fusion of talent from esteemed ballet capitals worldwide, converging on one stage to spread the overarching message of the holidays– peace.

Headlined by principal dancers hailing from renowned opera houses in Ukraine and joined by a troupe of 40 exceptional artists representing Japan, Italy, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Poland, and beyond, the 2024 tour unveils newly reimagined scenes crafted by acclaimed Polish choreographer Viktor Davydiuk. Seamlessly blending classical ballet with avant-garde circus techniques, Davydiuk’s vision breaks new ground in ballet-theatrical presentation.

Talmi Entertainment’s NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is the largest touring production of its kind, with performances in many of North America’s most iconic theaters, including Detroit’s Fox Theatre, New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre, and Midland’s Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. In the 2024 production, Ukrainian ballerinas Karyna Shatkovskaya and Elena Pechenyuk will reprise the role of Clara. Exclusive to Talmi Entertainment’s Nutcracker rendition is Act II’s poignant depiction of the “Land of Peace and Harmony,” featuring the signature acro-ballet adagio “Doves of Peace.” This powerful symbolic scene embodies unity and understanding through dance, resonating with a broader plea for international peace among nations.

This year introduces the Herald to the scene; a Cyr Wheel artist that embodies the spirit of the Forest. The Herald leads Clara through a joyous celebration adorned with magnificent 10-foot-tall puppets and elegantly dancing couples representing five of the world’s great heritages.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. nutcracker.com. Special pricing is available for groups. Call 800-320-1733 or email groups@nutcracker.com.

Talmi Entertainment proudly serves as the exclusive representative for NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet’s North American Tour, captivating audiences in over 86 cities annually. With a legacy rooted in pioneering artistry and a commitment to transcendent storytelling, the company continues to redefine the boundaries of classical ballet, enchanting audiences worldwide for over three decades.”NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet ushers in a new era of artistic innovation and creative exploration,” founder, Akiva Talmi (producer, composer, and recipient of the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Richard Rodgers, and Leonard Bernstein Awards). www.talmientertainment.com