The Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will present the 30th annual Christmas Gala 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.

“‘One Solitary Life’ will be extra special this year and the closer of ‘Jingle Bells’ with the entire cast that is phenomenal,” said Rorex. “But most important, the opening of the show is titled the ‘Many Moods of Christmas’ and will be the most spectacular opening ever for a Christmas Gala.”

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.

“The Christmas Gala is an opportunity for the School of Creative and Performing Arts to shine in front of appreciative audiences,” said Rorex. “The Gala has become a tradition for many area families. Preparation for the show takes place year round. The overall experience is something our students never forget.”

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