Following nine sold out performances in Natchitoches with audiences totaling more than 15,000, Northwestern State University’s Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts will perform the wildly popular Christmas Gala at Shreveport’s historic Strand Theatre at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10.

Tickets are $12 and are available through NSU’s website at nsula.edu/gala. Additional fees will apply to online tickets purchased for the performance at the Strand.

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 Christmas season. The gala is based on the long-running Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.

The theme for gala this year is “Home for the Holidays.” The set and repertoire will reflect imagery and music that celebrates family and holiday traditions. Each year’s Gala feature audience favorites like the Rockettes and Toy Soldiers along with new ensembles and familiar showstoppers from popular shows and some new set pieces and costumes.

Performing ensembles include the NSU Chamber Choir, Gala Choir, the NSU Jazz Orchestra, Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra, Demon Dazzlers, Rockettes, Toy Soldiers and more. Popular guest artists will round out the list of performers.

This is the second time the Gala has gone on the road to the Strand. Two years ago, the cast and crew of the Christmas Gala wowed audiences in two sold out performances at the historic theatre that drew viewers from throughout north Louisiana and east Texas.