NATCHITOCHES –  “Northwestern Through the Years” will be the theme of the annual Christmas Gala presented by The Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Gala is an NSU 125th Anniversary event. Coordinator of Theatre Scott Burrell is the writer and director of the Gala.

     This year marks the 125th anniversary of NSU and as part of the celebration, the Gala will showcase the talents of the art, music and theatre/dance programs over the last 125 years. The characters of the Professor, Isabella the Ghost, and the three Muses (the statues on the front of the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium) will guide the audience through the night's entertainment.

     Tickets are $10. NSU, Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts and BPCC@NSU students are admitted free with a current student I.D. Reservations or advance sales are not available.

     The CenLaTex Harp Ensemble directed by Shirley Jennings will perform prior to the Gala in the Orville Hanchey Art Gallery. The Northwestern State University Jazz Ensemble directed by Galindo Rodriguez and the Northwestern Theatre and Dance Out On A Limb Improv Troupe directed by Burrell will perform as a prelude to the Gala.

     The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony will perform Around the World at Christmas Time arranged by Bruce Chase, Jingle Bells arranged by Randol Alan Bass, Walking in a Winter Wonderland arranged by Calvin Custer and Jingle Bells Forever by Robert W. Smith. Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is the conductor.

     The Northwestern State University Choir will be joined by faculty member Dr. Andrej Kurti on Carol of the Bells arranged by Mikhail Leontovich/Wilhousky. Dr. Christopher Gilliam is the conductor.

     The Northwestern Theatre and Dance Rockettes will perform to Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Joshua Legg is the choreographer. The Northwestern Theatre and Dance Men’s Dance Ensemble will perform to Baby Please Come Home. Pia Wyatt is the choreographer and Katie McGowan is assistant choreographer. The Northwestern Theatre and Dance Musical Theatre Performance Ensemble will perform to Hey There Good Times. Perry Morgan is the director and Emily Tuttle is the choreographer.

     The Northwestern Percussion Ensemble will play Disco Medley. Ken Green is the director. The Northwestern Theatre and Dance Wooden Soldiers, NSU Demon Dazzlers, Natchitoches Northwestern Symphony and NSU Jazz Orchestra will perform March of the Wooden Soldiers arranged by Leon Jessel and Sing Sing Sing. Rebecca Morgan is the choreographer.

     The NSU Percussion Ensemble, Northwestern University Choir and Northwestern Theatre and Dance will perform Betelehemu arranged by Wendell Whalum. Brendon Mizener is the percussion director. Gilliam will direct the choir and Barry Stoneking is the choreographer.

     For more information, call (318) 357-4483.