Tickets for the two performances of the Lafayette Ballet Theatre's upcoming production of The Nutcracker (7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Heymann Performing Arts Center) are available now. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets may visit the Heymann Center box office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4p.m. and on weekends during scheduled events, or they may call (337) 262-8686 to reserve tickets by phone. Tickets are also available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including online at www.ticketmaster.com. They are priced according to seat location, as follows: front orchestra, $37; back orchestra, $32; first balcony, $27, second balcony, $22. Prices listed do not include Ticketmaster fees. Reduced rates are available for large groups and students.

Audiences will enjoy a magical experience as talented artists, dazzling stage sets, spectacular special effects and Peter Tchaikovsky’s delightful musical score bring this engaging E. T. A. Hoffmann tale to life before their eyes! An Acadiana tradition, this full-length classical ballet featuring local dancers and principal guest artists from the Pacific Northwest Ballet sold out in previous years, so organizers are advising patrons to purchase tickets early to ensure availability.

For more fun and to further support Lafayette Ballet Theatre--a nonprofit ballet company and arts education outreach organization--Nutcracker fans of all ages are encouraged to attend the annual fundraiser “Land of the Sweets.” This social event immediately follows the Sunday, Dec. 7 matinee Nutcracker performance (about 4 p.m.) at Iberiabank Tower (200 W. Congress St. in Downtown Lafayette). Attendees may enjoy coffee or soft drinks while sampling hors d’oeuvres and sweets from area restaurants. Stars of The Nutcracker will be on hand for autographs as well as photos, so don your dressy apparel!

Tickets for “Land of the Sweets” are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and are only sold by Lafayette Ballet Theatre. For more information or for tickets to “Land of the Sweets,” call (337) 262-0444 or visit our web site at www.LafayetteBalletTheatre.org.