The River Region Ballet is once again presenting the seasonal favorite “The Nutcracker.” The full length version of this timeless Tchaikovsky classic will be performed on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. Professional guest artists Jessica Fry McAlister and Ramon Gaitan will be dancing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier and also the Snow Queen and King. Both performances are at Destrehan High School Auditorium, No. 1 Wildcat Lane. Tickets are $15 through Nov. 30.

As a special gift to the children of the community, RRB will also present a special children’s matinee on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10. This will be an abbreviated one-hour performance for younger fans. This performance will be followed by a “Sugar Plum Party.” The audience members will be invited to join the Sugar Plum Fairy onstage and experience “The Kingdom of Sweets” for themselves. They can meet and talk to their favorite characters, experience what it’s like to be on the stage under the glowing lights and take pictures. Each young audience member will be given a special gift to remember their Nutcracker experience.

Elizabeth Gilmore, daughter of David and Marie Gilmore of Destrehan, will be performing the role of Clara in this year’s Nutcracker production. Gilmore is 15 years old and a sophomore at Archbishop Chapelle High School, where she is an honor student. Gilmore has studied dance at Images Dance Studio, under the direction of Susan Ferrara, for 13 years. She has danced with the River Region Ballet in numerous ballets such as “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “La Boutique Fantasque,” “Thumbelina,” “Fairy Garden” and “The Nutcracker.” Having performed for 8 years in “The Nutcracker” allowed Gilmore to come up through the ranks starting as a mouse and progressing to a “friend,” corps de ballet, Chinese variation and this year Clara.

Gilmore said, “I am so excited to be Clara, not just because it’s an important role, but because I have dreamed of dancing this role since I was 5 years old. It is what made me strive to become a better dancer.”

The River Region Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” will utilize a cast of approximately 70 performers. Many have extensive dance backgrounds and have performed many years with the River Region Ballet. They are vibrant young dancers with experience in a variety of roles. RRB soloists are Stephanie Nagele, Katelyn Rodrigue and Allie Wursteisen. Featured dancers and corps de ballet are Kiersten Baker, Madison Cancienne, Emily Champagne, Sarah DiLeo, Kaela Hymel, Juanita Marino, Molly Nagele, Jesse Quigley, Madeleine Raymond, Noelle Raymond, Heather Rayneri and Laura Sullivan. Junior Company dancers are Rose Coats, Emma France, Natalie Gilmore, Nicole Gilmore, Rebecca Helm, Lianne Keller, Kate Lougon, Ashley Payne, Caroline Payne, Grace Raymond, Claire Seymour and Shelby Walls. Other dancers are Hailey Beard, Emma Cazentre, Madalyn Champagne, Lily Coats, Rachael Durapau, Rebekah Galaforo, Caroline Green, Sarah Green, Sarah Hebert, Katelyn Moore, Ava Rockefeller, Ava Rogers, Emily Schmill, Elle Schuster, Ben Schweitzer, Ella Schweitzer, Jacob Schweitzer, Nathan Schweitzer, Autumn Sharon, Kurt Sharon, Caroline St. Pierre, Olivia St. Pierre, Evelyn Stein-Donalson, Paul Sullivan, Camryn Swint and Lauren Webre.

Featured actors are Paul Ory as Uncle Drosselmeyer, Evan Keller as the Mouse King, Rhys Keller as the Nutcracker, Brian Falgoust as Mr. Silberhaus, Heidi Schindler as Mrs. Silberhaus and Joshua Hymel as Fritz. Also performing in the Party scene are Darbi and Shelbi Berthelot, Ronald and Catherine Coats, Matt Lewis, Stacey Payne, Joey Schweitzer and Erika Spengler.

For ticket information call 504-202-7706 or email riverregionballet@cox.net. Beginning Dec. 1 tickets will only be available at the door. Full length performance tickets are $20 at the door.