LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Presents a Joffrey Ballet School Performance of “The Nutcracker” and a Chance to Visit Santa’s Toyland; New Drag Story Hour Series

Tickets available for shows on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (December 12, 2023) — The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY invites community members to reserve their tickets today for The Nutcracker and Visit to Santa’s Toyland featuring the Joffrey Ballet School. Families with children ages 4–10 are encouraged to register for a free Drag Story Hour storytelling event led by a local drag performer.

LPAC’s “The Nutcracker and Visit to Santa’s Toyland” has been a holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The Joffrey Ballet School will return on Sunday, December 17 at 3:30 p.m. with a one-hour performance of “The Nutcracker” specifically tailored for school-aged children and their families. The holiday classic tells the story of a courageous girl, Clara, who breaks the wicked spell over the Nutcracker Prince.

“You will be captivated by the choreography, enchanted with the costume and moved by the music,” said Evelyn Lowmark, LPAC’s Managing Director.

Once the curtain lowers, families will be invited to meet and take photos with Santa in a magical “Toyland” decorated by LPAC’s professional theater production team. Musician Danny Kean will deck the halls with the sounds of the season as families make their way through the winter wonderland.

Reserve tickets today for The Nutcracker and Visit to Santa’s Toyland

Tickets – $30; Faculty/Staff – $25 (code “STAFF”); Students – $15 (code “STUDENT”); Groups of four and more – $20 (code “GROUP”). Note: Faculty/Staff/Students need to use a LaGuardia email for discount approval.

Drag Story Hour NYC will host two free storytelling events for families with children ages 4–10, on Saturday, December 16 at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 17 at 2 p.m. Local drag performer OliverThePlace (he/they) will give lively readings of picture books that touch on themes of diversity and difference, including “The Family Book,” “From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea,” “Love the World,” “Not Quite Snow White,” and “Happy All-idays!” Following the readings, OliverThePlace will lead the children in song and movement, and an art activity. Register to attend a free Drag Story Hour.

The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) welcomes vibrant storytellers to create theater, music, and dance to inspire conversation, connection, and change within our diverse community. Guests attending LPAC shows are encouraged to enter via the college’s Van Dam entrance, located at 45-50 Van Dam Street. With questions, send an email to lpacboxoffice@lagcc.cuny.edu or call (718) 482-5151.

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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 degrees and certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to educate New Yorkers seeking new skills and careers. As an institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of underserved populations. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students while providing them with access to a high quality, affordable college education.

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