The Nutcracker: A Swamp Tail

In this bayou retelling of the classic Christmas tale, a family of mice celebrate Christmas.

They dance to zydeco music and play games, but their revelry is interrupted as a caped raccoon sweeps through the doors, arms filled with gifts for the children. For little Corinne, he brings one special gift: a handmade nutcracker soldier shaped like an alligator.

In this bayou retelling of the classic Christmas tale, the magic of the nutcracker unfurls as Corinne, clutching her gift, falls sleep under her family’s Christmas tree. She awakens to an army of nutria soldiers under the command of an evil Possum King battling her beloved alligator nutcracker.

The Nutcracker escorts Corinne through the dreamlike landscape of an enchanted swamp to the Land of Sweets, home to the Spoonbill Sugar Plum Fairy. Seated upon a king cake throne, the pair are greeted by a court of dancing Southern flora and fauna.

Fans of the ballet will enjoy the reimagined Southern setting and the unique cast of critters that populate the famous tale.

The whimsical art of Emily Welch is inspired by family, friends, and the unique people and places of Louisiana. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Emily teaches Talented Visual Art classes for Caddo Parish Schools. She also owns and operates Magnolia Creative Co., a creative venture that produces handmade pottery and watercolor art sold in boutiques across the United States. Her award-winning work has even been commissioned by former first lady Laura Bush. Emily and her husband have two children and reside in Shreveport, Louisiana.