A celebration of 55 years of performing arts excellence on the Emerald Coast
The Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) announces Season 55, a celebration of five and a half decades of excellence in performing arts, which includes Lightwire Theater’s Dino Light at Grand Boulevard and The Nutcracker and Cinderella at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center featuring live music by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO).
The 2024-2025 season begins with Lightwire Theater’s Dino Light, sponsored by Grand Boulevard’s Coastal Culture Art, Entertainment and Events on Sat., Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Grand Boulevard in North Park. Free and open to the public, this original story features a famous scientist with magic powers who brings a friendly dinosaur to life. Internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry and poignant storytelling, Lightwire Theater has been featured as the winner of Tru TV’s Fake Off first season and semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent and ABC’s Game of Talents.
Next, NFB makes its way to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for the 45th annual productions of The Nutcracker on Fri. and Sat., Nov. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m. As the only full-length version of this delightful holiday fairytale in the area, NFB’s The Nutcracker features a cast of more than 140 performers, including international guest artists and over 100 local children. The NFSO, led by NFB music director and conductor David Ott, will provide live musical accompaniment for all public performances.
In the Spring, NFB returns to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center to conclude the season on Sat., March 8, at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 9, at 2:30 p.m. with Cinderella. With live music by the NFSO led by Ott, this beloved classic features the acclaimed choreography of NFB Artistic Director Todd Eric Allen and the beautiful music of Serge Prokofiev. NFB’s Cinderella is presented in three acts and brings to life a cavalcade of enchanting characters, brilliant dancing, vibrant costumes and magical scenery sure to hold you under its spell.
“With the support of our board of directors, staff, patrons and community partners, NFB is committed to our legacy of outstanding programming despite the significant budget cuts announced by our Governor last month. It is my sincere hope that the residents of our community and visitors to the Emerald Coast join us as we celebrate our 55th season,” said NFB Artistic Director and CEO Todd Eric Allen.
Season subscriptions will be available beginning Thurs., Aug. 1, and include tickets to The Nutcracker and Cinderella for $80 per adult and $37 per child (12 and under), a savings of more than 15% compared to box office prices. Season subscribers can also purchase VIP party tickets held after the opening night of The Nutcracker and Cinderella for $25 each and receive a 10% discount for additional performance tickets. Individuals and families may also support NFB by purchasing memberships, which start at $250 and include benefits ranging from dress rehearsal invitations to season subscriptions.
Visit www.NFBallet.org and NFB’s Facebook page for subscription packages, individual ticket sales announcements and membership purchases. NFB is supported by Season Production Sponsor, the Mattie Kelly Arts Center; Season Signature Sponsors NFBJS Foot & Ankle Surgeon Dr. Sonya Ahmed, Bay Life (Life Media), Emerald Coast Magazine and Scarlett Magazine as well as Performance Co-Sponsor HCA Twin Cities Hospital.
