MOBILE and BAY MINETTE, AL, November 20, 2025 – Mobile Ballet’s holiday season spans Mobile and Baldwin Counties this December, featuring performances at Mobile’s Saenger Theatre and a special event at the Battle House, plus new Bay Minette performances made possible through a partnership with Coastal Alabama Community College.

THE NUTCRACKER AT SAENGER THEATRE

Mobile’s beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker returns to the Saenger Theatre December 19-21, featuring outstanding guest artists sharing the stage with Mobile Ballet Company dancers and students with exciting choreography by Artistic Director Katia Garza. This enchanting production is a favorite family tradition and perfect for all ages—newcomers and devoted ballet lovers alike.

Guest Artists:

• Houston Ballet principals: Yuriko Kajiya and Connor Walsh as Sugar Plum and Cavalier
• Ballet San Antonio principals: Aidan Carrasquel as the Nutcracker, Michael Agudelo as Russian and Moor, and Zach Bennett as Arabian and Soldier Doll
• Mobile Ballet resident guest artists: Daniel Benavides as Drosselmeyer and Kris Nobles as Mouse King

Performance Schedule:

• Friday, December 19 at 7:00 PM (New Friday evening performance added due to popular demand)
• Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
• Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 PM

Location: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim Street, Mobile

Tickets: $25-$69, with discounts available for children, students, seniors 65+, and military. Group rates available for parties of 10 or more; call for info.

NUTCRACKER HOLIDAY BRUNCH

Mobile Ballet hosts its third annual Nutcracker Holiday Brunch on Sunday, December 21 at 11:00 AM in the Battle House Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom, prior to the Sunday matinee performance.

Guests will enjoy a delicious holiday brunch in the exquisite historic setting, meet and take photos with beloved Nutcracker characters, hear the magical story read aloud, and other festive activities.

Tickets: $45 children, $75 adults. Limited seating available; ticket sales end December 15.

This special event raises funds for Mobile Ballet’s community outreach programs and Relevé Project student tuition assistance program. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

THE NUTCRACKER SUITE IN BAY MINETTE

Mobile Ballet’s holiday offerings are expanding this year to North Baldwin County, with performances at the Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette campus.

On Saturday, December 6 at 7:00 PM, a special abbreviated performance of The Nutcracker Suite will follow Bay Minette’s 43rd Annual Christmas Fest, offering an accessible, family-friendly experience.

“We’re thrilled to expand our reach and bring this cherished holiday tradition to North Baldwin County,” said Artistic Director Katia Garza. “This partnership allows us to eliminate the barriers of distance and cost that often prevent people from experiencing live performances. Whether families are getting a sneak-peek before attending our full production at the Saenger Theatre or experiencing all the magic of The Nutcracker close to home, this performance delivers unforgettable enchantment at an unbeatable price.”

Mobile Ballet will also host a food donation drive supporting Prodisee Pantry during the December 6 performance. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the local community.

Location: L. D. Owen Performing Arts Center, Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette Campus, 1906 Faculty Road, Bay Minette, AL 36507

Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children 12 & under, students, military, and seniors 65+. General admission seating.

DISCOVER DANCE EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCES

Mobile Ballet’s acclaimed Discover Dance program presents fully-staged ballets for K-12 student field trips, with two performances of The Nutcracker Suite this year:

• December 5 at Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette
• December 18 at Mobile Saenger Theatre

For over 20 years, the Discover Dance program has served thousands of students across Southwest Alabama annually, with theater performances plus accompanying educational materials to help teachers integrate arts into classroom curriculum. The new partnership with Coastal expands access to the arts for students in North Baldwin County and surrounding areas who face barriers to attending shows in Mobile.

Student tickets: $5; teachers attend free. Educators from public schools, private schools, and homeschool groups may reserve tickets online or call the Mobile Ballet office.

TICKET INFORMATION

All tickets and reservations available at www.mobileballet.org. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.