Directed by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, Festival Ballet Theatre's dazzling annual production of The Nutcracker returns this year to sweep you and your family out of the auditorium and into Clara's wonderful dream. With daring duels, the glittering Sugar Plum Fairy and an adventure to the Land of Sweets all backed by Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score, discover once more, or for the first time why it's the world's most beloved festive treat!

David Sedaris is a Grammy Award-nominated humorist, writer, comedian, bestselling author, and radio contributor. Much of his humor is drawn from his unconventional North Carolina upbringing, his varied stream of odd-jobs (Christmas elf at Macy's, anyone?) and plays to his self-deprecating strengths, and now often concerns his life today in France with his partner.

Acoustic guitar virtuoso and two time Grammy Award nominee Tommy Emmanuel is back on tour, bringing his unrivalled passion and energy to his beloved instrument. Expect jazz, blues, folk and more from this Australian native who has embraced all things American. Watch this adroit performer coax his extreme talent and leave you with a smile on your face!

Canadian guitarist, producer and nuevo flamenco star Cook turns his lighting quick fingers to flamenco, rumba, jazz plus various other forms of world music into his work. A Juno Award winner, he has also received accolades from Acoustic Guitar magazine, and is a three-time winner of the Canadian Smooth Jazz award for Guitarist of the Year. To top that off, he has also sold more than 1.5 million worldwide, cementing himself as a global guitar superstar.

This world-renowned animal circus features cats, dogs, and other small animals (including a parrot), performing a variety of stunts under the direction of Gregory Popovich, a respected circus performer from Russia. The animals are mostly rescued from shelters, and are given a new lease of life as the stars of their very own Vegas show! The Pet Theater sees a combination of both human and animal actors who perform comedy routines through skits using acrobatics, juggling and clowns! Cruelty-free and thoroughly uplifting, this show has entertained millions, and is a great treat for animal lovers of all ages!

Lebowitz is known for her sardonic social commentary on American life as filtered through her New York sensibilities. Some reviewers have called her a modern-day Dorothy Parker, and now Fran invites you to discover the woman behind the name in this evening of intimate conversation.