AUSTIN, Texas -- Spectrum News viewers are getting a sneak peek of Ballet Afrique’s performance of “The Nutcracker: A Sweet Duke Ellington Suite.” The sold-out show will take place Friday evening at McCallum Arts Center in Austin.

• It is an original ballet and theatrical adaptation set to composer Duke Ellington’s version of The Nutcracker.
• The 20-member Austin Community College Jazz Ensemble will join Ballet Afrique in the performance under the direction of Dr. Steven Sodders.  
• Austin City Council member Natasha Harper-Madison will also be in the performance, making her debut as Mother Gingersnaps.