MARQUETTE -- It's become a holiday tradition, like the Nutcracker, for audiences around the world.

Snowflake tells the story of a social outcast who brings objects to life that many would deem useless.

"It's a story that prevails everywhere--there's a snowflake in a lot of different communities, a special person in that community," says Gale LaJoye, a U.P. native who's the man behind Snowflake.

LaJoye says that, with the exception of some minor tweaks, the story is told in its classic splendor...with no words.  And even though he's been doing Snowflake for years, LaJoye says each time he sees something new in the plot.

So for those of you who have made attending Snowflake part of your Christmas tradition, you're sure to discover something new this time around.

"There's so many levels of context in here.  You know the first time you see it, you have a different impression, and each time you pick the different story lines that are woven through the performance," LaJoye says.

LaJoye has performed all over the world, as far as Japan, but where's his favorite venue?  Well, it's right in his hometown of Marquette at the Kaufman Auditorium.  But the thespian also says he can't wait to perform at the Calumet Theatre for the first time in 16 years.

LaJoye says the historical stage will fit perfectly with Snowflakes' vaudeville style.

"There's those large arches, and that was on vaudeville circuits in the 1920s," LaJoye says.

The Marquette performance of Snowflake is at the Kaufman Auditorium, December 26 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available at Mac Donald's Music Shop on Third Street in Marquette.

The Calumet Theatre performance of Snowflake is on December 18, also at 7:30 p.m.  For more information on tickets, visit the Calumet Theatre web-site.