Rodents infest the state (in ‘The Nutcracker’)

“The Nutcracker” takes the stage Dec. 9-10 at the Adler Theatre in Davenport. Photo: Ballet Quad Cities

Nothing says “Christmas” quite like a Tchaikovsky score and some dancing mice. Watch the Mouse King duke it out with Nutcracker Prince in any of the season’s “Nutcracker” productions, coming direct from a Victorian kid’s dreams to an Iowa stage near you.

Dec. 7-10: Ballet Des Moines
presents the classic fairy tale with a few modern updates, including twirling betta fish and prancing deer, all in the gilded splendor of Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

Dec. 8-9: Iowa Dance Theatre
performs enchanted waltzes on the Des Moines Civic Center stage, choreographed and directed by a team of dance professionals from around Central Iowa.

Dec. 8-9: Siouxland Civic Dance Association’s
production features a local cast of more than 100 area actors and dancers at the jewel-box Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City.

Dec. 9-10: Stephens Auditorium
stages its 42nd annual “Nutcracker” in Ames with artistic direction by Iowa Youth Ballet’s Robert Thomas and choreography by Robert and the late Miyoko Thomas.

Dec. 9-10: Ballet Quad Cities
returns to the Adler Theatre in Davenport, featuring live music from Orchestra Iowa.

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