Classic rite of passage

12/3/2025

The holiday performing arts options are a bounty on which to feast. Like a cultural Whitman’s Sampler, there is variety and appeal to attract anyone. The diversity this year is enticing from classical like “The Nutcracker,” the Des Moines Symphony and Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, to classics like “A Christmas Carol,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and the return of the A Sisters, to a family hit, Disney’s “Frozen.” Each offers a special respite, giving patrons a chance to immerse themselves into several rewarding performing arts experiences. 

 

Classical rite of passage – “The Nutcracker”

Deserving special attention is any adult’s opportunity to introduce or rekindle the magic of “The Nutcracker.” Tchaikovsky’s iconic music underscores the magical immersion into the dream world filled with soldiers, mice, sugar plum fairies and more. In a young person’s first connection to this beloved tale, each adult in that rite of passage party will vicariously thrill at their reactions while undoubtedly recalling their first “Nutcracker” experience. Those with a passing or passionate attraction to the arts likely remembers their first introduction to Clara’s fantasy. This should be on every child’s cultural bucket list, and adults really should be honor-bound to make such an event happen.

Greater Des Moines provides two productions to consider. Or, consider both and have a lively discussion comparing interpretations. With a stage often filled with soldiers, mice, sugar plum fairies and more, this timeless production is a sensory wonder for young people — and the young at heart.

Ballet Des Moines is Iowa’s premier professional ballet company, presenting its version in the gilded glory of Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre. With a national talent network and company members boasting exceptional credentials, the full power and grace of this work’s dancing beauty is on display. 

Iowa Dance Theatre’s “Nutcracker” commands the stage at Des Moines Performing Arts’ Civic Center. An ongoing tradition in this space since 1997, IDT began presenting its annual ballet in 1985. They present a shortened version to more than 3,000 metro school children each year. This production truly captures the participatory imagination of young people as they see their peers performing in this exhilarating musical tale.

 

New Year’s Eve temptations

This month, a new venue offers not one but two ways to spring into 2026. The long-awaited and eagerly anticipated opening of The Ingersoll begins Dec. 31 with two shows — one in the middle of the day, and the other in the more traditional evening time. 

Giving diehard New Year’s Eve celebrants the opportunity to dip twice into welcoming the turning of the calendar, The Ingersoll brings a gourmet luncheon feast to patrons prior to a dynamic show, “New Year’s Lover,” featuring Napoleon and his 14-piece jazz orchestra. With an irresistible groove, this orchestra delivers an unforgettable performance filled with timeless hits and smooth grooves spanning the decades. The Ingersoll then taps the nationally renowned Kansas City jazz orchestra, The Grand Marquee. This band has spent more than two decades dazzling audiences nationwide with thousands of performances and eight full-length releases, including recordings from the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis.

One of the region’s premier ways to usher in the New Year has been delivered by the Des Moines Symphony. Under the masterful baton of Maestro Joseph Giunta, these themed orchestral celebrations have become a special way to usher in the New Year. DMS again partners with Cirque talent to bring an extravagant symphonic and performance awe heralding an unforgettable beginning to 2026. 

 

Other show gems to enjoy

Embracing nostalgia and stimulating memories seem to be a theme this year, as a series of shows with serve as warm wrappings for the heart and soul. “Miracle on 34th Street,” “A Christmas Carol” and “The A Sisters & Friends at the Velvet Lounge” are sure to draw enthusiasts. Add a series of instrumental excursions into holiday joy with Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, Des Moines Symphony’s “Holiday Brass,” and CJC-Big Band to shake the rafters, plus exceptional production value with the Playhouse’s holiday show, the family favorite, Disney’s “Frozen,” and this December offers a blissfully indulgent array of seasonal sensations. 

Sally forth, cultural adventurers, and fill your calendars. ♦

John Busbee produces The Culture Buzz, a weekly arts and culture radio show on www.kfmg.org, covering Iowa’s arts scene with an inclusive sweep of the cultural brush. He received the Iowa Governor’s Arts Award for Collaboration and Partnership in the Arts. He has performed in more than 100 musicals, including many leading roles.