Eastern Iowa theaters decking their halls in holiday style

Whether you’re hoping to find a leg lamp, a new pair of shoes or peace on earth, goodwill toward all this holiday season, Eastern Iowa theaters are ready to make your dreams come true, for an hour or two.

Don’t see your group’s show in this lineup? Add the details to the Events tab at Hooplanow.com or email them to diana.nollen@thegazette.

The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays)

Nov. 11 to 19, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre

Written by Ken Ludwig (“Crazy for You” “Lend Me a Tenor”), this madcap murder-mystery follows a troupe of actors helmed by the famously wealthy William Gillette. Fresh off a stage production of “Sherlock Holmes” and gathered at a holiday party at Gillette’s secluded home, the actors find themselves in the center of a real-life murder mystery. Can they figure out whodunnit before the police jump to their own conclusions? Where: First Street Community Center, 221 First St. NE, Mount Vernon. When: Nov. 11-19; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; ASL interpreters Nov. 19. Tickets: $25 adults, $20 seniors, $10 students; mvlct.com/shows-1/the-games-afoot

Annie

Nov. 14 to 16, Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now her musical is returning in a new production — just as you remember it and just when we need it most. Where: Hancher Auditorium, 141 E. Park Rd., Iowa City. When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 to 16. Tickets: $40 to $75 adults, $32 to $60 college students and youths; hancher.uiowa.edu/2022-23/Annie

Meet Me in St. Louis

Nov. 18 to Dec. 18, Theatre Cedar Rapids

The Smith family grapples with life changes and new love in a bustling St. Louis on the brink of the 1904 World’s Fair. This classic musical includes seven of the best-loved songs from the Judy Garland film, plus additional songs written specially for the stage, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Boy Next Door,” “The Trolley Song” and “Whenever I’m with You” — plus romantic suitors, comedic misunderstandings and jovial pranks. Where: Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. When: Nov. 18 to Dec. 18; 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; no performance on Thanksgiving. Tickets: $18 to $48, plus fees; TCR Box Office, (319) 366-8591 or theatrecr.org/event/meet-me-in-st-louis/2022-11-18/

Million Dollar Quartet: Christmas

Nov. 19, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

There’s no place like home for the holidays, and Sun Records is just that for rock ‘n’ roll newcomers and soon-to-be legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. All four musicians stop by their famous Memphis recording studio alma mater the same wintry evening. This show brings that momentous homecoming to life with a tale of family, nostalgia, faith, humor, heartbreak and revelry. Where: Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8201 Dakota St., Cedar Falls. When: 3 p.m. Nov. 19. Tickets: $31.75 to $61.75 adults, $26.55 to $50.55 youths; gbpac.com/event/million-dollar-quartet-christmas

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Nov. 29, Sondheim Center for Performing Arts, Fairfield

The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. Where: Sondheim Center for Performing Arts, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Tickets: $24 to $60, $10 youths, half-price to veterans and their spouses, (641) 472-2787 or fairfieldacc.com/event/all-is-calm-the-christmas-truce-of-1914/

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Dec. 2 to 4, Brooklyn Opera House

TKM Productions presents this classic fairy tale about about a poor shoemaker who receives much-needed help from two helpful elves. They all work together to persevere through difficult times, and even win over the heart of a greedy landlord. Where: Brooklyn Opera House, 115 Jackson St., Brooklyn. When: 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3, 1 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students; brooklynoperahouse.com/events

Barefoot in the Park

Dec. 2 to 11, Starlighters II, Anamosa

When newlyweds Corie and Paul move into a rundown New York apartment, they discover they may not have much in common. With a little help from the neighbors, Corie, a free spirit, attempts to guide her lawyer husband to relax and have fun. Where: Starlighters II, 200 E. Main St., Anamosa. When: Dec. 2 to 11; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $16 adults, $15 ages 62 and up, $5 students K through college; starlighters.org/barefoot

Miracle on 34th Street

Dec. 2 to 18, Giving Tree Theater, Marion

Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Macy's Santa. He unleashes waves of goodwill with Macy's customers and the commercial world of New York City, by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy's vocational counselor, who plots to have Kris sent to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing. Especially at stake is one little girl's belief in Santa. Where: Giving Tree Theater, 752 10th St., Marion. When: Dec. 2 to 18; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $23, givingtreetheater.com/s/shop

A Christmas Story: The Musical

Dec. 2 to 10, Opera House Players, Elkader

Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Ind., the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts — an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn with a similar echoing response, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. All the iconic scenes from the movie are here, from Flick getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole; to the bunny suit, Christmas dinner, and more. Where: Elkader Opera House, 207 N. Main St., Elkader. When: 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10. Tickets: Details at elkaderoperahouse.com/a-christmas-story-the-musical/

The Nutcracker ballets

IOWA CITY: This holiday classic comes to life with performances by dancers from Nolte Academy and features a live orchestra conducted by Carey Bostian. The ballet showcases enchanting costuming, scenery and choreography. Where: Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City. When: Dec. 2 to 4; 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $42 adults, $29.59 seniors, $20 students and youths 12 and under; englert.org/events/

CEDAR RAPIDS: Be swept away on a journey to the Land of Sweets, as Orchestra Iowa and Ballet Quad Cities present this classic tale, featuring breathtaking scenery, costumes, dancers and extraordinary music. Where: Paramount Theatre, 123 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. When: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets: $18 to $49, artsiowa.com/tickets/concerts/nutcracker-ballet-2022/

Ho ho Homicide Murder Mystery

Dec. 3, Granger House Museum, Marion

What screams holidays like a little Ho Ho whodunnit? Get in on the action for a night of mystery solving, friendship, laughter and snacks. Are you going to be the big guy himself, Santa Claus, or an elf or a reindeer? Every character adds something fun to the night’s entertainment, so dust off those elf ears or reindeer antlers for the last mystery of 2022. Where: Granger House Victorian Museum, 970 10th St., Marion. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets: $20 per character, preregistration required; grangerhouse.org/events

MURDER AT THE UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY

Dec. 3, Willow Creek Theatre Company, Iowa City

The Snowflake Lodge is holding an ugly Christmas sweater party again this year. The townspeople of Snow Falls are excited about the holiday celebration, as the lodge is where the who’s who of society will flock to show off their not-so-fashionable holiday attire. Unfortunately, sparks have flown between some of the guests lately with rumors of blackmail, greed and revenge. Ticket purchase includes a Character Identity Assignment, an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and holiday treats, and your favorite non-alcoholic holiday beverages (BYOB for spiking). Also: festive party games, karaoke, prizes and entertainment from local artists. Where: Willow Creek Theatre Company, 327 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City. When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $35, facebook.com/willowcreektheatrecompany/

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)

Dec. 9 to 11, Amana Performing Arts Center

Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. TMK Productions presents this madcap romp through the holiday season. Where: Amana Performing Arts Center, 39 38th Ave., Amana. When: Dec. 9 to 11; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $20; amanarvpark.com/venue/amana-performing-arts-center/

Nolte Madrigal Dinner

Dec. 9 and 11, The James Theater, Iowa City

It is the Yuletide of 1570 and Lord and Lady Carey invite you to feast at Hunsdon House. Enjoy a four-course, locally sourced meal curated by Chef Dan Knowles, with entertainment from Nolte’s adult Madrigal Singers, dancers from the Nolte Academy, members of Iowa City Youth Choir, live music from Prairie Piffari and more. This immersive, three-hour dinner theater experience includes wassail and soft drinks while beer and wine will be available for purchase. Where: The James Theater, 213 N. Gilbert St., Iowa City. When: Dec. 9 and 11; 6:30 p.m. Friday, noon and 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $95, thejamesic.com/events

Elf The Musical

Dec. 9 to 18, City Circle Theatre Company, Coralville

Musical based on the 2003 hit film. When a young orphan crawls into Santa’s bag on Christmas Eve, he is transported to the North Pole and raised as an elf. When it becomes impossible to hide Buddy’s differences any longer, Buddy learns the truth and travels to New York City to find his birth father. But the world outside the North Pole is surprisingly cold for this cheerful believer, and Buddy is faced with a harsh reality when he finds out his father is on the Naughty List. Where: Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 1301 Fifth St., Coralville. When: Dec. 9 to 18; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $25 adults, $22 ages 65 and up, $20 students, $17 ages 10 and under, $30 premium seating; coralvillearts.org/253/Elf-The-Musical

Plaid Tidings

Dec. 10, Revival Theatre Company, Cedar Rapids

The legendary Plaids come back to Earth to spread yuletide joy with the greatest holiday hits of the ages. This Revival Theatre Company production offers the best of “Forever Plaid,” tied up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top. Filled with Christmas standards that have all been “Plaid-erized,” the boys are back to do their Christmas Special, hearkening and heralding a bygone era of classic music sung in perfect harmony. Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. When: Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. social, 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets: $75, online at revivaltheatrecompany.com/events/plaid-tidings/ or $500 table of eight, available by emailing lmaach@revivaltheatrecompany.com.

Batman Returns Returns

Dec. 14 to 18, Mirrorbox Theatre, Cedar Rapids

The ’90s are cool again in this holiday spectacle. Gotham's biggest titan of industry is impossibly corrupt (and possibly an ogre). His assistant wants to turn him into a scratching post. And a strange bird-man is trying to move from underground to the Mayor's mansion. A certain Caped Crusader will he have to use every gadget in his tool belt, plus belt out a song or two, to save his fair city. Will there be celebrity guest appearances? Maybe. Will there be shameless song parodies? Yes. Will there be mayhem. Absolutely. Oregon Public Broadcasting says: “So you know, it’s festive.” Mirrorbox Producing Artistic Director Cavan Hallman says: “My family and I love to watch non-Christmas-Christmas-movies, because the holidays aren't just for love and togetherness — there's also plenty of room for anarchy.” Where: Mirrorbox Theatre, 1200 Ellis Blvd. NW, Cedar Rapids. When: Dec. 14 to 18; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $20, mirrorboxtheatre.com/returns/

A Very Electric Christmas

Dec. 15, Sondheim Center for Performing Arts, Fairfield

Semifinalist on “America’s Got Talent” and winner of TRU TV’s “Fake Off,” Lightwire Theater, based in New Orleans, lights up the stage with a tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits. Santa’s helpers are putting the final touches on presents as a young bird named Max and his family head south for the winter. Max gets blown off course during a snowstorm, and he ends up alone and lost at the North Pole. As he tries to make his way home, his adventure begins when he encounters friendly caroling worms, dancing poinsettias, Nutcracker soldiers, mischievous mice and an evil Rat King. Where: Sondheim Center for Performing Arts, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets: $18 to $39, $10 youths; (641) 472-2787 or fairfieldacc.com/event/a-very-electric-christmas/

Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com