How to prepare kids to see their first 'Nutcracker'

Many moments in "The Nutcracker" are potentially confusing and sometimes even upsetting to young children.

Yuletide Applause: Tickets for holiday stage productions are ideal stocking stuffers

Charlie Blum has been booking shows for Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville for 23 years.

Liberty Intermedite School food drive

Pictured are student council members from Liberty Intermediate School packing the food front, left to right: Emily Cobb, Haley Rivera, Abigail Roberts, Lily Adney, Kylie Vendramin, Lexi Mathis and Lindsey Enright. Back, standing, Katelyn Balakir, Jack Philips, Logan Summers, Caitlyn Bogue, a…

Sisters to share stage with Russian ballerinas in Moscow Ballet's 'Nutcracker'

When Michelle Hartman's sister told her about auditions for children to participate in the Chicago performance of the Moscow Ballet's "The Great Russian Nutcracker," she decided on a whim to drive the two hours that day to the audition.

Festive family

Hannah Hartman, 8, left, and her sister Lindsay Hartman, 9, will be performing with the Moscow Ballet in the Dec. 10 production of 'The Great Russian Nutcracker.'

Festive family

Lindsay Hartman, 9, rehearses at the Indiana Ballet Theatre in DeMotte. Lindsay and her sister Hannah Hartman, 8, will be performing with the Moscow Ballet in the Dec. 10 production of 'The Great Russian Nutcracker' at the Rosemont Theatre.

Sisters to share stage with Russian ballerinas in Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker"

Lindsay Hartman, 9, right, rehearses at the Indiana Ballet Theatre.

Festive family

Hannah Hartman, 8, rehearses at the Indiana Ballet Theatre in DeMotte. Hannah and her sister Lindsay Hartman, 9, will be performing with the Moscow Ballet in the Dec. 10 production of 'The Great Russian Nutcracker' at the Rosemont Theatre.

Sisters to share stage with Russian ballerinas in Moscow Ballet's 'Nutcracker'

When Michelle Hartman's sister told her about auditions for children to participate in the Chicago performance of the Moscow Ballet's "The Great Russian Nutcracker," she decided on a whim to drive the two hours that day to the audition.

Chesterton's Kennedy Brown, 12, wins a plum dancing role

Kennedy Brown has danced her way into the limelight at age 12, recently being chosen to perform a program normally done by professionals.

120411BALLET

DEMOTTE | Lindsay Hartman, 9, rehearses at the Indiana Ballet Theatre in DeMotte on Monday, November 28, 2011. Lindsay and her sister Hannah Hartman, 8, will be performing with the Moscow Ballet in the Dec. 10 production of "The Great Russian Nutcracker" at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, IL.

Orchestra and choirs join ballet for 'Nutcracker'

MERRILLIVILLE | Indiana Ballet Theatre will be joined by the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, LaPorte County Children's Choir and Pierce Arts Program singers for this year's holiday ballet, "The Nutcracker."

Indiana Youth Ballet makes a Christmas tradition dances again

Taste of Region expands around square

The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce will host Taste of the Region on Friday and Saturday.

OFFBEAT: Original 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' car set for spring sale

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Indiana Ballet Theatre Presents 'The Nutcracker' this Week

CROWN POINT | The Indiana Ballet Theatre (IBT) will celebrate the magic of Tchaikovsky's 1892 fairy tale ballet 'The Nutcracker' on the big stage with 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. performances starting Dec. 1 and 2 at the Star Plaza Theater, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville and a one day 3 p.m. show …