Played with a live orchestra.
Based on an original poem and characters created by Tim Burton, the film was first released in 1993 as The Nightmare Before Christmas. Directed by Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach), the film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King.
Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine of Halloween, Jack longs to try something new. Convinced that he can spread the joy of Christmas and against the advice of Sally, a caring and clever ragdoll, Jack enlists three mischievous trick-or-treaters–Lock, Shock, and Barrel–to kidnap Santa Claus. But Jack’s merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts.
The film is rated “PG.”
2025-07-15 20:45:00 -0500
Only the best, most unique, amusing, astounding and amazing performers have been chosen to perform in Masters of Illusion. Master of Illusion is a huge stage phenomenon born from the multi- award winning television series Masters of Illusion, which aired its 14th season on the CW in 2025.
Masters of Illusion has performed live in front of tens of thousands of people around the US for over 14 years and been seen by over 250 million viewers on the CW network as well as in 126 countries around the world. Starring the world’s greatest award-winning magicians, this 21st century magic show is unlike anything you have seen before - filled with modern illusions and arts of deception, performed live on stage.
Audiences will be held at the edge of their seats by the jaw-dropping grand illusions, and laugh out loud at the hysterical comedy magic as performers from around the world combine fantasy, fervor and flair with magic created in front of their very eyes. People can see and participate in mind-boggling illusions when Masters of Illusion visits Cedar Rapids live on tour.
2025-09-02 22:00:00 -0500
Get set for drama. Film and TV star, Damon Gupton joins Orchestra Iowa as guest conductor for this masterclass in musical drama. From George Walker’s somber Lyrics for Strings to Mozart’s deeply moving Symphony No. 40, drama thrives at Masterworks III. The program concludes with violinist William Hagen and the soaring melodies of Beethoven’s beloved Violin Concerto.
2025-07-10 21:00:00 -0500
Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, “Swan Lake,” presented by Classical Arts Entertainment and performed by International Ballet Stars. A full-scale production features Tchaikovsky’s legendary score and brings the masterpiece choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov to life. Be spellbound by the iconic variation of Little Swans, Odile’s 32 fouettés, and the graceful movements of the talented ballet dancers. With over 200 custom scenery pieces adding grandeur and beauty, this production promises to be a spectacular visual treat.
Featuring a brilliant cast of dancers from Italy, France, Georgia, Great Britain, Ukraine, Japan, Moldova, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, this tour celebrates the diversity and global excellence of classical ballet.
Ballet in Two Acts with 1 Intermission. The show is family-friendly and suitable for ages 3 and up.
2025-05-12 21:00:00 -0500
CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND COMING TO PARAMOUNT THEATRE ON NOVEMBER 21ST!
This holiday season, experience the magic of cirque like never before with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland! A thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music, this spectacular production will transport you to a winter wonderland of awe and enchantment.
With breathtaking acrobatics, soaring aerial performances, and an all-new production for this year, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland delivers an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family. Feel the holiday spirit come to life with heart-pounding feats and beloved seasonal melodies.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic! Join us at Paramount Theatre on November 21st for a night of wonder, excitement, and holiday cheer.
2025-07-15 21:30:00 -0500
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker! In partnership with Ballet Quad Cities, Orchestra Iowa brings this beloved story to life in this enchanting holiday tradition. Follow Clara’s journey through a dazzling world of glimmering snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in a performance filled with beautiful music and timeless splendors.
2025-07-15 16:00:00 -0500
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker! In partnership with Ballet Quad Cities, Orchestra Iowa brings this beloved story to life in this enchanting holiday tradition. Follow Clara’s journey through a dazzling world of glimmering snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in a performance filled with beautiful music and timeless splendors.
2025-07-15 21:30:00 -0500
Rocky Mountain High Experience®, A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler, America’s Top John Denver Tribute, is an intimate experience that will take you back to the ’70s when John Denver’s music permeated the radio airways.
Rick's enchanting holiday show features all your favorite Denver hits including “Rocky Mountain High”, “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, “Take Me Home Country Roads”, “Annie’s Song”, and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy”, just to name a few.
Schuler weaves in John’s heartwarming inspirational carols and holiday classics from his memorable TV specials and Christmas albums including “Aspenglow”, “Silent Night”, “Joy to the World”, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”, and many more festive standards.
Rocky Mountain High Experience®, A John Denver Christmas captivates audiences young and old alike. Don’t miss the incomparable event of the season… you will swear you are back in the ’70s with John Denver on stage!
2025-06-05 16:30:00 -0500
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas celebrates the gift of family, the gift of friends, the gift of peace, and the gift of love, wrapped up in sweet sounds of the season only he and his piano can provide.
Join Jim Brickman and friends this Christmas season for an unforgettable concert experience filled with music, laughter & heartwarming stories.
Audiences can expect a captivating blend of timeless holiday classics, along with Brickman's biggest hits like "The Gift," "Love of my Life," “Destiny,” “Valentine" and joyfully unexpected surprises.
Escape with Jim Brickman to a magical atmosphere that brings friends and family together to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.
2025-06-02 21:00:00 -0500
Celebrate the season with Orchestra Iowa’s Holiday Spectacular—a grand tradition filled with joyful music and festive cheer! Carefully and creatively crafted by Maestro Hankewich, this heartwarming concert features the full symphony, chorus, and youth chorus, bringing beloved holiday classics to life. With plenty of surprises and jolly good fun, it’s the perfect way to share the magic of the season with family and friends.
2025 features the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra, the Orchestra Iowa Symphonic Chorus and the Discovery Chorus.
2025-07-15 21:30:00 -0500
Celebrate the season with Orchestra Iowa’s Holiday Spectacular—a grand tradition filled with joyful music and festive cheer! Carefully and creatively crafted by Maestro Hankewich, this heartwarming concert features the full symphony, chorus, and youth chorus, bringing beloved holiday classics to life. With plenty of surprises and jolly good fun, it’s the perfect way to share the magic of the season with family and friends.
2025 features the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra, the Orchestra Iowa Symphonic Chorus and the Discovery Chorus.
2025-07-15 16:00:00 -0500
Johann Strauss’s effervescent operetta enters a realm of luck, luxury, and laughter as Cedar Rapids Opera’s mainstage January 2026 production. Die Fledermaus plunges the audience into a world of chance and intrigue, where fortunes—and secrets—are gambled away. Prince Orlofsky’s soirée becomes a grand night filled with masked players, shimmering gowns, and a live orchestra bringing the atmosphere to life.
2025-07-15 21:45:00 -0500