Area artists Steph Van Doren and Jaci Willis’ joint exhibition through Dec. 17 at the Contemporary Art Center’s Preston Jackson Gallery features Willis’ sculptures in swirling lines of stainless steel with touches of slumped glass, and Van Doren’s paintings on canvas showing abstractions of flowers and trees. The two will participate in a “Gallery Talk” there at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3.
CINEMA
Steven Spielberg and “Angels in America” playwright Tony Kushner bring the Broadway classic “West Side Story” back for the 21st century, Dec. 10 in wide release, keeping its original time and place (1950s New York), roots (“Romeo and Juliet” in street gangs), and familiar songs. Ansel Elgort and newcomer Rachel Zegler are the star-crossed lovers; Rita Moreno is featured, Cory Stoll, and Brian d’Arcy James provide adult supervision. Check local listings.
DANCE
Central Illinois Ballet presents “Nutcracker” Dec. 4-5 at Illinois Central College’s Performing Arts Center.
MUSIC
- The refurbished Scottish Rite Theatre this month will revive the long-time local production of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” Dec. 2-5; Central Illinois’ Way Down Wanderers’ holiday show, with guest Roger Joseph Manning Jr. Dec. 11; and a fund-raising collaboration with the Riverfront Museum to benefit relief efforts for Lebanon, featuring pianist Dr. Antoine Karam Dec. 18-19.
- “A Tribute to Buddy Rich” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Bradley University’s Dingeldine Music Center.
- “A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols” is scheduled for 4 p.m. Dec. 12 and “A Jazz Christmas,” the fifth annual celebration of jazz at Christmas is scheduled for 4 p.m. Dec. 19 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1420 W. Moss Ave.
THEATER
- “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical” is coming to the Peoria Civic Center Theater on Dec. 17, when the family production takes audiences to the North Pole, where music and dance blend to show the wonders and delights surrounding Santa and his Scout Elves.
- Peoria Players Theatre’s “Holiday special” Dec. 17-19 will present classic versions of Christmas favorites and newer holiday tunes sung by Peoria Players performers and students from the Peoria Area Performing Arts Studio.