Five things to do Sunday 12

DANCE - Joffrey Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Too many Nutcrackers reek of desperation or, worse yet, abandon what is essentially a great opportunity for a choreographer to interpret the only classical ballet that can be considered common knowledge. Blessedly, Robert Joffrey’s 1987 version leaves most of the essential elements unmolested and serves the magical, pop-up-book feeling your children expect and for which they will thank you profusely. Live music by the Chicago Sinfonietta. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E Congress Pkwy. 2pm, $30-$115.