Ballet

Opening Night of The Nutcracker

The Houston Ballet’s annual celebration of Christmas pageantry, The Nutcracker, is back. But hardcore fans should take note: this is your last chance to see choreographer Ben Stevenson’s beloved 1987 version, as 2016 will bring a whole new production from Stanton Welch, the ballet’s artistic director.

Nov 27–Dec 27. $15–139. Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave. 713-227-2787. houstonballet.org

Classical

Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet

Long Yu, one of China’s most respected conductors, leads the Symphony with folksy compositions “Spring Festival Overture” and Saint-Saens’ exotic “Piano Concert No. 5” before bringing on the evening’s showpiece, Prokofiev’s ballet score for Shakespeare’s best-known work.

Nov 27 & 28 at 8 p.m., Nov 29 at 2:30 p.m. $25–159. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. 713-224-7575. houstonsymphony.org

Reading

Bower Yusse and Thomas J. Cryan

The authors read from their newly released biography, Faith, Family and Football, chronicling the short, but inspiring life of UT football legend Freddie Stenmark. The college football star was a standout safety for the Longhorns defense who succumbed to cancer at the age of 22.

Nov 28 at 1 p.m. Free. Blue Willow Bookshop, 14532 Memorial Dr. 281-497-8675. bluewillowbookshop.com

Concert

Reverend Horton Heat

Slicked-back 1950s rock'n'roll hits the stage as Heat and Co. roll into town. The high-energy performance blends rockabilly with blues, country and good old fashioned Americana. Wear your leather jackets to this one.

Nov 28 at 8 p.m. $20. Scout Bar, 18307 Egret Bay, in Nassau Bay. 281-335-0002. scoutbar.com

Dance

Moving Mountains

Members of SonKiss'd Dance pop-and-lock while belaying down rock walls at Texas Rock Gym for a thrilling hourlong event. Guests get treated to a full 360-degree performance as dancers jut and strike at this off-the-wall (we had to) performance.

Nov 29 at 5 p.m. $20. Texas Rock Gym. 1526 Campbell Rd. sonkissd.com