Three renditions of the "Nutcracker" give the region a taste of variety for the holiday classic. Starting December 18 and running until the 21st, the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Orchestra collaborates with the Artisan Dance Company, under the direction of Melissa Padham and Lucinda Henry, to bring Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to SLPAC. Tickets $30 to $75. Sugarloafpac.org. The New Paltz Ballet Theatre returns for the 17th season of its rendition, featuring dancers from the New York City Ballet, December 12 to 14, at the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie. Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for students and seniors, and $25 for members. The Catskill Ballet Theatre's annual production, at UPAC in Kingston, runs December 12 to 14. Tickets are $20 to $30. Catskillballet.org.
