*Now through Saturday, Dec. 22, The Alchemist Theatre presents “A Kick in the Dickens,” a holiday comedy improv show. The show will run at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $17 at the door. The Alchemist Theatre will not seat late attendees and recommends attendees arrive at least 15 minutes early. The Alchemist Theatre is located at 2569 S. Kinnickinnic in Bayview. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.alchemisttheatre.com/.
*Now through Wednesday, Dec. 26, the Milwaukee Ballet will present its annual holiday performances of “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Artistic Director Michael Pink. The performances run about two hours long with both matinees and evening shows at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St. in Milwaukee. Tickets start at $30.62. For more information about show times and ticket prices, visit www.milwaukeeballet.org.
*Thursday, Dec. 13, the Alverno College Choir and Chamber Ensemble will perform in Windhover Hall at the Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr. in Milwaukee. The free concert will run from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.mam.org.
*Friday, Dec. 14, BizTimes Media will present Health Care Heroes to recognize physicians, nurses, volunteers, first responders and others throughout southeastern Wisconsin impacting health care. The program will be held at the Crowne Plaza, 10499 W. Innovation Dr. in Wauwatosa, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Registration and networking will run from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Cost is $50 per person and $400 for a table of eight. For a list of award recipients, more information about the event and registration details, visit www.biztimes.com/hero.
*Friday, Dec. 14, the Milwaukee Public Museum will unveil Real Pirates, a special exhibit created by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International. The exhibit, focused on the Golden Age of Piracy, features relics from the pirate ship, the Whydah, and stories of those who lived and travelled on the ship. It also touches on the history of the Caribbean trade routes during the 18th century and explores the connection between the slave trade and piracy. The exhibit will be on display until May 27, 2013, at the museum, located at 800 W. Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee. For ticket prices, special discounts and more information about the exhibit, visit www.mpm.edu/pirates.
*Tuesday, Dec. 18, the Waukesha County Business Alliance will host its annual Networking After 5 Holiday Party from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brookfield Suites Hotel and Convention Center, 1200 S. Moorland Rd. in Brookfield. The party will provide attendees an opportunity to meet area business professionals and will include food and beverages from the hotel. Cost is $15 for Alliance members and $30 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, visit http://waukesha.org/.
*Friday, Dec. 21, the IBA-Wisconsin will present a seminar on the Affordable Care Act for businesses at the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. The discussion will be led by Peter Frittitta, vice president of the Benefits Practice Group at R&R Insurance Services Inc., and attorney Robert Simandl, managing partner of Jackson Lewis LLP. Registration is available at http://www.ibaw.com/, and fees are $30 for IBA members and $40 for guests.
*Wednesday, Dec. 26, through Monday, Dec. 31, Milwaukee Winter Fest will feature more than 50 rides and activities for families and adults at the Delta Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. The second annual event will offer new attractions divided into six activity zones with opportunities to zip line, ride a train through a holiday-themed village, roller skate, climb a rock wall and Velcro wall, experience a holiday obstacle course and more. The indoor festival will also feature a Milwaukee’s Got Talent singing competition and a New Year’s Eve Celebration with Radio Disney. Tickets cost $12 for kids ages 3 to 17 and $8 for adults age 18 and older until Dec. 25. Starting Dec. 26, tickets cost $15 for kids and $10 for adults. Admission coupons are available. For more information, visit www.milwaukeewinterfest.com.
