Events For This Beautiful Chicagoan Weekend: If Scrooge Was a Brother Theater eta Creative Arts Foundation, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 06 Fri 8pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 13 Fri 8pm; Dec 15 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 20 Fri 8pm; Dec 22 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 3pm 7558 S South Chicago Ave (at 76th St) (773) 752-3955 etacreativearts.org Kemati J. Porter helms the Chicago premiere of Ekundayo Bandeles music-tinged reconstruction of Dickenss holiday ghost tale. Updated Elf the Musical Theater Cadillac Palace Theatre, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 01 Sun 7:30pm; Dec 04 Tue 7:30pm, Wed 2pm; Dec 04 Wed 7:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Ending: Sun Dec 15 2pm 151 W Randolph St (at LaSalle St) (800) 775-2000 broadwayinchicago Subway: Blue to Washington; Red to Lake; Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Clark/Lake Buddy the Elf leaves the North Pole for the Big Apple in this 2010 musical based on the Will Ferrell movie. Updated A Very Merry Madrigal Theater No Exit Cafe, Dec 01 Sun 1:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 1:30pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 1:30pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 14 Fri 8pm, Sat 1:30pm; Dec 15 Sat 8pm, Sun 1:30pm. Ending: Sat Dec 28 8pm 6970 N Glenwood Ave (between Morse and Lunt Aves) (773) 743-3355 heartlandcafe Subway: Red to Morse Theo Ubiques new holiday revue features yuletide folk music from the 15th century up to our own, interspersed with variety acts and readings from Shakespare, Dante and Frost. The Santaland Diaries Theater Theater Wit, Dec 01 Sat 7:30pm, Sat 9:30pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 01 Sun 7pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 06 Fri 7:30pm, Fri 9:30pm; Dec 08 Sat 7:30pm, Sat 9:30pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 08 Sun 7pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 3pm 1229 W Belmont Ave (between Racine and Lakewood Aves) (773) 975-8150 theaterwit.org Subway: Brown, Purple (rush hrs), Red to Belmont Think the holiday season is rough? Try working as a Macys Christmas elf. David Sedariss hilarious tribute to holiday misery returns to Theater Wit for its tenth consecutive year. Hannukatz the Musical Theater National Pastime Theater, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 3pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 14 Fri 8pm, Sat 3pm; Dec 15 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 21 Fri 8pm, Sat 3pm; Dec 22 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 3pm 941 W Lawrence Ave (at Sheridan Rd) (773) 327-7077 npt2 Subway: Red to Lawrence National Pastime remounts Grammy winner Terry Abrahamsons musical about a Jewish cat forced to spend his holiday with Hanukkah-hating kids in Skokie. The Christmas Schooner Theater Mercury Theater, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 05 Wed 7:30pm, Thu 2pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 12 Wed 7:30pm, Thu 2pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 2pm 3745 N Southport Ave (between Waveland Ave and Grace St) (773) 325-1700 mercurytheaterchicago A family brings the first Christmas-tree ship to Chicago in this bittersweet historical musical by John Reeger and Julie Shannon, an long-standing tradition. A Q Brothers Christmas Carol Theater Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Today Sat 8:30pm; Dec 03 Tue 7:30pm; Dec 04 Wed 7:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 06 Fri 7:30pm; Dec 08 Sat 6pm, Sat 8:30pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 10 Tue 7:30pm. Ending: Sun Dec 22 3pm 800 E Grand Ave (at Navy Pier) (312) 595-5600 chicagoshakes The cast of last springs Othello: The Remix—Postell Pringle, Jackson Doran and brothers GQ and JQ—conjure up ghosts of hip-hop past, present and future in their new Dickens adaptation, presented as a work in progress. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Theater Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, Dec 01 Sat 7pm, Sun 1pm, Sun 4pm; Dec 03 Tue 10:15am; Dec 04 Wed 10:15am; Dec 05 Thu 7pm; Dec 07 Fri 7pm, Sat 11am, Sat 4pm; Dec 08 Sat 7pm, Sun 1pm, Sun 4pm; Dec 10 Tue 10:15am. Ending: Sun Jan 05 4pm 175 E Chestnut St (between Michigan Ave and Seneca St) (800) 775-2000 broadwayinchicago Subway: Red to Chicago Milwaukee childrens theater company First Stage teams up with Chicagos Emerald City Theatre for this stage adaptation of the beloved TV special. Its a Wonderful Life Theater American Theater Company, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 05 Thu 8pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 12 Thu 8pm; Dec 14 Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm; Dec 15 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Ending: Sun Dec 22 2pm 1909 W Byron Ave (between Wolcott and Lincoln Aves) (773) 409-4125 atcweb.org Subway: Brown to Irving Park The radio-play conceit of ATC’s holiday perennial, that we’re in the studio for a 1949 live broadcast adapted from the Frank Capra movie, complete with ad jingles for local businesses, allows appealing actors to charm in multiple roles. Vienna Boys Choir Opera & Classical The Vienna Boys Choir performs Christmas carols and other holiday chestnuts. It’s not the holiday season without angelic voices singing about baby Jesus. (However, infants will not be admitted to the performance.) Critics pick Updated We Three Lizas Theater Stage 773, Dec 01 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3pm; Dec 08 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 14 Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3pm; Dec 15 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm. Ending: Sun Jan 05 3pm 1225 W Belmont Ave (between Racine and Lakewood Aves) (773) 327-5252 stage773 Subway: Brown, Purple (rush hrs), Red to Belmont About Face Theatres joyfully goofy 2012 holiday hit, which replaces Dickenss spirits of Christmas with offspring of Garland, returns with a heavily revised book by Scott Bradley and an expanded score by Alan Schmuckler. The Nutcracker Theater Chopin Theatre, Dec 01 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 01 Sun 7pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 06 Fri 7:30pm; Dec 08 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 14 Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 7pm 1543 W Division St (at Milwaukee Ave) (773) 278-1500 chopintheatre Subway: Blue to Division The House’s kinetic take on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale returns for a third annual outing at the Chopin. Collette Pollard’s clever in-the-round set design provides for multiple entrances and exits and a few well-hidden surprises; director Tommy Rapley admirably manages the heavy traffic… A Klingon Christmas Carol Theater Raven Theatre, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm; Dec 05 Thu 8pm; Dec 06 Fri 8pm; Dec 08 Sun 3pm; Dec 12 Thu 8pm; Dec 13 Fri 8pm; Dec 15 Sat 8pm, Sat 10:30pm, Sun 3pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 3pm 6157 N Clark St (between Hood and Granville Aves) (773) 338-2177 raventheatre Subway: Red to Granville Three ghosts teach Scrooge the true meaning of the Warrior Code of Honor in Commedia Beauregards take on Dickens, performed in the original Klingon language (with English supertitles) for the fourth year running. Appropriate Theater Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, Dec 01 Sun 3pm; Dec 03 Tue 7:30pm; Dec 04 Wed 7:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 7:30pm, Sat 4pm; Dec 08 Sun 3pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm. Ending: Sat Dec 14 4pm 2433 N Lincoln Ave (between Fullerton Ave and Montana St) (773) 871-3000 victorygardens.org Subway: Brown, Purple (rush hrs), Red to Fullerton Reuniting to sort through the family home in Arkansas following the patriarchs death, squabbling siblings make a disturbing discovery among Dads possessions… The Dead Prince Theater Storefront Theater, Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, Dec 01 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 06 Fri 7:30pm; Dec 08 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 13 Fri 7:30pm; Dec 15 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. Ending: Sun Dec 22 2pm 66 E Randolph St (at Garland Ct) (312) 742-8497 dcatheater.org Subway: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph; Red to Lake The whimsically macabre wheelhouse of Strange Trees artistic director Emily Schwartz turns tuneful in her new play-with-music, a metatheatrical fairy tale about a princess on a quest to bring the true love she never met back from the dead. Cheap Daley Plaza Christmas Tree This week in Chicago Daley Plaza, Dec 01 Sun 11am–Sun 8pm; Dec 02 Mon 11am–Mon 8pm; Dec 03 Tue 11am–Tue 8pm; Dec 04 Wed 11am–Wed 8pm; Dec 05 Thu 11am–Thu 8pm; Dec 06 Fri 11am–Fri 8pm; Dec 07 Sat 11am–Sat 8pm. Ending: Tue Dec 24 11am–4pm Washington and Dearborn Sts (312) 744-3315 explorechicago.org Subway: Red to Lake; Blue to Washington; Pink, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the citys first municipal Christmas tree on November 26. At 6pm, Mayor Emanuel flips the switch. Show up at 5pm to watch live performances by Darlene Love and the Joffrey Academy of Dance. As usual, the UL Santa House is open in conjunction… Critics pick Ice Skating at Lincoln Park Zoo This week in Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo, Dec 01 Sun Noon–Sun 9pm; Dec 02 Mon Noon–Mon 9pm; Dec 03 Tue Noon–Tue 9pm; Dec 04 Wed Noon–Wed 9pm; Dec 05 Thu Noon–Thu 9pm; Dec 06 Fri Noon–Fri 9pm; Dec 07 Sat Noon–Sat 9pm. Ending: Sun Mar 02 Noon–9pm 2001 N Clark St (between Lake Shore Dr and Fullerton Pkwy) (312) 742-2000 lpzoo.org Lace up your ice skates and become part of a new winter tradition at the rink at Lincoln Park Zoos Farm-in-the-Zoo from November 29–March 2. The Main Barn is open as a sort of concession stand. Skate rental is available for an additional $5. Critics pick ZooLights This week in Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo, Dec 01 Sun 5pm–Sun 9pm; Dec 06 Fri 5pm–Fri 9pm; Dec 07 Sat 5pm–Sat 9pm; Dec 08 Sun 5pm–Sun 9pm; Dec 13 Fri 5pm–Fri 9pm; Dec 14 Sat 5pm–Sat 9pm; Dec 15 Sun 5pm–Sun 9pm. Ending: Sun Jan 05 5pm–9pm 2001 N Clark St (between Lake Shore Dr and Fullerton Pkwy) (312) 742-2000 lpzoo.org Open late through the holidays, the zoo guides evening visitors along its winding pathways with a sprawling display of illuminated designs, many of them shaped like animals. If the lights leave you dazed, the hot cider and chain-saw-wielding ice sculptors are sure to wake you up. Critics pick Christkindlmarket Chicago This week in Chicago Dec 01 Sun 11am–Sun 8pm; Dec 02 Mon 11am–Mon 8pm; Dec 03 Tue 11am–Tue 8pm; Dec 04 Wed 11am–Wed 8pm; Dec 05 Thu 11am–Thu 8pm; Dec 06 Fri 11am–Fri 9pm; Dec 07 Sat 11am–Sat 9pm. Ending: Tue Dec 24 11am–4pm Designed to mimic Germanys annual market celebration, the Loop replica returns for another year. Live entertainment, dozens of vendors selling miscellaneous handmade ornaments and classic food and drink—mulled spice wine, marzipan, schnitzel, stollen and strudel— are yours for the taking. Critics pick A Christmas Carol Theater Goodman Theatre, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 01 Sun 6:30pm; Dec 04 Wed Noon; Dec 05 Wed 7:30pm, Thu Noon; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Ending: Sat Dec 28 8pm 170 N Dearborn St (between Randolph and Lake Sts) (312) 443-3800 goodmantheatre.org Subway: Blue to Washington; Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Clark/Lake; Red to Lake The Goodmans holiday perennial returns for its 36th year. Larry Yando marks his sixth outing as Scrooge, while artistic associate Henry Wishcamper directs the Dickens classic for the first time. Unison’s holiday pop-up shop Shopping 1911 W Division St, Dec 01 Sun Noon–Sun 6pm; Dec 02 Mon 11am–Mon 7pm; Dec 04 Wed 11am–Wed 7pm; Dec 05 Thu 11am–Thu 7pm; Dec 06 Fri 11am–Fri 7pm; Dec 07 Sat 11am–Sat 7pm; Dec 08 Sun Noon–Sun 6pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 Noon–6pm 1911 W Division St If you’re planning to shop in Wicker Park this holiday season, make sure to stop by this pop-up. Local line Unison filled a storefront with its signature bedding, hand-printed pillows, table linens, fabric by the yard and more. Spend $100 or more, and you’ll get free gift wrap. Critics pick Purely Fashion pop-up shop Shopping 900 North Michigan Shops, Dec 01 Sun 11am–Sun 6pm; Dec 02 Mon 9:30am–Mon 8pm; Dec 03 Tue 9:30am–Tue 8pm; Dec 04 Wed 9:30am–Wed 8pm; Dec 05 Thu 9:30am–Thu 8pm; Dec 06 Fri 9:30am–Fri 8pm; Dec 07 Sat 11am–Sat 6pm. Ending: Tue Dec 24 9:30am–8pm 900 N Michigan Ave (between Delaware Pl and Walton St) (312) 915-3916 shop900 Locally produced smartphone app Purely Fashion comes to life in the form of a temporary brick-and-mortar shop. The app helps fashion fiends discover new designers, and the store has the same mission… Critics pick Blood on the Cats Neck Theater Trap Door Theatre, Today Sat 8pm; Dec 01 Sun 7pm; Dec 05 Thu 8pm; Dec 06 Fri 8pm; Dec 07 Sat 8pm; Dec 08 Sun 7pm; Dec 12 Thu 8pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 7pm 1655 W Cortland St (between Marshfield Ave and Paulina St) (773) 384-0494 trapdoortheatre Trap Door Theatre marks its 20th anniversary with a return to Rainer Werner Fassbinders absurdist comedy about an extraterrestrial explorer named Phoebe Zeitgeist who arrives on Earth, which the company first produced in 2006. Beata Pilch directs. Christmas Dearest Theater Marys Attic, Today Sat 7:30pm; Dec 01 Sun 7:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3:30pm; Dec 07 Sat 7:30pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 14 Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3:30pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 7:30pm 5400 N Clark St (at Balmoral Ave) (773) 784-6969 hamburgermaryschicago Subway: Red to Berwyn Its David Cerda as Joan Crawford as the Virgin Mary as Ebenezer Scrooge in the latest serving of Christmas camp from Hell in a Handbag Productions. Its a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Theater Greenhouse Theater Center, Dec 01 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm, Sun 5:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 06 Fri 7:30pm; Dec 08 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm, Sun 5:30pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 13 Fri 7:30pm; Dec 15 Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm, Sun 5:30pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 2:30pm 2257 N Lincoln Ave (between Webster and Belden Aves) (773) 404-7336 greenhousetheater.org Subway: Brown, Purple (rush hrs), Red to Fullerton American Blues Theaters perennial radio play–style production of the Frank Capra classic relocates to the Greenhouse Theater Center this year. An Iliad Theater Court Theatre, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30pm; Dec 04 Tue 7:30pm, Wed 10:30am; Dec 04 Wed 7:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 3pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30pm. Ending: Sun Dec 08 2:30pm 5535 S Ellis Ave (between 55th and 56th Sts) (773) 753-4472 courttheatre.org Timothy Edward Kane reprises his remarkable solo performance in Denis OHare and Lisa Petersons one-man adaptation of Homers epic poem, one of TOCs top ten shows of 2011. Critics pick Its the Political Economy, Stupid Art & Design Gallery 400, Dec 03 Tue 10am–Tue 6pm; Dec 04 Wed 10am–Wed 6pm; Dec 05 Thu 10am–Thu 6pm; Dec 06 Fri 10am–Fri 6pm; Dec 07 Sat Noon–Sat 6pm; Dec 10 Tue 10am–Tue 6pm; Dec 11 Wed 10am–Wed 6pm. Ending: Tue Jan 14 10am–6pm UIC, 400 S Peoria St (at Van Buren St) (312) 996-6114 gallery400.uic.edu Subway: Blue to UIC/Halsted This traveling exhibition, co-organized by Oliver Ressler and Gregory Sholette, features contemporary photography, installation, drawing and video addressing economic and political problems that started in 2008 and have been ongoing… Critics pick Kelly Kristin Jones and Nancy Newberry: Recent Works Art & Design Schneider Gallery, Dec 03 Tue 10:30am–Tue 5pm; Dec 04 Wed 10:30am–Wed 5pm; Dec 05 Thu 10:30am–Thu 5pm; Dec 06 Fri 10:30am–Fri 5pm; Dec 07 Sat 11am–Sat 5pm; Dec 10 Tue 10:30am–Tue 5pm; Dec 11 Wed 10:30am–Wed 5pm. Ending: Tue Dec 31 10:30am–5pm 230 W Superior St (between Wells and Franklin Sts) (312) 988-4033 schneidergallerychicago Subway: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Chicago Maybe its because weve been rewatching Friday Night Lights or just the fact that autumn always stirs up school-related memories, but this exhibition of new works by photographers Nancy Newberry and Kelly Kristin Jones appeals to our nostalgic fall feelings (and weird preoccupation with Texas)… The Way of the Shovel Art & Design Museum of Contemporary Art, Dec 01 Sun 10am–Sun 5pm; Dec 03 Tue 10am–Tue 8pm; Dec 04 Wed 10am–Wed 5pm; Dec 05 Thu 10am–Thu 5pm; Dec 06 Fri 10am–Fri 5pm; Dec 07 Sat 10am–Sat 5pm; Dec 08 Sun 10am–Sun 5pm. Ending: Sun Mar 09 9am–4pm 220 E Chicago Ave (at Mies van der Rohe Way) (312) 280-2660 mcachicago.org Subway: Red to Chicago Focusing on work created after 2000, The Way of the Shovel demonstrates how contemporary artists—in this case, those whove produced work after the year 2000—dig into the past to both recall and challenge various histories… Critics pick Robbie Rivera Clubs The Mid, Today Sat 10pm. 306 N Halsted St (at Wayman St) (312) 265-3990 themidchicago Subway: Green, Pink to Clinton Riveras name is synonymous with most of the top house labels around, including Defected, Toolroom, Azuli and, of course, his own label, Juicy. He came up deejaying on the Miami scene in the late ’90s and remains a staple there to this day… Critics pick Cheap Ice Skating in Millennium Park This week in Chicago Millennium Park, Dec 01 Sun 10am–Sun 9pm; Dec 02 Mon Noon–Mon 8pm; Dec 03 Tue Noon–Tue 8pm; Dec 04 Wed Noon–Wed 8pm; Dec 05 Thu Noon–Thu 8pm; Dec 06 Fri Noon–Fri 10pm; Dec 07 Sat 10am–Sat 10pm. Ending: Sun Mar 09 9am–8pm 55 N Michigan Ave (at Washington St) (312) 742-1168 millenniumpark.org Subway: Blue to Washington; Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph; Red to Lake The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open to the public for skating in the shadow of the downtown skyline—and entry is free. New this year are Winter Workouts, which feature ice skating lessons and ice sports drills on certain days throughout the winter months. Skate rental is $10. Critics pick The Peoples A Christmas Wish Theater Blue Theatre, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 14 Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm; Dec 15 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 21 Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm; Dec 22 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Ending: Sun Dec 22 2pm 1609 W Gregory St (between Ashland Ave and Paulina St) (312) 458-0895 questensemble.org Subway: Red to Bryn Mawr A real Christmas miracle is needed when reindeer Dasher gets separated from the sleigh and wakes up wall-mounted in a taxidermy shop. Hell get help from all kinds of animal friends in Quests puppet-infused, family-friendly new holiday musical by Andrew Park and Scott Lamps. The Mikado Theater Steppenwolf Garage, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm; Dec 01 Sun 8pm; Dec 05 Thu 8pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 4pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm; Dec 12 Thu 8pm; Dec 14 Fri 8pm, Sat 4pm. Ending: Sun Dec 29 8pm 1624 N Halsted St (between North Ave and Willow St) (312) 335-1650 steppenwolf.org Subway: Red to North/Clybourn With Sean Graneys adaptation of The Pirates of Penzance firmly in the Hypocrites repertoire, the companys founder turns his attention to another Gilbert and Sullivan classic, refashioning it into a goofy, carnivalesque family-friendly treat… Paulus Theater Silk Road Rising at Chicago Temple Building, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 4pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 14 Fri 8pm, Sat 4pm; Dec 15 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm. Ending: Sun Dec 15 4pm 77 W Washington St (between Dearborn and Clark Sts) (312) 857-1234 srtp.org Subway: Red to Lake; Blue to Washington; Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Clark/Lake Israeli playwright Motti Lerner (Pangs of the Messiah) pens a fanciful psychological portrait of the Apostle Paul. Jimmy McDermott directs. The Peacock Theater City Lit Theatre, Today Sat 7:30pm; Dec 01 Sun 7:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 7:30pm; Dec 06 Fri 7:30pm; Dec 07 Sat 7:30pm; Dec 08 Sun 7:30pm; Dec 12 Thu 7:30pm. Ending: Sat Dec 14 7:30pm 1020 W Bryn Mawr Ave (at Kenmore Ave) (773) 293-3682 citylit.org Subway: Red to Bryn Mawr Calamity Wests new play for Jackalope Theatre Company centers on a woman in the boys club of a college fiction-writing workshop just after World War II. Marti Lyons directs. Cheap Great Expectations Theater Strawdog Theatre Company, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm; Dec 05 Thu 8pm; Dec 06 Fri 8pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm; Dec 12 Thu 8pm; Dec 13 Fri 8pm; Dec 15 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm. Ending: Sun Dec 15 4pm 3829 N Broadway (between Grace St and Sheridan Rd) (773) 528-9696 strawdog.org Subway: Red to Sheridan Gale Childs Daly adapts Charles Dickenss sprawling novel for a cast of six. Jason W. Gerace directs. Critics pick Sound of Music Sing-A-Long Film Music Box, Dec 01 Sat 8:30pm, Sun 11:30am, Sun 4pm. Ending: Sun Dec 01 4pm 3733 N Southport Ave (between Grace St and Waveland Ave) (773) 871-6604 musicboxtheatre Subway: Brown to Southport This is one of our favorite things: the classic shown with on-screen lyrics for an audience sing-a-long. Each screening includes a costume contest, vocal warm-up and complimentary Magic Moments Pack filled with various props. Critics pick Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light Museums Museum of Science and Industry, Dec 01 Sun 9:30am–Sun 4pm; Dec 02 Mon 9:30am–Mon 4pm; Dec 03 Tue 9:30am–Tue 4pm; Dec 04 Wed 9:30am–Wed 4pm; Dec 05 Thu 9:30am–Thu 4pm; Dec 06 Fri 9:30am–Fri 4pm; Dec 07 Sat 9:30am–Sat 4pm. Ending: Sun Jan 05 9:30am–4pm 5700 S Lake Shore Dr (at 57th St) (773) 684-1414 msichicago.org The MSIs halls are decked with holly—literally—and filled with the sparkles of dozens of holiday lights at this popular annual exhibit… Critics pick State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda Museums The Field Museum, Dec 01 Sun 9am–Sun 5pm; Dec 02 Mon 9am–Mon 5pm; Dec 03 Tue 9am–Tue 5pm; Dec 04 Wed 9am–Wed 5pm; Dec 05 Thu 9am–Thu 5pm; Dec 06 Fri 9am–Fri 5pm; Dec 07 Sat 9am–Sat 5pm. Ending: Sun Feb 02 9am–5pm 1400 S Lake Shore Dr (at McFetridge Dr) (312) 922-9410 fieldmuseum.org Subway: Green, Orange, Red to Roosevelt This traveling exhibit produced by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum looks at how Nazis used propaganda to win broad support of voters in Germanys democracy after World War I, and to justify war and mass murder under a dictatorship… Critics pick Art and Appetite: American Painting, Culture and Cuisine Art & Design Art Institute of Chicago, Today Sat 10:30pm–Sun 5pm; Dec 01 Sun 10:30pm–Mon 5pm; Dec 02 Mon 10:30pm–Tue 5pm; Dec 03 Tue 10:30pm–Wed 5pm; Dec 04 Wed 10:30pm–Thu 5pm; Dec 05 Thu 10:30pm–Fri 8pm; Dec 06 Fri 10:30pm–Sat 5pm. Ending: Mon Jan 27 10:30pm–5pm 111 S Michigan Ave (at Adams St) (312) 443-3600 artic.edu/aic Subway: Blue, Red to Jackson; Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Adams If we are what we eat, then this exhibition—featuring more than 100 paintings, sculptures and decorative arts depicting an array of edibles, lavish meals, the remnants of meals and factory-produced foods—tells us a lot about what we are… Critics pick Port Authority Theater Books on Vernon, Dec 01 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; Dec 01 Sun 6pm; Dec 03 Tue 7:30pm; Dec 04 Wed 7:30pm; Dec 05 Thu 8pm; Dec 07 Fri 8pm, Sat 4pm; Dec 08 Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Ending: Sun Feb 16 6pm 664 Vernon Ave Three Dublin men recount missed connections in Conor McPhersons interlocking monologues. William Brown directs the first of Writers Theatres two McPherson productions this season. Critics pick The Nexus Project Dance Mana Contemporary, Dec 01 Sun 5pm. Ending: Sun Dec 01 5pm 2233 S Throop St (at Cermak Rd) (312) 850-8301 manafinearts This two-man dance performance features Benjamin Wardell and Michel Rodriquez Cintra and seeks to redefine the two-man dance performance, or at least challenge the predictable structure… Critics pick Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light This week in Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, Dec 01 Sun 9:30am–Sun 4pm; Dec 02 Mon 9:30am–Mon 4pm; Dec 03 Tue 9:30am–Tue 4pm; Dec 04 Wed 9:30am–Wed 4pm; Dec 05 Thu 9:30am–Thu 4pm; Dec 06 Fri 9:30am–Fri 4pm; Dec 07 Sat 9:30am–Sat 4pm. Ending: Sun Jan 05 9:30am–4pm 5700 S Lake Shore Dr (at 57th St) (773) 684-1414 msichicago.org The 50-tree forest gives museum guests a glimpse into how Christmas is celebrated by different cultures around the globe. Enjoy falling fake snow and culture-specific music and dance performances on the holiday stage. Critics pick The Polar Express 4-D Experience This week in Chicago Shedd Aquarium, Today Sat 5:15pm; Dec 01 Sun 10:15am, Sun 11:15am, Sun 12:15pm, Sun 1:15pm, Sun 2:15pm, Sun 3:15pm, Sun 4:15pm, Sun 5:15pm; Dec 02 Mon 10:15am, Mon 11:15am, Mon 12:15pm, Mon 1:15pm, Mon 2:15pm, Mon 3:15pm; Dec 03 Tue 10:15am, Tue 11:15am, Tue 12:15pm, Tue 1:15pm, Tue 2:15pm, Tue 3:15pm; Dec 04 Wed 10:15am, Wed 11:15am, Wed 12:15pm, Wed 1:15pm, Wed 2:15pm, Wed 3:15pm; Dec 05 Thu 10:15am, Thu 11:15am, Thu 12:15pm, Thu 1:15pm, Thu 2:15pm, Thu 3:15pm; Dec 06 Fri 10:15am, Fri 11:15am, Fri 12:15pm, Fri 1:15pm, Fri 2:15pm, Fri 3:15pm. Ending: Tue Dec 24 3:15pm 1200 S Lake Shore Dr (312) 939-2438 sheddaquarium.org Catch this holiday classic at the Shedd in a 15-minute 4-D presentation. Critics pick Grant Park Turkey Trot This week in Chicago Burn off all those calories you ate on Thanksgiving on this 5K Turkey Trot with a view of the skyline. Race participants get a free long-sleeve souvenir shirt. Critics pick Updated UL Santa House This week in Chicago Daley Plaza, Dec 01 Sun 11am–Sun 8pm; Dec 06 Fri 11am–Fri 8pm; Dec 07 Sat 11am–Sat 8pm; Dec 08 Sun 11am–Sun 8pm; Dec 13 Fri 11am–Fri 8pm; Dec 14 Sat 11am–Sat 8pm; Dec 15 Sun 11am–Sun 8pm. Ending: Tue Dec 24 11am–4pm Washington and Dearborn Sts (312) 744-3315 explorechicago.org Subway: Red to Lake; Blue to Washington; Pink, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph Visit with Santa Claus, enjoy interactive activities and have pictures taken at this imagining of Santa’s workshop. Critics pick Wonderland Express This week in Chicago Chicago Botanic Garden, Dec 01 Sun 10am–Sun 6pm; Dec 02 Mon 10am–Mon 6pm; Dec 03 Tue 10am–Tue 6pm; Dec 04 Wed 10am–Wed 6pm; Dec 05 Thu 10am–Thu 6pm; Dec 06 Fri 10am–Fri 6pm; Dec 07 Sat 10am–Sat 6pm. Ending: Sun Jan 05 10am–6pm 1000 Lake-Cook Rd (847) 835-5440 chicagobotanic.org The holiday mood will fill your spirit when you visit the Botanic Gardens 10,000-square-foot model train exhibit, which runs through some 80 itty-bitty city monuments amd features a replica of the Stanley Cup. Outside, more than 750,000 twinkling lights dazzle the gardens. Critics pick Holiday Magic This week in Chicago Brookfield Zoo, Dec 01 Sun 4pm–Sun 9pm; Dec 07 Sat 4pm–Sat 9pm; Dec 08 Sun 4pm–Sun 9pm; Dec 14 Sat 4pm–Sat 9pm; Dec 15 Sun 4pm–Sun 9pm; Dec 21 Sat 4pm–Sat 9pm; Dec 22 Sun 4pm–Sun 9pm. Ending: Tue Dec 31 4pm–9pm 3300 Golf Rd (708) 688-8000 brookfieldzoo.org Brookfield Zoos annual holiday fest lights up the weekends with live music, ice sculpting, a laser show, a new 38-foot Talking Tree, Santa appearances and lots and lots of colored lights… Critics pick Fortune Feimster Comedy Zanies Rosemont, Today Sat 7pm, Sat 9:30pm. Ending: Sat Nov 30 9:30pm 5437 Park Pl zanies Feimster cracks us up both live and on Chelsea Lately. Shes physical, fearless and very funny. Critics pick The Great Tree at Macys This week in Chicago Macys, Dec 01 Sun 11am–Sun 7pm; Dec 02 Mon 10am–Mon 9pm; Dec 03 Tue 10am–Tue 9pm; Dec 04 Wed 10am–Wed 9pm; Dec 05 Thu 10am–Thu 9pm; Dec 06 Fri 10am–Fri 9pm; Dec 07 Sat 10am–Sat 9pm. Ending: Tue Dec 31 10am–9pm 111 N State St (at Washington St) (312) 781-1000 macys Subway: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs), Red to State/Lake One of State Streets storied holiday traditions, Macys carries on the practice begun by Marshall Fields of displaying a huge Christmas tree for the delight of shoppers and those lucky enough to snag a table in the historic seventh floor Walnut Room. More: timeoutchicago/search/apachesolr_search?date_event=today&filters=type%3Aoccurrence&rows=50
Posted on: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 23:11:16 +0000
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