2019 Holiday Guide to Chicago Theatre

LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES 

HOLIDAY 

THEATRE 

GUIDE 

SEE OUR CITY 

BARE ITS 

FEARLESS SOUL 

#2019isYOCT #ChiTheatre 

Learn More: ChicagoPlays.com 

+ Half-price deals available at HotTix.org!

FOR FAMILIES 

AND AGES 10+ 

FOR CHILDREN 

OF ALL AGES 

November 27 - December 29 

Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. 

LandofForgottenToysTheMusical.com 

773-404-7336 

Your holiday destination for family entertainment 

GREENHOUSETHEATER.COM 

NOVEMBER 9, 2019 — JANUARY 5, 2020 • BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE 

DECEMBER 18, 2019 — JANUARY 5, 2020 • CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE 

$15 and $30 tickets to over 100 shows 

#CTW20 

Tickets go on sale January 14! 

CHICAGOTHEATREWEEK.COM

HOLIDAY-THEMED PRODUCTIONS 

To truly fall in love with Chicago, you must go to our theatres. This is where the city bares its 

fearless soul. Every year, dozens of companies present thrilling holiday productions in many 

neighborhoods and suburbs. Plus, turn to page 8 for non-holiday shows on stage this season! 

NEAR NORTH | ONLY TWO PERFORMANCES! 

Amahl and the Night Visitors 

Chamber Opera Chicago at the Athenaeum 

Theatre 2936 N. Southport | 773-935-6875: One 

of the most popular operas of all time, its timeless 

and inspiring message of how faith, charity, 

unselfish love and good deeds can work miracles 

will fill your hearts with the true meaning of the 

season. Nov 30 - Dec 1 

FAR NORTH 

America’s Best Outcast Toy - 

An Oddball Holiday Reality Musical 

Pride Films and Plays at The Broadway 4139 N. 

Broadway | 866-811-4111: We all know the story 

of the outcast toys and how they were rescued 

from their island by a certain reindeer. But what 

became of the outcast toys when they came back 

to America? They became huge celebrities, of 

course! Nov 29 - Jan 12 

NEAR WEST 

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party 

Chicago Children’s Theatre at The Station 

100 S. Racine | 312-374-8835: After this interactive 

trunk and puppet show, audience members 

are invited on stage to pull levers and turn cranks 

that reveal images of surprise and delight and 

pose for memorable photos with the cast. Recommended 

for ages 2-6. Dec 7 - 29 

FAR NORTH 

Bette: X-Mas at the Continental Baths 

Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary’s Attic 

5400 N. Clark | 312-409-4357: This loving recreation 

of the beginning of Ms. Midler’s stellar career 

features the fabulous songs she sang for the 

boys in the bathhouse, including ‘Chattanooga 

Choo-Choo’ and ‘Superstar’ - plus holiday ditties 

done in Bette’s inimitable style. Dec 6 - 31 

DOWNTOWN 

Burning Bluebeard 

The Ruffians at Porchlight Music Theatre in the 

Ruth Page Theater 1016 N. Dearborn | 773- 

777-9884: Told with music, clowning, tumbling, 

acrobatics, and dance, Burning Bluebeard is 

inspired by the true story of Chicago’s former 

Iroquois Theatre and the unforgettable events 

that resulted in tragedy for 600 theatregoers at 

Christmastime in 1903. Dec 13 - 27 

DOWNTOWN | ONLY TWO PERFORMANCES! 

A Chanticleer Christmas 

Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Fourth 

Presbyterian Church 126 E. Chestnut | 312-294- 

3000: Kick-start your holiday season with the 

Grammy®-winning male chorus, known around 

the world as “an orchestra of voices.” Dec 3 - 4 

NEAR NORTH 

Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy 

Night Nuns4Fun at the Royal George Theatre 

1641 N. Halsted | 312-988-9000: Brush up on 

your Yuletide trivia, because with this uniquely 

interactive show, you’ll be playing for actual 

prizes. Through Dec 29 

CHICAGO SUBURBS 

A Christmas Carol the Musical 

BrightSide Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at 

North Central College 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville 

| 630-447-8497: Charles Dickens’ classic gets the 

full Broadway treatment as they reawaken the 

true spirit of Christmas with a heart-stirring tale 

of beauty and redemption. Nov 29 - Dec 15 

DOWNTOWN 

A Christmas Carol 

Goodman Theatre 170 N. Dearborn | 312-443- 

3800: The heartwarming story of Ebenezer 

Scrooge’s discovery of kindness, compassion 

and redemption — a must-see Chicago holiday 

tradition enjoyed by 1.5 million theatregoers for 

over four decades. Through Dec 29 



Metropolis Performing Arts Centre 111 W. 

Campbell, Arlington Heights | 847-577-2121: 

This retelling of the Charles Dickens classic is 

filled with warmth, humor, music and holiday 

cheer. Recommended for grades 1-12. Nov 29 - 

Dec 24 



Mudlark Theater Company at Noyes Street 

Theatre 927 Noyes, Evanston | 847-448-0708: 

This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale 

has all the familiar characters, but features a 

chorus of carolers who nimbly transition us 

through Scrooge’s journey of self-examination 

and redemption. Dec 12 - 22 

1

NOW THROUGH DEC 31 • SECONDCITY.COM 

FAR NORTH 

The Christmas Foundling 

Pride Films and Plays at The Buena 4147 N. 

Broadway | 800-737-0984: Inspired by the stories 

of Bret Harte, this heartwarming holiday tale 

has the love of a child at its center and an unlikely 

romance as its driving force. Dec 5 - Jan 5 

FAR NORTH 

Cold Town/Hotline: A Chicago Holiday 

Story Raven Theatre 6157 N. Clark | 773-338- 

2177: December, 1983. Five volunteers have come 

together to answer calls for a hotline created to 

help fellow Chicagoans cope with the holiday 

blues. But with a record-breaking cold front 

sweeping across Chicago, these good samaritans 

are forced to hunker down for a long night 

together. Nov 30 - Dec 22 

DOWNTOWN 

Corduroy Broadway In Chicago and 

Emerald City Theatre at the Broadway 

Playhouse 175 E. Chestnut | 800-775-2000: 

Along with exciting scenes of clowning and 

mischief, this story teaches the importance of 

empathy and unconditional love. Recommended 

for ages 3 and up. Through Jan 5 

NEAR NORTH 

Deck the Hallmark: A Greeting Card 

Channel Original The Second City at UP 

Comedy Club 230 W. North | 312-337-3992: 

A festive new holiday movie parody that scorches 

the clichés, tropes, and so-bad-they’re-good 

romances that have kept cable networks in business 

and former child stars employed. Rated R. 

Through Dec 31 

2 

Please note: All information is subject to change. 

NEAR NORTH 

Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish - 

The Musical Greenhouse Theater Center 2257 

N. Lincoln | 773-404-7336: The story of a rag 

doll named Eleanor who lives in The North Pole. 

Despite her love for her family there, Eleanor’s 

very merry Christmas wish is for a best friend and 

home of her own. Recommended for ages 3 and 

up. Nov 19 - Dec 29 

SOUTH | ONE WEEKEND ONLY! 

Elf, the Musical JR. Beverly Arts Center of 

Chicago 2407 W. 111th | 773-445-3838: A title 

known the world over, this is a must-see holiday 

musical from their theatre students. Dec 12 - 15 

FAR NORTH 

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, 

The Holiday Edition, Vol. 2 Hell in a 

Handbag Productions at Mary’s Attic 5400 N. 

Clark | 312-409-4357: Celebrate the season in 

sunny Miami, as Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and 

Sophia return for new holiday episodes of Chicago’s 

beloved TV sitcom parody. Nov 27 - Dec 30 

DOWNTOWN | ONLY TWO PERFORMANCES! 

Händel’s Messiah 

Apollo Chorus of Chicago at the Harris Theater 

for Music and Dance 205 E. Randolph | 312- 

334-7777: One of Chicago’s greatest holiday 

traditions, audiences flock to hear this thrilling 

rendition of Händel’s Messiah. Dec 14 - 15 

NEAR NORTH 

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins 

Strawdog Theatre Company 1802 W. Berenice 

| 773-644-1380: In this stage adaptation of the 

Caldecott Honor winning book by Eric Kimmel, 

the story comes to life with music and a little bit 

of magic for families of all ages to enjoy. 

Dec 7 - 28

FROM THE FRANK CAPRA CLASSIC 

vNOVEMBER 14 – 

JANUARY 4 

AmericanBluesTheater.com 

(773) 654-3103 

CHICAGO SUBURBS | ONE WEEKEND ONLY! 

Holly the Elf Saves Xmas Eve Fremont 

Street Theater Company at Pheasant Run Resort 

4051 E. Main, Saint Charles | 630-584-6300: 

Holly, the Elf! Santa, the reindeer, and all the caribou 

who live in the North have come down with a 

nasty case of the Candy Cane Flu, but good little 

boys and girls everywhere are counting on Holly 

and her helpful elves to quickly find the right 

“Stand Ins” to get the job done. Dec 6 - 8 

DOWNTOWN 

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas 

Broadway In Chicago at the Cadillac Palace 

Theatre 151 W. Randolph | 800-775-2000: The 

story of a song-and-dance team putting on a 

show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a 

stunning sister act in the process. Full of dancing, 

laughter, and some of the greatest songs ever 

written. Dec 10 - 15 


It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 

Oil Lamp Theater 1723 Glenview Rd, Glenview | 

847-834-0738: A holiday tradition that audiences 

embrace enthusiastically as they’re swept up in 

the magic and whimsy of this timeless classic. 

Only seven actors bring the dozens of characters 

to life in a 1946 radio play. Nov 29 - Dec 29 

NEAR NORTH 

It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! 

American Blues Theater at Stage 773 1225 W. 

Belmont | 773-654-3103: The incredible cast 

of the second longest holiday play in Chicago 

recreates the entire town of Bedford Falls with 

Foley sound effects, an original score, and holiday 

carols. Through Jan 4 

NEAR NORTH 

The Land of Forgotten Toys CPA Theatricals 

at the Greenhouse Theater Center 2257 N. 

Lincoln | 773-404-7336: A brand new holiday 

musical for families with teens and tweens about 

a brilliant young woman just out of high school 

and her quest to save Christmas. Nov 27 - Dec 29 

DOWNTOWN 

Merry, Merry Chicago! 

Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Orchestra Hall 

220 S. Michigan | 312-294-3000: Ring in the 

holidays with Symphony Center’s annual 

spectacular featuring Members of the CSO, the 

Chicago Symphony Chorus, and special guests 

performing festive favorites. Dec 14 - 23 

SOUTH 

Mrs. Claus - A Holiday Musical 

Chicago Kids Company at Beverly Arts Center of 

Chicago 2407 W. 111th | 773-445-3838: Chicago 

Kids Company’s holiday classic celebrates its 

20th year. Dec 5 - 23 

NEAR NORTH 

The Nutcracker Ballet Chicago at the 

Athenaeum Theatre 2936 N. Southport | 773- 

935-6875: Through its inspiring story, beautiful 

music, and charming choreography, The Nutcracker 

is a celebration of the joyous holiday 

season. Dec 13 - 22 

NEAR WEST 

The Nutcracker The House Theatre of 

Chicago at the Chopin Theatre 1543 W. Division | 

773-769-3832: Appearing for the 10th year at the 

Chopin Theatre, and featuring all new puppets, it 

is fast-paced, beautifully choreographed, familyfriendly, 

and moving, even for those of us that 

might be on the Grinch’s side from time to time. 


3

NOVEMBER 7 - JANUARY 5 

LINDIWE 

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 

WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION 

FEATURING LIVE MUSIC FROM 

LADYSMITH BLACK 

MAMBAZO! 

DOWNTOWN 

The Nutcracker Joffrey Ballet at the 

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University 

50 E. Ida B. Wells | 312-341-2310: Wheeldon’s 

acclaimed turn-of-the-century tale opens on 

Christmas Eve, 1892, mere months before the 

grand opening of the 1893 World’s Fair, as young 

Marie and her mother prepare for a Christmas 

Eve potluck celebration. Nov 30 - Dec 29 


The Nutcracker Salt Creek Ballet at the 

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 9501 

Skokie Blvd, Skokie | 847-673-6300: An affordable 

full-length holiday production performed in 

the grand Russian style by a professional company 

with incredible guest soloists. Dec 21 - 22 


The Nutcracker with New Philharmonic 

Salt Creek Ballet at McAninch Arts Center 425 

Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn | 630-942-4000: A 

magical full-scale production of the gorgeous 

holiday classic featuring accompaniment from 

New Philharmonic – a rare opportunity to see this 

magnificent ballet set to live music. Dec 14 - 15 

DOWNTOWN 

Q Brothers Christmas Carol 

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater 800 E. 

Grand on Navy Pier | 312-595-5600: This wildly 

entertaining reinterpretation of the Charles Dickens 

classic mashes up hip hop with contemporary 

musical styles ranging from reggae and dancehall 

music, to dubstep and epic rock ballads, all underscored 

with beats spun live at the turntables 

by a DJ. Nov 29 - Dec 23 

DOWNTOWN 

The Santaland Diaries Goodman Theatre 

170 N. Dearborn | 312-443-3800: Strapped for 

cash, a struggling actor takes a job as “Crumpet 

the Elf” at Macy’s Santaland — and his hilarious 

observations are more naughty than nice. For 

mature elves only. Nov 29 - Dec 29 

NEAR NORTH 

The Second City’s Best of the Holidays 

The Second City Mainstage 1616 N. Wells | 312- 

337-3992: Celebrate 60 years of sketches, songs, 

and comedic conviviality as the next generation 

of comedy superstars perform their greatest 

holiday hits. Plus, The Second City’s famous improvisation 

means every show is like a snowflake: 

no two are alike - or are impervious to climate 

change. Rated R. Through Dec 30 


The Second City’s The Good, The Bad 

& The Ugly Sweater The Second City at 

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre 111 W. Campbell 

St, Arlington Heights | 847-577-2121: Laugh 

along with The Second City as comedy’s best and 

brightest roast the chestnuts outta all the things 

we lovingly loathe about the holiday season. Dec 

21 - 31 


The Second City’s The Good, The Bad 

& The Ugly Sweater The Second City at 

Paramount Theatre 23 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora 

| 630-896-6666: Chicago’s notorious improv 

troupe is back to make you laugh through the 

holidays. Nov 29 - Dec 22 

4 

Please note: All information is subject to change.

GoodmanTheatre.org 

312.443.3800 

ADAPTED BY TOM CREAMER 

DIRECTED BY HENRY WISHCAMPER 

NOV. 16 – DEC. 29 

DOWNTOWN 

The Steadfast Tin Soldier Lookingglass 

Theatre 821 N. Michigan | 312-337-0665: Hans 

Christian Andersen’s story about a little tin soldier 

who never gives up comes back to Lookingglass 

for a winter-time curtain call. Ensemble 

member Mary Zimmerman fashions an extravagant 

and exhilarating spectacle, infused with 

music and movement. Through Jan 26 

FAR NORTH | MONDAYS AT 8PM & WEEKEND PERFORMANCES 

That’s Weird, Grandma: Holiday 

Extravaganza PlayMakers Laboratory Theatre 

at The Neo-Futurarium 5153 N. Ashland | 773- 

506-7140: Holiday stories written by Chicago 

elementary school students and adapted for the 

stage by professional theatre artists. Dec 9 - 21 

DOWNTOWN 

‘Twas the Night Before... 

Cirque du Soleil at The Chicago Theatre 175 N. 

State | 312-462-6300: Join a curious girl who has 

become jaded by the hoopla surrounding Christmas 

as she is whisked away to an upside-down, 

inside-out world where she meets characters 

inspired by the original timeless poem. Nov 29 - 

Dec 8 

NEAR NORTH 

Twelfth Night Midsommer Flight at Lincoln 

Park Conservatory 2391 N. Stockton: This holiday 

smash hit returns for year five. Join as they once 

again enter Illyria, with a new company of artists 

to delight in this wonderful tale. Dec 5 - 22 

NEAR NORTH 

A Very Bloody Christmas Carol 

Greenhouse Theater Center 2257 N. Lincoln | 

773-404-7336: Scrooge has changed, but the 

world has not. Inspired to make the banks play 

fair, he inadvertently crashes the market and the 

city burns. When Tiny Tim is kidnapped in the 

ensuing chaos, Scrooge must face the consequences 

of his actions in a desperate race to save 

the boy. But he knows all too well - everything 

has a price. Nov 20 - Dec 19 


The Wickhams: Christmas at 

Pemberley Northlight Theatre at the North 

Shore Center for the Performing Arts 9501 

Skokie Blvd, Skokie | 847-673-6300: An original 

holiday sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. 

While the Bennets and Darcys are celebrating upstairs, 

the servants below stairs find themselves 

in the midst of a holiday scandal. Through Dec 15 


A Xmas Cuento: Remix 16th Street Theater 

at the Berwyn Cultural Center 6420 16th St, Berwyn 

| 708-795-6704: Celebrating Latinx culture 

and modern music, this is an exciting and joyous 

Christmas Carol for today. Nov 29 - Dec 29 

For more information, visit 

CHICAGOPLAYS.com 

Half-price tickets may be available at 

HOTTIX.org 

5

Friday, Nov 29 

Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night 

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre: 111 W. Campbell, 

Arlington Heights - Brush up on your Yuletide trivia 

and play for actual prizes in this uniquely interactive 

show. 847-577-2121 

Saturday, Nov 30 

Christmas in Vienna 

Vienna Boys Choir at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: 

220 S. Michigan, Chicago - The world’s oldest and 

most celebrated choral groups performs popular folk 

songs, beloved classical music, and cherished holiday 

favorites. 312-294-3000 

Sunday, Dec 1 

A Million Dollar Christmas 

McAninch Arts Center: 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn - 

Join the smash hit cast of Presley, Perkins, Lewis, and 

Cash for a rip-roaring holiday show that’ll have you 

rockin’ around the Christmas tree. 630-942-4000 

Monday, Dec 2 

A Cherry, Cherry Christmas 


Arlington Heights - A selection of songs from Neil 

Diamond’s four Christmas albums and, of course, his 

greatest hits. 847-577-2121 

Tuesday, Dec 3 

Farrenc Symphony No. 3 

Lakeview Orchestra at the Athenaeum Theatre: 2936 N. 

Southport, Chicago - Famous pieces with a piece that 

should be more famous. 773-935-6875 

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio 

Theatre Metropolis Performing Arts Centre: 111 W. 

Campbell, Arlington Heights - This 1940s radio style 

adaptation of Frank Capra’s film classic is a guaranteed 

holiday winner. 847-577-2121 

Wednesday, Dec 4 

The 12 Dames of Christmas, Starring 

Angela Ingersoll Artists Lounge Live at Metropolis 

Performing Arts Centre: 111 W. Campbell, Arlington 

Heights - Award-winning dynamo Angela Ingersoll 

joyously captures the iconic voices of the holiday 

season. 847-577-2121 

Friday, Dec 6 

Rockapella 

Dominican University Performing Arts: 7900 W. Division, 

River Forest - With their sparkling renditions of 

holiday classics, this concert will put anyone in the 

Christmas spirit. 708-488-5000 

7th Annual Jazz Faculty Christmas Concert 

North Central College’s Madden Theatre: 171 E. 

Chicago Ave, Naperville - Featuring a collection of 

well-known holiday favorites with a jazz twist. 630- 

637-7469 

Holidisco 

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus at the Athenaeum Theatre: 

2936 N. Southport, Chicago - Shiny disco balls and bell 

bottoms kick off a festive season with disco renditions 

of your beloved holiday favorites. 773-935-6875 

Saturday, Dec 7 

Holidisco 

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus at the North Shore Center 

for the Performing Arts: 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie - 

Shiny disco balls and bell bottoms kick off a festive 

season with disco renditions of your beloved holiday 

favorites. 847-673-6300 

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Sweater 

The Second City at the McAninch Arts Center: 425 

Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn - Members of the Touring 

Company showcase a festive mix of material from The 

Second City archives. 630-942-4000 

Sunday, Dec 8 

Deep in the Heart of Christmas 

The Texas Tenors at North Central College’s Pfeiffer 

Hall: 310 E. Benton Ave, Naperville - Since their whirlwind 

debut six years ago on America’s Got Talent, The 

Texas Tenors have accumulated a long list of awards, 

accolades, and excited fans. 630-637-7469 

Holiday Baroque 

Rembrandt Chamber Players at Alice Millar Chapel: 

1870 Sheridan Rd, Evanston - Performing some of the 

season’s most beautiful music by Bach, Handel, and 

Telemann. 872-395-1754 

Holidays: Marcus Roberts Trio 

Chicago Philharmonic at the Harris Theater for Music 

and Dance: 205 E. Randolph, Chicago - Don’t miss Gershwin’s 

Concerto in F as you’ve never heard it before, 

with the fearless Marcus Roberts Trio joining the full 

orchestra on stage. 312-334-7777 

Holidisco 

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus at the Beverly Arts Center: 

2407 W. 111th, Chicago - Shiny disco balls and bell bottoms 

kick off a festive season with disco renditions of 

your beloved holiday favorites. 773-445-0386

ONE DAY 

ONLY! 

A Polish Celebration 

The Lira Ensemble at the North Shore Center for the 

Performing Arts: 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie - The 

nation’s only professional ensemble specializing in 

Polish music, song, and dance. 847-673-6300 

Monday, Dec 9 

It’s the Best Time of the Year 

The Lakeside Singers at Metropolis Performing Arts 

Centre: 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights - Authentic 

arrangements of jazz, gospel, rock, folk, R&B, and 

more. 847-577-2121 

Songs from My Holiday Closet 

Pride Films and Plays at The Broadway: 4139 N. 

Broadway, Chicago - A night of heartwarming and 

hilarious “HoliGay” music featuring the original songs 

of Larry Todd Cousineau. 866-811-4111 


Uncle Larry’s Holiday Humbug Comedy Show 


Arlington Heights - Larry Reeb is the wise cracking 

politically incorrect relative everyone knows, and he 

wants to help, so he gives tips. 847-577-2121 

Saturday, Dec 14 

Canadian Brass 

North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall: 171 E. 

Chicago Ave, Naperville - The Canadian Brass repertoire 

features brass standards as well as a wide-ranging 

library of original arrangements. 630-637-7469 

Don We Now 

Windy City Performing Arts at DePaul University’s 

Holtschneider Performance Center: 2330 N. Halsted, 

Chicago - Performing favorites from the ensemble’s 

40 years of meaningful performances. 773-325-7900 

Filament Holiday Special 

Filament Theatre: 4041 N. Milwaukee, Chicago - 

Screenings of A Charlie Brown Christmas & How the 

Grinch Stole Christmas, voiced by Filament actors 

with live accompaniment by Slap Happy Jazz Trio. 

773-270-1660 

Holiday Cabernet 

Ghostlight Ensemble Theatre Company at Vagabond 

School of the Arts: 4001 N. Ravenswood, Chicago - 

An evening of holiday classics (or not-so-classics) by 

performers, emerging artists, and surprise guests in 

a cabaret-style setting with a host who may or may 

not be toasted. 773-377-5342 

Spirit of the Holidays Sing-A-Long 

Robin Spielberg at North Central College’s Pfeiffer Hall: 

310 E. Benton Ave, Naperville - Join Robin in a concert 

that incorporates the joy of the season with sing-alongs, 

meaningful reflection, fun stories, and concert 

films. 630-637-7469 

Sunday, Dec 15 

Tidings of Tap! 

Chicago Tap Theatre at the North Shore Center for the 

Performing Arts: 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie - A warm 

and wondrous journey through Christmas, Hanukkah, 

& the Winter Season… with all live music. 847-673- 

6300 

Monday, Dec 16 

Christmas in Ireland 

Irish Tenor Emmet Cahill at Metropolis Performing Arts 

Centre: 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights - Having 

recently sold out New York’s Carnegie Hall, Emmet 

returns to Chicago to perform holiday favourites, as 

well as classic Irish songs. 847-577-2121 

Sing! An Irish Christmas 

Getty Music at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: 220 S. 

Michigan, Chicago - Join Ireland’s own Keith & Kristyn 

Getty, known for carols and modern hymns such as “In 

Christ Alone” for a vibrant celebration of the season. 

312-294-3000 

Wednesday, Dec 18 

Home for Christmas Concert 

Elisabeth von Trapp at Metropolis Performing Arts 

Centre: 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights - A joyous 

family celebration of festive holiday music from 

around the world, including heartwarming stories of 

Christmas in the von Trapp household and their native 

Austria. 847-577-2121 

Friday, Dec 20 

Brandenburg Concertos 

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at the 

Harris Theater for Music and Dance: 205 E. Randolph, 

Chicago - With their stunning variety of novel 

instrumentations, their unforgettable tunes, and their 

irresistible energy, the Brandenburgs easily serve as a 

definition of what good music should be. 312-334-7777 


New Year’s Eve Concert 

New Philharmonic at McAninch Arts Center: 425 Fawell 

Blvd, Glen Ellyn - Ring in the New Year with New 

Philharmonic and Maestro Kirk Muspratt conducting 

waltzes, arias, light classical, and movie music. 630- 

942-4000 


7

MORE SHOWS TO SEE DURING THE HOLIDAYS 

NEAR NORTH 

108th Mainstage Revue The Second City 

Mainstage 1616 N. Wells | 312-337-3992 | COMEDY: This 

is the most exciting time to see a show on their stages. 

The cast is fresh, new material is worked into the show 

every night, and your laughter in the audience helps 

shape the final show. Rated R. Open Run 

NEAR NORTH 

Accidental Death of a Black Motorist 

The Conspirators at the Athenaeum Theatre 2936 N. 

Southport | DRAMA: A crazy, maniacal actor infiltrates 

police headquarters posing as the First Council to the 

Chief Justice and gets the bad cops to unwittingly confess 

the truth behind their suspect/victim’s “accidental” 

death. Through Nov 23 


Afghanistan/Wisconsin Three Brothers 

Theatre 115 N. Genesee St, Waukegan | 224-419-4325 | 

DRAMA: A collection of stories from service members 

and their spouses. We can only imagine what it is like to 

serve in the longest war in American history, but these 

stories are from those who lived it. Through Dec 7 

NEAR WEST 

Always...Patsy Cline Firebrand Theatre at 

The Den Theatre 1331 N. Milwaukee | 773-697-3830 | 

MUSICAL: Based on the true story of Patsy’s friendship 

with Houstonite Louise Seger, an avid fan. In 1961 when 

Patsy went to Houston for a show, Louise and her buddies 

arrived about 1.5 hours early and, by coincidence, 

met Patsy, who was traveling alone. The two women 

struck up a friendship – a friendship that lasted the rest 

of Patsy Cline’s life. Through Dec 15 


Annie Citadel Theatre Company at Lake Forest High 

School West Campus 300 S. Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest 

| 847-735-8554 | MUSICAL: With equal measures of 

pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s 

hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s 

New York City. Nov 20 - Dec 22 

NEAR NORTH 

The Annoyance Theatre & Bar Annoyance 

Productions 851 W. Belmont Ave | 773-697-9693 | 

COMEDY/IMPROV: The Annoyance uses improvisation to 

create new and original plays, musicals, sketch comedy, 

and more in a vibrant, uncensored atmosphere. 14+ age 

restriction. Shows include Annoyance Open Mic, Baby 

Wine, Chuckle F*ckers, Cigarette Sandwich, College 

Night, Fishbowl, A Li’l Stand-Up Show, Student Jam, 

Super Human, and more. 

FAR NORTH 

Another Medea The Cuckoo’s Theater Project 

at The Den Theatre 1331 N. Milwaukee | 312-882-8201 | 

COMEDY/DRAMA: Marcus, a charismatic and enigmatic 

actor, recounts in gruesome detail how his obsessions 

with a wealthy doctor named Jason and the myth of Medea 

lead to horrific, unspeakable events. Nov 30 - Dec 28 

DOWNTOWN | ONE WEEKEND ONLY! 

Bangarra Dance Theatre Harris Theater for 

Music and Dance 205 E. Randolph | 312-334-7777 | 

DANCE: Bangarra is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait 

Islander organization and one of Australia’s leading 

performing arts companies, widely acclaimed around 

the world for its powerful dancing, distinctive theatrical 

voice, and utterly unique soundscapes, music, and 

design. Nov 22 - 23 


Beauty and the Beast Children’s Theatre of 

Winnetka at the Winnetka Community House 620 

Lincoln Ave, Winnetka | 847-446-0537 | CHILDREN’S/ 

FAMILY: The classic story of Belle, a young woman in 

a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young 

prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the 

Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end 

and he will be transformed. Nov 21 - 24 


Beauty and the Beast Paramount Theatre 23 

E. Galena Blvd, Aurora | 630-896-6666 | MUSICAL: 

What is beauty? Join Paramount and step inside this 

classic storybook tale and discover that beauty isn’t 

always what it appears. Recommended for ages 5 and 

up. Through Jan 19 

NEAR NORTH 

Blue Man Group Briar Street Theatre 3133 N. 

Halsted | 773-348-4000 | PERFORMANCE ART: A 

unique and thrilling multi-sensory experience that fuses 

innovative theatrical spectacle and powerful original 

music with hilarious comedy, art, vaudeville, and science 

to create a performance experience unlike any other. 

Open Run 

DOWNTOWN 

Champions of Magic Harris Theater for 

Music and Dance 205 E. Randolph | 312-334-7777 | 

PERFORMANCE ART: With more than 30 million online 

views between them, this cast of top magicians includes 

international award-winners presenting incredible mind 

reading, stunning close-up magic, and daring large-scale 

illusions. Dec 23 - 29 

DOWNTOWN | ONE WEEKEND ONLY! 

A Chorus Line The Theatre Conservatory at 

Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing 

Arts 430 S. Michigan | 312-341-3831 | MUSICAL: 

Capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway audition, 

17 dancers vie for a spot in the chorus line of a Broadway 

musical. Nov 21 - 24 

NEAR NORTH 

Dance Nation Steppenwolf Theatre 1650 N. 

Halsted | 312-335-1650 | COMEDY: A pre-teen dance 

troupe navigates ambition, friendship, and desire as they 

claw their way to Nationals. Featuring a multigenerational 

cast of women playing our pre-teen heroines, this 

Chicago premiere is fiercely funny, theatrically inventive, 

and full of heart. Dec 12 - Jan 26 

8 


DECEMBER 11, 2019 — JANUARY 5, 2020 • BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE 

FAR NORTH 

Death Tax Redtwist Theatre 1044 W. Bryn Mawr 

| 773-728-7529 | COMEDY/DRAMA: Infirmed Maxine 

thinks her daughter is paying Nurse Tina to nudge her 

into the grave before the new year. Nurse Tina adamantly 

denies the accusations, but when Maxine offers her a 

portion of her sizable estate on the condition that she 

lives until the 1st, Tina changes her tune. Dec 11 - Jan 19 


A Doll’s House Writers Theatre 325 Tudor Court, 

Glencoe | 847-242-6000 | DRAMA: This focused oneact 

adaptation of the Henrik Ibsen classic reinvigorates 

the compelling story of the vibrant young Nora Helmer, 

deeply devoted to her husband Torvald. However, all is 

not as it appears: when Nora takes action to protect her 

husband, she unwittingly puts them both in jeopardy. 


DOWNTOWN 

Drunk Shakespeare The Lion Theatre 182 N. 

Wabash | COMEDY: One actor drinks at least 5 shots of 

whiskey and then attempts to perform a major role in a 

Shakespearean play. Hilarity and mayhem ensue while 

the four sober actors try to keep the script on track. 

Each show is different depending on who is drinking… 

and what they’re drinking. Open Run 

FAR NORTH | ONE WEEKEND ONLY! 

Ecstatic Earth: Annual Dance Concert 

Loyola University Chicago at Newhart Family Theatre 

1020 W. Sheridan | 773-508-8400 | DANCE: The Dance 

program and Chamber Choir will unite to present 

composer Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia/Earth Mass as a 

celebration of earth’s great beauty and the mystery of 

its life-giving force. Nov 21 - 24 

NEAR NORTH 

The Effect Strawdog Theatre 1802 W. Berenice | 

773-644-1380 | COMEDY/DRAMA: Connie and Tristan 

are falling in love - or are they? Stuck in a clinical trial 

for an antidepressant, it’s hard to know what is love 

and what is the drug. As the trial’s supervising doctors 

untangle this relationship, everyone involved has to 

question what they know. Through Nov 23 

SOUTH 

Every Brilliant Thing Windy City Playhouse 

South 2229 S. Michigan | 773-891-8985 | COMEDY/ 

DRAMA: From childhood to adulthood, the protagonist 

guides you through a personal chronicle of life’s joys in 

the face of her mother’s depression. Join the Playhouse 

for an interactive experience - you will be invited to 

speak on behalf of a vet, a father, a lecturer, and even a 

therapist sock in this “come-as-you-are performance” 

(no prior acting experience or rehearsal required!). 

Through Dec 8 

NORTHWEST 

Exquisita Agonia Aguijon Theater 2707 N. 

Laramie | ESPANOL: After losing her famous classicalmusician 

husband Lorenzo in a fatal car accident, opera 

singer Millie Marcel indulges her grief and romantic 

obsession by relentlessly pursuing the grateful recipient 

of his transplanted heart. Performed in Spanish with 

English supertitles. Through Nov 24 


The Falling and the Rising Petite Opera 

Productions at the Mary Wilson House-Beyer 

Auditorium 306 S. Prospect Ave, Park Ridge | 847- 

553-4442 | OPERA: An exciting new American opera 

that salutes the service and sacrifice of military service 

men and women. The opera centers around a strong 

female hero known only as “Soldier.” After sending a 

video message home on the eve of her daughter’s 13th 

birthday, the soldier is severely wounded by a roadside 

IED. Through Nov 24 

NEAR NORTH 

The First Deep Breath Victory Gardens 

Theater 2433 N. Lincoln | 773-871-3000 | NEW WORK: 

The story of Pastor Albert Jones who is planning a 

special church service to honor his late daughter, Diane, 

on the sixth anniversary of her death. But when his 

eldest son, Abdul-Malik, returns home from prison, the 

First family of Mother Bethel Baptist Church is forced to 

confront a hornet’s nest of long-buried secrets. Through 

Dec 22 

9

NORTHWEST 

Forts: Build Your Own Adventure 

Filament Theatre 4041 N. Milwaukee | CHILDREN’S/ 

FAMILY: Using cardboard boxes, sheets, clotheslines, 

and more, you will build adventures of your own devising. 

With theatrical design elements working together 

to support creative play, your family is sure to be swept 

away in the adventure. Nov 30 - Jan 26 


Fun Home The Wirtz Center at Northwestern 

University 30 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston | 847-491-7282 | 

MUSICAL: A refreshingly honest, wholly original musical 

about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. 

Through Nov 24 

NEAR NORTH 

Grey House A Red Orchid Theatre 1531 N. Wells | 

312-943-8722 | NEW WORK: A new horror play about 

the gravity of the past, and the cruel inevitability of its 

pull. Through Dec 1 

NEAR NORTH 

Grinning from Fear to Fear The Second City 

e.t.c. Theater 1608 N. Wells | 312-337-3992 | COMEDY: 

From psycho killers to big pharma, coming out to your 

family to coming undone in your nightmares, The Second 

City’s fearless force of comedy commandos takes 

on everything that makes us all unfalteringly unique. 

Rated R. Through Dec 29 

DOWNTOWN 

Hamilton Broadway In Chicago at the CIBC Theatre 

18 W. Monroe | 800-775-2000 | MUSICAL: Featuring 

a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and 

Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, told by 

America now. Through Jan 5 

FAR NORTH 

Hoodoo Love Raven Theatre 6157 N. Clark | 

773-338-2177 | DRAMA: This spellbinding story – punctuated 

with blues music – about love, magic, and the 

dangers we face when chasing our desires makes its 

return to Chicago. Through Dec 15 


Hope is a Thing With Feathers Young 

People’s Company at Piven Theatre Workshop 927 

Noyes St, Evanston | 847-866-8049 | COMEDY/DRAMA: 

The stories will focus on trauma and resilience as a result 

of experiences they had during their most vulnerable 

stages of brain development. Dec 11 - 15 

NORTHWEST 

I Am Going to Die Alone and I Am Not 

Afraid Prop Thtr 3502 N. Elston | 773-539-7838 | 

NEW WORK: Told through both imagined and historical 

stories of rebels like Francesca Mann, who shot a Nazi 

officer while being taken to the gas chambers, this is a 

devised play about resilience and tenacity in the face of 

violence. Through Dec 5 

NEAR NORTH 

I’m Not a Comedian... I’m Lenny Bruce 

Royal George Theatre 1641 N. Halsted | 312-988-9000 

| COMEDY: Star Ronnie Marmo brilliantly chronicles the 

life and death of the most controversial comedian of all 

time. Mature audiences only. Through Dec 1 

NEAR WEST 

In the Next Room or the Vibrator 

Play UIC Theatre 1044 W. Harrison | 312-996-2939 

| COMEDY/DRAMA: In a seemingly perfect Victorian 

home, proper gentleman and scientist Dr. Givings has 

innocently invented an extraordinary new device for 

treating “hysteria” in women (and occasionally men): the 

vibrator. Adjacent to his laboratory, his wife tries to tend 

to their newborn daughter – and wonders exactly what 

is going on in the next room. Nov 15 - 24 

FAR NORTH 

The Infinite Wrench The Neo-Futurists 5153 N. 

Ashland | 773-878-4557 | EXPERIMENTAL: A mechanism 

that unleashes a barrage of two-minute plays for a live 

audience. Each play offers something different—some 

are funny, others profound. All of the plays are truthful 

and tackle the here-and-now, inspired by the lived 

experiences of the performers. Recommended for 

ages 14 and up. Open Run 

NEAR NORTH 

The iO Theater iO Improv 1501 N. Kingsbury | 

312-929-2401 | IMPROV: A premier venue for longform 

improvisational performances and classes. 

Shows include The Armando Diaz Experience, The 

Deltones, FELT, The Improvised Shakespeare Co., Virgin 

Daiquiri, Whirled News Tonight, and more. 


Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor 

Dreamcoat Music Theater Works at Cahn 

Auditorium 600 Emerson St, Evanston | 847-920- 

5360 | MUSICAL: A Pharaoh who looks a lot like Elvis, 

12 singing and dancing brothers, a remarkable narrator, 

and Joseph himself make this tuneful and colorful show 

perfect for the holiday season. Recommended for ages 

8 and up. Dec 21 - 31 

FAR NORTH 

Keely and Du Intrinsic Theatre Company at The 

Frontier 1106 W. Thorndale | 248-915-8737 | DRAMA: 

Du, a right to life activist, and Keely, a pregnant rape 

victim she is confining, transcend their circumstances 

and the ideological issues that separate them. Keely and 

Du is a mind-probing issue play with a gripping human 

face. Through Nov 24 

NEAR NORTH | SATURDAYS AT 5PM 

Late Nite Catechism Nuns4Fun at the Royal 

George Theatre 1641 N. Halsted | 312-988-9000 | 

COMEDY: This two-act solo performance features Sister 

rewarding students for correct answers with glowin-the-dark 

rosaries and other nifty prizes. Naughty 

students may well find themselves on stage sitting in 

a corner reflecting upon their actions. Open Run 

FAR NORTH 

Laura and the Sea Rivendell Theatre 

5779 N. Ridge | 773-334-7728 | NEW WORK: It’s company 

outing day, and Laura, one of the top travel agents, 

is having the best/worst day of her life. So much so that 

she decides to end it all. Afterwards, her colleagues try 

to piece things together on a memorial blog. But how do 

you mourn someone you didn’t know that well? Through 

Dec 8

NEAR NORTH 

Lindiwe Steppenwolf Theatre Company 1650 N. 

Halsted | 312-335-1650 | NEW WORK: As the story 

travels from Chicago’s Kingston Mines to South Africa 

and beyond, Lindiwe’s love story challenges us to define 

the boundaries between this world and the next, all the 

while exploring the sacrifices we make for love. Featuring 

the live music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Through 

Jan 5 

DOWNTOWN 

Love, Chaos & Dinner Teatro ZinZanni at 

Spiegeltent ZaZou in the Cambria Loop Hotel 32 W. 

Randolph | 312-488-0900 | PERFORMANCE ART: Enter 

a realm where reality and dreams converge; an experience 

unlike any other. Teatro ZinZanni is a whirlwind of 

international cirque, comedy, and cabaret served with a 

multi-course feast. Open Run 

FAR NORTH 

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Lifeline Theatre 6912 N. 

Glenwood | 773-761-4477 | CHILDREN’S/FAMILY: The 

Primm family is shocked to discover a crocodile in their 

bathtub. His name is Lyle, he performs tricks, and, oh, he 

only eats Turkish caviar. The Primms are quick to welcome 

Lyle into the family, but not everyone is so thrilled 

about a crocodile living on the block. Recommended for 

ages 5 and up. Through Nov 24 


Madagascar - A Musical Adventure 

Marriott Theatre 10 Marriott Dr, Lincolnshire | 847-634- 

0200 | CHILDREN’S/FAMILY: Join Alex the Lion, Marty 

the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo, 

and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as 

they bound onto the stage in the musical adventure of a 

lifetime. Through Dec 29 

DOWNTOWN 

The Magic Parlour The House Theatre of 

Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel 17 E. Monroe 

| 773-769-3832 | VARIETY: Award-winning, thirdgeneration 

magician Dennis Watkins performs up-close 

magic and mind-reading of an incredible caliber. Cocktail 

attire encouraged; Recommended for ages 12 and up. 

Open Run 


Marjorie Prime MadKap Productions at the 

Skokie Theatre 7924 Lincoln Ave, Skokie | 847-677- 

7761 | COMEDY/DRAMA: Marjorie Prime takes place 20 

years in the future and examines the next generation 

of artificial intelligence systems like Google Assistant 

and Alexa. What will they evolve into, and how will they 

interact in our lives in regards to elder care and grief 

management? Through Nov 24 


Mary Poppins Drury Lane Theatre 100 Drury Lane, 

Oakbrook Terrace | 630-530-0111 | CHILDREN’S/ 

FAMILY: Mary Poppins flies to the stage to delivery 

whimsey, excitement, and memorable songs to a story 

that will melt your heart. Through Jan 19 

Half-price tickets may be available at 

HOTTIX.org > > > > 

DOWNTOWN 

Mean Girls Broadway In Chicago at the James M. 

Nederlander Theatre 24 W. Randolph | 800-775-2000 | 

MUSICAL: Cady Heron may have grown up on an African 

savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways 

of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this 

naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led 

by Regina George. Recommended for ages 10 and up. 

Dec 25 - Jan 26 

NEAR NORTH 

Monty Python’s Spamalot Mercury Theater 

Chicago 3745 N. Southport | 773-325-1700 | MUSICAL: 

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty 

Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot retells the legend of 

King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, featuring 

ridiculous men in tight pants - not to mention cows, 

killer rabbits, and French people. Through Dec 29 

DOWNTOWN 

Mozart’s Don Giovanni Lyric Opera of Chicago 

at the Civic Opera House 20 N. Upper Wacker | 312- 

827-5600 | OPERA: The seducer. The philanderer. The 

libertine who takes what he wants and lives only for his 

own pleasure. All three are Don Giovanni, antihero in 

Mozart’s drama of lust and revenge. Sung in Italian with 

projected English translations. Through Dec 8 

FAR NORTH 

The Mystery of Edwin Drood Blank Theatre 

at The Edge Theatre 5451 N. Broadway | MUSICAL: 

This Tony-winning Best Musical adapts Charles Dickens’ 

unfinished murder-mystery novel as a comedy in the 

music hall tradition. As Dickens died before finishing the 

novel, the cast will perform the ending voted on by the 

audience each night. Dec 7 - 29 


The Niceties Writers Theatre 325 Tudor Court, 

Glencoe | 847-242-6000 | COMEDY/DRAMA: What 

happens when theoretical arguments suddenly turn personal 

in the ivory tower of an elite East Coast university? 

This taut, intelligent new play will make you question 

your own assumptions and reevaluate whether generation 

gaps can be bridged while gaps in knowledge - and 

in experience - remain. Through Dec 8

SOUTH 

Oedipus Rex Court Theatre 5535 S. Ellis | 

773-753-4472 | DRAMA: Oedipus seeks to cure his city 

of a mysterious plague by discovering the murderer of 

the former king. Captivating and cathartic, Sophocles’ 

seminal Greek tragedy brings to light enduring questions 

of identity, fate, and free will that reverberate in startling 

ways in the 21st century. Through Dec 8 


Oliver! Marriott Theatre 10 Marriott Dr, Lincolnshire 

| 847-634-0200 | MUSICAL: One of the most beloved 

family musicals of all time – featuring “Food, Glorious 

Food” and “As Long as He Needs Me.” Through Dec 29 

FAR NORTH 

The Other Cinderella Black Ensemble Theater 

4450 N. Clark | 773-769-4451 | MUSICAL: In this African 

American rendition of this African fairy tale, Cinderella 

is from the projects, The Stepmamma works at the Post 

Office, there is a King, Queen and Prince, there are the 

Brothers are From The Hood, and The Fairygodmama is 

from Jamaica. Through Jan 19 

FAR NORTH 

P.Y.G. or The Mis-Edumacation of 

Dorian Belle Jackalope Theatre at the Broadway 

Armory 5917 N. Broadway | COMEDY: Dorian Belle is 

a Canadian pop sweetheart and he’s ready to be taken 

seriously. So his people hire his favorite hip-hop artists 

— Black and Alexand, the ‘bad boy’ rappers of Petty 

Young Goons — to help him toughen up his image. 

They’re black, he’s white. They’re from Chicago, he’s 

from Canada. It’s all on reality TV. What could go wrong? 


NEAR NORTH 

Packing About Face Theatre at Theater Wit 1229 W. 

Belmont | 773-784-8565 | NEW WORK: This solo performance 

from writer/performer Scott Bradley is the tale 

of a genderqueer vagabond leaving small-town Iowa 

on a three-decade long odyssey, continually reinventing 

himself through new identities across multiple cities. 

Through Dec 7 

DOWNTOWN 

The Phantom of the Opera Broadway In 

Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre 151 W. Randolph 

| 800-775-2000 | MUSICAL: Cameron Mackintosh’s 

spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 

classic makes its triumphant return to Chicago as part of 

its North American Tour. Recommended for ages 5 and 

up. Dec 18 - Jan 5 

DOWNTOWN 

Potted Potter Broadway In Chicago at the 

Broadway Playhouse 175 E. Chestnut | 800-775-2000 | 

COMEDY: Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge 

of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real 

life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. 

Recommended for ages 5 and up. Dec 11 - Jan 5 

FAR NORTH 

Proxy Underscore Theatre Company at The 

Understudy 4609 N. Clark | 617-777-0364 | MUSICAL: 

15 years ago, when she was a kid, Vanessa was almost 

murdered by her best friend. Now she is an investigative 

journalist in a bind, and she decides to do what anyone 

would do — exploit her personal story by disguising 

herself and interviewing her childhood best friend and 

attempted murderer. Through Nov 24 

FAR NORTH | FREE! 

Queen of Sock Pairing Red Tape Theatre 

Company at The Ready 4546 N. Western | NEW WORK: 

Feeling unheard both at her job and in her relationship, 

Celia initiates a new game with her boyfriend. Queen of 

Sock Pairing employs meta-theatricality, comedic naturalism, 

and rhythmic, driving narration to tell a visceral 

and playful story about childcare, learning dominance 

through imitation, and speaking the truth while playing 

pretend. Through Dec 14 

DOWNTOWN 

Romeo and Juliet Chicago Shakespeare Theater 

800 E. Grand on Navy Pier | 312-595-5600 | CLASSIC: 

A city, two families, and a hatred so old that no one remembers 

its cause. Defying every boundary forged from 

their families’ enmity, Romeo and Juliet fall in love. In a 

society torn apart by hate, Shakespeare sets his immortal 

tale of love and senseless tragedy. Through Dec 21 

NEAR NORTH 

Rutherford and Son TimeLine Theatre 

Company 615 W. Wellington | 773-281-8463 | COMEDY/ 

DRAMA: Named one of the “100 plays of the century” 

by the Royal National Theatre, Githa Sowerby’s rarely 

produced family drama is a smart and absorbing twist 

on a woman’s “place” in a male dominated society. 

Through Jan 12 

NEAR NORTH 

The Second City The Second City at UP Comedy 

Club 230 W. North | 312-337-3992 | COMEDY/IMPROV: 

A diverse array of comedic performers and formats. 

Shows include After Hours: A Late Night Improv Show, 

The Best of The Second City, Improv Comedy Hour, 

Legendary Laughs, She The People: The Resistance 

Continues, and more. 

DOWNTOWN 

The Simon & Garfunkel Story Broadway 

In Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse 175 E. Chestnut 

| 800-775-2000 | MUSIC: This show features a full live 

band, state of the art video projection and lighting, and 

includes all of their hits, including ‘Mrs. Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, 

‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound,’ 

and many more. Nov 19 - Dec 8 

SOUTH 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 

Chicago Kids Company at Beverly Arts Center of 

Chiago 2407 W. 111th | 773-445-3838 | CHILDREN’S/ 

FAMILY: A one-hour musical based on the original 

fairy tale, featuring a hilarious script adapted by Jesus 

Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. 

Through Nov 27 (plus Jan 15 - Feb 21) 

12 


MOZART 

Lust. 

Murder. 

Revenge. 

NOV 14 - DEC 8 | Tickets from $39 at lyricopera.org/giovanni 

NEAR NORTH 

Stage 773 Stage 773 1225 W. Belmont | 773-327- 

5252 | VARIETY: A vibrant anchor of the Belmont 

Theatre District and home to some of Chicago’s finest 

off-Loop talent. Shows include Bye Bye Liver: The 

Drinking Play, The Drunken Seagull, Laser Comedy Show, 

StoryTown, TRU, Vaudezilla! Burlesque Spectacular, and 

more. 

NEAR WEST 

The Suffrage Plays Artemisia, A Chicago 

Theatre at The Den Theatre 1331 N. Milwaukee | 773- 

697-3830 | COMEDY: An evening of three one-act 

comedies focused on the importance of voting rights for 

women. Artemisia will offer post-show discussions at 

selected performances to examine the history of voting 

rights and the impact of one person – one vote on the 

2020 presidential election. Through Nov 24 

NEAR WEST 

Sugar in Our Wounds First Floor Theater at 

The Den Theatre 1331 N. Milwaukee | 773-697-3830 | 

DRAMA: On a plantation during the Civil War, a mystical 

tree stretches toward heaven. It protects James, a young 

slave, while he reads newspapers about the imminent 

possibility of freedom, as war rages on. When a brooding 

stranger arrives, James and his makeshift family take 

him in. An unexpected bond leads to a striking romance, 

and everyone is in uncharted territory. Through Nov 23 

DOWNTOWN 

Sunset Boulevard Porchlight Music Theatre at 

the Ruth Page Theater 1016 N. Dearborn | 773-777- 

9884 | MUSICAL: This Tony Award-winning masterpiece 

of obsession, romance, and the golden age of Hollywood 

stars Hollis Resnik, one of the most celebrated leading 

ladies of Chicago theatre. Through Dec 8 


Tartuffe Chicago Heights Drama Group 330 W. 

202nd St, Chicago Heights | 708-755-3444 | COMEDY: 

Written to coincide with the 2016 Presidential election, 

this contemporary reworking of Moliere’s classic comedy 

and cautionary tale of frauds, cheats, scoundrels, and 

interlopers is set in the home of a wealthy businessman 

who’s duped into supporting the political campaign of 

an entirely unscrupulous charlatan. Dec 6 - 15 

DOWNTOWN 

The Three Queens Lyric Opera of Chicago at 

the Civic Opera House 20 N. Upper Wacker | 312-827- 

5600 | OPERA: Lyric favorite Sondra Radvanovsky sings 

the finales of Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda, and Roberto 

Devereux in semi-staged performances featuring the 

Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus and artists of The 

Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Ensemble. 

Dec 1 - 7 

NEAR WEST 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show 

Chicago Children’s Theatre at The Station 100 S. Racine 

| 312-374-8835 | CHILDREN’S/FAMILY: Based on the 

beautifully-crafted work of Eric Carle comes a bold new 

spectacle featuring 75 larger-than-life puppets. Through 

Dec 1 

NEAR NORTH 

Waiting for Godot Victory Gardens Theater 

2433 N. Lincoln | 773-871-3000 | COMEDY/DRAMA: 

A “tragicomedy in two acts,” two men meet near a tree 

to wait for the arrival of the mysterious Godot, who 

continually sends word that he will appear. They discuss 

their miseries, debate their lots in life, and question why 

they were put on earth. Through Dec 15 

DOWNTOWN 

West Ridge Story Festival Silk Road Rising 

at The Historic Chicago Temple Building 77 W. Washington 

| 312-857-1234 | STAGED READING: West Ridge 

Story Festival features original plays written by residents 

of this diverse Chicago neighborhood during Silk Road’s 

long-term residency. Dec 14 - 17 

13

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NORTHWEST 

White Plague Trap Door Theatre 1655 W. Cortland 

| 773-384-0494 | EXPERIMENTAL: On the brink of a 

world war, a mysterious plague starts killing everyone 

older than 45. A young doctor finds a cure, but what 

is the cost he is willing to ask the afflicted to pay? Dec 

5 - Jan 11 

NEAR NORTH 

Why Torture is Wrong, and the People 

Who Love Them Eclipse Theatre at the 

Athenaeum Theatre 2936 N. Southport | 773-935-6875 

| COMEDY: Durang turns political humor upside down 

with this raucous and provocative satire about America’s 

growing homeland “insecurity.” Through Dec 15 

NEAR NORTH | ONE WEEKEND ONLY! 

Wonderful Crazy Night - A New Elton 

John Tribute Apollo Theater 2450 N. Lincoln | 

773-935-6100 | MUSIC: Colte Julian’s electrifying tribute 

to the great Elton John features a live band, colorful 

costumes, backup singers, and Elton’s greatest hits including 

‘Rocket Man,’ ‘Bennie and the Jets,’ ‘Tiny Dancer,’ 

‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,’ ‘Pinball Wizard,’ ‘Crocodile 

Rock,’ and more! Dec 6 - 7 


Working Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre 721 Howard 

St, Evanston | 800-595-4849 | MUSICAL: Based on 

Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with 

American workers, Working paints a vivid portrait of 

the working men and women that the world so often 

takes for granted. The musical features new songs by 

Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as favorites by Stephen 

Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Mary Rodgers, Micki Grant, and 

James Taylor. Dec 6 - Jan 26 

FAR NORTH 

You Are Happy Red Theater Chicago at The Edge 

Theatre Off-Broadway 1133 W. Catalpa | COMEDY/ 

DRAMA: Bridget finds her brother Jeremy in a closet 

attempting suicide. Again. Determined to help him 

find some kind of happiness, she carts around grocery 

stores looking for his potential wife. She meets Chloe 

and her plans to stage a happily-ever-after are finally 

set. Performed in English and American Sign Language. 

Through Dec 8 


Discover more: CHICAGOPLAYS.COM 

Half-price theatre tickets: HOTTIX.ORG 

Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to 

its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an 

alliance of theatres which leverages its collective 

strength to support, promote, and advocate for 

Chicago’s theatre industry. Through our work, we 

ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city. 

The League of Chicago Theatres is supported by Allstate 

Insurance Company, Arts Work Fund, The Chicago Community 

Trust, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special 

Events City Arts Grant, ComEd, Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley 

Foundation, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Field 

Foundation of Illinois, The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Illinois 

Arts Council Agency, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur 

Foundation, MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, 

National Endowment for the Arts, Prince Charitable Trusts, 

and The Shubert Foundation. 

Stretch your dollars. Enjoy your city. Ignite your soul. 

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