HOLIDAY GUIDE: Making a list of our top-10 most anticipated shows of the season
• SEE ALSO Kerry Reid's chart of 32 more holiday shows | HOLIDAY THEATER SLIDESHOW
It's that time of year, when no real Chicagoan can resist at least one live holiday-themed production. Isn't that one of the joys of living here? Read on for our most anticipated shows of the season.
‘Irving Berlin's White Christmas'
For the last several years, Chicago has lacked a downtown holiday attraction that wants only to be a nostalgic, come-together, something-for-everyone capper for a day spent in the Loop, chasing down gifts, peering at window decorations and scurrying, arm in arm, past the persistent bell-ringers. This year, a new touring production of the seasonal granddaddy of all screen-to-stage musicals will be pulling up through the snow to the Bank of America Theatre. And it had better deliver.
• Dec. 15 to Jan. 2 at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.; $25-$98 at 800-775-2000 and www.broadwayinchicago.com
‘The Nutcracker'
Far from your typical balletic, party-dress-and-toys spectacle, the House Theatre of Chicago's unique take on this classic story goes straight for the jugular when young Clara loses someone dear. But this tough girl fights her way back and takes the audience on an embracing emotional journey without seasonal peer in Chicago. House's deeply moving “Nutcracker” has been absent since its 2007 premiere; we're glad to see it return.
• Through Dec. 26 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St.; $25 at 773-251-2195 and www.thehousetheatre.com
‘Winter Pageant'
By far the best pick for anyone whose holiday group combines adult hipsters with very young children, Redmoon's Winter Pageant offers tactile activities for all, along with a light and whimsical story about a group of seniors who decide to relaunch their old rock band and head out into the winter.
• Through Jan. 2 at Redmoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard St.; $20-$22 ($10 for children) at 312-850-8440 or www.redmoon.org
‘A Christmas Carol'
The stellar Goodman version of “A Christmas Carol” hasn't been doing big business for years without close attention to the heart and soul of the Dickensian story and a determination to make it come alive for Chicagoans. This year's edition has a new Scrooge in John Judd, one of Chicago's finest actors. Now, about that new set the Goodman keeps promising ...
• Through Dec. 31 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; $25-$76 at 312-443-3800 and www.goodmantheatre.org
‘The Nativity'
Now called simply “The Nativity,” Congo Square Theatre Company's inclusive, Afro-centric declaration of the good news of the season is always among the most rousing of Chicago Christmas experiences. This highly crafted, biblically centered celebration of the spiritual heart of Christmas can move folks of all faiths.
• Dec. 3-31 at the Goodman's Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; $30-$40 at 312-443-3800 and www.goodmantheatre.org
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