GOING OUT. This is an event for those of us drawn to T-shirts that proclaim, “I take life one mile at a time.” Consider the Heartland run for the pure joy of play. Perhaps two or three people care about winning. What could be more fun than bundling up and going for a run on New Year’s Eve right along the lakefront, with moon sparkling on the water, in the company of a hundred or so people to share the night’s magic? 8 p.m., Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood Ave. $20 advance, $25 day of, $10 for kids. Admission includes a shirt to sport post-event, and access to parties at the No Exit Cafe at 6970 N. Glenwood Ave., the Heartland itself, or the Red Line Tap next door. 773-465-8005.
— Margaret Holt
A movie theater–now, that’s the perfect place to spend New Year’s Eve. But you know what? More and more folks are in on the secret (last year, “Chicago” at the now-defunct theater in Oak Brook sold out 45 minutes before showtime). So a change in plans–this year it’s “Hairspray” at the Oriental Theatre/Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The top ticket is $87, but that’s still cheaper than most parties around town. And we’ll still be home in time to catch a little of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” 24 W. Randolph St.; 312-902-1400.
— Linda Bergstrom
New Year’s Eve was the quintessential gala party evening to me when I was younger. It never lived up to expectations. Now, it’s just an excuse to wear something fancy without looking out-of-place. We’ve scaled back considerably in the last 10 years and find that we’re home long before midnight. This year, my husband and I and a friend are having an early dinner and then taking in the Light Opera Works’ “Die Fledermaus.” If this works, next year–Vienna. Now there’s a classy party! 600 Emerson St., Evanston. $26-$58; 847-869-6300.
— Nadia Cowen
Talk about holiday multitasking. On New Year’s Eve, our 18th wedding anniversary, my wife and I will say hello to another year of bliss, goodbye to 2003 and farewell to Aretha Franklin. After dinner in the Loop with friends, we’ll proceed to the Queen of Soul’s farewell tour stop at the historic Chicago Theatre. What better night than your wedding anniversary to take a ride on the freeway of love. 9 p.m., Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. $32-$152; 312-902-1500.
— Bill O’Connell
My wife and I have opposite views on New Year’s Eve. For me, it’s a holiday for staying in and avoiding drunk drivers and folks reliving their frat-boy youth. For Amy, it’s always been a time to celebrate. Our compromise this year: Celebrate–and hopefully avoid the amateurs by doing it with class. The Count Basie Orchestra performs at Symphony Center, and after a filet mignon dinner at a friend’s house, we intend to cab over to the concert in our dress duds for a sumptuous night of jazz. 10 p.m., Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., $75; 312-294-3000. (Note: 7:30 p.m. dinner package includes dinner, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and dessert for $200.)
— Lou Carlozo
Since the pseudo-millennium 1999-2000 New Year’s Eve, I’ve been among a dozen or two guests at a friend’s east Randolph Street condominium. The evening begins with skating on the nearly empty rink in the park just south of Randolph Street at about 300 east. That’s often followed by a dip in the condominium’s pool, a catered dinner, champagne at midnight and watching the fireworks from inside our friend’s condo, then party games and/or snoozing (depending on attendees’ constitution) until breakfast. Shortly thereafter, we’re kicked out so the condo owner can vacuum and watch New Year’s Day football games in peace.
–Mike Esposito
The view from the man on the street
Michael Early, Chicago: “This year, we [me and my wife] are going to the Sheraton Hotel for the V103 New Year’s Eve party. This is the third year, so it’s like a tradition.” V103-FM presents Leisure Entertainment & The Majestic Gents 25th annual New Year’s Eve Party & Fashion Show, 7 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Includes a $3,000 stepper’s competition, music, cash bar and cash food stations. 301 E. North Water St., $40; 312-559-1212 or 773-660-0300.
Yvonne Regulus, Chicago: “I’m going to be in Green Bay (Wis.) at the Oneida Casino. This is my first time and I heard others talk about it.” Oneida Casino district in Green Bay includes the IMAC, Main and Mason Street casinos, each featuring entertainment throughout the night. for more information call 800-238-4263.
Shannon Picart, Chicago: “I am going to be working at Jamba Juice. We are open until 8:30 p.m. I usually go out partying at clubs on North Avenue; I would go club hopping with my friends. But probably not this year because I will probably stay home with my two kids (two girls ages 2 and 8).” Jamba Juice, 162 N. State St. 312-641-1925. If you want to party like Shannon used to, some of the clubs you can visit are: Red Dog, 1958 W. North Ave., 773-278-1009; The Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-489-0011; Piece, 1927 W. North Ave., 773-772-4422; Cans, 1640 N. Damen Ave., 773-227-2277.
Other things we recommend
Suuuuure, everybody’s going to be there, but nobody does explosions like Chicago, and the midnight fireworks at Navy Pier are sure to delight. Dress warmly, however, as you will be by the lake and all that. 600 E. Grand Ave. Free; 312-595-7437.
Evanston has one of the finest First Night fetes around. There are 17 indoor venues, with something to offer the entire family, from the Chicago Brass Quintet and Marc Smith’s Poetry Slam to silent films with live piano accompaniment. 6 p.m. on Bank One Plaza, Davis and Orrington Streets, Evanston. $8-$12, kids 5 and under free; 847-328-5864 or firstnightevanston.org.
Buckingham Fountain will be another site where things will be going “boom!” in the frigid night air. As usual, the lighted fountain will do its thing before the fireworks, which will be in sync with Navy Pier’s blowup, just in case you were thinking that those guys don’t plan things together. 500 S. Lake Shore Drive (at Congress). Free; 312-744-3315.
If your idea of New Year’s Eve isn’t gender-specific, check out the Baton, where the legendary club featuring female impersonators rolls out a new revue. There are two performances, and the early one (10 p.m.) includes midnight champagne. 10 p.m. ($40) and 1 a.m. ($15), The Baton, 436 N. Clark St. 312-644-5269.
The Willowbrook Ballroom puts on a twang for a festive New Year fete, with its “Boppin’ at the Brook Country Western New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Deejays will be spinning tunes, and western wear is encouraged. Buffet dinner is included, since that two-steppin’ is hard work. 8 p.m., Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. $35; 708-839-1000.
Flatlander’s, in addition to live music and a four-course dinner, offers Elvisphiles the opportunity to party with Travis Morris, billed as the International Images of Elvis Champion. Don’t ask us, but if he doesn’t, at midnight, say “2003 has just left the building,” you should feel cheated. 8 p.m., Flatlander’s, 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire. $99; 847-821-1234.
Rather than Hoppin’ John, the blackeyed pea-based dish, you can partake of the Noble Fool Theater’s variant, Hackin’ John, as the Swordsmen’s Holiday Spectacular rings in 2004 with a slash. Swordsmen Dirk Perfect and Guido Crescendo (not their real names . . . duh) will swordfight and entertain. Hours of fun for the entire family, if the kids can hang until midnight, that is. Noble Fool Theater at Pheasant Run, 401 E. Main St., St. Charles. $42 show; $100 dinner plus show; $130 dinner, show, party; $75 show, party; 630-584-6342.
Sorry, but we just love the Neo-Futurists’ classic “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind,” which is 30 plays in 60 minutes. Ring in the New Year with a guffaw, just like they do in Japan, complete with music from rockabilly outfit Twang Bang and, yes, the obligatory champagne and noisemakers at midnight. 10 p.m., Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. $25; 773-275-5255.
Only at the Black Ensemble can you fill up on soul food, catch a play, make a fool of yourself and bring in the New Year. A buffet kicks off the evening, followed by a performance of “Mama Said There’ll Be Days Like This.” Then, anyone who wishes can take to the stage for an open mic period, followed by disco dancing (yeah, you heard right) until 3 a.m. 7 p.m., Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon St. $50 play and party, $100 for everything; 773-769-4451.
