. . . if you don’t get tickets now for these hot holiday shows
How sad is it that it’s not even Thanksgiving, but stores have trotted out the holiday decorations anyway? It’s fine with us if you leave your shopping to the last minute, but if you don’t move fast, these hot holiday productions are sure to sell out. From the traditional to the bizarre to the downright offensive (but in a good way), these festive shows are not to be missed, so get your tickets now.
A Christmas Carol
In the mood for something a bit more traditional? This retelling of Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the true meaning of Christmas comes complete with flying ghosts, singing and dancing. Nov. 20-Dec. 26. $20-$60. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. 312-443-3800.
A Merry Jewish Christmas
What’s a Jewish family to do on Christmas Eve, when the only open restaurants are Chinese take-out joints? In this comedy the Bernsteins get together to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah with egg rolls and kung pao chicken. But this year, son David is bringing over his gentile boyfriend–and coming out. Nov. 27-Jan. 2. $22.50-$30. Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090.
Rudolph, the Red-Hosed Reindeer
The tried-and-true claymation classic of misfit friends and their search for happiness gets a big rainbow injection in David Cerda’s campy parody. Among those frolicking in the snow are a cross-dressing reindeer, a “not-gay-enough” elf and the Abominable Drag Beast. Dec. 2-Dec. 31. $15. Hell in a Handbag Productions at Loop Theater, 8 E. Randolph St. 312-744-5667.
13th Annual Winter Pageant
Redmoon never fails to make jaws drop with its fantastic sets and characters, and this year’s show in honor of the changing seasons will be no different. The plot: An ailing giant struggles to unite a kingdom and bring back the sun. Dec. 2-Jan. 2. $10-$15. Redmoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard St. 312-850-8440.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Listen to an adaptation of Frank Capra’s 1946 film starring Jimmy Stewart. Six actors recreate the quaint town of Bedford Falls, with live sound effects, music and old-school radio ads. Dec. 8-Dec. 26. $10-$30. American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. 773-929-1031.
Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue
Members of Second City’s national touring company mock all things Christmas for the fifth consecutive year, sprinkling satire on holiday films, family gatherings gone awry and those annoying Christmas carols. Nov. 27-Dec. 30. $15-$25. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. 847-577-2121.
