For the next five weeks or so, rising curtains will reveal a host of holiday shows, from Dickens to new sketches from Second City grads to a familiar cross-dressing reindeer. Here’s a look at what — and who — is coming to town. For more holiday show and events, go to metromix.com.
LOCAL TRADITIONS
‘Rudolph, the Red-Hosed Reindeer’
Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St.
Hell in a Handbag Productions meditates on misfits in this campy musical parody of the classic tale, featuring a cross-dressing reindeer and a not-gay-enough elf. Previews start Dec. 3. Through Jan. 2. $10-$15. 800-838-3006.
‘The Santaland Diaries’
Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252
Theatre Wit puts another martini in the hands of a Macy’s Christmas elf (actor Mitchell Fain) for this annual production based on David Sedaris’ irreverent essay about his odd job. Opens Friday. Through Jan. 2. $24.
‘The Snow Queen’
Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-3000
Get your fill of warm fuzzies with this musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale about a girl who braves the cold to find her lost friend, featuring puppets and an original folk music score performed by Michael Smith. Previews start Friday. Through Dec. 27. $20-$48.
THE CLASSICS
‘A Christmas Carol’
Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. 312-443-3800
Reacquaint yourself with Ebenezer Scrooge and his hard-won lessons about Christmas cheer and playing nice. Chicago actor Larry Yando reprises his role as Scrooge. Next show: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Continues through Dec. 31. $25-$74; $10 for students.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play’
American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. 773-409-4125
Peek inside a 1940s radio studio where the story of poor George Bailey and the small town of Bedford Falls comes to life with live music, advertisements and Foley sound effects. Previews start Friday. Through Dec. 27. $10-$50.
‘Miracle on 34th Street’
Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252
Porchlight Music Theatre puts its stamp on the classic Santa-as-myth-busting holiday film with musical arrangements from local composer Jon Steinhagen. Next show: 8 p.m. Friday. Through Jan. 3. $40.
BRAND-SPANKING NEW
‘The Holiday Show’
Donny’s Skybox Theatre, 1608 N. Wells St. 312-337-3992
The new musical sketch show by Second City training center grads Phil Winkelman and David Himmel (aka the Number 10 Productions) tackles the complications surrounding holiday traditions, from Thanksgiving dinners to New Year’s Eve midnight kisses. Next show: 9 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 18. $10-$12.
‘Santa Claus Conquers the Nazis!’
ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont Ave. 773-549-8080
Not to be outdone, the Hot Karl improv troupe brings Adolf Hitler into the holiday mix for its scripted musical, in which the Fuhrer kidnaps Santa in a desperate attempt to steal his magical secrets. Next show: 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 19. $10.
‘Whining in the Windy City: Holiday Edition’
Royal George Theatre Center, 1641 N. Halsted St. 312-988-9000
Second City veteran Jackie Hoffman pulls double-duty by adding this solo show to her schedule (she also plays Grandmama in “The Addams Family” at the Oriental Theatre through Jan. 10). The original musical dissects showbiz, unruly kids and the holidays. Opens Monday. Through Dec. 21. $25.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
