At The Goodman Theatre
(312) 443-3800 A Christmas Carol, in its 32nd season, opened the holiday season in Chicago. This classic is always a joy, and this production is a treasure…Scrooge, in all of his stingy glory, along with the ghosts of Christmas’ past, present and future, and of course the inhabitants of 19th Century London, and even Tiny Tim are here and you won’t want to miss a moment of it. Opening 1/16 Eugene O’Neill’s Hughie and Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape pairs director Robert Falls and actor Brian Dennehy again in this double bill of high drama. Both productions are Broadway bound, Hughie is the tale of gambler, Erie and his good luck charm, Hughie, the night clerk in his apartment building. When Hughie dies, will Erie get his ‘good luck’ back? Krapp’s Last Tape, is a one-man, one act play. Every year on his birthday Krapp records his year, yet on his 69th birthday he begins to question everything in his life.
At Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier (312) 595-5600 opening 1/6, Noel Coward’s Private Lives introduces us to Elyot and Amanda, honeymooning in France-just not with each other. Married once to each other years before, they’re now with new spouses, however they now find each other irresistible once more, for a short time. This is one of Coward’s greatest comedic war of words and seduction. Opening 1/16 Short Shakespeare Comedy of Errors, a 75 minute abridged version has twin brothers and their twin servants creating havoc with mistaken identities.
At The Steppenwolf Theatre (312) 335-1650 American Buffalo running until 2/7, is perhaps one of David Mamet’s most well-known plays. Three small time hoods set out to steal a valuable coin, told with danger and much dark humor this is a classic tale set in Chicago. Opening 1/21 The Brother/Sister Plays:In the Red and Brown Water, The Brothers Size/Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet. These are three interconnected plays and though the plays can be enjoyed independently, they gain a special poignancy when seen together. Taking place on the banks of the bayous of Louisiana, the stories concentrate on love, sexuality, coming of age and African/Caribbean folklore.
At Victory Gardens (773) 871 -3000, for the 4th year, a Chicago favorite musical holiday alternative to traditional fare, The Snow Queen runs until 12/27 . The brilliant and wonderful Hans Christian Anderson story of the lost boy and the girl who will not give up until she finds him is presented in a folk opera style, with lots of talent and humor, and is a treat for the whole family. The Chicago premiere of Blue Door opens 1/22. A math professor is haunted one night by four generations of his family, encompassing a full century of history, raising questions about black identity and more.
Timeline Theatre Company (773) 281-8463. When She Danced runs until 12/20. The place is Paris, the time is 1923, the story is a beautiful and especially funny portrait of the mother of modern dance, Isadora Duncan. It is followed by Master Harold…and the Boys opening 1/23. Set during 1950’s apartheid Africa, this tale focuses on a 17 year old boy and his lifetime relationships with two African workers. The play is known for it’s message of hope and beautiful dialogue.
Lookingglass Theatre Company (312) 337-0665. Icarus, another world premiere is a tale that explores a father’s need for his child to succeed, the desire to fly and the unspeakable fear of falling. Director, David Caitlin, mixes myth, dance and song in this original running until 1/24.
BROADWAY IN CHICAGO (312) 902-1400 At the Ford/Oriental Theatre, the new musical, The Addams Family, featuring Nathan Lane as Gomez and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia, Uncle Fester, and the rest of the gang’s here as well, you know a just an everyday, regular happy family like yours and mine. Why not have them over for coffee? At Cadillac Palace, Mel Brooks’ movie, Young Frankenstein is ALIVE! Enjoy Dr. Frankenstein, his monster and hits like, ‘Puttin’ On the Ritz’, and much more. The Bank of American Theatre, after being enjoyed by 1,000,000 fans and 951 performances, closes The Jersey Boys 1/10. Don’t miss your chance to see the show all of Chicago has raved about for 2 years.
The Chicago Theatre (800) 745-3000 presents the brand new theatrical production by Cirque de Soleil, a wacky new adventure called Banana Schpeel A New Twist on Vaudeville until 1/3. It’s not just humor, not just vaudeville, not just dance or slapstick or a musical-it’s all of those things and more.
At The APOLLO THEATRE-773-935-6100, celebrating its 2nd year and having its own day in the State of Illinois, the unforgettable story about the jam session with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash, continues to wow audiences. Also, The Million Dollar Quartet, will soon open on Broadway.
At The Black Ensemble Theater (773) 769-4451Jackie Taylor presents another world premiere, The Message is in the Music (God is a Black Man Named Ricky)-It’s a musical battle between heaven and hell, in Jackie’s own style, and as always, its pure fun.
Theatre Building Chicago (773) 327-5252 presents Butch La Rue’s Shotgun Wedding Revue until 12/18. This is their 3rd comedy revue with everything from foul-mouthed penguins, way, way off Broadway musical numbers and relationships of all kinds. The Santaland Diaries, until 1/2, is David Sedaris’ story of his job as an elf in Macy’s Santaland. The 9th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival will be presented 1/7-17. Much more can be caught on their multiple stages.
At Profiles Theatre (773) 549-1815 Graceland, the poignant, funny, hit comedy/drama closes 12/20. Running in repertory until 12/13 is Neil La Bute’s The Mercy Seat. This is a drop-dead, don’t miss Midwest premiere of a tale taking place 9/12/01. The national tragedy is explored through the long night Ben and Abby spend together. Tracy Lett’s Killer Joe 1/8-2/28, explores a greedy Texas family and their plot to do away with the matriarch of the family. They hire a cop/part-time hit man and once involved, all of their plans go completely out of control.
At Court Theatre (773) 753 4472 The Mystery of Irma Vep, until 12/13, is a high camp ‘quick change act’ satire about all that is Gothic horror. A front runner for one of the funniest American plays of the last quarter century. The Chicago premiere of The Year of Magical Thinking opens 1/14. Joan Didion’s memoir is brought to life in this one-woman tour de force, an examination of loss and courage.
On the comedy scene The Second City presents its 97th Mainstage Revue: Taming of the Flu – they’re sick of the flu, sick of hearing about health reform and sick of being watched while running red lights. It won’t stop the flu but it will help you laugh through it all. Also, Zanies continues to be the home of stand- up comedy.
Redmoon Theatre (312) 850-8440 x 111, returning home after entertaining President Obama at the White House, presents their extraordinary 2009 Winter Pageant. Its fun the whole family will enjoy and as they say “Expect the Un-Expected”!
Last but not Least: Redtwist Theatre ‘s (773)728-7529 The Pillowman until 12/20. American Theater Co.’s (773) 409-4125 wonderful- It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Broadcast Play . Raven Theatre (773) 338-2177 Death of a Salesman until 1/16. Red Orchid’s (312) 943-8722 very funny return of A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant until 1/3. And The Greenhouse Theatre Centre (773) 404-7336 where many terrific theater companies’ stage productions in this space. Pegasus Players (773) 878-9761 The 24th Annual Young Playwrights Festival 1/7-31.
Just a blink from Chicago…. At Light Opera Works, Evanston (847) 869-6300 Pirates of Penzance runs 12/26-1/3. The handsome Pirate King and his buccaneers are back and looking for love, so lock up your daughters and all single women and get ready for a Jolly-Rodger good time!
Until next time, we invite you to call us at (312) 661-1976 with opinions, suggestions, or for other recommendations.