THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Staying Warm with Holiday Theatre Favorites!
It may be downright frigid this weekend here in Chicago but that won’t stop us from enjoying our holiday season! We’ll just stay warm by attending traditional holiday theatre favorites!
This is the last weekend for the critically acclaimed Elf The Musical at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.) in The Loop. Inspired by the hit film starring Will Ferrell, this musical premiered on Broadway in 2010 and is still a classic Christmas show to this day. This heartwarming tale of Buddy the Elf who discovers he is human features an abundance of hi-tech wizardry, songs to keep the kids engrossed, and plenty of jokes for adults. Come say hello to Buddy the Elf as he makes you believe in the magic of Christmas!
Now through December 23, Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical returns for its 26th year to the Beverly Arts Center of Chicago (2407 W. 111th St.) in the Beverly neighborhood. Oh no, Christmas is quickly approaching and Santa’s list is missing! Who could have stolen it? Well, join Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2025 as they try to find it in time to save Christmas. But how will they get it back? And will Mrs. Claus save the day. There’s only one way to find out as you’ll be in the Holiday Spirit before you know it!
Now through December 28, The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party takes place at the Chicago Children’s Theatre (100 S. Racine Ave.) in the West Loop. Four of Beatrix Potter’s classic tales come to life with an interactive puppet show complete with original music, gentle storytelling, and plenty of kid participation. Afterwards, head to the lobby to play with the puppets, take pictures with the cast, and enjoy a communal holiday party complete with a festive spread of holiday treats!
Now through December 28, the Joffrey Ballet’s annual holiday ballet, The Nutcracker returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago (20 N. Wacker Dr.) in The Loop with its critically acclaimed reinvention version by Christoper Wheeldon in 2016. After awakening to an epic battle between Toy Soldiers and The Rat King, Marie is swept away by a Nutcracker Prince to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair with sprawling attractions represented by countries from around the globe. This much-loved holiday tale pays homage to the city and its inhabitants, which truly makes this a Nutcracker for Chicago!
Now through December 28, ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil returns to The Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.) in The Loop for its 49th original production and first-ever holiday-themed show. This holiday classic with a Cirque twist brings joy and entertainment to the whole family in a winter wonderland inspired by the poem with whimsical characters, acrobats, a whirlwind of love, holiday cheer, and riotous fun. This show will leave a lasting impression on families this holiday season!
Now through December 28, It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! brings a live retelling of Frank Capra’s classic in a 1940’s radio broadcast tradition to the American Blues Theater (5627 N. Lincoln Ave.) in the West Ridge neighborhood. Join George Bailey on his adventure in Bedford Falls as he stumbles into desperate times where only a miracle can save him from despair. It’s Chicago’s second longest-running holiday play and not to be missed!
Now through December 31, A Christmas Carol has been a staple for over 40 years at the Goodman Theatre (170 N. Dearborn St.) in The Loop. This annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ classic returns to the stage with Christoper Donahue returning as Scrooge after his phenomenal performance in his 2024 debut. Be prepared to be visited by Scrooge’s three spirits as they teach him that the value of gold will never equal that of genuine love for his fellow man. This tale of redemption has been known to have some in the audience shedding a few tears of their own!
Enjoy the Warmth of the Theatre this Weekend!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
