Best 2015 Holiday-Themed Stage Productions In Chicago
Chicago may be known as the Second City, but with a whole variety of playhouses, we have a wonderful array of theater productions. From new holiday shows to classics that come back year after year, there's something for everyone in this town who knows how to celebrate the holidays. So grab your tickets now, bundle up, and get ready to get into the holiday spirit.
Elf
Marriott Theatre
10 Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 634-0200
www.marriotttheatre.com
Date: Oct. 21 to Dec. 31, 2015 on Wednesdays through Sundays; times vary.
The blockbuster hit "Elf" is getting its very own musical production! The stage production has already had wild success around the country, and now in Chicago theatergoers can fall in love all over again with the story of Buddy the Elf as he moves to New York City from the North Pole. Alex Goodrich plays Buddy and Dara Cameron plays his love interest, Jovie. The production is also directed and choreographed by Marc Robin. While the show has numerous show times, grab your family's tickets early, as this promises to be a popular show!
The Nutcracker By The Joffrey Ballet
Auditorium Theater
50 E. Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 341-2310
www.auditoriumtheatre.org
Date: Dec. 4-27, 2015, usually on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The Nutcracker performance by the Joffrey Ballet has become a classic, and an integral, part of the holiday season. But 2015 marks the last year to see this interpretation of the beautiful and stunning dance performance as envisioned byGerlad Arpino and Robert Joffrey, marking an over 25 year run! Next year, the ballet will be reimagined by Christopher Wheeldon and set at the 1893 World's Fair. As such, this final run, featuring the Joffrey Ballet dancers as well as the famous score by Tchaikovsky, is one that should not be missed.
A Christmas Carol
Goodman Theater
170 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 443-3800
www.goodmantheatre.org
Date: Nov. 14 - Dec. 27, 2015, available a variety of days and show times.
In its 38th year, this stage production of a Christmas Carol is another must-see holiday classic. While many already know this storyline, there's something quite magical about seeing the story of Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by the ghosts of past, present, and future Christmases. The musical numbers alone are quite amazing, as are the beautiful costumes, and this production can easily be enjoyed by the whole family. This production plays in Goodman's Albert Theater.
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Charlie Brown Christmas
Broadway Playhouse
17 N. State St., Suite 810
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 977-1700
www.broadwayinchicago.com
Date: Nov. 14, 2015 - Jan. 3, 2016
Want to get your children interested in theater? Then this production of "Charlie Brown Christmas," directed by the Emerald City Theatre Artistic, is a wonderful way to do just that, while getting into the holiday spirit. The production is based on the TV special and tells the story of how Charlie Brown and his friends look past the commercialization of Christmas to discover the real meaning of the holiday. The theater production is best geared for kids age 3 to 13, but parents can enjoy the cute tale as well.
The Christmas Schooner
Mercury Theater
3745 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 325-1700
www.mercurytheaterchicago.com
Date: Nov. 25 to Dec. 27, 2015 with various dates and times
Another important part of holiday theater, the play "The Christmas Schooner" tells the tale of the Christmas tree ship that attempted a trip from Michigan's Upper Peninsula down to Chicago's Clark Street Docks to sell trees and give them to the needy. In 1912, the ship didn't survive a violent storm, but the legend of the trip has become quite mythical. Pair this amazing story with original music, and it's no wonder that the show has been put on for the past 12 years.
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Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.
