Chicago Theatre Review
A Bright(man) Start to Christmas
Sarah Brightman – A Christmas Symphony – Auditorium Theatre
Sarah Brightman–the world-renowned soprano–is currently ringing in the holidays all around the country as part of her “A Christmas Symphony” tour. Many may already be familiar with her iconic renditions of Christmas classics. Others may know her as the Christine Daaé from Phantom of the Opera. But even if you are not familiar with Sarah Brightman this is a must-see performance.
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Q Brothers Christmas Carol – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Yay, hooray! It’s back once again at Chicago Shakespeare’s Yard Theater. This dynamic, mega-popular, high spirited and endlessly creative retelling of the Charles Dickens classic makes for an animated reopening of the venue and a welcome to the holiday season. This zippy one-act, written by the Q Brothers Collective, displays so much creativity and sheer energy, coupled with its finesse and fleetness of presentation, presents a constant source of abundant entertainment. The cleverness of the script and songs, makes for a joyful evening at the theatre. While the show might be aimed at younger theatergoers, savvy audiences of all ages will delight in the imaginative retelling of a familiar story.
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Miracle on 34th Street – BrightSide Theatre
Last holiday season, Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak, much like every other venue, were simply trying keep BrightSide Theatre afloat during the pandemic shutdown. This year it’s a different story. Although we’re still dealing with Covid-19, it’s become a little more under control. The virus, however, has made health and safety demands on most restaurants and entertainment venues. BrightSide is one of hundreds of theatres that demand proof of vaccination from their patrons and insist upon their wearing masks throughout the evening. But the best news is that BrightSide Theatre is back again. And with its return, the company has resurrected a very popular classic holiday story for the reopening of its doors. The story, set to original music, asks the question, Is there really a Santa Claus?
Read MoreFun Facts Amid Fearlessness
When Harry Met Rehab – Greenhouse Theatre
An affable, long-time Chicago sports radio personality attends a meeting with his lawyer, only to discover it’s actually an intervention. He’s told, in no uncertain terms, that if he doesn’t enter a rehabilitation center to cure his uncontrolled drinking, he’s going to lose his job…and maybe more. Hiding behind jokes, lies and denial, Harry tries to beat the disease and come out on top. Based upon real-life events shared by Windy City on-air sports celebrity Harry Teinowitz, this world premiere 90-minute one-act drama, written by Teinowitz and Spike Manton, is a roller coaster ride of emotions. While there are many sobering moments of deep sadness and sincere sentiment, the play is tempered with lots of laughter and lighter moments. Hope, determination and the strength they draw from each other help guide the way for the individuals of this rehab facility.
Read MoreSanta, Won’t You Come?
Christmas Dearest – Hell in a Handbag
Just when you think you’ve experienced every possible version of A Christmas Carol, David Cerda, that talented theatrical actor, singer, dancer, playwright, composer and lyricist, comes up with a new riff on the story. In this campy treatment of the Dickens classic, Scrooge is 1930’s movie queen, Joan Crawford. She’s filming a musical biopic of Jesus, in which she plays (what else?) the Virgin Mary. True to form, Joan’s not simply crabby and miserly; she’s working her cast and crew late on Christmas Eve and demands that everyone report to work early the following morning on Christmas Day.
Read MoreOnce Again, An Angel Gets His Wings
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! – American Blues Theatre
After what feels like a very long break in live theatre and entertainment, the doors have flung back open and vaccinated, properly masked audiences are flocking to area stages. Now, in the midst of a festive holiday season, Chicago is offering all kinds of terrific productions for families to enjoy. Some are exciting, brand new plays; but a few productions are old favorites that we look forward to, year after year.
Read MoreBeneath Every Hat We’re All the Same
Mr. Dickens’ Hat – Northlight Theatre
That unrivaled bastion of art in Skokie, the excellent Northlight Theatre has offered some exquisite holiday productions in the past. Before the pandemic shut down the theatre, they commissioned and produced two delectable, crowd-pleasing Christmas-themed comedies. Both plays were an absolute delight and featured Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy and host of Jane Austin’s best-loved characters from Pride and Prejudice.
Read MoreA Walk Down Memory Lane
Holiday Inn – Drury Lane Theatre
Now that the holiday season is upon us, and theatres are cautiously reopening after the pandemic hiatus, it’s once again that time of year when festive entertainments bloom like poinsettias all over Chicagoland. Drury Lane is proudly presenting the theatrical equivalent of a soft, warm blanket or a delicious bowl of comfort food. As we try to shine a light through the Covid-19 murkiness and rekindle our old traditions and fond memories of holidays past, an evening spent snuggling into this Irving Berlin songfest offers a nostalgic trip back to a kinder, gentler time.
Read MoreCindy Lou Who Tells All
Who’s Holiday! – Theatre Wit
Director Christopher Pazdernik was the perfect choice for bringing this adults-only holiday comedy to the stage. He infuses this delicious production of Matthew Lombardo’s 2017 one-woman comedy with his continual over-the-top joie de vivre. And then, coupled with the incomparably talented Veronica Garza, how could this production go wrong? Ms Garza may be remembered as the well-deserved Jeff Award-winner for her portrayal of both skaters’ mothers in “Tony and Nancy.” This short, one-act is aimed at liberal-minded grownups who are in the mood for something a bit darker than “It’s a Wonderful Life.” For 65 minutes Cindy Lou will tell all.
Read MoreA Holiday Extravaganza Filled With Heart
A Christmas Carol – Goodman Theatre
Rejoice, Chicago! Goodman’s wonderful production of “A Christmas Carol” has returned once more as a live performance. After last year’s ambitious audio production, because of the pandemic, this reimagined and perfectly updated presentation is once again live on the Albert Stage. Can anyone believe that this is the 44th production of this wonderful show that’s become an annual Chicago holiday tradition? And Dickens’ almost 180-year-old this story is, after all, what Christmas is all about. Chicagoans are so fortunate to have Mr. Scrooge back for another holiday season.
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