New Year's Eve options still plentiful in suburbs
If you've procrastinated, had plans change or just aren't as excited about ringing in the new year with Ryan Seacrest as you once were, there are still plenty of options available in the suburbs for a fun New Year's Eve.
If you're looking to have your funny bone tickled, dance until you drop or want a little bit of everything, here's a sampling of where to find what you're looking for. Find even more celebrations at www.dailyherald.com/calendar.
Enter, laughing: The Comedy Shrine, near Macy's at the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, features two family shows at 4 and 6 p.m. for $20 per person. That's followed by shows in two theaters at 8 p.m., one with comedians Rick Overton and Taylor Negron, and the other featuring improv. At 10 p.m., Overton and Negron return in one theater while the other theater offers adult improv, with both shows continuing through midnight. Each 8 p.m. show costs $35 per person, and 10 p.m. shows are $40. All shows provide party favors. Call (630) 585-0300 or see www.comedyshrine.com.
Jazz it up: Northlight Theatre at 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie is hosting a performance by Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $75 for regular admission or $125 for a VIP package that includes a preshow cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. Elling's repertoire includes originals and modern interpretations of standards. Only a few tickets remain at both price points. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit northlight.org.
Hello, New Year's: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, offers dinner and the musical “Hello, Dolly!” along with a midnight champagne toast and a DJ spinning classics in the Critics Corner Lounge. Tickets remain for a 5 p.m. performance and an 8 p.m. dinner seating. Costs are $50 for the show only, plus $40 to $55 for dinner. Call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylane.com.
Own it: The Hyatt Regency O'Hare Hotel at 9300 Bryn Mawr in Rosemont is hosting a bash called “Own the Night: NYE 2013.” There are two ways to enjoy this hotel party. A $350 package includes a room for two with early check-in and late check-out, two tickets to the party and dinner for two at the O'H American Grill. Only a few of those packages remain with dinner seatings only at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. For more information about the hotel room and party package call (847) 696-1234 or visit ohare.hyatt.com. Tickets to the party itself are available at ownthenightnye2013-PR13.eventbrite.com and cost $89 plus service charges. Doors are open 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. and the party includes performances by 7th Heaven and Covergurl. The ticket also grants partygoers entrance to the Dance Club featuring DJ-SPIN and also the Red Bar where Tony Ocean will perform Frank Sinatra covers. The party features an open bar and a fantasy casino where revelers can play poker, black jack and craps for fantasy money.
A delightful way: The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire will have a performance at 8 p.m. of the musical “Mary Poppins.” Tickets range from $40 to $48, plus tax and handling fees. Call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.MariottTheatre.com.
Laugh in the New Year: Zanies Comedy Clubs offer programs at two locations. The Zanies at Pheasant Run in St. Charles features Chris Franjola, a writer and regular round-table guest on “Chelsea Lately,” and Zanies at the MB Financial Park in Rosemont features John Caponera. Both shows start at 8 p.m. for $30 each ticket. Shows at 10:30 p.m. cost $40 each and include a champagne toast and party favors. For more information call the St. Charles location at (630) 584-6342 or the Rosemont club at (847) 813-0484.
Rock the night away: The InterContinental Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont features its 17th annual Rock 'n' Roll Ball with about 2,000 revelers expected. ABC 7's Countdown Chicago will telecast from the party, which features Cracker, Rod Tuffcurls and the Benchpress, and Modern Day Romeos performing. The party package costs $85 per person with open bar from 8:30 to 12:30 a.m. and party favors; the party and room package costs $279, which includes two party packages and a deluxe guest room. The VIP party package costs $125 per person that includes the open bar, party favors and access to the VIP lounges with private DJs, top-shelf open bars and butler-passed hors d'oeuvres; the VIP room package includes all the VIP party package for two people plus a junior suite for $349 or a one-bedroom suite for $369.
Wander over to St. Charles: The Arcada Theatre at 105 E. Main St. in St. Charles has an evening with The Bronx Wanderers on tap. The dance band from the Big Apple covers hits by The 4 Seasons, Dion and other East Coast favorites. Tickets to the party cost $75 and include a balloon drop, dancing, food and a “full premium bar.” For tickets, visit oshows.com.
Comedy and a party: The Genesee Theatre and Waukegan Yacht Club have teamed for an evening of laughs and revelry. Comedian Sinbad is performing at the theater at 8 p.m. with tickets costing $42, $52 and $62. For another $20, members of the audience are invited to attend the New Year's Eve party at the yacht club at 199 N. Harbor Place. The party includes dessert, a glass of champagne for the midnight toast and dancing until 2:30 a.m. For more information about the Sinbad performance contact the theater box office at (847) 263-6300. For details on the after party at the yacht club call (847) 623-4188 or visit wyclub.com
Fireworks and ice: Join ABC 7 at MB Financial Park in Rosemont for ice skating and fireworks to ring in the new year. The rink is open at 11 a.m. today and will stay open until 1 a.m. Wednesday. ABC 7 has chosen the venue as one of several locations it will broadcast from during its live “Countdown Chicago 2014” program. Skating is free and skate rentals are $8. Restaurants around the park are offering a number of specials to visitors. More information about the event is available at mbparkatrosemont.com.
A Rocky start: Chicago Improv at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg is hosting a New Year's Eve of comedy starring Chicago native Rocky LaPorte. Tickets to the 10 p.m. show are $52 and include snacks and “free-flowing” champagne after Rocky rings in the new year at midnight. For more information, call (847) 240-2001 or visit chicago.improv.com.