Theater events: Black Ensemble extends 'Curtis Mayfield'
Ÿ Black Ensemble Theater has extended its original production of “It's All-Right to Have a Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield.” Performances continue through March 30 at 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago. That show will run in repertory with BET's upcoming revue, “Chicago's Golden Soul,” saluting Chicago's hit-makers from the 1960s and 1970s, including Jerry Butler, Etta James and the Chi Lites among others. Previews of “Chicago's Golden Soul” begin Jan. 30. The show opens Feb. 2. (773) 769-4451 or blackensembletheater.org.
Schneider returns
Rob Schneider, the “Saturday Night Live” veteran and comic actor who started out in San Francisco comedy clubs opening for comedians including Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld, headlines the Chicago Improv this weekend.
8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at 5 Woodfield Road, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. $33. (847) 240-2000 or chicago.improv.com.
‘Revolution' 2014
Despite Redmoon Theatre hosting a number of family-friendly spectacles throughout the year, New Year's Eve is not one of those times. The company's 21-and-older NYE extravaganza features costumed performers, aerialists from Aerial Dance Chicago, music from The O'My's, the Mobile DJ Unit, “truffle servers” consisting of silver trays suspended from hot air balloons, and assorted wine and dessert bars.
9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 2120 S. Jefferson St., Chicago. $100 (includes open bar, sweets and free shuttle bus service between Redmoon and 77 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago). (312) 850-8440, ext. 123, or redmoon.org.
NYE on Wells
Up Comedy Club rings in the new year with performances of its sketch comedy show, “Miracle on Wells Street,” featuring chestnuts from The Second City archives along with new material, all performed by members of The Second City Touring Company.
7 and 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Piper's Alley, 230 W. North Ave., Chicago. $55 (7 p.m.); $64 (10 p.m., which includes a balloon drop and champagne toast). (312) 662-4562 or upcomedyclub.com.
Ÿ Performances continue this weekend for “One Night Only,” an improvised, 60-minute musical created by Michael Girts, directed by TJ Shanoff, and featuring veteran Chicago improvisers. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 27-28, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. $15. (773) 327-5252 or onenightonlynyc.com.
Ÿ “The Lola Diaries: Christmas on Broadway,” one of a series of plays by Laura Rose centered around a 1940s femme fatale named Lola Wants, opens Friday, Dec. 27, at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. The show runs through Jan. 4. Also at Gorilla Tango, comedic-magic duo Trent James and Brian Kirshenbaum present “Sleight Mishaps: Partners in Deception” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. The show is for ages 16 and older and features stunts, sleight-of-hand and a comedy tribute to Harry Houdini. (773) 598-4549 or gorillatango.com.
Ÿ Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, hosts a monster-themed New Year's Eve party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Partygoers are encouraged to dress in their most ghoulish attire for the Monster's Ball, which features music, specialty drinks and appetizers and a haunted theater tour for $70 (single), $120 (couple). The VIP package including a private lounge, top-shelf bar, private bartender and raffle are $100 (single) and $175 (couple). (773) 327-5252 or stage773.com.
Ÿ Victory Gardens Theater invites Chicago-area gospel choirs to perform in its upcoming production of Marcus Gardley's “The Gospel of Lovingkindness,” beginning previews Feb. 28 at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. The choirs should have between eight and 30 members and must commit to at least one evening performance throughout the run. Selected choirs will perform a piece of music throughout the show. Interested choirs should submit a 90-second audio or video sample (such as a YouTube video) to gospel@victorygardens.org by Jan. 10. (773) 871-3000 or victorygardens.org.