Best Bets: 'Colors of Christmas' plays Genesee, 'Nutcracker' at Rosemont Theatre
R&B holiday
Peabo Bryson, Taylor Dayne, Jon Secada and Deniece Williams star in “The Colors of Christmas” concert at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $48-$68. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Stocking stuffer
This year, Goodman Theatre's alternative offering to its beloved “A Christmas Carol” is the stage adaptation of humorist David Sedaris' satirical “The Santaland Diaries” chronicling Sedaris' experiences as an elf at Macy's Santaland. Matt Crowle, a regular at Drury Lane, Paramount and Porchlight theaters, stars in the solo show directed by Steve Scott, former Goodman Theatre producer and a member of its artistic collective. 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2; and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 4-5. Opens Thursday, Dec. 6, at 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $15-$45. (312) 443-3800 or goodmantheatre.org.
Hanukkah premiere
Strawdog Theatre premieres ensemble member Michael Dailey's adaptation of “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins,” based on the children's book by Eric Kimmel about a traveler named Hershel of Ostropol who helps a town defeat various goblins over the eight days of Hanukkah. Emerald City Theatre artistic director Jacqueline Stone directs the production, which features Strawdog ensemble members Anderson Lawfer and Lombard native Nicole Bloomsmith. Previews at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Opens at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at 1802 W. Berenice Ave., Chicago. $10-$25. $80 for a family of four. See strawdog.org.
Tchaikovsky classic
Moscow Ballet tours back to Rosemont with a lavish staging of “The Great Russian Nutcracker.” The classic Tchaikovsky Christmas ballet plays two performances today at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $28-$89; $15-$25 parking. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Tchaikovsky evergreen
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra teams up with the Chicago Ballet Conservatory to perform “The Nutcracker” this weekend at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $25-$50. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Second City debut
Offering alternative holiday fare, The Second City debuts its 107th main stage revue, whose title has yet to be announced, next week. The cast includes main stage ensemble members Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Jeffrey Murdoch and Nate Varrone along with “Gaslight District” cast member Emily Fightmaster and “She the People” cast member Kimberly Michelle Vaughn. Matt Hovde directs. Previews continue at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2; and 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 4-5, at 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago. Opens Thursday, Dec. 6. $31-$58. (312) 337-3992 or secondcity.com.
Classical selections
David Cunliffe and Desiree Ruhstrat are the featured soloists for the Highland Park Strings concert “Double Your Pleasure.” Hear music of Bach, Vivaldi and Saint-Saëns at Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave., Highland Park. Free admission. (630) 443-3959 or hpstrings.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Concert highlights
The Illinois Brass Band Presents “Holiday Classics”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $6-$12. (847) 687-7741 or illinoisbrassband.org.
Fox Valley Concert Band - Home for the Holidays: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Free. (630) 584-7200 or norrisculturalarts.com.
WKQX's “The Nights We Stole Christmas” with Death Cab for Cutie, Elle King & lovelytheband: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. $42. (773) 561-9500 or 101wkqx.com/stole/.
The Weeks, The Lonely Biscuits: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $15. (773) 525-2501 or lh-st.com.
Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with the venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings or to add an event, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.