Classic plays to fuel the holiday spirit
If the music and decorations out in force haven't put you in a holiday mood yet, there are ways to get into the spirit outside of the mall. Whether you're seeing a classic or something made up on the spot, these holiday themed shows will get the whole family looking forward to December.
"A Christmas Story"
Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342; noblefool.org
Show times, through Dec. 27: 8 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday,
Tickets: $27-$38
Adapted from the movie, almost all of the most memorable scenes find their way on stage in this production, along with a few new ones. Instead of voice-over, you'll see an older version of Ralphie on stage sharing with the audience his attempt to persuade everyone that a Red Ryder BB gun was the perfect gift. The show has 11 kids age 9 to 13 in the cast, several of whom have trained with the theater in their performing arts academy and youth ensemble productions. Even the best visual laughs from the movie find their way into the play in some fashion, with the narrator guiding the audience to focus on new scenes opening up on different parts of the stage and some buildup handled by sound effects.
"Xtreme Holiday Makeover"
New World Repertory Theater, 923 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, (630) 663-1489; newworldrep.org
Show times, Dec. 5-28: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday,
Tickets: $20, $15 seniors and students, $12 matinees
A family friendly improv and sketch comedy show, "Xtreme Holiday Makeover" looks at the things people take for granted about the holidays and things that people get way too into. The second half of the show lets audience members put their spin on things, shouting out suggestions to create their own holiday. This is the first time the company added more improv to their skit-oriented show, and the goal is to use part of that flexibility to gauge the audience each night and cover topics they think will be funny to them, all while keeping things clean. There's even a chance for you or your kids to wind up on stage if you're brave.
"The Radio City Christmas Spectacular"
Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, (312) 559-1212; rosemont.com
Show times, Thursday, Nov. 20, to Sunday, Dec. 7: check Web site for schedule
Tickets: $25-$65
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has wowed audiences for more than 75 years. Since coming to the area in 2006, it's become a local tradition, too. Nearly 100 cast and crew members bring the production to life, with dancing teddy bears, flying reindeer and high-kicking Rockettes. With a combination of old numbers and new ones, you can see "The Parade of Wooden Soldiers," which has been part of the show since 1933, along with a tap dancing version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and "Sleighride," featuring Santa on his journey from the North Pole to Chicago, accompanied by the Rockettes.
"A Christmas Carol"
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., (847) 577-2121; metropolisarts.com
Show times, Tuesday, Nov. 25, to Wednesday, Dec. 24: check Web site for schedule
Tickets: $28, $15 for kids 12 and under
The classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas may be one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit. Metropolis works to fuel the script, with intricate costumes and plenty of singing and dancing.
"A Christmas Carol"
Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521; steelbeamtheatre.com
Show times, Nov. 28 through Dec. 21: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $25, $22 for seniors and students
A large professional cast brings a version of the Dickens classic to stage featuring a musical score by Alan Menken, the Broadway composer of "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast." Along with plenty of singing the show also features a variety of dance styles to bring the action to life.