Best Bets: Joffrey's 'Nutcracker' returns, Alice Cooper heads to Genesee
Columbian Expo Christmas
The Joffrey Ballet returns to present Christopher Wheeldon's 2016 version of "The Nutcracker," which was re-centered around Chicago's iconic 1893 Columbian Exposition. The Tchaikovsky Christmas ballet starts this weekend at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. $35-$179. (312) 341-2310 or joffrey.org. 29 performances from Saturday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 29
A Cirque holiday
See a new holiday stage circus spectacular with "'Twas the Night Before ..." by Cirque du Soleil, which starts this weekend at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $30-$133.50. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 17 performances from Friday, Nov. 29, to Sunday, Dec. 8
Interactive comedy
Find out the wackiest myths and most outrageous facts about the season with a special suburban performance of "Christmas Bingo: It's a Ho-Ho-Holy Night" by Vicki Quade, a co-creator of the smash hit "Late Nite Catechism." The interactive comedy is tonight at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $30. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Taylor talks
Fans of comedian Taylor Williamson from his 2013 run on "America's Got Talent" won't want to miss seeing him in a series of standup sets this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Pop gathering
Meet with comics vendors, "Land of the Lost" stars and more at the Chicago Pop Culture Convention this weekend at the Pheasant Run Resort Mega Center, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $12; free admission for kids ages 12 and under. (715) 526-9769 or chicagopopculturecon.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Cooper in concert
Hear song hits such as "School's Out," "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and more when Alice Cooper brings the "Ol' Black Eyes is Back" tour on Saturday to the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $60-$770. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
Tribute time
Get a big dose of holiday music performed in classic rock style with the touring tribute show "A Million Dollar Christmas: Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash" on Sunday at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $45-$65. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Fox 'Nutcracker'
Professional dancers perform alongside students and families from local dance studios for "The Fox Valley Nutcracker." Fox Valley Ballet presents its version of the classic Tchaikovsky Christmas ballet this weekend at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia. $25-$42; $20-$42 kids ages 10 and under. (630) 937-8930 or bataviafineartscentre.org. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1