Spotlight: 'A Christmas Carol' in various incarnations dominate area stages this weekend

Posted November 30, 2019 6:00 am

Musical 'Carol'

BrightSide Theatre revives the family-friendly “A Christmas Carol the Musical,” based on Charles Dickens' story. The score is by Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”) and Lynn Ahrens (“Ragtime,” “Once on This Island”). Winfield's Stan Austin stars as Ebenezer Scrooge.

8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. It runs through Dec. 15 at the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. $25, $30. (630) 447-8497 or brightsidetheatre.com.

Steve Connell plays Ebenezer Scrooge in Metropolis Performing Arts Centre's "A Christmas Carol."

'Carol' with music

The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre commences its holiday programming with a play-with-music version of “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Krista Scott. Crystal Lake's Steve Connell plays the miser Scrooge. Kevin Wiczer directs and Kenneth McMullen is the music director.

Opens at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, and runs through Dec. 24 at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $15, $30. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.

Modern 'Carol'

Steel Beam Theatre premieres “The Ballad of CC Scrooge #christmasmakeover,” John David Westby's female-centered adaptation of Dickens' story. It's about a businesswoman named CC Scrooge who - in the pursuit of professional success - has forsaken friends and family. JoAnn Smith of Roselle stars as CC and Jami Johnson of Geneva plays her employee Bobbi Cratchit.

8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. It runs through Dec. 29 at 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. $23-$28. (630) 587-8521 or steelbeamtheatre.com.

Kid-size 'Carol'

Director Scott Calcagno returns again to Drury Lane Theatre for its 30th annual “A Christmas Carol” for young audiences. The hourlong production is suitable for most children. On certain days, families have the option of dining with Santa Claus before or after the performances.

10 a.m. and noon Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30. It runs through Dec. 23 at 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. $20. Lunch and dinner packages available. (630) 530-0111 or drurylanetheatre.com.

Latinx 'Cuento'

16th Street Theater celebrates the season with the premiere of “A Xmas Cuento Remix,” Maya Malan-Gonzalez's Latino-inspired adaptation of “A Christmas Carol (Cuento)” centered around pub owner Dolores. Dolores thinks Christmas is a scam and charity is for suckers until three spirits convince her otherwise.

Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at 6420 16th St., Berwyn. The show opens Dec. 6. $25, $32. (708) 795-6704 or 16thstreettheater.org.

Yuletide trivia night

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre invites audiences to test their knowledge of Yuletide myths and legends during the interactive show “Christmas Bingo: It's a Ho-Ho-Holy Night” featuring Vicki Quade, co-creator of “Late Nite Catechism.”

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $30. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.

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