Entertainment

Best Bets: Cirque du Soleil spreads holiday cheer with 'T'was the Night Before' at the Chicago Theatre

Posted November 23, 2021 5:00 am

By Scott C. Morgan

Cirque du Soleil revives its 2019 holiday show "'Twas the Night Before ..." at the Chicago Theatre from Nov. 26 to Dec. 5. Courtesy of Errisson Lawrence

Holiday spectacle

Marvel at the many physical feats of the clowns, contortionists, aerialists and more in "T'was the Night Before ... by Cirque du Soleil." Before it transfers to New York, this 2019 holiday show returns for a Windy City run starting this weekend at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $65-$115. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 1, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday; noon, 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday; from Friday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 5

Crafty creations

Get some great ideas for custom-made holiday gifts by visiting an Arts & Crafts Show presented by Step by Step Promotions this weekend at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. $5. (847) 680-7200, lcfair.com or stepbysteppromotions.com. 2-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28

Theme park twinkles

Six Flags Great America revives its "Holiday in the Park Lights!" winter season attraction this weekend with lots of entertainment, lights and select rides. And for those who prefer a "Drive-Thru Experience," that returns on Dec. 3 at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Strolling tickets: $24.99-$29.99; drive-through tickets: $17.99-$29.99 (advance reservations required). (847) 249-1776 or sixflags.com/greatamerica. 4 or 5 to 9 p.m. various dates through Dec. 30; Drive-Thru Experience from 4 or 5 to 9 p.m. select dates from Dec. 3 to Jan. 9

'Time Warp' anniversary

Barry Bostwick, the Tony Award-winning actor who starred as Brad in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," is set to appear in person for a 45th anniversary screening of that beloved interactive cult classic film at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. $39-$89. (630) 926-7000 or desplainestheatre.com. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26

Forgotten Kevin

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams' classic film score to "Home Alone" alongside a screening of the blockbuster 1990 film for "Home Alone in Concert" this weekend at the Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. There will be preconcert appearances by "Home Alone" actors Ann Whitney and Tracy J. Connor at no extra charge. $50-$199. (312) 294-3000 or cso.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26-27 (preconcert discussion 6:15 p.m.), and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28 (preconcert discussion 1:15 p.m.)

Rejoice greatly!

Get a jump on the many performances of Handel's "Messiah" with Music of the Baroque's "A Thanksgiving Messiah" at two locations: First on Sunday at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $60-$95; then on Monday at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago, $25-$95. (312) 551-1414 or baroque.org. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, in Skokie and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, in Chicago

Smooth jazz

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist star Kenny G is back on the road with "The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour 2021" at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $49.50-$89.50. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2

Cirque du Soleil revives its 2019 holiday show "'Twas the Night Before ..." for a tour that plays the Chicago Theatre from Nov. 26 to Dec. 5. Courtesy of Errisson Lawrence

"Rocky Horror Picture Show" star Barry Bostwick makes a special appearance at a 45th anniversary screening of the cult film at the Des Plaines Theatre on Friday, Nov. 26. Associated Press, 2019

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs "Home Alone in Concert" for three performances Nov. 26-28. Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Kenny G comes brings his holiday tour to the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan on Thursday, Dec. 2. Associated Press, 2019

"Holiday in the Park Lights!" returns to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee through Dec. 30. The "Drive-Thru Experience" returns Dec. 3 through Jan. 9. Courtesy of Six Flags Great America

Conductor Nicholas Kraemer leads the Music of the Baroque in Handel's "Messiah" in Chicago and Skokie.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs "Home Alone in Concert" for three performances Nov. 26-28. John Williams' score is played live alongside a screening of the 1990 holiday film starring Macaulay Culkin. Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

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