By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, expect a blizzard of holiday entertainment.
But while Santa, Scrooge and George Bailey are waiting in the wings, November offers other sorts of theater: classic stories by Agatha Christie, Louisa May Alcott and Lewis Carroll, as well as a dramatic new perspective on the Virgin Mary.
Lookingglass Alice
Opens Nov. 12
Director-adapter David Catlin’s version of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is so popular that Lookingglass just keeps on bringing it back. It’s also one of the most delightful and entertaining shows this group has ever concocted, so this is one rerun that’s welcome. With help from Evanston’s Actors Gymnasium, Lookingglass elevates the surreal stories of Lewis Carroll with acrobatic tricks that heighten the sense of wonder. Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-337-0665
The Mousetrap
Nov. 7 to Dec. 14
This murder mystery by Agatha Christie, the best-selling author of all time, is the world’s longest-running play—it’s been going for 62 years on London’s West End. Now, Northlight is springing “The Mousetrap” on North Shore theatergoers. Jonathan Berry directs a cast including Greg Matthew Anderson, Patrick Clear, Joey deBettencourt and Joe Dempsey. If you already know the twist ending, please don’t spoil the fun for everyone else. Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-673-6300
The Testament of Mary
Nov. 14 to Dec. 14
Mary, the mother of Jesus, describes the final years of her son’s life in this drama by acclaimed Irish author Colm Tóibín, who also wrote a novella version of the same story. “It takes its power from the surprises of its language, its almost shocking characterization, its austere refusal of consolation,” The New York Times wrote. The stage version (which was nominated for three Tony Awards, including best play) is making its Midwest premiere at Victory Gardens. The theater’s founding artistic director,Dennis Zacek, stepped down a few years ago, but he’s returning to his longtime home base for this production. Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-871-3000
Little Women: The Musical
Nov. 7–23
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel about four sisters coming of age during the Civil War became a Broadway musical in 2005, getting mixed reviews. But it bodes well that Dominic Missimi—a professor emeritus at the university who has directed dozens of shows at the Marriott and many other theaters, winning several Jeff Awards—directs this Northwestern production. If anyone can make “Little Women” sing, it’s Missimi. Northwestern University (Josephine Louis Theater), 20 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston, 847-491-7282
Theater Guide
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER (AT GREENHOUSE)
It’s a Wonderful Life
Nov. 21 to Dec. 28
773-404-7336
AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY
The Humans
Nov. 14 to Dec. 21
773-409-4125
ASTONREP (AT THE RAVEN THEATRE)
The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Through Nov. 22
773-828-9129
BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER
At Last: A Tribute to Etta James
Through Jan. 11
773-769-4451
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Frederick
Through Nov. 16
872-222-9555
CITADEL THEATRE
From the Heart
Nov. 21 to Dec. 21
847-735-8554
COURT THEATRE
Iphigenia in Aulis
Through Dec. 7
773-753-4472
DRURY LANE
Camelot
Through Jan. 4
630-530-0111
FIRST FLOOR THEATER
Matt & Ben
Nov. 16 to Dec. 13
GOODMAN THEATRE
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 15 to Dec. 28
312-443-3800
GRIFFIN THEATRE (AT THEATER WIT)
Titanic
Through Dec. 7
773-975-8150
HOUSE THEATRE (AT THE CHOPIN)
The Nutcracker
Nov. 7 to Dec. 30
773-769-3832
LIFELINE THEATRE
The Velveteen Rabbit
Through Nov. 23
773-761-4477
MARRIOTT THEATRE
The King and I
Through Jan. 4
The Wizard of Oz
Nov. 7 to Jan. 3
847-634-0200
THE NEO-FUTURISTS
Pseudo-Chum
Through Nov. 22
773-878-4557
PICCOLO THEATRE
The Love of Three Oranges: 14th Annual Holiday Panto
Nov. 7 to Dec. 20
847-424-0089
A RED ORCHID THEATRE
Strandline
Through Dec. 7
312-943-8722
SILK ROAD RISING
The Hundred Flowers Project
Through Nov. 23
312-857-1234
