It must be December: The Chicago-area’s stages are crowded with sugarplum fairies, Scrooges and a Macy’s store elf named Crumpet.
Christmas shows dominate the month, but some theaters are offering intriguing plays without any overt holiday theme. Just think of it as their gift to those of us who need an occasional break from the shopping and festivities.
A Christmas Carol
Through December 29
This is the 36th year that the Goodman has presented Charles Dickens’ oft-told story about mean old Ebenezer Scrooge learning to love his fellow human beings. No matter how many times you’ve heard this tale, the Goodman’s version never fails to touch the heart. The delightful Larry Yando returns as Scrooge, with Henry Wishcamper directing. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, 312-443-3800
The Chimes
December 21–29
“A Christmas Carol” wasn’t Charles Dickens’ only yuletide story. He also wrote “The Chimes,” in which some goblins reprimand a man for losing faith in humanity. Remy Bumppo’s artistic director Nick Sandys—a charming Brit who doesn’t need to fake the english accent—adapted Dickens’ lesser-known holiday story for the stage, and he’ll give just five performances. Remy Bumppo Theatre (at Greenhouse), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago , 773-244-8119
The Little Prince
December 4 to February 2
If any company in Chicago can bring this classic children’s book to the stage with its otherworldly magic intact, it may be Lookingglass, which succeeded so well with its long-running hit “Lookingglass Alice.” In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s story, a pilot stranded in the Sahara meets a strange young prince who has fallen to earth from a tiny asteroid. Ensemble member David Catlin will direct Rick Cummins and John Scoullar’s adaptation of the French novella. Expect to experience some outer space inside the historic water-pumping station that houses Lookingglass. (Pictured top right) Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-337-0665
The Merry Wives of Windsor
December 3 to January 19
Other than the word “merry” in the title, Shakespeare’s comedy doesn’t have anything to do with Christmas, but this spirited romp should prove to be an entertaining diversion during the holiday season. Artistic director Barbara Gaines guides this story about the roguish Sir John Falstaff trying to replenish his finances by wooing some wealthy married ladies. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312-595-5600
Tribes
December 5 to February 9
Austin Pendleton directs the Chicago premiere of English playwright Nina Raine’s comic drama about an eccentric English family with a deaf son who’s beginning to discover a larger community of deaf people. The New York Times said this “smart, lively” play “asks us to hear how we hear, in silence as well as in speech.” Steppenwolf’s cast includes ensemble members Alana Arenas and Francis Guinan. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 312-335-1650
Theater Guide
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER (AT GREENHOUSE)
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
Through December 29
773-404-7336
AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play
Through December 29
773-409-4125
BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Through December 29
312-977-1700
CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE
Elf the Musical
Through December 15
800-775-2000
GOODMAN THEATRE
New Stages Series
December 7–22
312-443-3800
HOUSE THEATRE (AT THE CHOPIN)
The Nutcracker
Through December 29
773-769-3832
JOFFREY BALLET (AT THE AUDITORIUM)
The Nutcracker
December 6–28
312-386-8905
RED THEATER CHICAGO (AT THE DEN)
Dylan
Through December 22
773-569-3454
REMY BUMPPO (AT GREENHOUSE)
An Inspector Calls
December 4–January 12
773-244-8119
SILK ROAD RISING
Paulus
November 12–December 15
312-857-1234
SPARTAN THEATRE (AT THE DEN)
The Pillowman
December 6–15
773-569-3454
THEATER WIT
The Santaland Diaries
Through late December
Burning Bluebeard
Through January 5
773-975-8150
