Theater
Tom Creamer’s adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens story “A Christmas Carol” remains a dependable entry into the holidays. This season the Goodman Theatre’s 47th annual staging includes a new actor, Christopher Donahue, taking over the role of Scrooge. Jessica Thebus directs. From Nov. 16-Dec. 30 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tickets: $25-$149. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s opera “Blue” explores the complex bonds of family and community in the story of a Black family’s growth, with faith as the grounding force that ties the community together even as it’s torn apart by police violence. Tazewell directs. From Nov. 16-Dec. 1 at Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker. Tickets: $49+. Visit lyricopera.org.
“Yippee Ki Yay (The Parody Celebration of ‘Die Hard’)” is Richard Marsh’s hilarious retelling of the action film that also reveals the personal story of a lifelong “Die Hard” fan. Hal Chambers directs. From Nov. 19-Dec. 15 at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut. Tickets: $40-$85. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”: Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences presents the enchanting musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Laura Rook directs. From Nov. 15-Dec. 29 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. Tickets: $15.75. Visit marriotttheatre.com.
In Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s play “The Wickhams — Christmas at Pemberley,” holiday events unfold upstairs as the servants below find themselves in the midst of a holiday scandal. From Nov. 14-Dec. 15 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn. Tickets: $44;. Visit atthemac.org.
Mitchell Bisschop presents a return engagement of “Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago,” his solo show about the columnist who was a fixture in Chicago newspapers. Steve Scott directs. From Nov. 14-Dec. 22 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. Tickets: $60. Visit royko.brownpapertickets.com.
“The Comedians” is Philip Dawkins’ world premiere play about two comedians (Bill Larkin, Terry Guest) whose relationship is tested by fame. Colm Summers directs. From Nov. 14-24 at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark. Tickets: $65. Visit raventheatre.com.
Jim Wise and George Haimsohn’s “Dames at Sea” is a musical parody of flashy 1930s Busby Berkeley-style musical movies. Gregg Dennhardt directs. From Nov. 15-Dec. 15 at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan, Lake Forest. Tickets: $45. Visit citadeltheatre.org.
Dance
Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre opens its 29th season with the world premiere of Nicole Clarke-Springer’s “Sacred Spaces,” a piece set to gospel music by Mahalia Jackson, Bobby McFerrin and GMWA of Worship. Plus an excerpt from Jeffrey Page’s “Lifted,” the company premiere of Ulysses Dove’s “Urban Folk Dance,” Kevin Iega Jeff’s “Flack” and Gary Abbott’s “Desire.” At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets: $35+. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
Chicago Repertory Ballet performs Wade Schaaf’s “Interconnect,” “Lua Descolorida,” “Huit Suite” and the disco-inspired ballet “Move on Up.” At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at Ruth Page Center, 1016 N. Dearborn. Tickets: $35-$65. Visit chicagorepertoryballet.com.
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine returns to perform two classics: “The Nutcracker” (7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, $30+) and “Swan Lake” (7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $45-$85). Visit ticketmaster.com.
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents dancers from Ukraine performing “The Nutcracker.” At 7 p.m. Nov. 16-17 at Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport. Tickets:$44-$89. Visit athenaeumcenter.org.
Music
The Chicago Philharmonic has collaborated recently with the Violent Femmes and Laufey. Now the orchestra performs with two additional acts outside its usual norm. Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring the Wolfpack (7 p.m. Nov. 17-18, $55+) continue their popular orchestra collaborations with a set filled with songs from the Grateful Dead catalog, Weir’s solo albums and beloved covers. And singer-songwriter Amos Lee, touring behind his album “Transmissions,” performs for the first time in Chicago with a full orchestra (7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, $79+). Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
Pianist Daniel Trifonov, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s artist-in-residence, launches the first of his three residencies with a recital featuring the music of Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Barber. A conversation with Trifonov follows the concert. At 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. Tickets: $45+. Visit cso.org.
On her sophomore release “Everybody Needs a Hero,” Irish indie-pop artist and producer Orla Gartland expands on her pop-rock sound to chronicle the history of a long-term relationship. Emma Harner opens at 8 p.m. at Sleeping Village, 3734 W. Belmont. Tickets: $20. Visit sleeping-village.com.
Nashville country rockers The Wild Feathers channel heartland rock on the new album “Sirens,” which showcases the band’s ability to blend country storytelling with rock ‘n’ roll showmanship. At 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $30. Visit oldtownschool.org.
Amythyst Kiah’s unique, blues-inflected Southern gothic music reminds listeners that there’s a rich tradition of African American, old-time musicians alive in a new generation of performers. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston. Tickets: $15. Visit evanstonspacemusic.com.
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra performs works by Dmitri Shostakovich, Samuel Barber and Jessie Montgomery at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan ($20-$60). Plus the Jazz Orchestra performs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Dempsey Corboy Jazz Hall, DePaul University, 2330 N. Halsted ($17), and the Steel Orchestras at 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at Curtiss Hall, Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan ($15). Visit cyso.org.
Modest Mouse celebrates the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking “Good News for People Who Love Bad News” with a tour and an expanded edition of the album featuring eight bonus tracks. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston. Tickets: $155. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Family Fun
Maggie Daley Park skating ribbon.
Courtesy of Maggie Daley Park
While there may not be snow, there will be ice when the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon opens featuring its signature curving, quarter-mile ice ribbon. Open daily from Nov. 15-March 9, with four available time slots; online reservations are recommended. Skate rentals start at $17. The nearby Rink Café offers food and beverages. Visit maggiedaleypark.com.
A beloved holiday tradition, Zoolights, returns for its 30th anniversary year at Lincoln Park Zoo. More than 3 million lights illuminate the zoo with interactive elements and experiences. A 65-foot Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the skyline, plus there are photo-ops with Santa, ice carving, Victorian carolers, festive cocktails and more. From Nov. 15-Jan. 5 at 2400 N. Cannon. Admission: $7-$10, free most Mondays. Visit lpzoo.org.
“Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” features more than 50 trees and displays representing holiday traditions from a variety of cultures. Opens with the Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival on Nov. 16 and continues through Jan. 6 at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Admission: included in museum entry, $25.95, children $14.95. Visit msichicago.org.
Out & About
More than 300 costumed Vikings invade Andersonville for the seventh annual Viking Pub Crawl, which kicks off the neighborhood’s holiday season. Enjoy drink specials and be your Viking best to participate in the contest for best individual and best group costumes. From 3-6 p.m. Nov. 17, check in at Meeting House Tavern (5025 N. Clark). Tickets: $25, include a commemorative glass, appetizers, and drinks at participating locations. Visit andersonville.org.
Wine Wobble features three curated routes highlighting local businesses along Milwaukee, Division and Damen. Participants can enjoy wine tastings at every stop as they get a head start on holiday shopping. From 6-9 p.m. Nov. 14 at various locations in Wicker Park. Tickets: $45. For more information, visit wickerparkbucktown.com.