Holiday Theatre Preview 2018
WDCB’s Gary Zidek asks the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, about their favorite holiday-themed theatrical productions this year.
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It’s time for the Dueling Critics’ annual holiday theatre preview. There are some classics that are considered Chicago holiday traditions, but there are also new holiday productions taking the stage this season …
Image courtesy of Lookingglass Theatre’s production of THE STEADFAST TIM SOLDIER
Kelly’s first recommendation is of Lookingglass Theatre’s world premiere, THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER. Inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen short story and directed by ensemble member Mary Zimmerman, the productions tells the story of a little tin soldier with one leg. Kelly says don’t miss it.
THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER is running at Lookingglass Theatre through January 13th.
Jonathan’s pick for a new holiday productions is CHRISTMAS MUBARAK. This is being presented by Silk Road Rising, the production is a work of musical-theatre that celebrates the birth of Jesus using stories told by Muslims and Christians.
Image of Silk Road Rising’s CHRISTMAS MUBARAK
Kelly is also recommending another new production, Strawdog Theatre’s HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS.
Image from Strawdog Theatre’s production of HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS
Looking for something a little more traditional, Jonathan says you can’t go wrong with Goodman Theatre’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL or American Blues Theatre’s IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE.
Larry Yando (Ebenezer Scrooge) in Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
If you’re looking for something other than a traditional play or musicial, Gary recommends Chicago’s most glamorous production of THE NUTCRACKER ballet, presented by the Joffrey at the Auditorium Theatre.
Image from Joffrey Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER. Photo credit Cheryl Mann.
Image from Joffrey Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER. Photo credit Cheryl Mann.
