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My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

Holiday Theatre Preview 2018

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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WDCB's Gary Zidek asks the Dueling Critics about the holiday-themed productions they're most excited about.

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

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.

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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

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

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

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.

Image from Joffrey Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER. Photo credit Cheryl Mann.

Image from Joffrey Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER. Photo credit Cheryl Mann.

And that’s just scratching the surface of the holiday shows currently on Chicago stages. You can find a complete list of all the holiday theatrical productions here.

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