A number of shows are closing Dec. 23 and 24, and if any of these are on your list, it’s time to stop checking and buy tickets.
December 23
The Sound of Music at Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre
Remember, the story was a stage musical before it was turned into a movie, and this show brings out some nuances that the film glosses over. Plus the kid actors are wonderful and Jennifer Blood makes you forget there was ever anyone else that played Maria.
Scrooge the Musical at Steel Beam Theater
Steel Beam’s musical take on the classic ghost story about a mean guy coming to terms with his past – and making the future brighter. The show was written by Leslie Bricusse, who wrote such blockbusters as Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Dr. Doolittle, Hook, Jekyll& Hyde, and Victor/Victoria.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey at Provision Theater Company
A lovely story about a boy trying to keep a connection to his deceased father. After he loses the wooden nativity set his father made for him, his mother persuades a rather scrooge-like woodcarver to create a replacement and allow her son to watch him. You know it doesn’t take long for the boy and the woodcarver to soften each others’ hearts.
Mrs. Claus, a Holiday Musical at Chicago Kids Company
So you’re an elf, and it’s almost Christmas – and you can’t find the list of good (and bad) boys and girls. What do you do? Panic? Or sing and get busy searching. This great interactive show will surely put your little one in the Christmas spirit.
Welcome Yule! at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
See Santa sing! Full-length musical production includes favorite carols, dancers, children’s chorus and appearances by holiday characters.
December 24
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play at Fox Valley Repertory
Performance is based on the classic film and performed as a live radio broadcast, with sound effects. Performances are Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.
A Christmas Carol at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center
It’s A Christmas Carol. You know the story. Go see the production!
