The holidays aren't complete without David Sedaris, ruminations on the temperamental economy, some Dickens lovin' and a multicultural take on Christmas. Get out and see some theater with the family because, honestly, what else are you going to do this holiday season that doesn't involve gobbling food, sneaking under mistletoe, lighting candles and eating Chinese food because every other restaurant is closed? Yep, that's what we thought.
"A Christmas Carol"
Runs through December 31 at Goodman Theatre
Ever had a ghost visit you during the holidays? It's hard to believe, but that's what happens in Charles Dickens' classic play about selfish Scrooge, who learns a pretty jolly lesson over the holiday season. A classic that has been in the holiday vernacular since 1843, "A Christmas Carol" is at once a Victorian tale of morality and a story that proves the cheesy albeit true idea that even the most miserly individual can change his or her ways during the holiday season. William Brown directs this Tom Creamer adaptation in its 31st consecutive year at The Goodman Theater.
"Santa's Great American Depression Holiday Show"
Runs through December 13 at The Gift Theatre Company
Even though we're relieved about President-Elect Obama—and convinced that he can really bring change to this country—we've still got to deal with the disparaging economic situation. And despite its altruistic company name, The Gift knows that, too. Its comedic holiday show pokes fun at our tumultuous, transitional time, offering improv and sketch comedy acts from Second City and iO actors who portray characters that reflect our tough times. Santa's overworked and underpaid, Thomas Jefferson reconsiders the meaning of "American," and even Batman freaks out about the economy. To that we say "haha," and please get us out of this recession, Barack Obama, because hiring freezes are even colder over the winter.
"Soiree Dada: Schmuckt der Hallen"
Runs through December 21 at Studio Theater (Chicago Cultural Center)
For the sixth year in a row, the self-declared "masters of Chicago DADA" put a chaotic and destructive twist on holiday theater. We welcome a slightly cynical break from the usual holiday cheeriness, because that's just what DADA aimed to do during its World War I beginnings: create art that's "anti-art," protest the suspiciously bourgeois and colonial interests that lay at the root of war, and buck notions of conformity. It's the perfect time for a DADA revival, especially considering the current war overseas and the economic crisis. The holidays shouldn't be about consumerism and the idea that being "American" means spending during a defunct fiscal period—something that our current President Bush said directly following 9/11. Let anarchy reign free!
Anung's First American Christmas
Runs through January 4 at Theatre Building Chicago
Taking a nod from multicultural approaches to holiday theater and emphasizing non-Western approaches to understanding the phenomenon that most of America joyously celebrates, this production embarks on a pre-Columbian legend. Young Anung of the Anishinaabe People begins his Vision Quest and eastern-facing journey to find the Greatest Chief. But like Jonathan Brandis (R.I.P.) in "The Neverending Story", young Anung encounters many bizarre creatures on his journey. So what does that have to do with Christmas? Think about the underlying themes of the holiday and you'll know.
"The Santaland Diaries"
Runs through January 3 at Theatre Building Chicago
As America's favorite humorist, David Sedaris knows how to stir up the holiday cheer. His now-classic tale of a snarky young writer (played by Mitchell Fain) who takes a job as a "holiday elf" at Macy's in New York City illuminates the true spirit of the holidays; it's full of humiliation and abuse and proves just how bitter department-store Santas must be. Okay, maybe we're being sarcastic with that description, but we encourage you to decide for yourself.
Searching for more seasonal stage action? Try these shows:
"Santa...Deux?"
"Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol"
"Frostbite"
"A Hipmas Christmas Carol"
A Very Neo-Futurist Christmas"
"White Christmas"
"Have a Very Sexy Christmas"
Mrs. Claus
A Holiday Evening of Mime
Sexy Santa
The Christmas Schooner
Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker
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