A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2025

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A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS NATIONAL TOUR

BRINGS THRILLS, SKILLS, AND HOLIDAY CHEER TO CHICAGO

LIMITED ONE-WEEK ENGAGEMENT!BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S CIBC THEATRE

18 W. MONROE ST.

Elite Circus Artists, World Record-Holders, and Viral Performers from Around the Globe Light Up the Stage in This Family-Friendly Holiday Spectacle

Ho-ho-hold on to your seats! MagicSpace Entertainment and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS begins performances tomorrow at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a strictly limited one-week engagement through November 30. Individual tickets range from $39 - $117 and may be purchased at BroadwayInChicago.com or in-person at any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. A select number of premium seats are available. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Reservations for groups of ten (10) or more are available by emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com or calling 312-977-1710. For more information and the performance schedule, see below or visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

Loaded with nostalgia, charm, comedy, music, and magic, A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS showcases the world’s top cirque talent and takes audiences on a dazzling, winter wonderland journey, immersing them in the spirit of the season with a feel-good, holiday soundtrack featuring modern versions of popular Christmas classics. The show makes a perfect date night, fun family adventure, or group outing.

In A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS , the cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists and aerialists will mesmerize, twist, flip, and push the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied and human potential knows no limits. The performers are supported by a captivating musical score that will tug at your heartstrings, elevate your spirit and have you tapping your foot and singing along to hit Christmas songs in the ultimate variety extravaganza. The festive show entertains audiences of all ages during an evening of spectacular feats, acrobatic antics, and magical performances complete with holiday hilarity and music.

The acts returning for the 2025 tour include audience favorites Jonathan Rinny (rolla bolla and unicycle performer), hair suspension artist and world record holder Leila Noone, juggler Christopher Stoinev, MC and magician Mark Clearview, and acrobats Duo Metta (Laura Lebron & Joseph Gray). New additions to the cast include world record holder for the jaw hang, Morgan Barbour, and elite contortionist Hannah Finn:Rinny, a fourth-generation circus performer making his return to A Magical Cirque Christmas, began his career in his family’s Argentine circus at age five. Now an acclaimed Rola Bola and unicycle artist, he’s wowed audiences worldwide, including a “best act” nod from AGT’s Simon Cowell.

Noone, a four-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and Guinness World Record holder, is ecstatic to return to the national tour of A Magical Cirque Christmas. She is known for her versatile performances and her role in the contemporary circus company Cirque Vida, based in Austin, TX.

Las Vegas resident Stoinev is a fifth-generation circus performer who started juggling at the age of five and hasn't stopped ever since. At eight years old, he was invited to perform at Premier Rampe, an International Circus Festival hosted in Monaco.

Clearview, an internationally acclaimed magician and mentalist, has performed for stars like Neil Patrick Harris and appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. A former Canada’s Got Talent finalist who earned the Golden Buzzer and $25,000 cash prize, is also a world record holder. He now hosts NYC’s popular MAGIC, UNLOCKED.

Duo Metta’s Lebron and Gray met during acrobatic training in Costa Rica, where they built a strong bond over their mutual love for advanced acrobatics. They perform as a duo in Las Vegas and internationally, blending technical precision with artistic flair.

Barbour specializes in iron jaw, aerial ladder, and lyra. In 2024 she set the world record for “Heaviest Weight Held By Teeth Right-Side Up (387lbs).” She’s performed on five continents, in shows such as America’s Got Talent, Giffords Circus, Kazakh State Circus, and Circo de Natal do Coliseu dos Recreios.
Finn specializes in a one-of-a-kind spinning cube act. Known for rare skills like foot archery and the Marinelli Bend, she blends fluid movement with sculptural precision. With nearly two decades of experience, she has performed around the world for Harry Styles, The Roundhouse, The Box Soho, Glastonbury Festival, and more.

“Absolutely fantastic show. We took our six and three-year-olds and all had the best time,” said a happy reviewer after the Charlotte performance last year. “We will be making this a yearly Christmas tradition!” Another reviewer said, “Great for the whole family. The cast is incredibly talented. Mark keeps everyone laughing between the exciting acts.

Attendees of all ages at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS will delight in the graceful, flexible, and hypnotic acrobatics, stunning gravity-defying performances and high-flying aerial artists, as well as many more surprises.





TICKET INFORMATION (as of 11/24/25, based on availability and subject to change)
Individual tickets range from $39-$117 and may be purchased at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or any Broadway In Chicago box office. A select number of premium seats are available. Additional fees apply for online purchases. For groups of ten or more, call Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or email GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com . Patrons can participate in a Digital Lottery for a chance to purchase $25 tickets for each performance. In addition to the lottery, a limited number of $49 rush tickets will be offered for each performance—available only in person at the box office on the day of the show. Click here for more information on Digital Lottery and In-Person Rush, or visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

For more information, visit www.MagicalCirqueChristmas.com. Celebrate the magic of the season and follow @AMagicalCirqueChristmas on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT
MagicSpace Entertainment, a LiveCo Company, is a boutique producing and presenting firm focused on first-class properties and productions. Based in Park City, UT, the company has produced and presented national tours, Broadway shows, concerts, museum exhibits and sporting events worldwide for over 40 years with a powerhouse producing team focused on providing creative, marketing, and general management expertise. www.magicspace.net.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok #broadwayinchicago

'Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago Theatre December 11-28, 2025

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CELEBRATED HOLIDAY THEATRICAL

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… 

BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

MAKES ITS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED RETURN TO

THE CHICAGO THEATRE FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

December 11-28, 2025

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) announced today that, due to overwhelming success, the celebrated holiday theatrical ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil is returning to The Chicago Theatre for a limited engagement this holiday season from December 11-28. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Cirque du Soleil productions captivate millions of theatergoers around the globe each year, and ‘Twas the Night Before… marks the company’s first and only holiday show. Inspired by the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, memorable lines from the cherished tale sparked Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. Directed by James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater, ‘Twas the Night Before…is a festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, featuring the incredible acrobatics Cirque du Soleil is known for – from a mesmerizing aerial straps duo and daring hoop diving, to gravity-defying hair suspension and high-energy dancing, performed by a cast of 26 artists from all over the world. The show also features lovable characters and a soundtrack including Christmas favorites re-invented by Cirque du Soleil.

"Bringing Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before… to The Chicago Theatre feels like coming home for the holidays," said James Hadley, the production’s writer and director. “Inspired by the classic poem ‘A Visit from Saint Nicholas,’ we created a world of wonder and the kind of exhilarating, heart-filled spectacle only Cirque du Soleil can bring to life. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the holiday joy with us this year."

With something for everyone in the family to enjoy, 'Twas the Night Before… is the perfect introduction for the next generation of theatergoers to the incredible world of Cirque du Soleil. This dazzling production, inspired by the joy of giving and the wonder of the holiday season, promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of all audiences this holiday season.

Tickets for ‘Twas the Night Before… at The Chicago Theatre start at $39 when purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at The Chicago Theatre and at $51 when purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of nine or more, please contact the Group Sales Department at 212-465-6080 or Group.Sales@msg.com. Accessible and companion seats are available for these shows via the Accessibility Services Department. For more information please visit www.msg.com/the-chicago-theatre/accessibility-services.


CONNECT WITH MSG ENTERTAINMENT ON SOCIAL!
The Chicago Theatre: X | Facebook | Instagram


MSG Entertainment: LinkedIn

Follow #TWASCirque and #cirquedusoleil on social media:

Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube



CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.


About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment, delivering unforgettable experiences while forging deep connections with diverse and passionate audiences. The Company’s portfolio includes a collection of world-renowned venues – New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre – that showcase a broad array of sporting events, concerts, family shows, and special events for millions of guests annually. In addition, the Company features the original production, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, which has been a holiday tradition for more than 90 years. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.

Goodman Theatre’s 47th annual A Christmas Carol Opens November 24th, and Runs Through December 30, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

GOODMAN’S 47TH ANNUAL 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

STARRING CHRISTOPHER DONAHUE AS SCROOGE

NOW ON STAGE IN PREVIEW PERFORMANCES, OPENS NOVEMBER 24 

***OPENING NIGHT PRE-SHOW EVENTS INCLUDES A TREE LIGHTING WITH TINY TIM (AVA ROSE DOTY) AND DIRECTOR JESSICA THEBUS, PLUS LIVE MUSIC BY BENET ACADEMY MADRIGALS AND WILLIAM BUCHHOLTZ (ALGONQUIN/METIS)***

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Goodman Theatre’s incomparable production of A Christmas Carol has been a beloved family tradition of ours for decades. This year my son, Dugan, is working the production on deck crew, so I’m even more excited than usual! It truly takes a village, on stage, behind the scenes, and in development, to make magic of this magnitude happen. I’ll be checking out the show on opening night, November 24th, so check back shortly after for my full review. We're excited to see Christopher Donahue in his first year as Ebenezer Scrooge, and every year Goodman changes up the production in creative ways, while keeping the tradition of their stunning set design. Goodman Theatre’s 47th annual A Christmas Carol, directed by Jessica Thebus, is sure to delight audience members of all ages. It's long been one of our top picks for making multigenerational memories. Experiential gifts, like theatre tickets, are an appreciated clutter buster. 

Goodman Theatre’s 47th annual A Christmas Carol, directed by Jessica Thebus, starring Christopher Donahue in his first year as Ebenezer Scrooge, along with other local favorites new to the production—Kate Fry (Narrator), Anthony Irons (Bob Cratchit), Bri Sudia (Ghost of Christmas Present) and more, are now available now. As Alternate Scrooge, Austin Tichenor steps into the miserly businessman’s shoes for 10 performances. A new Tiny Tim this year—Ava Rose Doty (last seen as Young Tommy in The Who’s TOMMY) is joined by young performers Isabel Ackerman, Viva Boresi, Annabel Finch, Xavier Irons and Henry Lombardo. The production opens this Sunday, November 24, and runs through December 30. 

Tickets ($25 - $159; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Carol or by phone at 312.443.3800. Visit the website for performance dates when Tichenor will appear as Scrooge. Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of PNC (Major Corporate Sponsor) and Abbott Fund (Corporate Sponsor Partner).

Once again this year, Goodman Theatre welcomes special guests to enhance its opening night with pre-show festivities including madrigal singers from Benet Academy (Naperville) and artist William Buchholtz (Algonquin/Metis) on flute. Director Jessica Thebus and the young performers of the production will light the Goodman’s Christmas tree. Pre-show events begin at 6pm on Sunday, November 24th.

The "perfect Chicago holiday tradition” (Chicago Parent), Dickens’ classic is a “beautiful, timeless message of generosity’s triumph over greed” (Chicago Tribune). Businessman Ebenezer Scrooge’s sizable bank account is only matched by his disdain for the holidays. But one fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by four ghosts who take him on a spectacular adventure through his past, present and future, helping him on his discovery of kindness, compassion and redemption in a tale with a “first-rate cast and marvelous staging (that) shines merry and bright" (Chicago Sun-Times). Now in its fifth decade, A Christmas Carol is “still the best Christmas story ever told” (Time Out Chicago) and a signature event of the Chicago holiday season with a star-studded history that includes stage and screen notables like Jessie Mueller, Joe Minoso, Del Close, Harry J. Lennix, Felicia P. Fields, Raul Esparza, Sally Murphy and Frank Galati.

Full Company of A Christmas Carol (in alphabetical order)

By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Tom Creamer, Directed by Jessica Thebus

Isabel Ackerman…Belinda Cratchit/School Child

Jazzlyn Luckett Aderele…Chestnut Seller/Philomena/Mrs. Dilber

Dee Dee Batteast…Frida

Hillary Bayley…Musician

Mark Bedard…Max Fezziwig/Abe

Viva Boresi…Child in Doorway/Pratt/Emily Cratchit/Ignorance

Amira Danan…Belle/Ghost of Christmas Future

William Dick…Marley/Topper/Old Joe

Tafadzwa Diener…Martha Cratchit/Fan/Catherine

Christopher Donahue…Ebenezer Scrooge

Ava Rose Doty…Tiny Tim/School Child

Arash Fakhrabadi…Poulterer/Stag Deer/Young Marley/Undertaker/Ensemble

Kate Fry…Narrator

Brian Goodwin…Musician

Jalbelly Guzmán…Dance Captain/Hat Seller/Doe Deer/Felicity/Young Woman/Ensemble

Gregory Hirte…Musician/Dick Wilkins/Young Man

Anthony Irons…Bob Cratchit/Wreath Seller

Xavier Irons…Johnston/Peter Cratchit/Turkey Child

Susaan Jamshidi…Mrs. Cratchit

Henry Lombardo…Newspaper Seller/Boy Scrooge/Gregory Cratchit

Daniel José Molina…Young Scrooge/Pie Seller

Malcolm Ruhl…Music Director/Musician

Robert Schleifer…Mr. Fezziwig

Lucky Stiff…Ghost of Christmas Past, Makeup Consultant for Ghost of Christmas Past

Bri Sudia…Charwoman/Ghost of Christmas Present

Austin Tichenor…Alternate Ebenezer Scrooge

Penelope Walker…Crumb/Mrs. Alice Fezziwig

Wai Yim…Ortle/Tree Seller/School Official

Creative Team

Associate Director….Tor Campbell

Set Designer…..Todd Rosenthal

Costume Designer ……Heidi Sue McMath

Puppet Designers & Creators….Jillian Gryzlak and Rachel Anne Healy

Lighting Designer…..Keith Parham

Associate Lighting Designer…Brian Elston

Sound Designer….. Pornchanok Kanchanabanca

Composer….Andrew Hansen

Music Director…..Malcolm Ruhl

Voice and Dialect Coach.....Sammi Grant

Choreographer….Tommy Rapley 

Fly Director….Andrea Gentry

Understudies for this production include Tatiana Bustamante, Annabel Finch, Jordan Golding, Sam Hyson, Loren Jones and Anne Sheridan Smith.

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Neena Arndt is the Dramaturg. Jennifer Gregory is the Production Stage Manager and Beth Koehler and Duncan McMillan are the Stage Managers. Flying effects are provided by ZFX Inc.

ENHANCED AND ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AT GOODMAN THEATRE

ASL-Interpreted Performance: Saturday, November 23 at 7:30 and Friday, December 13 at 7:30pm – Professional ASL interpreter signs the action/text as played.

Touch Tour* and Audio-Described Performance: Saturday, December 7, 12:30pm Touch Tour; 2pm performance – The action/text is audibly enhanced for patrons via headset.

Open-Captioned Performance: Sunday, December 15 at 2pm – An LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance.

Spanish-Subtitled Performance: Sunday, December 15 at 7pm – An LED sign presents Spanish-translated dialogue in sync with the performance.

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, December 29 at 2pm – Sensory-friendly/relaxed performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is intended for patrons who have autism or other social, cognitive and physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities and their families.

Visit Goodman theatre.org/Access for more information about Goodman Theatre’s accessibility efforts.

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades.

The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of theatrical practice, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand and empathize with cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

Goodman Theatre was built on the traditional homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations. We recognize that many other Nations consider the area we now call Chicago as their traditional homeland—including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo and Mascouten—and remains home to many Native peoples today. While we believe that our city’s vast diversity should be reflected on the stages of its largest theater, we acknowledge that our efforts have largely overlooked the voices of our Native peoples. This omission has added to the isolation, erasure and harm that Indigenous communities have faced for hundreds of years. We have begun a more deliberate journey towards celebrating Native American stories and welcoming Indigenous communities.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Julie Danis is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Lorrayne Weiss is Women’s Board President and Kelli Garcia is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS TO THE CHICAGO THEATRE DECEMBER 7-28, 2023

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INTERNATIONAL CAST OF ACCLAIMED HOLIDAY THEATRICAL

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

ANNOUNCED FOR THE CHICAGO THEATRE

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… RUNS IN A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT 

FROM DECEMBER 7-28, 2023 

Photo Credits: Images from Cirque du Soleil's world premiere 'Twas the Night Before... by Errisson Lawrence

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) and Cirque du Soleil announced today the international cast for the acclaimed family holiday theatrical – ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil – that returns to The Chicago Theatre (175 N. State Street) for 28 performances between December 7 and 28, 2023.

‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. The show was conceived and is directed by Cirque du Soleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater.

The international cast features Alexane Leclerc (France) performing Acrobatic Bicycle and as Isabella; Roberto Alvarez Serrano (Spain), Christian Bazan Jaime (Spain), Eduardo Bermejo Galera (Spain), Josue Chavez (Colombia), Nicolas Nieto Teusa (Colombia), Richard Anderson Sanchez (Colombia), and Felipe Zuluaga Giraldo (Colombia) performing Hoop Diving and Acrobatic Table; Priscila Teixeira Santos (Brazil) performing Hair Suspension; Maxine Piché - Luneau

(Spain) and Tim Kriegler (Spain) performing Duo Straps; Chieh-Chu Chen (Taiwan), Tsung-ying Lin (Taiwan), Ioi Hei Long (Portugal), and Han-Yen Shen (Taiwan) performing Diabolo; Holler Zavatta (Spain) and Carmen Ribas Segura (Spain) performing Roller Skating; Roberto Carbajal (Mexico) performing as Jolly Santa and Clown; Leah Simone Wolff (Canada) performing Hotel Cart; Theodore Adisson Spencer (Burlington, VT) performing Acrobatic Lamp and as Father; and Brooks Camei-Li (Canada), Yannick Fahey (Canada), Stéphanie Hébert (Canada), Isabel Rose Lacon (Miamisburg, OH), Kyana Lygitsakos (Canada), and Paul Kevin Ross (San Diego, CA) as ensemble dancers.

The creative team consists of Manuel Bissonnette as Creative Director; James Hadley as Writer and Stage Director; Genevieve Lizotte as Set Designer; Edesia Moreno Barata as Designer of Acrobatic Performance; Vinh Nguyen as Choreographer; Jean-Phi Goncalves as Music Composer; James Lavoie as Costume Designer; Maryse Gosselin as Make-Up Designer; and Nicolas Brion as Light Designer. The show is produced by Cirque du Soleil Executive Producer and Head of Creation Marie-Josee Adam.

Tickets for ‘Twas the Night Before at The Chicago Theatre start at $36 and are available for purchase online at www.chicagotheatre.com/cirque or at the box office. Service charges apply to internet orders. For groups of nine or more, please contact the Group Sales Department at 212-465-6080 or Group.Sales@msg.com. Accessible and companion seats are available via the Accessibility Services Department at 888-609-7599.

 

About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. In addition to producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to positively impact people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. Since its creation in 1984, more than 378 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, visit www.cirquedusoleilentertainmentgroup.com.

 

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.  

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment, delivering unforgettable experiences while forging deep connections with diverse and passionate audiences. The Company’s portfolio includes a collection of world-renowned venues – New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre – that showcase a broad array of sporting events, concerts, family shows, and special events for millions of guests annually. In addition, the Company features the original production, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, which has been a holiday tradition for 89 years. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.  

 

CONNECT WITH MSG ENTERTAINMENT ON SOCIAL!

The Theater at Madison Square Garden: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Chicago Theatre: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

MSG Entertainment: LinkedIn

Follow #TWASCirque and #cirquedusoleil on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

 

The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle Returns To Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago November 24 through January 7, 2023

 ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago brings holiday cheer to families 

with the return of 

The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle

 Tickets to the Immersive Journey of a Holiday Classic Now On Sale

“An amazing new way to see The Nutcracker…” - WLS-AM

Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago brings holiday cheer to families with the return of The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle. Created by Storywall Entertainment, The Immersive Nutcracker first premiered in Chicago in 2022 to much acclaim and enlivens Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago (108 W. Germania PI.) just in time for the festive season begins Friday, Nov. 24, with tickets available through Jan. 7. Tickets for the immersive reimagining of a young girl’s Christmas miracle are now on sale and can be purchased at immersive-nutcracker.com. 

The Immersive Nutcracker is an ideal family outing, featuring a 30-minute, immersive experience of whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers. The iconic and captivating storytelling, set to the sweeping music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, composed of over 1 million frames of video across 500,000 cubic feet captivates audiences from opening scene to the epic finale. The projection features beloved scenes set to their classical scores including “The March of the Toys,” “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and more.  

  

Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairy tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, The Nutcracker has become a holiday classic, taking the form of ballets, films and more. The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle is the newest rendition of this timeless classic, using the latest projection mapping technology to chronicle Marie and her beloved toy nutcracker, who comes to life to battle the Mouse King and then takes her on an enchanting adventure across The Land of Sweets.  

“It’s always a pleasure to dazzle audiences with original experiences and we are so excited to bring this production back after the success of last year,” says Producer Svetlana Dvoretsky. “Our advanced technology allows audiences, young and old, to join Marie, her beloved toy nutcracker, brother Fritz and the fantastical characters of the holiday dreamscape in the bliss of our enchanting gallery.” 

Five fantasy-filled worlds await audiences in The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle. World-renowned ballet dancers Denis Rodkin (principal dancer) and Eleonora Sevenard (leading soloist) perform expert choreography amid the brilliant animations; with young Canadian talents Elizabeth Pivovar and Alexander Marinosyan playing young Marie and her brother Fritz – all surrounding the audience in 360-degree, three-dimensional splendor.

Tickets for The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle start at $24.99. For more information, visit immersive-nutcracker.com. Follow the experience on Facebook and Instagram @nutcrackerimmersive. 

  

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE ARTSPACE CHICAGO 

Lighthouse ArtSpace is the first experiential entertainment multiplex, aiming to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms. Housed in the historic Germania Club in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago offers unique programming and special events alongside its experiences, including Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Monet & The Impressionists and the world-premiere of Mozart Immersive: Soul of A Genius. For more information about Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, visit lighthouseartspace.com/chicago or follow Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago on Instagram and Facebook @lighthouseartspacechicago. 

ABOUT STORYWALL ENTERTAINMENT 

Storywall Entertainment, headquartered in Canada, has brought together the best creative professionals from around the world. The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle is the first project from the company.  

  

Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas November 14-December 31, 2023 at Chicago’s historic Studebaker Theater

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar

Complete casting announced for the live theatrical adaptation of

Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

Music and Lyrics by Academy Award Winner Paul Williams,

Book by Timothy Allen McDonald and Christopher Gattelli,

Directed and Choreographed by Tony Award Winner Christopher Gattelli

Starring Andy Mientus as Emmet Otter with Kathleen Monteleone as Ma

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE LIMITED RUN

November 14-December 31, 2023

at Chicago’s historic Studebaker Theater

Casting for the live theatrical adaptation of “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas” is now set for the Chicago premiere production, November 14-December 31, 2023, at the Studebaker Theater at the historic Fine Arts Building, 410 South Michigan Avenue. Based on the beloved television special originally created by the legendary puppeteer Jim Henson, this family-friendly musical features music and lyrics by Paul Williams (The Muppet Movie), with book by lead producer Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach) and director/choreographer Christopher Gattelli (Newsies). Packed with puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and starring Andy Mientus (Broadway’s Spring Awakening, Les Misérables) in the title role and Kathleen Monteleone (Broadway’s Hands on a Hardbody) as Ma, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is a heartwarming celebration of the true spirit of the holidays. I'll be out for the press opening on November 20th so check back shortly after for my full review.

Tickets, starting at $43, are now on sale at the Studebaker Theatre box office (410 South Michigan Avenue), fineartsbuilding.com/studebaker/, and 312-753-3210. Private balcony boxes for up to 6 people are available for family-friendly pricing of $300, including fees. Group reservations (8 or more people) are currently available through Group Tix and Tours at www.grouptixandtours.com.

Direct from its triumphant New York City run, Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas brings the beloved television special to life, live on stage. Hailed by The New York Times for its “enchanting puppets” created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and “superb score” by Academy Award®–winning songwriter Paul Williams, this 75-minute tale takes us to Frogtown Hollow, where Ma and Emmet Otter risk what little they have to make each other’s holiday dreams come true. Directed by Tony Award® winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies, SpongeBob: The Musical, “Schmigadoon”), this very merry musical is a heartwarming celebration perfect for the entire family.

Leading the cast are Andy Mientus (Broadway’s Spring Awakening, Les Misérables, TV’s “Smash” and “The Flash”) in the role of Emmet Otter, and Kathleen Monteleone (Broadway’s Hands On A Hardbody, TV’s “Good Behavior”) as Ma. The cast also includes Jordan Brownlee (Puppeteer/Doc Bullfrog), Nick Cearley (Charlie Muskrat), Kevin Covert (Mayor Fox), Adam Fane (Understudy), Matt Furtado (Puppeteer/Stan Weasel), Sharriese Hamilton (Mrs. Mink), Steven Hunyn (Wendell Porcupine, u/s Emmet Otter), Ben Mathew (Harvey Beaver), Leah Morrow (Swing), Anney Ozar (Puppeteer/Old Lady Possum), Emily Rohm (Gretchen Fox), James Silson (Puppeteer/Snake), Sawyer Smith (Madame Squirrel), and David Stephens (Puppeteer/Yancy Woodchuck).

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is a theatrical adaptation of Jim Henson’s television special and is based on the illustrated book Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas by Russell Hoban and Lillian Hoban. The acclaimed musical premiered at Goodspeed Opera House in 2008 and played Off-Broadway at the New Victory Theater in December of 2021.

This Production of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas was Licensed by Music Theatre International.

The music and lyrics for Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas are written by the legendary Paul Williams, the recipient of an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards and three Grammy Awards. His songs "The Rainbow Connection" and “Evergreen" are included in the American Film Institute's List of Top Movie Songs of All Time. The New York Times called Williams’s score for Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas “as playful as it is heart-whole beautiful.”

The book is co-written by lead producer Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, Between The Lines, and The Book Thief) and director/choreographer Christopher Gattelli (Tony Award Winner for his Newsies choreography, and choreographer of SpongeBob the Musical and AppleTV+’s Schmigadoon!). Of the 2021 run, The New York Times hailed “the message, which celebrates fellow feeling and mutual care, is especially welcome right now,” while Hollywood Soapbox called it “an important staple of any holiday season.”

Puppets are created by the iconic Jim Henson’s Creature Shop (My Neighbor Totoro, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock). Scenic design for Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is by three-time Tony nominee Anna Louizos (In The Heights, High Fidelity, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood), with costume design by two-time Tony winner Gregg Barnes (Follies and The Drowsy Chaperone), lighting design by Obie Award winner and Tony Nominee Jen Schriever (Death of a Salesman and A Strange Loop), and sound design is by Emmy Award winner Matt Kraus (“Disney's Broadway Hits at Royal Hall”). The New York Times raved of the production “the sets are charming and transporting, the costumes elegant.” The orchestrations are by Dan DeLange (Oliver nominated production of Showboat, Goodspeed Musicals) and the music supervisor is Larry Pressgrove (Tony nominated production of [title of show]). Two-time Tony nominee Alexander Robertson (The Wiz; New York, New York; and The Piano Lesson) is Senior Associate Producer.

Follow Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok at EmmetOtterLive. The official website is www.EmmetOtterLive.com.

 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

PAUL WILLIAMS (he/him, Composer/Lyricist) – Lyricist and composer Paul Williams has won an Oscar, two Golden Globe Awards, three Grammys, an Ivor Novello, and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. "The Rainbow Connection" and “Evergreen" grace the American Film Institute's List of Top Movie Songs of All Time. His song scores include The Muppet Movie and The Muppet Christmas Carol, Bugsy Malone, Ishtar, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, and Phantom of the Paradise. Writing with Gustavo Santaolalla for the animated film, The Book of Life, Williams received a World Soundtrack Award for their “Apology Song" and the pair recently co-wrote "If It's To Be" for “Maya and The Three.” As President and Chairman of the Board of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Paul Williams is also a leading spokesman for music creators in the digital age.

TIMOTHY ALLEN MCDONALD (he/him, Lead Producer/Co-Book Writer) – Librettist credits: Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach (Benj Pasek, Justin Paul), Jim Henson's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (Paul Williams, Christopher Gattelli), Between The Lines (Elyssa Samsel, Kate Anderson), Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka (Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley), The Big One-Oh! (Dean Pitchford, Doug Besterman), The Book Thief (Jodi Picoult, Elyssa Samsel, Kate Anderson) and Breathe (inducted into the Library of Congress representing musical theatre authors' response to the COVID-19 pandemic). Tim is also the Founder of Junior Theater Festivals and Founder and CEO of iTheatrics, which adapts musicals for performance by young people all over the globe. 36 million people attend performances of these adapted musicals annually in North America - three times the annual audience for Broadway shows. iTheatrics adaptations are licensed by Concord Theatricals (Youth Edition musicals) and Music Theatre International (Broadway Junior musicals).

CHRISTOPHER GATTELLI (he/him, Director/Choreographer/Co-Book Writer) received the 2012 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his choreography of Newsies. Additional Broadway choreography credits include The King and I, SpongeBob the Musical, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Sunday in the Park with George, The Cher Show, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Casa Valentina, Amazing Grace, Godspell, The Ritz, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, 13, and High Fidelity. Christopher choreographed South Pacific and My Fair Lady at the Sydney Opera House, directed and choreographed Silence! The Musical Off-Broadway, Jim Henson's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (Goodspeed), Departure Lounge (The Public Theater) and In Your Arms (New York Stage and Film and The Old Globe). Other select Off-Broadway credits: Altar Boyz, Bat Boy: The Musical, and Dogfight. West End and London credits include South Pacific, Sunday in the Park with George, and tick, tick...BOOM! Christopher's choreography is currently featured on the Apple TV+ musical comedy series “Schmigadoon!”, and TBS' “Miracle Brothers.” Christopher choreographed the Coen brothers' film Hail, Caesar! as well as Warner Brothers' Isn't It Romantic. Upcoming: the Netflix animated feature film The Monkey King, and Wonka.

Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™ provides digital puppetry, animatronic creatures, animation, and soft puppets to the international film, television, theater, live event and advertising industries. Recent credits include My Neighbor Totoro, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (Apple TV+), Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time (discovery+), The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Netflix), Word Party (Netflix), and Earth to Ned (Disney+). Based in Los Angeles and New York with satellite shop capabilities internationally, the Shop is known for designing and building some of the world’s best-known characters including the Sesame Street puppets and the classic Muppets, as well as the iconic characters from Dinosaurs, Farscape, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and many more. Other feature film credits include the highly anticipated Five Nights at Freddy’s, Where the Wild Things Are, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and Five Children and It.

The shop is also known for its live performance work with artists like Coldplay, Cee Lo Green, Lady Gaga and Deadmau5. A recipient of more than 9 Emmy Awards for its outstanding work building puppets for Sesame Street, the Shop also received an Academy Award for its visual effects work on the film Babe. Other awards include a Scientific and Engineering Academy Award for the Henson Performance Control System, a powerful custom-based interface for puppeteers, and an Emmy Award for its work in developing the Henson Digital Performance Studio, a patented control system technology that enables puppeteers to perform computer-generated characters in real time. www.creatureshop.com

ANDY MIENTUS (he/him, Emmet Otter) is an actor and writer best known for his work on Broadway and television. He recently starred in the live action television adaptation of “Grendel” based on the award-winning Dark Horse comic book. Also on Netflix, he can be seen in “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: Two Doors Down” (GLAAD Media Award) and in the series recurring role of Hartley Rathaway (aka The Pied Piper) on the hit CW series “The Flash.” Andy made his television debut as composer Kyle Bishop on the NBC musical drama “Smash” and was also a series regular on the NBC/Universal series “Gone.” Other recurring roles include “Anger Management” (FX) and “Chasing Life” (Freeform). On Broadway, Andy starred as “Marius” in the revival of Les Miserables, and as Hanschen in Deaf West Theater’s revival of Spring Awakening, which he also co-conceived with director Michael Arden. Other stage credits include the National Tour of Wicked, the title role in Tommy at The Denver Center, Moisés Kaufman’s revival of Bent at Mark Taper Forum, the Off-Broadway revival of Carrie at MCC and recently tick, tick…BOOM! at Bucks County Playhouse. Andy made his London stage debut in the new musical The View Upstairs at Soho Theatre. He is a founding company member of The Forest of Arden and was associate director of their first commission, ALIEN/NATION, at Williamstown Theatre Festival. As a writer, he made his debut with the book and lyrics to Burn All Night at American Repertory Theater (ART), and with the middle grade fiction series The Backstagers from Amulet/Abrams. Andy’s YA novel, “Fraternity” was published in September 2022 by Amulet/Abrams and he is at work on a screen adaptation for Sony Pictures Television and RuCo. He can be heard on “The Jonathan Larson Project” (Ghostlight Records) and “R&H Goes Pop.” Andy trained at the University of Michigan immediately prior to making his professional debut in Spring Awakening, directed by Michael Mayer. IG: @AndyMientus

KATHLEEN ELIZABETH MONTELEONE (she/her, Ma) kick-started her career when she competed for the role of Sandy on NBC’s GREASE: You’re the One That I Want. Soon after, she landed the role of Elle Woods in the national tour of Legally Blonde The Musical and made her Broadway debut originating the role of Heather Stovall in Hands On A Hardbody. She’s been seen in TNT’s Good Behavior alongside Michelle Dockery and Comedy Central’s Goatface with Hasan Minhaj.Monteleone currently stars in the feature film American Reject (1091 Pictures), which she also wrote and produced. The film is inspired by Kathleen’s true story as a singing reality show hopeful. It features original music with a soundtrack including performances by Angelica Hale, Rebecca Black, Keala Settle and Juvenile. In 2022, Kathleen teamed up with Grammy Award-winning record and songwriting duo The Jam (Jordan Omley and Michael Mani) to release the EP titled “Look At Me Now.” Monteleone and her husband Frank co-own Full Armor Films, a development and producing company. They split their time between New Orleans and New York City with their four children. @kmontleon

ANNA LOUIZOS (she/her, Scenic Design) is a three-time Tony Award nominated set designer. Broadway: School of Rock (sets and costumes), In the Heights, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Avenue Q, Holiday Inn, Honeymoon in Vegas, Cinderella, Dames at Sea, It Shoulda Been You, White Christmas and Holiday Inn, High Fidelity, Curtains, and others. Selected Off Broadway: Roundabout, Public, MTC, Is There Still Sex in the City?, tick tick... Boom, Altar Boyz, and others. Art Director: Sex and the City.

GREGG BARNES (he/him, Costume Design) – Broadway: Some Like It Hot (Tony nomination), Pretty Woman, Mean Girls (Tony nomination), Tuck Everlasting (Tony nomination), Something Rotten! (Tony nomination), Aladdin, Kinky Boots (Tony nomination, Olivier Award), Follies (Tony Award, Drama Desk Award), Legally Blonde (Tony nomination), The Drowsy Chaperone (Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Olivier nomination), To Be Or Be Not To Be, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Flower Drum Song (Tony nomination), Side Show. Other: Dreamgirls (Olivier nomination), Pageant (Olivier nomination). TDF Young Master Award. Faculty NYU Undergraduate Drama 1983-2002.

JEN SCHRIEVER (she/her, Lighting Design) – Broadway: Death of a Salesman, 1776, A Strange Loop, Birthday Candles, Lackawanna Blues, What the Constitution Means to Me, Grand Horizons, Lifespan of a Fact, Eclipsed, Ghetto Klown. Off-Broadway: Selling Kabul, A Strange Loop (Playwrights); Power Strip (LCT3); Superhero (2ST); What the Constitution Means to Me (NYTW); Thom Pain, Night is a Room (Signature); Collective Rage, School Girls…. (MCC); Usual Girls, Bobbie Clearly, On the Exhale (Roundabout); Dan Cody’s Yacht (MTC). Opera: Die Fledermaus (MET); Pearl Fishers (ENO). Adjunct: Purchase College.

MATT KRAUS (he/him, Sound Design) – Broadway: Liza's at the Palace..., Kristin Chenoweth: My Love Letter to Broadway, Kathy Griffin Wants a Tony. Off Broadway: Caucasian Chalk Circle, 50 Shades! The Musical, Fat Camp, Lone Star Love, Cam Jansen, Voca People. Audio Coordinator for remote shoots of “The Tonight Show” and NBAs “2020 Bubble.” Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, St. Louis Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse, Walnut Street, Ogunquit Playhouse, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Sound Designer for the iTheatrics Junior Theatre Festival 2008-2022. Matt has won an Emmy Award for his work as Sound Designer on “Disney's Broadway Hits at Royal Hall” which he has toured around the world.

iTheatrics is the world’s leading authority on educational musical theater. It develops new family friendly musicals (The Book Thief currently in production in the U.K.) iTheatrics also adapts Broadway and West End musicals which are licensed by Music Theatre International and Concord. An estimated 36 million people attend its shows annually in North America alone, which is triple Broadway’s attendance numbers. iTheatrics achieves its mission of making the world a better place one musical at a time by building sustainable musical theater programs in under-served schools with partners including the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, New York City’s Department of Education, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, McGraw-Hill Education, Educational Theatre Foundation, and NBC Universal. It also produces Junior Theater Festivals Worldwide, which the New York Times hailed as "a rousing celebration of theatre." iTheatrics.com, JuniorTheaterFestival.com 

The Jim Henson Company has remained a leader in family entertainment for over 65 years and is recognized as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics, and digital animation. Henson’s most recent credits include the Oscar®-winning Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio for Netflix, the Emmy®-winning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock for Apple TV+, and the feature film The Portable Door for MGM+. The Company is currently in post-production on a new reimagining of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day starring Eva Longoria and Cheech Marin for Disney+. Other television credits include Slumberkins, Harriet the Spy and Fraggle Rock: Rock On, all for Apple TV+, Word Party for Netflix, Earth to Ned for Disney+, and the Emmy-winning Netflix Original series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.

 

REVIEW: Otherworld Theatre's REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale

 ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; 

An Immersive Holiday Fairytale 

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Last night my son and I journeyed to the enchanted Realm of the Nutcracker King twenty years after Clara's infamous visit, recounted ad nauseam every holiday season. This is not your typical Nutcracker. In Otherworld's original, there is political upheaval, treachery, deceit, audience participation, a group dance, tasty treats, and plenty of laughs. And rats. There are still rats. 

You'll meet the Nutcracker Prince, ageless in the magic realm, and Clara, though 20 years older, wiser, and now working as a nutcracker maker in her home shop. The Sugarplum Fairy also plays a major part in this plot, but she's not quite as sweet as she used to be. You'll also meet quite a few new characters including a couple adorable and energetic puppets. 

Our group was a mix of tweens through adults and all were captivated throughout the adventure. On the plus side, the costumes were fun, and this version stands out as unique in a market oversaturated with the original plot line. The audience was given holiday hats to keep and little lanterns to borrow, and the ticket price included light snacks and a drink, which was great. The improv elements were also enjoyable and professional. Unfortunately, this production was not one of our favorites compared with several excellent past originals we've reviewed at Otherworld. 

Despite the name, REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale, this production was less participatory than most Otherworld shows. This one only takes place in the main theatre space rather than traveling from room to room, and there were no clues, puzzles, or mysteries to work out or collective audience actions aside from one group dance and an ask for a few jokes.

In most immersive theatre the audience is a key part of the plot and action, but in this show the audience spent most of the time watching the characters so actions that could have been delegated. A simple switch to the audience finding the key parts, holding them, and assembling the finished key would have helped fix that flaw. There were also missed opportunities, like lighting the rat appearance off stage at the start of the show, and making it more of a scene.

There were also some puppetry issues. One puppeteer was excellent, but the other starred blankly into space while talking for their puppet, instead of giving focus where it should have been, squarely on the puppet. REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale is somewhat recommended.

That said, we adore Otherworld's unique space and generally love their original shows. You'll find more of a collision of pop culture favorites lining the walls and on stage here than just about anywhere outside of major Comic Cons. 

We'll be back out to review Otherworld's Star Trek serial parody, Starship Edsel late night show tonight, which we're quite excited about, and my son will be reviewing Tales From The Wandering Wyvern Inn January 22nd for ChiILLiveShows.com. 

Check out more about Otherworld's upcoming shows HERE. 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Based on the Christmas fairy tale by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffman, you are the Nutcracker King’s esteemed guest and invited to sample from the Realm’s finest delights with a variety of beverages and delectable treats. However, be on the lookout for the Rat King! Who knows what nefarious plot they may be planning. Filled with character actors, puppetry, and dancing, REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale runs December 16, 2022 - January 8, 2023 at Otherworld Theatre (3914 N. Clark St.).

Come along a 90-minute journey and step into the enchanted Realm of the Nutcracker King. This theatrical adventure is brought to life by the imagineering team behind Otherworld Theatre, the premier Science Fiction and Fantasy venue based in Chicago. 

You're invited as the Nutcracker King's esteemed guest, a specially selected mortal whose imagination is big enough to dream the imaginative world of the sugar plum fairies. You'll be invited to sample from the Realm's finest delights in a variety of beverages and delectable treats. 

Join us for a theatrical, immersive experience that will take you into a world of holiday magic!

ACROSS 90s MINUTES YOU WILL

• Enjoy a themed beverage, cocktails and mocktails abound!

• Participate in immersive storytelling, character actors, puppetry and dancing

• Undermine the sinister plot of The Rat King

• Capture photos with the actors and immersive environment

Showtimes available: Fridays at 7 and 9 p.m., Saturdays at 3, 5:30, and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.otherworldtheatre.org.

Now Playing Through January 8, 2023

Wrigleyville Wonderland Is Back At Select Venues Through the Holiday Season

 ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

LAKEVIEW EAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS CHICAGO’S LARGEST HOLIDAY POP-UP DISTRICT WITH THE RETURN OF 

WRIGLEYVILLE WONDERLAND

ChiIL Mama and Dug ChiILin' with Elf on the Shelf

 Wrigleyville Businesses Transform into Holiday-Themed Spots for Everyone Offering Instagrammable Moments, Movies, Food and Drink Specials, and More

Photo credit for all: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Happy Alchoholidaze indeed! We had a Fa La La La Laughing good time with the lavish holiday decor at Wrigleyville Wonderland. Here's ChiIL Mama ChiILin' at many of the establishments. 

As empty nesters we enjoyed some bar hopping, boozy grownup fun with other adults, but this could certainly be a family friendly outing as well. If you need to entertain friends and family this holiday or take a much needed escape from them, Wrigleyville Wonderland is here for it.  

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of one of Chicago’s favorite holiday celebrations, Wrigleyville Wonderland, running now at select venues through the Holiday season. Wrigleyville Wonderland brings the Holiday spirit to Chicago with 17 Wrigleyville businesses transformed into individualized holiday-themed destinations offering map projections, Instagrammable moments and activations. From the locations’ décor to actors dressed in costumes to the holiday- themed drinks, there is something for everyone at Wrigleyville’s Wonderland. More information and details can be found at Wrigleyvillewonderland.com 

“All of Chicagoland is invited to Wrigleyville for this holiday-inspired interactive and fun experience,” said Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Maureen Martino. “Wrigleyville Wonderland is Chicago’s largest holiday pop-up district that is sure to inspire and amaze all those experiencing it while sharing the holiday spirit.”

 

Highlights of Wrigleyville Wonderland include:

- Holiday-themed drinks and food 

- Instagrammable moments including holiday-themed face cutouts where you get to be part of the films, landscapes, and more

- Actors dressed up as Holiday-themed characters

- Bars and lounges going above and beyond with decorations, music, and layouts.

- Events like trivia night, karaoke, and more 

- Fun, SAFE environment.

 The 2022 businesses making the season bright are:

The Country Club - Christmas Club

3462 N. Clark Street

ChristmasClubChicago.com

No Cover

In November and December, Country Club becomes Christmas Club! Enjoy a two-story classic Christmas party experience with three rooms each with a bar. If you stick around long enough, you may catch a glimpse of Santa and his helpers sneaking in some Holiday fun.

Deuces - Santa Baby Christmas Bar

3505 N. Clark Street

SantaBabyBar.com

Through January 2022

You better watch out! Santa Baby Christmas Bar is back offering a multi-room, multi-level, over-the-top Christmas experience completely decked out from head to toe. On Wednesdays, they host a paint and sip class from 6 to 8 pm for $25 a person, register online to book your spot.   

Winterland at Gallagher Way

3635 N. Clark Street

GallagherWay.com

Through January 8, 2022

Families, visitors, and neighbors can celebrate the holidays by taking part in the many seasonal programs and activities at Gallagher’s Way Winterland. For the first time ever, Winter Wonderland is taking place INSIDE and outside the iconic ballpark. Returning this year is the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, ice skating, Santa’s Workshop, wreath-making classes, holiday movie screenings, special programming at Hotel Zachary, and much more. Guests can also play holiday-themed games and ride a winter tube for the first time!

The Graystone Tavern - 8 Crazy Nights - A Hanukkah Bar

3441 N. Sheffield Ave. 

8CrazyNightsChicago.com

Through January 9, 2022

Back by popular demand, Chicago’s first and only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar with decorations created for the Jewish holiday throughout the bar and weatherproofed beer garden, including over 14,000 blue and white lights and Hanukkah ball lanterns adorning the ceiling, Star of David and dreidel ornaments, lighted menorah decor, Mensch on a Bench, a Hanukkah sweater wall, an 8-foot inflatable dreidel and more.  Throughout the pop-up, a special food menu, ranging in price from $5 to $16, will feature traditional and spins on Jewish favorites like Matzo Ball Soup and three flavors of Latkes including classic with sour cream and applesauce, cilantro jalapeno with chipotle sour cream and herb cheddar with chive sour cream. Board and card games will be available to guests nightly including Connect 4 with Hanukkah gelt, Cards Against Humanity Jew expansion pack, Mitzvah Match, Jewish Guess Who, Dreidel, Apples to Apples Jewish edition and Schmear Build-A-Bagel card game.

Houndstooth Saloon - Griswolds

3369 N. Clark Street

Opening November 25th

HoundstoothChicago.com

Inspired by the famous family and the hilarious movies, Houndstooth Saloon has menu selections including  "Yakkin on a bone," a two-lb turkey leg, "Cousin Eddie’s" spiked eggnog and Clark's Cocoa.

HVAC Pub – Rock and Roll Christmas

3530 N. Clark Street

HVACPubWrigley.com

HVAC will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring Christmas drinks, food and live rocking holiday music.

Lucky Dorr - Lucky Lodge

1101 W. Waveland 

LuckyDorr.com

Lucky Dorr, Chicago's favorite craft beer destination, will transform into Lucky Lodge. A festive Winterland destination with special décor, the aroma of hot apple cider, and rustic comfort galore. As always, Lucky Dorr is dog friendly! 

Merkle’s Bar and Grill – The Nutcracker

3516 N Clark

merkleschicago.com

Welcome to The Nutcracker! Wrigleyville's neighborhood sports bar, Merkle's, has turned into a cozy Christmas spot, perfect for ordering comfort food and enjoying the game while staying festive. Don't miss out on Music Bingo every Wednesday, and catch all the Iowa Hawkeyes games here! 

Moe’s Cantina – Grinch Stole Christmas 

3518 N. Clark Street

MoesCantina.com

The Grinch stole Christmas and left it at Moe’s Cantina! While offering a menu of shareable small plates, traditional full-size entrees, signature tacos, and a cocktail list featuring house-made sangria, handmade margaritas, premium tequilas, and more. The Grinch himself can often be spotted here, and he loves taking photos. 

top sporting events! 

Mordecai - Mistletoe

3632 N. Clark Street

November 18 – December 23rd

https://www.exploretock.com/hushmoneymordecai/

Thursdays - Saturdays, excluding Holidays through Dec. 30

Reservations are Free

Mistletoe, Mordecai's annual holiday pop-up bar, boasts naughty and nice decorations and an exclusive holiday-inspired drink menu, featuring both contemporary and vintage cocktails. Reservations are free. Groups of 1-6 can reserve two-hour blocks on Tock, Thursday-Saturday. Mistletoe is a limited engagement, opening November 18th, and closing December 23rd.

NOLA Bar & Kitchen – Ugly Sweater Bar

3481 N. Clark Street

NOLAChicago.com

Through January 20, 2022

NOLA is debuting its brand new holiday pop-up this year, Ugly Sweater Bar! The walls are decked out with the cutest ugliest sweaters you’ve ever seen, and every Friday night they have karaoke from 9 pm to 1 am. Don’t miss the Ugly Sweater happy hour everyday Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm, with $5 holiday-themed cocktails, and $3 domestic cans. 

Old Crow Smokehouse - Santa’s Workshop

3506 N. Clark Street

OldCrowSmokeHouse.com

Wrigleyville’s award-winning barbecue from the kitchen of pitmaster and “MasterChef” Tony Scruggs is the home of Santa’s Workshop. 

Rizzo’s Bar and Inn - John Vincent’s Holiday Sing-Along Holiday Bar

3658 N. Clark Street

RizzosBarAndInn.com

Through December 30

Local singing legend, John Vincent, will be performing some holiday hits from all of your old-time lounge singer favorites like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Louis Armstrong! He’ll be performing at Rizzo’s on 

December 4th at 6:00 pm

December 11th at 6:00 pm

December 18th at 6:00 pm 

Tickets can be bought online.

Roadhouse 66 Gas N’ Grill - Jingle Junkie

3478 N. Clark Street

JingleJunkie.com

Through January 8, 2022

Serving up holiday-inspired bites and sips in an explosion of cheer, Jingle Junkie and its heated, ski lodge inspired patio is the most festive spot to celebrate your upcoming holiday season. With an extensive seasonal cocktail /beer list and delicious festive bites that are sure to get even the grinchiest Grinch into the holiday spirit.

Stretch Bar & Grill - Elf’d Up

3845 N. Clark Street

ElfedUp.com

No Cover

Through January 8, 2022

Back by popular demand for the fourth year, it’s a full-blown tribute to the beloved Christmas movie "Elf”. Elf'd Up is a high-energy holiday pop-up bar, perfect for patrons who share Elf'd Up's affinity for elf culture. A casual neighborhood Christmas bar, Elf'd Up never charges a cover and Buddy the Elf often pays a visit. 

Underground Lounge - Island of Misfits Toys

952 W. Newport Ave.

TheULChicago.com

Through January 31, 2022

Underground Lounge welcomes you to the “Pabst Island of Misfit Toys,“ to come hang out with Bumbles, Dolly, Hermey, and others. Enjoy live music and be a misfit!

Smoke Daddy- Lumberjack Lodge 

3636 N Clark

thesmokedaddy.com/home/

Grab your fleece and flannel, and head over to the Lumberjack Lodge to relax and cozy up! Smoke Daddy has turned this BBQ, blues, and beer joint into a Lumberjack’s dream getaway. They also have a HUGE list of Holiday activities you do not want to miss, like brunch with Santa, a boozy gingerbread house party, and more! Check the schedule online and register to join in. 

*Individual operating hours for each location vary from location to location. Some details may change from the release date. Please check with the outlet for the most up to date information.

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, SSA #17 and the Lakeview East Community Partnership sponsor Wrigleyville Wonderland.