The season is buzzing with energy thanks to these must-attend Chicago events.
Set during Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, The Nutcracker brings the city’s cultural richness and holiday spirit to life.
& Juliet
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Dates: Dec. 3-15
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. / Website
With a fresh perspective on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet, & Juliet reimagines the love story by exploring what happens if Juliet chooses a new beginning instead of a tragic ending. This vibrant musical combines a mix of pop-music anthems like “Since U Been Gone” and “Baby One More Time,” showcasing Juliet’s journey as she navigates the complexities of love, self-discovery and empowerment.
The Nutcracker
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Dates: Dec. 6-28
Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr. / Website
The Joffrey Ballet presents its beloved production of Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker, which follows Clara on her whimsical journey with the Nutcracker Prince. The production features Tchaikovsky’s renowned score, elaborate sets and choreography that showcases memorable characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King.
Jane Lynch's A Swingin' Little Christmas
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Dates: Dec. 12-15
Steppenwolf ’s Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. / Website
Steppenwolf Theater gets into the cheerful spirit with this festive celebration of classic holiday tunes featuring joyful banter and heartwarming performances by Illinois native and Glee fave Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet.
Shucked
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Dates: Jan. 7-19
CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St. / Website
This Tony Award-winning “farm-to-fable” musical comedy explores how tearing down walls can be essential for preserving a way of life. With its playful humor and catchy musical numbers, the show celebrates community in an unforgettable setting centered around corn.
Too Hot To Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah
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Dates: Jan. 11-12
Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. / Website
Reimagining Handel’s Messiah, this production blends R&B, jazz and gospel to create a dynamic celebration of faith and hope. It features a 100-voice chorus, standout soloists and world-class musicians, transforming the classical work into an uplifting musical experience.
Theaster Gates: When Clouds Roll Away: Reflection and Restoration from the Johnson Archive
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Dates: Through Mar. 16
Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Island Ave. / Website
Rebuild Foundation presents an exhibition featuring new works inspired by the Johnson Publishing Company archive, including Theaster Gates’s “Facsimile Cabinet of Women’s Origin Stories,” which displays over 3,000 framed images of women. Visitors can engage with the installation by rearranging the images, fostering a deeper understanding of Black culture and the legacy of the Johnson Publishing Company.
Photography by: CHERYL MANN
