Shakespeare, abridged & patched...
It may seem impossible to see all the works of William Shakespeare at one time, but nonetheless, on Sunday, Dec. 5, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)," opened at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave.
Brought to us by Diana Myers, Benjamin Montague and A Crew of Patches Theater Company, the two-hour comedic show, performed by a three-person cast, is said to include "1637 murders, 656 battles, 375 lewd acts and a couple of fairies."
If that isn't enough, ensemble members David Blixt, Benjamin Montague, Scott Leon Smith and Justine C. Turner whiz through every play Shakespeare wrote, with interpretations such as "Backwards Hamlet," "The Titus Andronicus Cooking Show," "The Othello Rap" and "A History Football Game."
Although I haven't seen the show yet, if I can plow through all of Shakespeare's plays at the speed of two hours (with an intermission) and laugh too, I'll be there! (The show continues through Jan. 29.)
To purchase a ticket ($28.50 or $10 for a student with an ID), call the Mercury Theater Box Office at (773) 325-1700 or log on to ticketmaster.com.
Continuing at the Court...
Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" continues its run at Court Theatre as Court Theatre celebrate its Golden 50th Anniversary Season.
Be sure to see the show directed by Court Theatre's Artistic Director Charles Newell playing through Dec. 26 at the Court, 5535 S. Ellis St. on the University of Chicago campus. If you haven't seen the show, get going or you'll miss out on a classic comedy and an evening of surprises. Wilde's fourth play is one of his most popular. With lots of satire and humor it pokes fun at love, religion and truthfulness. Written in 1895, it is classic comedy enduring the test of time.
Court Theatre is a short ride from downtown Chicago and is well worth the 15-20 minutes travel to see a highly professional theater company and witness one of Wilde's funniest plays.
Tickets are available by calling the Court Theatre box office at (773) 753-4472 or by visiting CourtTheatre.uchicago.edu. A ticket ranges in price from $35 to $50. Discounts are available for students and seniors and parking is FREE.
The Nutcracker...
Every year when the Joffrey Ballet presents its version of "The Nutcracker" I get excited. It's one of those seasonal treats I look forward to. It's not only the exquisite dancing performed by the ballet troupe, but its the incredible Tchaikovsky music, the many children dancing in the show, plus the exciting choreography by both artistic director Gerald Arpino and the late Robert Joffrey.
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 15, the Nutcracker Ballet will be performed on the stage of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., and continue through Sunday, Dec. 26.
Tickets range in price from $15 to $90 and can be purchased by calling the Joffrey Ballet Office or visiting ticketmaster.com. For more detailed information such as performance times and background on the ballet itself, go on-line to the Joffrey's Web site at joffrey.com. or phone (312) 739-0120.
Gala opening night...
Opening night for the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago is always a special one and on Wednesday, Dec. 15, guests can attend its Opening Night Family Gala.
The party begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Chicago Club, 81 E. Van Buren St., where adults and children can graze through a gourmet dinner for all ages.
Besides the food, entertainment during the cocktail reception and dinner includes an appearance by the "Nutcracker" and "Clara." Clowns will also be an integral part of the party plus other ballet figures and activities such as finger painting for the kiddies.
After dinner, guests will attend the 7 p.m. performance of "The Nutcracker" at the Auditorium Theatre.
Chaired by Lisa Malkin and Liz Sharp, the evening is a benefit project of the Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. To make a reservation, call (312) 739-0120, ext. 44.
'tis the 27th season...
The Goodman Theatre is celebrating its 27th season production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" with performances in its Albert Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., continuing through Dec. 26.
This year's production includes a 25-member cast in the story of the skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge and how he is transformed with just a few visits from some ghosts of the past, present and future.
The cast includes William Brown as Scrooge; Sean Fortunato as Bob Cratchit; Lisa Dodson as Mrs. Cratchit and the Ghost of Christmas Past; Bradley Mott as Mr. Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Present; Susan Felder as Mrs. Fezziwig; and Christine Bunuan, Shelby Hyman, Lauren Patten as the Cratchit children plus Elijah Roberts as Tiny Tim.
To purchase a ticket ($20 to $60) or for additional information including show times, special shows, discounted tickets, or parking, contact the Goodman Theatre box office at (312) 443-3800 or stop by the ticket office at 170 N. Dearborn St.
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