This weekend brings a lot of ways to celebrate the holiday season, with two versions of “The Nutcracker,” a holiday panto by Piccolo Theater and “A Christmas Carol” told from Jacob Marley’s perspective at Studio5. Theo Ubique opens its new location on Howard Street with “The Full Monty.” Those shows and more are on stage in an around Evanston this weekend.
Duke It Out! Nutcracker
This performance, which pairs the classical and jazz versions of the holiday favorite, is 60 minutes followed by holiday reception and photo booth with the artists.
By Music Institute and Dance Chicago at Nichols Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m. tickets $5
The Nutcracker
Marie isn’t like other children. While her peers have outgrown their dolls and stuffed animals, she still believes her toys are alive, and it’s causing tension with her family. But one Christmas Eve, a series of strange gifts send Marie on an adventure that proves all her suspicions—and places her at the center of a struggle for the future of Toy Land, and the safety of her friends and family.
At Mudlark Theater, 927 Noyes St., runs Dec. 7-22, tickets $11-14
Holiday Cabaret
The best of Piccolo Pantos, includes a night of bad puns and a pizza buffet.
By Piccolo theater, at Firehouse Restaurant, 750 Chicago Ave., Sunday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., tickets $30 through email (piccolocuster1972@gmail.com) or 224-714-7085
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Written and read by Tom Mula, “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” tells Dickens’ famous tale from Marley’s perspective.
At Studio5, 1934-38 Dempster St., 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, tickets $20-25
Chicago Tap Theatre — Tidings of Tap!
Featuring rhythm and whimsy-filled dance interpretations of your favorite Christmas, Hanukkah and winter songs, this is a fun yet sophisticated, family-friendly evening that you’ll be talking about all year!
At North Shore Theater, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, Sunday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m., tickets $25-41
The Full Monty
Based on the cult hit film of the same name, a group of unemployed steel workers from Buffalo come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. In preparing, they find themselves extremely exposed… not merely physically but also emotionally.
At Theo Ubique, 721 Howard St., runs Dec. 7 – Jan. 27, tickets $25-50
Twelfth Night, Or What You Will
Shakespeare’s romantic, boisterous and poignant comedy has never felt more relevant—or more hilarious!
At Writers Theater, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, runs through Dec. 16, tickets $50
Mansfield Park
When shy but clever Fanny Price is sent away by her impoverished parents, she must learn to navigate life as the poor relation at her aunt and uncle’s wealthy estate. Fanny soon learns that beneath the glitter of wealth and status, people aren’t always what they seem, in a new take on the classic social satire by Jane Austen.
At Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, runs through Dec. 16, tickets $30-52
Witch
Mischief is afoot in the sleepy village of Edmonton and the fate of the world is at stake in this smart modern fable. When the emotionally conflicted son of the local lord and an ambitious newcomer come into conflict, help presents itself to both of them in the same guise—as the Devil himself. But while these two young men take advantage of the Devil’s bargain to accomplish their own questionable ends, someone else in town stands her ground—Elizabeth, an outcast whom everyone believes to be a witch.For ages 14 and up.
At Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, runs through Dec. 16, tickets $50
Shrek the Musical
A tale of an unlikely hero on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess.
At Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, runs through Dec. 30, tickets $50-60
Holiday Inn
Based on the classic film, this musical tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut… but life just isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim’s luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July.
At Marriott Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, runs through Jan. 6, tickets $50-60