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Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Entertainment Guide

Like the seasons, Chicago’s live entertainment landscape is always changing. Here’s a look at what’s happening on stages across the area.

News
Near West Side park to get facelift it's been waiting for
“This is what the community really asked for,” Ald. Walter Burnett said of improvements coming to Touhy-Herbert Park.
By Audrey Hettleman
 
A home decked out in Christmas decorations sits in the 1500 block of West Touhy Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood on the North Side, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.
Neighborhood light displays in Chicago: where to see home holiday lights
By Sun-Times staff
 
Un empleado de la CTA disfrazado camina por la fila de uno de los vagones del tren navideño de la CTA repartiendo dulces y tomándose selfies con los pasajeros, el viernes 24 de noviembre de 2023.
Chicago
Deck the cars - the CTA holiday train returns
The CTA holiday train returned Friday afternoon, bringing thousands of lights and Santa’s sleigh to the city’s Green and Orange Line tracks.
By Violet Miller
 
A child holds a Christkindlmarket souvenir mug on the first day of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza in November 2022.
Entertainment and Culture
Christkindlmarket’s back Friday: Here’s everything you need to know about it
The market’s downtown location will offer a fast-entry pass option for the first time for visitors who want to skip the line and get right to the warm drink in a collectible mug.
By Courtney Kueppers | WBEZ
 
The Newberry Consort’s Mexican Christmas program, which this year will be called “A Latin American Christmas.
Holiday Guide 2023
Classical music blends the familiar with the new for robust programs for holiday season
Amid all the variety, one work remains a Chicago-area staple:stands out: Handel’s “Messiah,” with several groups offering their takes on the beloved oratorio.
By Kyle MacMillan - For the Sun-Times
 
“The Immersive Nutcracker” rings in the holiday season at Germania Place.
Holiday Guide 2023
‘The Nutcracker’ heralds holiday season’s dance programming in Chicago
Here’s a guide to where mice and soldiers will be showing their moves, and other dance performances during the final weeks of 2023.
By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times
 
Straight No Chaser will perform Dec. 3 at the Chicago Theatre.
Holiday Guide 2023
Chicago-area concert venues offer a wide mix of music this season
From pop icons to symphonies to holiday tunes, here’s where to see hundreds of acts live during the yuletide season.
By Joanna Gaden
 
Ed Jones, Ryan Oates, Grant Drager and David Cerda star in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ world premiere of “The Golden Girls Save Xmas – The Lost Episode Parody Series.”
Holiday Guide 2023
Area stages serving up plenty of holiday cheer — and more — this season
‘Christmas Carol,’ ‘Cinderella,’ ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ just some of the theater productions to enjoy in the months ahead.
By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times
 
Get in the holiday spirit at the Museum of Ice Cream’s “Pinkmas” exhibit.
Holiday Guide 2023
Plenty of things for the whole family to enjoy during holiday season
Looking for ways to get festive with the family this holiday season? The Chicago area offers a range of jolly, family-friendly activities to amp up holiday cheer.
By Joanna Gaden
 
Chef Brandon Rushing of The Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar pays homage to a dear friend with his Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.
Holiday Guide 2023
Lowcountry cornbread, pecan and shiitake stuffing by chef Brandon Rushing
Rushing’s mentor, chef Philip Bardin, was one of five original chefs who put Charleston’s culinary scene on the map and helped inspire the flavors of Lowcountry cuisine.
By Contributor
 
Executive Chef Steve Chiappetti of The Albert is photographed at the Streeterville restaurant.
Holiday Guide 2023
Olive oil-poached turkey by Chef Steve Chiappetti at the Albert
“When my mother roasted a turkey, she told me that both flavor and a juicy center were key.”
By Contributor
 
Chef Hisanobu Osaka is photographed at the sushi bar inside his Miru restaurant, 401 E. Wacker Dr.
Holiday Guide 2023
Japanese fried chicken by executive chef Hisanobu Osaka at Miru
“About 70 percent of the chicken sold in Japan each year is sold during the month of December because fried chicken is so popular as a holiday meal,” said Osaka.
By Contributor
 
Chef Executive Chef Joe Decker carves out a piece of Char’s Breakfast Casserole at the Wildfire restaurant in Glenview.
Holiday Guide 2023
Chef Joe Decker’s ‘Char’s Breakfast Casserole’
“Every Christmas morning, we would make a delicious breakfast casserole — my mother-in-law’s recipe.”
By Contributor
 
Chef Max Robbins is photographed at The Oakville Grill & Cellar.
Holiday Guide 2023
Duck matzo ball soup at Oakville Grill & Cellar by Chef Max Robbins
“This recipe takes traditional matzo ball soup and gives it an upgrade for the holidays with the use of rich, full-flavored duck confit meat.”
By Contributor
 
Chef Carlos Gaytán of Tzuco Restaurant.
Holiday Guide 2023
Stuffed pork loin with creamy coleslaw and black bean purée recipe by Chef Carlos Gaytan
“At Tzuco, I aim to share the depth of Mexico’s culinary traditions. This dish, though not on our menu, embodies that spirit.”
By Contributor
 
Faith Ringgold
Holiday Guide 2023
MCA retrospective celebrates Faith Ringgold’s groundbreaking work
The presentation contains nearly 150 objects, including paintings, drawings, original prints, quilts, sculptures and mixed-media works as well as archival photos and materials related to her activism.
By Kyle MacMillan - For the Sun-Times
 
Last year’s New York production of “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” (pictured) was a hit at the New Victory Theater.
Holiday Guide 2023
‘Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas’ washes up on Michigan Avenue, on way to (maybe) Broadway
Actors perform alongside puppets in stage adaptation of beloved TV special from Jim Henson.
By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times
 
Mariah Carey (pictured at Madison Square Garden in 2022) brings her Christmas show to the United Center on Dec. 3.
Holiday Guide 2023
10 Chicago-area concerts sure to light up stages this winter
Mariah Carey makes wishes come true, Liz Phair revisits the ’90s, and Doja Cat comes back strong.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
Fantasia Barrino (foreground) and Taraji P. Henson in “The Color Purple.”
Holiday Guide 2023
10 movies Richard Roeper can’t wait to see this holiday season
Will you spend your multiplex time with wrestlers, rowers, Ferrari or Beyoncé?
By Richard Roeper
 
Janelle Monáe is one of many music artists coming to Chicago this fall. See her set on Sept. 14 at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom.
Music
Guide to Chicago’s 2023 fall music scene
From up-and-coming indie groups to big-name artists, the music landscape has something for everyone in the coming months.
By Joanna Gaden
 
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