Holiday Shows 2013

It's that time of year again and even for those that hate holiday shows there are some strong offerings in Chicago at the end of 2013.

First off we have the 10th anniversary of the David Sedaris inspired The Santaland Diaries. My friend Mitchell Fain has a jingle ball playing an elf with an attitude. He states during the show that Sedaris does not like any adaptation of his book so one has to wonder what David would think of this.

Fain ventures into Mario Cantone's ranting and tone but keeps it to a minimum and the story evolves into a comfortable pattern.

Get to the Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, before December 29 to see the straight people squirm to Fain's gay holiday tune.

Theater goers have a little more time to see Christmas Dearest as the show has been extended to January 5 at Mary's Attic above Hamburger Mary's. David Cerda and the gang at Hell in a Handbag Productions keep the laughs as campy as ever. Changing things up from Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer to present Joan Crawford in a holiday musical no less. Taking a cue from past production The Birds this show goes behind the scenes on the set of a film this time its about the virgin Mary. Hilarity ensues and the show is big undertaking that has many laugh out loud moments thanks to great writing.

We Three Lizas returns with a complete revamp smartly keeping Danielle Plisz. She embodies the spirit of Liza Minelli that steals the show. The Steppenwolf Garage space is sorely missed with seating right on the stage but About Face Theatre makes it work at Stage 773. Get your ticket at www.aboutfacetheatre.com until January 5.

Look for a gay old time this holiday season with talented theater companies like these. Let's look forward to what they will offer next year!