Santa Slays This Season

The holidays can sometimes offer up some sappy sentimental Santa stories but luckily for Chicago audiences there is a variety to choose from.

Hell in a Handbag Productions present a world premiere with The Rip Nelson Holiday Spectacular by David Cerda. The show stars Ed Jones as Rip Nelson, a made up celebrity harkening back to the variety specials of the '70s and '80s.

David Lipschutz as Doug Henning steals the show with fake magic and a smile. Alexa Castelvecchi as Liza has some nice moments but starts off a little quiet then builds to a crescendo.

Visit www.handbagproductions.org or call 800-838-3006 on your rotary phone for tickets.

The Joffrey Ballet takes a bite out of The Nutcracker playing at the Auditorium Theatre through Dec. 30. Things have changed and while some people miss the Russian dancers, for out of town guests this is the show to see. Set at a Dream Fair with plenty of things to marvel at, it was time to dust off expecpations and try something new.

The smooth running time, young cast, costuming, and the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra are come together for a special show. Visit joffrey.org for more in 2017.

Goodman's A Christmas Carol is such a highlight to the Downtown experience. It makes a great stop from shopping to immerse one into the true spirit of Christmas. Spinning it around Twist Your Dickens teams up Second City's troupe with the Goodman Theatre to create something that is fresh and new.

Keeping things current with the cast is key and people like Joel Boyd and Rob West totally get it. Be ready for audience participation and the Peanuts making an appearance as part of the fun. Swing over to www.goodmantheatre.org for info. This show will leave you some spending money. It's a steal and a deal!

Barney the Elf may be the gayest holiday show in town and is light in the loafers content wise. Some straight members of the audience had some issues with the story but came around by the end, so hopefully Dixie Lynn Cartwright is making progress. Playing at the Greenhouse Theater now through Jan. 1.

While not a holiday show, The Christians brings up some hot topics and can make you think at the Steppenwolf. It is written and directed by ensemble member K. Todd Freeman who runs this deep thinker until Jan. 29.

With these shows in particular it is important to know the audience member to bring along for the ride. Some of these productions are insightful, campy, controversial, and downright hilarious.

Try to hit at least one before the seasons change!