There’s no better way to usher in the holiday season than by attending a performance of “The Nutcracker.”
And The Joffrey Ballet’s rendition of the popular seasonal theatrical production is one of the best around. “The Nutcracker,” performed by the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet, continues to Dec. 28 at The Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
The stellar production, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, was choreographed by noted choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, and debuted in 2016. In his version, Wheeldon offers a creative spin on the classic ballet as he changed the setting of the story to Chicago at the time of The Colombian Exposition.
Photo courtesy of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The story revolves around Marie, a young girl from a hard-working but poor immigrant family. While in a dream, Marie is taken on a whimsical journey with The Great Impresario of the fair as well as a Nutcracker who has come to life. On the journey, they travel to The World’s Fair where their adventures take them to the ethnic pavilions at the fair and all the exciting happenings there.
This production of “The Nutcracker” has always excelled and it continues to enchant audiences with strong dancing, colorful costumes, stunning sets and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score.
Photo courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey dancers are always a joy to watch. Among dancers offering dynamic performances in the show were Amanda Assucena as Marie; Gayeon Jung as the mother as well as The Sugar Plum Fairy; Stefan Goncalvez as The Great Impresario; and Valentino Moneglia as Buffalo Bill.
Secure a ticket for this great Chicago holiday tradition. You won’t be disappointed.
FYI: “The Nutcracker,” performed by The Joffrey Ballet, continues to Dec. 28 at The Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit joffrey.org for more information.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Record-setting participation in Chicago’s most anticipated annual dining out experience
Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announces the return of Chicago Restaurant Week(CRW), with a record-setting number of participating restaurants. Produced annually by Choose Chicago, the beloved event celebrates its 19th year Friday,January 23 through Sunday, February 8, 2026. Food lovers can reserve tables and view menus online beginning today for multi-course meals at more than 500 Chicagoland eateries at chicagorestaurantweek.com.
Artango. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Chicago Restaurant Week offers visitors and local foodies an exciting opportunity to experience some of the area’s most sought-after restaurants. For 17 consecutive, dining-packed days, participating restaurants will showcase specially curated prix fixe menus with prices set at $30 for brunch or lunch, and $45 and/or $60 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Lending an ideal reason to explore Chicago’s nationally lauded culinary scene, diners can experience new, show-stopping restaurants and familiar favorites alike daily.
Edie’s Grilled Cheese.
“Choose Chicago’s Chicago Restaurant Week is one of the most anticipated events of the year for our restaurant community, our visitors and our residents,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “It’s more than a week of fantastic discounts at top culinary establishments; it’s our moment to celebrate the restaurants and chefs who power this industry every day. From beloved neighborhood spots to world-renowned dining destinations, this event offers exciting, accessible ways for everyone to experience the flavors that make Chicago the place to be this winter — and one of the great food cities of the world. Bon appétit!”
An all-time record, more than 500 participating restaurants represent 33 distinct Chicago neighborhoods and 61 suburban eateries. Of the participants, 160 are women and/or minority owned enterprises, and 76 restaurants make their Restaurant Week debut.
Black Barrel Tavern
Participants include a range of new and established locales such as Lula Cafe (Logan Square), Il Carciofo (West Loop), Café Yaya (Lincoln Park), Topolobampo (River North), Señoritas Cantina on Dearborn (The Loop), Truth Be Told (Hyde Park) and Lior’s Café (Washington Heights). They join a list of repeat loyalists such as Gene & Georgetti (River North), Geja’s Café (Lincoln Park), Frontier (West Town), Big Jones (Andersonville), Dove’s Luncheonette (Bucktown/Wicker Park) and more. A complete list of participating restaurants and their curated menu offerings can be found here.
“Chicago Restaurant Week champions the passion and vitality of our neighborhood restaurants,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association. “Celebrations like this provide diners with the perfect opportunity to explore every corner of our city. This initiative also helps restaurants to grow their business during the first quarter of the year when they need it the most.”
Liva. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off in grand style on Thursday, January 22 at First Bites Bash. The event, which sold out within 24 hours of the ticket launch, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Chicago’s Field Museum. Award winning Chicago chef Jonathon Sawyer of Kindling serves as the Host Chef for the star-studded party, where guests will experience exclusive tasting portions from more than 70 restaurants, as well as enjoy wine, beer, spirits, entertainment and more. Choose Chicago will make a financial contribution to its event beneficiaries, the James Beard Foundation and No Kid Hungry.
Sapori Trattoria. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
This year, Chicago Restaurant Week enjoys overlap with the equally popular Chicago Theatre Week, taking place February 5-15, 2026. As these two iconic cultural celebrations coincide, there is no better opportunity to experience Chicago like a local this winter. Through the exploration of food and theatre in every pocket of the city, locals and visitors have even more reason to book that hotel stay or staycation – while adding shopping, sporting events and sightseeing.
Atwood Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Chicago Restaurant Week is generously sponsored by Today’s Variety, 101.9 THE MIX, 97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock, Throwback 100.3 – All The Hits Of The 90s & 2000s, the James Beard Foundation, OpenTable and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.
Foodies are encouraged to follow @ChooseChicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Get social using #FirstBitesBash and #ChicagoRestaurantWeek.
Cindy’s Orecchietti. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X/Twitter and tag #FirstBitesBash and #ChicagoRestaurantWeek. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
Based on the 2003 movie “Elf,” this musical version tells the tale of Buddy the Elf, who is really human, as he ventures to New York City from his home at the North Pole to meet his real dad. Comic scenes are aplenty in this show as Buddy’s interactions with family and others often cause mayhem, confusion and all sorts of zaniness.
“Elf The Musical” is filled with energetic dance numbers, catchy songs and fine acting by the ensemble cast.
Starring as Buddy is Jack Ducat, who offers a perfect performance as the naive, loveable elf. Also giving enjoyable performances are Felicia Martis as Jovie, Jeff Brooks as Walter Hobbs, Yara Martin as Emily Hobbs and Camden Kwok as spunky Michael Hobbs.
Among standout musical numbers in the show are “World’s Greatest Dad,” “I’ll Believe in You,” “A Christmas Song,” “The Story of Buddy the Elf” and “Nobody Cares About Santa.”
Catch this stage version of “Elf The Musical.” You’ll be glad you did.
FYI: “Elf The Musical” continues to Dec. 14 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago. Tickets range from $40 to $110. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
There’s a dynamic theatrical work lighting up the stage of The Goodman Theatre.
“Revolution(s),” the brand new musical by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave and Zayd Ayers Dohm, is a world premiere production directed by Steve H. Broadnax III. The production continues to Nov. 22.
YouTube courtesy of The Goodman Theatre.
Fans of metal/hip-hop and punk will easily be engrossed in this show. “Revolution(s)”revolves around Hampton Falk-Weems, a soldier and musician, who returns to his South Side Chicago home from Afghanistan and finds a number of problems and strife in the neighborhood which he must navigate around. There’s also strained relationships he must deal with. There’s definitely a war of a different kind going on back home.
The energetic music by Morello and various other artists help move this powerful musical along. The talented cast stars Aaron James McKenzie, Billy Rude, Alysia Velez, Jackie Burns, Jakeim Hart, Michael Ervin Martin and Al’ Jaleel McGhee.
Highlighted musical numbers include “Fight! Smash! Win,” “Keep Going,” “Rise to Power,” “Whatever It Takes,” “The Oath” and “The War Inside.”
FYI: “Revolution(s) continues to Nov. 22 at The Goodman’s Owen Theatre in Chicago. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
For more on what to do in Chicago, visit Choose Chicago.
The storyline of “Hell’s Kitchen” revolves around the lives of teen Ali and her mother Jersey who live in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. Their relationship has its ups and downs as Ali experiences the strains and problems of growing up and coming of age while her mother tries to shield her from the heartaches and evils of the outside world. Once Ali finds the world of music and the joy of playing the piano, life becomes different.
“Hell’s Kitchen,” which is loosely based on musician Keys’ life, is directed by Michael Greif, and has a book by Kristoffer Diaz. The musical moves along swiftly and definitely keeps the audience’s attention.The Grammy-winning Keys’ music is woven perfectly throughout the production.
Starring as Ali is Maya Drake, whose vocals feature a dynamic mix of strong and sweet tones. Playing the role of Jersey is Kennedy Caughell, whose voice remains outstanding throughout the production. In the role of piano teacher Miss Liza Jane is Roz White, who also captures the audience’s attention with her beautiful vocals.
Among other strong performers in the show are Desmond Sean Ellington as Davis and JonAvery Worrell as Knuck.
Fans of Keys’ music will enjoy hearing theatrical performances of her hits. Highlighted tunes include “Teenage Love Affair,” “Girl on Fire,” “Fallin,”‘ “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Empire State of Mind.”
Don ‘t hesitate to get a ticket for this show and spend some time in “Hell’s Kitchen.”
FYI: “Hell’s Kitchen” runs to Nov. 30 at The James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets range from $40 to $149. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Chicago, with its numerous holiday happenings and millions of holiday lights, is a magical destination. Wondering where to stay and what to do? Here are some ideas for you.
Gather at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago this Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27, 12:00PM – 6:00PM) for Adorn Bar & Restaurant’s heartwarming Thanksgiving Grand Feast Experience. Celebrate the season in style with an abundant spread of gourmet stations, decadent dishes, and irresistible sweets. Whether you’re making new memories or honoring cherished traditions, Adorn invites you to savor every bite—and every moment—with warmth, joy, and festive flavor.
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
Savor the season with a playful twist on a timeless tradition. Delight in an elegant afternoon of festive indulgence at the Teddy Bear Tea, featuring artfully crafted tea sandwiches, exquisite desserts, and a thoughtfully curated selection of fine teas. Toast the occasion at our sparkling mimosa station, while little ones are enchanted by whimsical holiday entertainment and receive a charming teddy bear keepsake to treasure.
Saturdays and Sundays, November 29 & 30, December 7, 13*, 20, 27 & 28
1st Seating: 10:00 AM; 2nd Seating: 1:00 PM; *10 AM Seating Only
$185 per adult / $65 per child (6-12 years old)
Children 5 and under are complimentary
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable Christmas Day Feast at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (Thursday, December 25,12:00PM – 6:00PM) . Delight in festive fare from chef-attended action stations and an elaborate chocolate buffet, while little ones enjoy holiday-themed activities designed just for them. A live band sets the scene with cheerful sounds of the season, and our decadent hot chocolate station—complete with a “Spike Your Cocoa” option—adds a playful, grown-up twist. A memorable experience for guests of all ages, wrapped in the magic of the holidays.
$285 per adult / $95 per child (6-12 years old), Adult pricing includes one glass of champagne (Pricing is exclusive of Tax & Gratuity)
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
Ring in the New Year with an opulent New Year’s Eve Dinner at Adorn (Wednesday, December 31, seatings at 7:00PM and 9:00PM). Indulge in a luxurious five-course journey. Savor every moment with decadent canapés, artfully prepared appetizers, and a choice of exquisite entrée, culminating in a show-stopping dessert.
$225 Per Person exclusive of tax and gratuity
Photo courtesy of The Albert.
the Albert, the Italian-American restaurant located at the luxury boutique Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, welcomes the festive season with an exciting lineup of dining experiences. Under the direction of acclaimed Chef Steve Chiappetti, the Albert’s menus and events honor his Calabrian heritage while embracing Chicago’s culinary vibrancy. Guests can look forward to special offerings, holiday feasts, a charitable book drive, an early New Year’s Eve party, and interactive wine and cocktail classes — all designed to joyfully gather loved ones around the table.
Thanksgiving Chef Hotline – Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Turkey emergency? Stuffing disaster? Chef Chiappetti is back in 2025 and just a phone call away with The Albert’s Thanksgiving Chef Hotline. From troubleshooting to expert tips, Chicagoans can count on his culinary guidance to present their holiday meals without breaking a sweat! Call 1-833-THX-CHEF (1-833-849-2433).
Holiday Book Drive: Share a Story, Light the Season – November 19-December 31, 2025
Photo courtesy of The Albert.
Hotel EMC2 invites guests to celebrate the spirit of giving through Share a Story, Light the Season in partnership with Books4Cause, a Chicago-based social venture dedicated to expanding access to books and education worldwide. From November 18 through December 31, guests who bring a gently used book to donate at the Albert, will receive a complimentary glass of wine in return. Guests are invited to place their books beneath the hotel’s striking holiday tree while enjoying canapés, cocktails, and the warmth of the season. Each book donated supports Books4Cause’s mission to recirculate books into the hands of new readers, helping to build libraries and empower communities both locally and abroad. At Hotel EMC2, where art and science live in harmony, the initiative is a reflection of the property’s belief that curiosity, creativity, and compassion are all part of a story worth sharing. 21+. Limit one per guest, per visit. Available during service hours only.
Thanksgiving All-Day Buffet – Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. $65 per person (excludes beverages, tax, and gratuity) Give thanks with Chef Chiappetti’s festive buffet featuring roasted turkey with cranberry stuffing, honey glazed ham, cheese tortellini, Sicilian mushrooms, shaved salumi and Italian cheeses, roasted vegetables, Italian frittata, and tables laden with housemade pies and other sweet treats.
Christmas Eve Dinner
Photo courtesy of The Albert.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – 5 p.m. to close
$60 per person, including a glass of rosé prosecco (excludes additional beverages, tax, and gratuity)
Let the night before Christmas be a decadent culinary occasion with a pre-fix menu featuring:
Choice of Crostini: Prosciutto, ricotta, and honey, or Confit chicken, pesto, and ricotta, or Sicilian mushroom, ricotta, and chili
Main Course: Lobster ravioli, roasted red pepper sauce, or Beef Wellington, or Dover Sole, shrimp soufflé
Dessert: Nonna’s Tiramisu
Christmas Day Buffet
Thursday, December 25, 2025 – 11:30 a.m. $70 per person with a glass of Champagne (excludes other beverages, tax and gratuity)
Wake up and feast on a bountiful buffet and special menu selections featuring both Italian and classic American dishes. Guests can tour the antipasti buffet, choose their entree and then cap off the celebration with sweets upon sweets at the 20-foot dessert table.
Antipasti Buffet: Roasted mint carrots, Sicilian mushrooms, asparagus with aged balsamic, Italian olives, Shaved salumi, Italian cheeses, fig jam, crackers, nuts, Frittata, spiral ham, cheese tortellini with fresh basil tomato sauce and more.
The 20-Foot Dessert Buffet: Assorted Cakes, Pies, Cannoli, Dark Chocolate Brownies, Butter Cookies, and more
Photo courtesy of The Albert.
Rockin’ Italian Style New Year’s Celebration
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4 to 7 p.m. $55 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)
For those who wish to celebrate early and watch the ball drop at home, all are invited to enjoy live music as the clock strikes midnight in Italy. They will have the chance to honor the grape-eating tradition that accompanies the holiday in Italy, all while delighting in a beverage bar featuring rosé prosecco and espresso martinis and a Sicilian pizza bar including favorites like potato, rosemary, goat cheese, duck prosciutto, pinenuts, mushroom, provolone, soprasata, sweet peppers, pesto, four cheese, and white truffle cream. A homemade pasta bar will dole out the traditional Casarece pasta with shrimp, spinach and lobster cream sauce. Unlimited servings of Nonna’s Tiramisu will start the New Year on a high note!
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 5 p.m. to close $90 per person End the year with an extraordinary prix fixe tasting menu featuring:
1st Course: Smoked Duck Consommé and black truffle puff crust, or Hamachi crudo, black garlic, and tomato jus
2nd Course: Choice Of Risotto with shrimp, saffron broth and peas, or Garginelle with lamb sausage and fennel dust
3rd Course: Choice Of Roasted rack of lamb stuffed with pesto, or Snapper, fresh crab crust, and prosecco sauce
Holiday Tea at Atwood – Available November 1, 2025 through January 10, 2026, Atwood will offer a festive Holiday Tea menu with a selection of aromatic teas, savory sandwiches and decadent sweets, available daily from 11 AM-5 PM by reservation, $55 per person. (Menu and photos)
Photo courtesy of Staypineapple The Loop.
Atwood’s Theatre Prix Fixe – To celebrate the fall and winter theatre season, starting October 1, 2026, Atwood, located in the heart of the theatre district, is offering a prix fixe menu, perfect for pre- or post-show dining. The three courses feature seasonal flavors in main dishes such as Pumpkin Risotto, Pork Shoulder Ragout and Pan-Roasted Chicken. Available daily 11 AM-9 PM, no reservation required, $52 per person.(Menu and photos)
Holiday Lights & Festive Kick-Off: Festival of Lights Champagne & Hot Chocolate Toast (Nov. 22 | 4 – 5:30 pm | Lobby) – Celebration of Chicago’s official holiday season kick-off with champagne and hot chocolate before the lighting ceremony.
Letters to Santa (Nov. 22 – Dec. 25 | 10 am – 7 pm) in Lobby – Kids can visit the Concierge to write their letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole.
Myles Hayes Holiday Music (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 | Saturdays, 4 – 6 pm) at Bar Pendry – Live holiday-inspired performances by Chicago Jazz artist Myles Hayes.
Photo courtesy of The Pendry Chicago.
Festive Boozy Tea (Dec. 7 – Dec. 28 | Sundays, 11 am – 3 pm) at Bar Pendry – Bar Pendry puts a festive spin on Sunday afternoon tea with Festive Boozy Tea, pairing tea-based cocktails with a three-tiered tower of sweet and savory bites accompanied by live music from Chicago musicians. Guests can enjoy holiday delicacies such as Lobster Quiche with Parmesan Royale and Black Truffle and Gingerbread Profiteroles with White Russian Crème. $100 per person inclusive of tax & gratuity. View menuhere.
For more information about where to stay and what to do in the city, visit Choose Chicago.
It’s not too soon to start making a list and checking it twice for what’s happening in Chicago this holiday season. Here are some suggestions from Choose Chicago.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
The Chicago Christkindlmarket is delighted to announce the return of its cherished holiday tradition for its 29th season at Daley Plaza in Chicago, its 4th year at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, and its return to Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville. The Chicago and Aurora locations will open on November 21, 2025, while Wrigleyville will welcome visitors starting November 23, 2025. All three markets are admission-free, featuring authentic vendors, live entertainment, and special events to create a festive holiday atmosphere.
Château Carbide Winter Garden at The Pendry Chicago (Launching Nov. 20 | 5 pm-12 am) – Château Carbide is launching their rooftop winter haven for another season with an all-new twist you won’t want to miss! Make a reservation for a private lodge and enjoy winter-inspired small bites and seasonal cocktails while taking in the stunning city-wide views of Chicago and all its snowy splendor.
A Christmas Carol returns to the Goodman Theatre from November 15 – December 31, 2025
Merry, Merry Chicago! – December 19-23, 2025, a series of concerts performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Bobby’s Bike HikeHoliday Hike: Season Sampling Food & Walking Tours begin at the end of November and run through Christmas Eve. See the lights of the Magnificent Mile, the ice skating rink and Christmas tree in Millennium Park, enjoy a warm and filling deep dish pizza, experience the German-inspired festivities of Christkindlmarket, and toast to a joyful season over a seasonal beverage! This 3 hour Chicago holiday tour is perfect for families, friends, holiday parties, and anyone looking to celebrate the season in an exciting new way. All food & non-alcoholic beverage samples included in ticket price. (Pricing starts at $74.99.)
Chicago Boat Company’s Hot Tub Boats, returning this winter with their launch in November (exact timeline and hours to come). Departing from Marina City (300 N. State St.), guests can take out a Hot Tub Boat for up to 90 minutes with as many as six guests per boat. They’ll cruise along the Chicago River, taking in iconic skyscraper views and, in December, the city’s festive décor and holiday cheer from river level. Each boat comes equipped with a Bluetooth speaker and is BYOB, with plenty of cooler space and floating cup holders. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider, mulled wine, you name it!
The Christmas Tree Crawl: The Magic of Chicago at the Holidays – Let Inside Chicago Walking Tours take you on an enchanting stroll through the heart of the city at its prettiest time — during the winter holiday season. On this nostalgic and educational tour, we will lead you on a “Christmas treasure hunt” through downtown Chicago in search of the most stunning and impressive Christmas trees and other holiday decorations — and we know where they are! This tour includes not only visits to well-known stops like the Christkindlmarkt and the old Marshall Field’s, but also to little-known stops that contain some of the best holiday decorations downtown. You’ll learn about the origins of some world-famous Christmas characters — some of them from Chicago, some not — as well as the history behind Christmas traditions practiced by people around the world. [November 28 – December 20, 2025; available Thursdays-Saturdays]
We call this tour a “pop-up tour” because it’s offered for a limited time, because we want to show off the city’s beauty at this time of year. You won’t find a boat, a bus, or even a segway where we’re going.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Chicago’s most unique and beloved holiday tradition is here: The Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet. Now in its 33rd year of operation, we are excited to be delivering holiday cheer throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods and welcome you aboard our decked-out and dazzling Allstate CTA Holiday Train and the popular Allstate CTA Holiday Bus!
Christlkindlemarket. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
Something spooky is definitely invading a prominent stage in Chicago.
It’s “Paranormal Activity” and it’s taking place at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier through Nov. 2. The North American premiere production, which is an original story, is based on the popular film franchise.
The show, written by Levi Holloway, is directed by Felix Barrett. Spectacular illusions by Chris Fisher star in this production as well.
Audience members who want to be in suspense throughout a theatrical presentation will, no doubt, be at the edge of their seats here. “Paranormal Activity” tells the story of husband and wife James and Lou, who have moved to London from Chicago to pursue a new life and get away from “something” in their past.
There are many fascinating illusions, haunting sounds and other frightening scenes throughout “Paranormal Activity” to keep theatergoers’ attention. All eyes and ears will be focused on the mysterious happenings on stage.
A strong cast helps make this production a winner and one not to be missed. Starring in “Paraniormal Activity” are Cher Alvarez as Lou, Patrick Heusinger as James, Shannon Cochran as Carolanne, Kate Fry as Etheline Cotgrave and Sophie Kaegi in an ensemble role.
After its Chicago run, the play will be performed in Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San Francisco.
FYI: “Paranormal Activity” runs to Nov. 2 at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier. Visit chicagoshakes.com for more information.
For more information about what to do in Chicago, visit Choose Chicago.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein gem “The Sound of Music” continues through Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago. This national North American tour is being presented by Concord Theatricals NETworks Presentations and Broadway in Chicago.
“The Sound of Music tells the story of the Von Tapp Family singers. It revolves around Maria, who is in “training” to become a nun, and also pursues a job as a governess for Captain Von Trapp’s children. It’s a tale of family togetherness, love and a fondness for music and what music can bring to a home.
The production, which is directed by Jack O’Brien, celebrates the 65th anniversary of the original stage debut of “The Sound of Music.”
Starring as Maria is Cayleigh Capaldi, who exhibits exceptional vocal talents. Also offering strong vocals are Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess, Kevin Earley as Captain Georg Von Trapp and the cast of young singers who star as the Von Trapp children.
When it comes to soundtracks, “The Sound of Music” is a winner. Almost every tune is a favorite of theatergoers. And it’s difficult to keep from singing along during this show.
Among outstanding numbers are “My Favorite Things,” “Maria,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and the title tune “The Sound of Music.”
Theater fans will surely want to plan a visit to the theater to enjoy this production.
FYI: “The Sound of Music” continues to Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $140. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
