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The Nutcracker, The Snow Queen and the Circus

2018-2019 Stage Productions for the Whole Family

By Sara Yaniga, Macaroni Kid Chicago (Midtown) December 6, 2018

Tickets to a show can be a great experience gift or family tradition for the holidays.  

Check out these performances before they are gone!



The Joffrey Ballet’s critically acclaimed reimagined classic, The Nutcracker, by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, returns to open the holiday season at the historic Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, in downtown Chicago at 50 East Congress Parkway, in 29 performances, December 1-30, 2018. 

 “The Joffrey Ballet’s holiday gift to Chicago is a Nutcracker that the city can call its own, one that tells the story of Chicagoans and the magic of family,” said Ashley Wheater, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director. “I can think of no better way to end the 125th anniversary year of the Chicago World’s Fair than with this magical production that delights audiences of all ages. Creating this work with Christopher Wheeldon has been one of my proudest moments as Artistic Director at the Joffrey.”


Ballet Chicago's The Nutcracker 
Through its inspiring story, beautiful music, and charming choreography, The Nutcracker is a celebration of the joyous holiday season. Every year The Nutcracker takes us on an unforgettable journey with young Marie as she travels from her home on Christmas Eve to the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of the Sweets. For adults, it is a time to relive cherished memories of childhood. For children who wait with breathless anticipation for the holidays to arrive, it is the opportunity to create new memories. For everyone, it is a time for sharing and giving among family and friends.
(Dec 7 to Dec 16)

To continue its 25th anniversary season, Hyde Park School of Dance (HPSD) offers fans of ballet, modern and hip hop its annual presentation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, featuring more than 175 dancers—from seven-year-olds to grandparents, including members of the pre-professional Studio Company and senior dancers who have grown up at the school
(Dec 14-16)


Cirque Dreams Holidaze 
lights up the 2018 holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular The New York Daily News proclaims a “delicious confection of charm, sparkle, and talent by the sleigh load and so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil.”
(Dec 12 to Dec 16 - promo code MACARONI)
Bros do Prose Peter Pan 
In a whirlwind of creativity, sick beats and physical feats, a cast of two actors brings new life to the beloved story of Peter Pan. In this play Wendy Darling dreams of a magical island where she never has to grow-up. When Peter Pan flies out of her dreams and in through her window, Wendy convinces him to lead her to Neverland. And so begins the adventure of a lifetime!
(ends December 23)
STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments –matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show.
See what all the noise is about.
(Dec 5 to Dec 30)
Ken Ludwig's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas 
A merry, modern mystery!
Go on a playful polar odyssey with Emily and her best friend Amos the mouse as they search for Santa’s missing Naughty or Nice List. Teamwork, determination and heart save the day in this fantastic, slapstick holiday affair. A returning favorite filled with yuletide swashbuckling, this cheery production is a holiday hit for all ages!

(ends December 30)
The Snow Queen 
Filament’s 2014 hit is back and better than ever! When her best friend Kai is lured to the wicked Snow Queen’s palace, Gerda embarks on an unexpected quest to the ends of the world to save him. This epic story of courage and friendship across the wintry wonders of the North Pole and beyond will warm your heart with music, puppetry, and lots of theatrical magic.
(ends Jan 20)


Check out these performances coming in 2019!

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
The Greek gods are real, and they’re ruining Percy Jackson’s life. As a son of Poseidon, Percy has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and is on an epic quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt to prevent a war between the gods. Nominated for 3 Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, THE LIGHTNING THIEF is
“mesmerizing” and proves “lightning can strike twice!” (TheaterMania).
Playing at the Oriental Theatre January 8 - 13! Tickets start at $25. For tickets and additional information
visit BroadwayInChicago.com

American Girl Live 
Experience American Girl® in an all-new musical, coming to Chicago! American Girl Live is a premiere stage production, featuring all-original songs and unforgettable experiences. Come along to sleepover camp with some new friends for an exciting summer away from home. As bold tales of bravery and friendship come to life, iconic American Girl characters lend a hand through story and song. Join your favorite American Girl characters and the campers as they follow their hearts, share their dreams, and learn the power of friendship.
(April 30 to May 12)