Arts & Entertainment
From a Tap Wonderland to ‘A Mariachi Christmas,’ Here Are 5 Shows and Exhibits to See This Weekend
(Courtesy of Mariachi Herencia de México)
After you’ve experienced Joffrey Ballet’s Chicago-style “The Nutcracker” and the Goodman Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” multiple times… what to do? Here are five solid ideas — some reverent and timely, some not so much.
“Project a Black Planet” – Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute opens the first major exhibition dedicated to the art and culture of Pan-Africanism — the call for self-determination and global unity among people of African descent. Tons of art and objects from the 1920s to the present, with special attention paid to photography and cinema. Opens Dec. 15
“A Mariachi Christmas” – Thalia Hall and the Old Town School of Folk Music
The exhilarating Chicago mariachi group Mariachi Herencia de México returns for its annual holiday shows at two locations. The group blends holiday tunes and originals with the cultural vibrancy of Mexico. If you’ve never seen them, do yourself a favor and get a ticket. Dec. 15, 20 and 21
“That’s Weird, Grandma: A Holiday Spectacular!” – Neo-Futurist Theater
An original sketch show written by kids and performed by adults. The kids are part of the creative writing residency in Chicago schools run by PlayMakers Laboratory (formerly known as Barrel of Monkeys). Expect family-friendly hilarity and stories only a kid could dream up. Always a hoot. Dec. 12-15
Chicago Tap Allstars’ “Winter Wonderland” – Harold Washington Cultural Center
Bronzeville is the site of this holiday production that brings together dancers from Chicago Tap Theatre and M.A.D.D. Rhythms (along with students and seniors). I’ll go to my grave stating that tap dance is one of the coolest things on the planet. If this doesn’t get your toes tapping, check your pulse. Dec. 14
“Little Orphan Boy the Musical!” – Annoyance Theatre
An antidote to shows like “Annie” and “Oliver,” this parody walks the line between heartfelt and heretical. “Little Orphan Boy” tells the tale of Little English Lad, a boy who keeps losing his Mum. Always worth seeing what’s happening at the ever-cheeky Annoyance Theatre. For ages 13 and up. Dec. 13-28
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.
