December 13, 2012 3:02PM
Updated: December 13, 2012 3:02PM
Chicago Event Calendar
The Featured Five
The Nativity: Congo Square Theatre Company will stage a limited run of its annual holiday celebration, “The Nativity,” by McKinley Johnson, inspired by Langston Hughes’ African American classic, Black Nativity. “The Nativity” will run at the Kennedy King College Theater, 740 W. 63rd St., from Dec. 13 through Dec. 23. Tix $45 at www.CongoSquareTheatre.org. Group Sales, 773-296-1108.
Faith Healer: The Den Theatre, main stage, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, presents a remount of TurnAround Theatre’s original hit production of Brian Friel’s “Faith Healer,” from Dec. 19 through Jan. 20. Faith Healer is a dramatic, mysterious and humorous work focusing on the life and times of Frank Hardy, an itinerant Irish Healer. The play is presented in four monologues — Frank’s, his wife Grace, his promoter and set up man’s and Frank’s epilogue. Tix are $28 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com. and www.thedentheatre.com.
Christmas Around the World: The Chicago Chamber Choir, now in its fourth year, presents “A German Christmas.” They are joined with the Amadeus Consort, as they they perform Bach’s Magnificat for chorus, soloists and chamber orchestra. The choir will perform the exquisite sounds of traditional German carols, sung in English, German and Latin. The program is performed at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2335 N. Orchard, Chicago. Tix are $20/adults at the door, $18/advance; $15/kids, students and groups of more than 10. Tix and more info at www.ChicagoChamberChoir.org.
“Star of the East”: The Oak Park Concert Chorale (OPCC), led by director Paul Lindblad, will present “Star of the East” at 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, 3121 W. Jackson Blvd. General Admission is $18; Seniors/Students are $10. Group Rates available. Order tix at 708-383-4742 or info@OakParkConcertChorale.org. More info or tix at www.OakParkConcertChorale.org.
2nd Fridays: 2nd Fridays in the Chicago Arts District, 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 14. Join the creative spaces in the Chicago Arts District at South Halsted and 18th Streets, as they showcase an exciting display of art and artists from Chicago and beyond. This unique art community opens its doors, free of charge, and lets you get up close and personal with the art and artists. Pick up a map at the information center at 1821 S. Halsted and explore the city’s most vibrant art community. www.chicagoartsdistrict.org.
Quick Notes and Exhibits and Programs Closings
18th Annual ZooLights: At Lincoln Park Zoo, this free, family-oriented holiday celebration illuminates the sky with two million lights, including larger-than-life lighted animals and seasonal features, activities and sweet treats. The first 1,000 visitors each night receive a free pair of 3D glasses for a truly magical light display experience. There will be photos with Santa in the Kovler Lion House through December 23, as well as holiday crafts and shopping. Some new features this year include giant character displays and glittering light tunnels. ZooLights is open from 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Dec. 23. Following Christmas, the winter wonderland is open nightly from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6. The zoo is at 2001 N. Clark St. Call 312-742-2000 or visit www.lpzoo.org.
ENDS DEC. 30 — The Christmas Schooner: The Christmas Schooner returns to the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport. This is a heart-warming story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. This year’s production commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the historic voyage of the Christmas Tree Ship, the Rouse Simmons, that was swept up in a terrible storm on Nov. 23, 1912. It was not until 59 years later that she was discovered, lying in 170 feet of water where they are today. Runs Wednesdays through Sundays, Nov. 23 through Dec. 30. Tix $29 to $59. Contact the Mercury Theater at 773-325-1700 or www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.
ENDS DEC. 16 — American Storm: Theatre Seven of Chicago kicks off its 2012/13 Season with “American Storm,” by Carter W. Lewis, playing Nov. 16 thru Dec. 16 at the Greenhouse Theater Center Upstairs Studio, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. In the summer of 1962, a small Ohio town discovers a prize thoroughbred in the stables of the local track. With big business promising to take Weldon Downs corporate, the track workers learn soon enough that not even hope comes for free. It’s a story of the working class fighting for survival when corporate interests change a small town forever. Tix are $15/previews, $20/advance, $25/door, $17.50/students, seniors and industry $17.50, and are availaable at www.theatreseven.org.
Bizarre Bazaar — A Holiday Special: An evening of dance, theater, music and improvisation with traditional treats and drink in hand. Stick around and avoid last minute shopping stress by browsing handmade goods crafted by local artisans. Part social hour, part live performance and part awkward holiday tradition, Bizarre Bazaar brings together local artists and art enthusiasts for a respite from the stress of the coming holidaze. Curated by Philip Elson, Melissa Ganser and Cristina Tadeo. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont. Tix $15, available at www.redtapetheatre.org or at the box office. More info at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org, 847-738-6919.
It’s a Greek Christmas: The National Hellenic Museum hosts “It’s a Greek Christmas,” a family event that explores Greek Christmas traditions and includes Kala Christouyenna (a Christmas exhibit), a regional Christopsomo (Christmas Bread display), dancing lessons, arts and crafts, story time, and holiday cookies from Pan Hellenic Pastry Shop. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 15 at the museum, 333 S. Halsted St. Tix $10/adults, $8/seniors and students, $7/kids under 12 and free for members and kids under 3. More info at www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/greek-christmas/ or 312-655-1234.
Santa at Navy Pier: Santa Clause made it to Navy Pier last weekend and will receive visitors daily through 3 p.m. Christmas Eve. He will hear holiday wishes and pose for photos with families on the Navy Pier Family Pavilion stage. Santa’s Visiting Hours are Dec. 2 to 16, Mondays – Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Fridays – Sundays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Dec. 17 to 23, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Dec. 24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Metra’s $7 Weekend Pass: Weekend passes are good for unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday for all stations. Weekend parking is available at all stations. Note: Boat taxis are available from Union Station to Navy Pier and/or the museum campus, Chinatown and other points along the river or lakefront. Reasonable pricing and fun.
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