Looking to take in some live theater in the week ahead?
Here’s a look at some previews, openings to consider:
Pick of the week:
“Mean Girls”: Returning to the suburban Illinois high school that was the setting of her screenplay for 2004 film of the same name, comic writer Tina Fey melds her brand of satirical wit with tunes by songwriters Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin for this musical adaptation. Based on a nonfiction book about the pitfalls of popularity by Rosalind Wiseman, “Mean Girls” follows Cady Heron (Danielle Wade), a naïve outsider who grew up in Africa and is unprepared for the wild and vicious ways of her new high school. Her plan to gain some much-desired popularity is to take on The Plastics, the trio of frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George (Mariah Rose Faith). Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Preview Dec. 25, opens Dec. 26; to Jan. 26. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, $30-$120; broadwayinchicago.com
More previews and openings
”A Christmas Carol — A Holiday Pantomime”: Sage Studio’s panto version of the holiday classic. Dec. 21-29. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams, Crystal Lake, $20+; rauecenter.org
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“Deck Them Halls Y’All”: Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan looks behind-the-scenes at the Christmastime of his childhood as well as his long career. Dec. 20-22 at Chicago Theater Works, 1113 W. Belmont, $40, $55; chicagotheaterworks.com
“The Elf on the Shelf — A Christmas Musical”: A new musical for the entire family that takes a peek into the magical lives of elves. Dec. 20. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee, Waukegan, $39.50-$99.50; geneseetheatre.com
“The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Sweater”: The Second City roasts all the things we love to loathe about the holidays. Dec. 21-31. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights, $30, $35; metropolisarts.com
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical based on the Old Testament story of the youngest son of Jacob and his betrayal by his jealous brothers. Opens Dec. 21; to Dec. 31. Music Theater Works, 600 Emerson, Evanston, $17-$96; musictheaterworks.com
“Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical”: The story of Mrs. Claus and the new Elf Class of 2019 on their first day of work in Santa’s workshop. For ages 2-10. Dec. 11-22 at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main, St. Charles, $14-$18; pheasantrun.com
“Starting Before You’re Ready…”: DJ/sound artist Hijo Prodigo and dance artist Po’Chop present an improvised performance that explores spirituality, personal mythology, rave, storytelling, ritual and release. Dec. 20-21. Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted, $25; steppenwolf.org
Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.
