October 18, 2021 – Once again, Chicago theatregoers can look forward to a night out on the town as more shows are opening. Here’s a bird’s eye view of what’s coming up for the holidays through the end of the year. Most theatres, if not all, have COVID-19 restrictions in place that range from wearing masks to presenting your vaccination card. Check with your theatre for details.

Through November 7 Born Yesterday Saint Sebastian Players, St. Bonaventure, 1625 West Diversey Parkway In this classic American comedy from the early 1950s, an uneducated young woman, Billie Dawn, accompanies an older, vulgar junkyard tycoon, Harry Brock, to Washington.

It is his intention to make illegal deals with government cronies. When Billie embarrasses him socially, Brock hires a journalist, who happens to be investigating shady political activities, to educate her.

 More info: Saint Sebastian Players

Through November 14 Fannie, The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer Goodman Theatre, 170 North Dearborn Street Photo by Ken Thompson

Inspired by the life of famed civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, this passionate rally cry defines what it means to be a true revolutionary. Chicago’s own E. Faye Butler plays Fannie Lou Hamer, the 1960s civil rights activist whose courage, humor, and grit reminds us to always take a stand, be brave, and be strong.

 More info: Goodman Theatre

October 21 – November 21 Hamlet Invictus Theatre Company, 1106 West Thorndale Avenue

One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, Hamlet revolves around the young Prince of Denmark, who must decide whether or not to murder the uncle Hamlet believes killed his father and then married his mother. Enjoy this classic play, one of the most influential works of literature.

 More info: Invictus Theatre Company

October 23 – November 21 Eurydice The Artistic Home, The Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue On her wedding day, Eurydice is whisked down to the underworld, away from her groom.

As she tries to make sense of her memories, she poignantly reconnects with her long-dead father. At the same time, her heartbroken groom seeks to wrench her back into the life she left behind.

 More info: The Artistic Home

October 26 – November 21 What the Constitution Means to Me Broadway Playhouse, 175 East Chestnut Street

Playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.

Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

 More info: Broadway in Chicago

October 30 – December 12 Pump Boys & Dinettes Porchlight Music Theatre, 1016 North Dearborn Street

One of the longest-running shows in Chicago theatre history, Pump Boys & Dinettes is a sweet slice of American pie, filled with toe-tapping music on guitar, piano, bass, and anything that makes noise.

This North Carolina dinette is your home off the highway, located just across the street from the local gas station. Run by sisters Prudie and Rhetta Cupp, who are always ready with a cup of Joe, a slice of pie, and a homespun song. Stop on by.

 More info: Porchlight Music Theatre

November 7-27 The Magic Flute Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 North Wacker Drive Mozart’s final opera is both a fairy tale as well as a profound reflection on spiritual enlightenment.

Filled with gods and monsters, compassion and revenge, love and death, the show blends human and supernatural worlds that pays homage to 1920s silent movies. Sung in German with projected English text.

 More info: Lyric Opera of Chicago

November 19 – December 23 You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Citadel Theatre, 300 South Waukegan Road, Lake Forest

With book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gesner, and based on Charles M. Schultz’s comics, this musical is way more than a children’s show as the Peanuts gang confronts and overcomes issues with a little help from their friends.

 More info: Citadel Theatre

November 30 – December 31 A Christmas Carol The Goodman Theatre, 170 North Dearborn Street

Now in its fifth decade at The Goodman, Charles Dickens’ timeless classic will be performed with Larry Yando once again playing the miserly Scrooge. Experience the heartwarming story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s discovery of kindness, compassion, and redemption. A must-see Chicago holiday tradition.

 More info: Goodman Theatre

December 3-11 Holidays A Cappella Various locations throughout Chicagoland

Chicago a cappella, one of Chicagoland’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles, has captured hearts for almost 30 years.

The season’s first concert is Holidays a cappella, a special December holiday treat, featuring a brand new collection of beloved carols and seasonal favorites, celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah.

 More info: Chicago a capella