Now that the tryptophan from Thanksgiving has worn off, maybe you're in the mood to celebrate the season by getting out to a show. There is no shortage of options, from traditional to naughty, to keep you entertained. And a live performance outing can also make a nice present (and maybe create some cool memories!) for someone on your gift list. Here are a few holiday shows to consider in the weeks ahead.
For slightly less traditional takes on Dickens, we suggest:
DANCE
Though no character known as the Cash Cow has ever appeared (at least as far as I know) onstage in The Nutcracker, the truth is that dance companies rely heavily on this beloved ballet featuring the famous score by Tchaikovsky in order to stay balanced on their fiscal toes. In 2018, Dance/USA, the national service organization for dance companies, surveyed their members and found that ticket sales from The Nutcracker represented 48 percent of overall revenues in their season. With the overall drop in audiences following the COVID shutdown, having that reliable favorite onstage every year is probably even more important for dance companies of all sizes.
CABARET AND VARIETY
From Jane Lynch of Glee (and to old-school Chicago theater fans, of Annoyance's The Real Live Brady Bunch) to Raks Inferno's blend of circus arts and bellydance, there are several holiday show options that offer something with offbeat flavor and flair.