Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Right: Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker.___________
Welcome to this special combined edition of our dance column, Dancin' Feats, and our music column, Measure for Measure. As sure as Christmas follows fast upon Thanksgiving's leftovers, it's the time of year when music and dance seem to be entirely absorbed by the social-commercial-spiritual juggernaut known as The Holidays. For those who seek a respite, a retreat or an escape from the fervor of the season, our words will be of little comfort. On the other hand, those seeking to savor a suitable holiday performance have come to the right place. Just consult our list of recommended holiday concerts and dance events, listed in order of performance dates. NOTE: Ticket prices are for adults. Tickets for children ( and seniors ) generally are less. DOUBLE NOTE: Many events offer extra matinee performances during the holiday period to accommodate family audiences.
Bella Voce—This reborn vocal ensemble offers a holiday concert of little-known music by Port, Lauridsen, Whitacre, Hassler and others, with a generous nod towards early music. Various locations: Dec. 2, St. James Cathedral, Chicago; December 3, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Evanston; Dec. 10, St. Procopius Church, Lisle. All locations: 312-479-1096, $15-$35.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Evanston Dance Ensemble—Several top Chicago choreographers working in a variety of styles—ballet, jazz and modern—have contributed to this original dance version of the C. S. Lewis' tale of Narnia, complete with dancing snowflakes, leaping fauns, waltzing flowers and—of course—the powerful lion Aslan ( danced by guest artist Ariel Cisneros of Luna Negra Dance Company ) . Actor Tom Mula provides the narration. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Dec. 1-2, $21, 878-673-6300.
Dance-Along Nutcracker—OK, fellas, this is your chance to put on the tutu and tiara of your dreams and really be a sugarplum fairy as participants of all ages sing along to songs from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, and professional dancers offer instruction to would-be princes, warrior mice, wooden soldiers, etc. The dance workshops are at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for performances ( that's YOU ) at noon and 3 p.m. Children are particularly welcome. Dec. 3, FREE, Chicago Cultural Center.
Marie Osmond's The Magic of Christmas—The raven-haired, dark-eyed popular singer brings her family-oriented holiday show—with live orchestra and supporting dancers and singers—to the high Art Deco Paramount Theatre in Aurora for one show, December 8. From the symphonic and soaring O, Holy Night to Jingle Bells and White Christmas, Marie will cover the holiday waterfront; $55.50-$65.50; 630-896-6666.
The Gift of the Magi, Holiday Concerts—Familiar and popular musical artists Jamie O'Reilly and Paul Amandes will narrate and sing a musical version of the famous O. Henry short story about the gift of love, with words and music by the noted folkloric composer Michael Smith, who includes waltzes, blues, soft-shoe and even a fox-trot in his rendition. Presented at two venues: Oak Park Library, Dec. 3, 708-383-8200 ( free, but a donation of non-perishable food is requested ) ; and World Folk Music Company ( 1808 W. 103rd Street, Beverly ) , Dec. 16, $20, 773-779-7059.
Concert for Peace, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band—Presented by Genesis at the Crossroads as a benefit for One Peace at a Time ( Children's Humanitarian Peace Quilt Program ) , this concert will feature Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder Sinise, Kimo Williams and their sidemen in a range of music from Springsteen to Hendrix to Aretha to Linkin Park ( and, we presume, some Williams originals ) . Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, Dec. 10, $50-$75, 866-468-3401. Ticket includes admission to the One Peace at a Time exhibit and the One of a Kind art show at the Merchandise Mart.
The Nutcracker, Joffrey Ballet—Without question, the biggest, most lavish and most dazzling of all the annual Nutcrackers, the Joffrey Ballet version returns for the 11th time as part of the Joffrey's 50th anniversary season. Per usual, the Joffrey house orchestra is the Chicago Sinfonietta, playing the Tchaikovsky score. Dec. 8-27, Auditorium Theatre, $25-$100, 312-902-1500. No children under five ( Auditorium Theatre policy ) .
Fiesta Navidad, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano—This Grammy Award-winning mariachi orchestra, which has partnered with Linda Ronstadt on several albums, brings Mexican musical traditions to a special holiday celebration at Symphony Center, Dec. 9, $20-$40, 312-294-3000.
The Nutcracker, Salt Creek Ballet—Accompanied by a live orchestra, this worthy regional dance company plays several venues with their annual version of the classic ballet, danced to the lilting strains of Tchaikovsky's familiar music and based on the E. T. A. Hoffmann tale of the Nutcracker Prince in battle with the Mouse King. Salt Creek Ballet welcomes international guest artist Alexander Kozadayev and soloists from American Ballet Theatre. Center for the Performing Arts at Governors State University ( University Park ) , Dec. 9, $27-$36,708-235-2222; Paramount Theatre ( Aurora ) , Dec. 16, $28, 630-896-6666.
The Christmas Story—Really!, Early Music Now—The world-famous Waverly Consort, specialists in ancient European music, tells the story of the Nativity through vocal and instrumental music, processionals and simple scenes inspired by music and illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. Mixing the solemn and the festive, this program recalls the spiritual roots of our holiday season. Dec. 10, First United Methodist Church, Evanston; $28-$35, 877-546-8742. Additional performances are offered Dec. 8 in Madison, Wis., and Dec. 9 in Milwaukee. Call for details.
Music of the Baroque Holiday Concert, Chicago's outstanding not-quite-early-music ensemble gathers its choral and brass forces for a program of holiday treats that might include works by Mozart, Handel, Purcell, Bach, Lully, Hayden, Scarlatti, Gabrieli, Telemann and Rossini. Expect plenty of trumpets and bells! Several venues: Dec. 14, Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest; Dec. 15, St. Michael's Church, Chicago ( Old Town ) ; Dec. 16-17, Divine Word Chapel, Techny. Tickets for all performances: $25-$60, 312-551-1414.
Welcome Yule!, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus—Each year the CSO seems to add a few more performances of this increasingly-popular family treat ( recommended for those five and up ) that combines dance and a children's chorus with the CSO adults. The musical offerings range from old to new, and cover the waterfront from Tchaikovsky to Duke Ellington, from Joy to the World to Jingle Bell Rock. Dec. 15-23, Symphony Center; $26-$70; 312-294-3000.
Chicagoland Pops Orchestra with Johnny Mathis, Holiday Concert—Many of us grew up with Johnny Mathis' luscious renditions of Xmas-season favorites. Although Mathis has achieved senior citizen status ( he's celebrating the 50th anniversary of his first recording ) , he's still going strong as a creamy-voiced and charming vocalist, especially with the backing of the Chicagoland Pops, which will add some instrumental favorites to the concert mix. Dec. 16, Rosemont Theatre, $39.50-$59.50, 847-671-5100.
Tower Brass Christmas Concert—Joined by organist John Sherer, the Tower Brass will trumpet the season in a FREE early-evening ( 5 p.m. ) concert, Dec. 16 at the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue ( across the street from the Hancock Building ) . Take a break from your shopping.
The Messiah, Apollo Chorus of Chicago—One of Chicago's very oldest musical organizations, the massive Apollo Chorus, renders its annual version of the Mother of All Oratorios, the evergreen classic by Handel that includes The Hallelujah Chorus and For Unto Us A Son is Given. December 17, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, $22-$48, 312-334-7777. NOTE: The Apollo Chorus also performs The Messiah on Dec. 10 at Symphony Center.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass—In the midst of the Welcome Yule! concert series, the CSO Brass section—one of the finest in the entire world—presents a holiday concert all its own, and it should be dazzling. Expect to hear rich, sonorous renditions of everything from Gabrieli to Holiday for Brass. Dec. 21, Symphony Center, $25-$70; 312-294-3000.
The Nutcracker, Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet—Another version of the timeless ballet classic, presented each year with colorful sets, lavish costumes and innovative choreography by this long-established Chicago dance company and school. Dec. 22-23 with live accompaniment by the New Philharmonic Orchestra, $20-$30; Dec. 26-27 with recorded music, $16-$26; McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn; 630-942-4000.
Congo Square presents Black Nativity, back by popular demand, 312-587-2292, 1001 W. Roosevelt Road. A re-telling of the Christmas story in a musical spectacle, filled with glittering costumes, dance and a soul-stirring second act including many Gospel numbers.
Next week: Stage Door Jonny offers a comprehensive list of Holiday Season theater offerings, from the traditional to the alternative.
