Classic Christmas shows move online for winter

This December, Chicagoans can enjoy many of their favorite wintertime productions from the comfort of their living room.

The Steadfast Tin Soldier

Lookingglass Theatre Company is streaming its 2019 production of "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" from Dec. 1-27. The show is based on a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and was written and directed by Mary Zimmerman, an ensemble member at the company.

"I wanted to do something holiday-ish and something very, very visual," Zimmerman said. "It's very visual, very colorful and very bright and ultimately moving, but it's ultimately very accessible."

Now in its third year, the production is unique in that it is performed without any spoken language at all, Zimmerman said.

"It's like a silent movie, but it's accompanied by music that's written for it at any moment," she explained. "So, it's very musical. There's constant music. But it's in the tradition of pantomime, I would say. The actors don't speak. At the very end, they sing a song at curtain call, but otherwise they do not speak during the course of the show, which makes it good for video."

Tickets for online access can be purchased at lookingglasstheatre.org and cost $25, including on-demand and livestream. The opening night livestream is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1.

A Christmas Carol 

The Goodman Theatre's long-running rendition of "A Christmas Carol" returns for its 43rd year this winter as a free audio production that can be streamed at home. The show includes an all-Chicago cast and will be available from Dec. 1-31, in addition to airing on WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and 11 a.m. Dec. 25.

Thomas Cox, who reprises his role as Bob Cratchit in this year's production, said one of the reasons the show has had such timeless appeal is the way it focuses on community and the importance of taking care of one another.

"That really ends up being the most important thing for any of us at any given time, whether good times, bad times, middle of the winter, middle of summer." he said. "It's a universal 'we must care for our fellow human beings.' Otherwise, we isolate ourselves from what it means to be alive."

Vikram Konkimalla, a New Eastside resident cast as Tiny Tim in the production — a role he also held in 2019 — said getting to play the part was "amazing."

"You get many opportunities to do stuff, and I love to close the show by saying, 'God bless us every one,'" he said.

Susaan Jamshidi, who returns as Mrs. Cratchit, said she enjoyed being a part of such an uplifting and relatable show.

"Everybody wants to get behind the story of redemption and to reflect," she said. "It's a story that we can reflect with and also feel hope for redemption, and I think that speaks to everyone."

To adapt the show to an audio format, the cast rehearsed online via Zoom and recorded their lines in small groups at recording booths set up at the Goodman Theatre, which involved strict safety precautions such as regular COVID-19 testing, Jamshidi said.

"Some of us have the experience of doing the show in years prior to this and some of us don't," she said. "But the connection is, for an actor, what really brings a lot of the life, when you can actually look into that person's eyes, just be in that safe space with them. So that was really cool."

VIRTUAL EVENTS

Dec. 1-Jan. 2, select dates

It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

This live interactive Zoom show marks the 19th year American Blues Theater has performed a version of the classic Frank Capra film. Tickets for the 90-minute show can be purchased online at americanbluestheater.com/2020-its-a-wonderful-life-live-in-chicago.

Dec. 12-Jan. 3

Holiday Sing-Along with the Symphony

New Philharmonic's virtual concert invites viewers to sing along to classic holiday tunes. Lyrics will be shown at the bottom of the screen. The event premieres at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and will be available on demand through Jan. 3. Tickets are available at atthemac.org/events/sing-along.

Dec. 19-Jan. 1

Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents a free online version of its popular 2018 production. The 80-minute show will be available on demand and streamed from the group's website.

December 11-13

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The animated holiday classic will stream on Apple TV this year. For more info, download the Apple TV app or visit tv.apple.com and sign up for a seven-day free trial.

IN-PERSON ACTIVITES

Dec. 1-30, select days

Holiday in the Park Lights

Now in its third season, this walk-through experience includes more than 3 million lights, socially-distanced photo opportunities, outdoor entertainment and more. Attendance is limited, and tickets and passes can be purchased online. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee.

Dec. 1-Jan. 3, select days

ZooLights

This festive holiday experience at Lincoln Park Zoo includes hundreds of light displays and seasonal activities. Guests must buy tickets in advance, and group sizes are limited to 10 people maximum. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Dec. 1-Jan. 3

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

This driving experience lasts 20-30 minutes and features two miles of luminous sights and a musical soundtrack. Tickets are released on a first-come-first-serve basis and must be purchased online. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle.

Dec. 1-Jan. 9

Let It Shine Light Show

Guests are invited to drive through a collection of lighted installations synchronized to classic holiday music. Tickets must be purchased in advance and displayed upon arrival. Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook.

WINTER SEASON

Ice Skating Ribbon

Limited spots are available at this classic Maggie Daley Park ice skating attraction. Skate rentals are available, and reservations to skate on the ribbon must be purchased in advance online. Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago.