December brings gifts of marvelous music and theater

What better time than the holiday season to lose yourself in the reverie of music and theater? Here’s a look forward and back to some of the best.

Broadway in Chicago’s “The Twenty-Sided Tavern” is described as “a raucous comedy explosion filled with riddles, puzzles, combat and more—the story is in your hands and you must decide out heroes’ fate.” Recommended for ages 8-80 through Jan. 15 at the Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut. (broadwayinchicago.com, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place)

Goodman Theatre’s annual “A Christmas Carol,” is a must-see production that has dazzled audiences for more than four decades. Recommended for ages 6 and up, you won’t be disappointed. Through Dec. 31 at 170 N. Dearborn St. (goodmantheatre.org) 

Music of the Baroque’s Holiday Brass and Choral Concerts inspire music in some of Chicago’s most beautiful spaces. Celebrate the season with joyful carols, solemn chant and jubilant works for brass from the medieval era to the present, conducted by Andrew Megill. Catch a concert at one of various locations around the city. (baroque.org)

Harris Theater for Music and Dance presents Handels’ “Messiah,” a grand holiday tradition. The Baroque masterpiece is performed by the acclaimed Apollo Chorus of Chicago Dec. 10 and 11. 205 E. Randolph St. (harristheaterchicago.org)

Lyric Opera of Chicago is on a roll with critically praised productions that have audiences cheering. Verdi’s “Don Carlos” was presented for the first time in Chicago in the original five-act French version, with the orchestra sounding marvelous under a true expert of the score, Lyric’s Music Director Enrique Mazzola. Next up at Lyric is Humperdinck’s beloved “Hansel and Gretel,” in a production for all ages starting January 25. 20 N Upper Wacker Dr. (lyricopera.org)

Orchestra Hall dazzled in a rare meeting of two of Chicago’s most eminent arts organizations, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The Joffrey Ballet, for a mixture of fine music and dance. There were four works on the program, conducted by the British-born Harry Bicket. Overall, it was a most unusual double-treat. And speaking of the Joffrey, they will dance “The Nutcracker” through Dec. 27 at the Opera House, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (Joffrey.org)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s “Measure for Measure” was truly remarkable. Director Henry Godinez presents it in a 100-minute version with a 10-minute pre-show set in a sultry Havana nightclub. The irresistible Cuban music by Jorge Amado Molina and Chicago jazz star Orbert Davis conjures the atmosphere of the Fidel Castro Cuba of 1959. CST’s upcoming production is a new take on Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” starting Jan. 27 on 800 E. Grand Ave. (chicagoshakes.com)

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