November brings a bounty of exceptional music and theater

The following are among the top choices of current music and theater for the month of November:

Lyric Opera: Audiences cheered Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman" with a top cast led by Tomasz Konieczny as the Dutchman, Tamara Wilson as Senta, and the Lyric Orchestra excitingly conducted by Enrique Mazzola. Lyric presents two shows in November: Donizetti's delightful comedy "The Daughter of the Regiment," about a girl raised by soldiers, and Janacek's knockout masterpiece "Jenufa," performed for the first time here in 20 years. "Daughter" opens at 7:30 on November 4 and continues on November 7, 10, 14, 21, and at 7:30 p.m. on November 25, with 2 p.m. matinee performances on November 16, 19, and 22. "Jenufa" plays at 2 p.m. on Nov. 12, 15, and 26, at 7:30 on November 18, and on November 7, 21. Check out lyricopera.org or call (312) 827-5600.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: November highlights include Daniel Harding conducting Holst's "The Planets" on November 2, 3, 4, and 7 and Emil deCou leading the CSO in "Fantasia in Concert" with Disney's stunning footage shown on the big screen on November 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and November 26 at 3 p.m. Visit cso.org for more information.

Also at the Symphony Center: Sir Andras Schiff plays a piano recital on November 12 at 3, and Daniel Barenboim returns to Chicago leading his renowned Staatskapelle Berlin Orchestra in an all-Brahms concert on November 28 at 7:30 p.m. Call (312) 294-3000 for ticket information.

Music of the Baroque, the distinguished vocal and instrumental ensemble, presents "Windy City," a piece inspired by wind and water, conducted by Dame Jane Glover, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 20, at the Harris Theater of Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph. The featured music will be by Handel Hummel, Mozart, and more. Call (312) 551-1414, or visit them online at baroque.org

Orion Chamber Ensemble: Chicago's superb, otherwise all-female chamber ensemble will be joined by Guest Violinist Mathias Tacke and Guest Violist Stephen Boe to play music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Dimitri Shostakovich on Wednesday, November 29, at the PianoForte Studio, 1335 S. Michigan. To purchase tickets visit orionensemble.org

Goodman Theatre: Following the success of their comedy "The Nacirema Society," Goodman has now extended their high-octane 90-minute pro wrestling play "Lucha Teotl" through November 5. Check out goodmantheatre.org or call (312) 443-3800.

Steppenwolf Theatre is winning laughs aplenty with their hit comedy "POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive" by Selina Fillinger, directed by ensemble member Audrey Francis, through December 3. Go to steppenwolf.org or dial (312) 335-1650.

Broadway in Chicago presents Stephen Sondheim's classic musical comedy "Company," winner of 5 Tony Awards, through November 12 at the Cadillac Palace Theater, 151 W. Randolph. Visit broadwayinchicago.com

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Shakespeare's great comedy "Twelfth Night," reimagined in the Caribbean through November 26. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand. To learn more head over to chicagoshakes.com or dial the box office at (312) 595-5600.

The Second City: The legendary improvisational theater will be presenting two shows. The Second City, etc.'s 47th Revue opens November 3, a non-holiday-themed show for an open run. And Second City's "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Sweater" has fun with office parties, family gatherings, holiday movies, and more from November 20 through December 31. Visit secondcity.com or reach them at (312) 337-3992.

Black Ensemble Theater presents Jackie Taylor's holiday classic "The Other Cinderella," continuing to return after nearly five decades, November 11 through December 31. Call (773) 769-4451 or head over to blackensembletheater.org to get tickets.

Court Theatre stages James Goldman's "The Lion in Winter," set in England in the 12th century, November 11 through December 3. 5535 S. Ellis Avenue on the campus of the University of Chicago. Hit up courttheatre.org or reach them at (773) 753-4472.

Drury Lane Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved classic "Cinderella," fit for families of all ages, from November 8 through January 7. Drury Lane Theater, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Dance your way over to drurylanetheatre.com to learn more.