Arcadia Remy Bummpo Theatre Company
Victory Gardens Theater
In 1809, in an English country house, 13-year-old Thomasina baffles both her tutor and family when she foresees the concepts of thermo-dynamics and chaos theory. 180 years later, in the same room, a biologist and an historian try to reconstruct the lives of the earlier occupants. Stoppard cleverly intertwines the time periods until they play out simultaneously in this haunting examination of truth and time, the classical and the romantic, and the comically disruptive influence of sex on the journey through life. The New Year's Eve performance is $40 and includes a post-show champagne toast. New Year's Eve Dinner Theater packages are available. For information and reservations call 773-244-8119.
ComedySportz
ComedySportz
ComedySportz
"ComedySportz" is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s a competition between two improv groups (refereed) that play game after improv game; points are awarded based on how quickly and effectively the performers complete the games. The quick-paced performances are at their theater at 2851 N. Halsted. Special gala performances on New Year's Eve include an added 5 p.m. show, the 8 p.m. ComedySportz Spectacular with live band ($25) and the 10:30 p.m. ComedySportz New Year’s Eve Show with live band and a champagne (or sparkling cider) toast at midnight. The band performs an additional set after the show. Cost: $35.
New Year's Eve Corn-stravaganza
Cornservatory
Corn Productions invites you to "haul your uninspired, cheap ass over to Cornservatory for a night of sketch and improve comedy that's sure to remove the bad taste in your mouth from last New Year's." A tall, but possible order. Paired with Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, you'll catch excerpts from "Screw Christmas," as well as improv. In true New Year's Eve spirit, you'll be provided with refreshments, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and live music post-performance. At 8 p.m.; reservations at (312) 409-6435. Cost: $25, or $40 per couple.
"From Fear to Eternity"
Second City ETC
Spend the evening with bi-partisan man as Second City ETC takes on the idea that "while we vigorously engage in discussions on morality, relationships and sex on a national and local level, we continue to toe the fine line of cultural and individual intimacy which reeks havoc on our political system as well as our interpersonal encounters." Show times are 7 and 10 p.m., with a special champagne toast after the later show. Cost: $30, which includes a free copy of "The Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater" plus a bounce back pass to see another show at The Second City in the new year.
Red Scare
Second City
Calling all blue-staters: Start 2005 with your political convictions at the forefront. "Red Scare" is an explosive exploration of the country’s current political and cultural climate. Show times are 7 and 10 p.m., with a special champagne toast after the later show. Cost: $30, which includes a free copy of "The Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater" plus a bounce back pass to see another show at The Second City in the new year.
Roasting Chestnuts: Gina Bell Rock!
Noble Fool Theatre Company
Pheasant Run Theatre
Gina Oswald tours to St. Charles in her holiday cheer-overloaded, hilariously disastrous Family Christmas show. Think "Waiting for Guffman" except at Christmas. Special New Year's Eve performances on 12/31 at 4:30 p.m. & 9 p.m. For tickets, call (630)584-6342. Cost $27-$52 (dinner packages avail.)
Dysfunction Holiday Revue
Second City
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Back for its fifth year, this show explores our wacky holiday traditions at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights at 6:30 and 10 p.m. Cost: $20-$45.
Rudolph, The Red-Hosed Reindeer
Loop Theater
This annual favorite is back: a campy, good natured musical parody of the original Rudolph story. Admission for the special New Year's Eve performance is $30 and includes a post-show gala. For reservations call (312) 744-5667. Please note, Rudolph is for MATURE audiences!
Naked Boys Singing!
Bailiwick Arts Center
Ring in the New Year in your birthday suit with the long-running favorite "Naked Boys Singing." After the 9 p.m. performance there will be a dessert and champagne reception.
Cherry Orchard
Steppenwolf Theatre
The splendid Steppenwolf Theatre teams up with Vinci to host a night of theater and fine dinings: not a bad way to welcome 2005. Catch the critically acclaimed "Cherry Orchard," a play by Chekhov, and enjoy a three-course pre-show (5:30 p.m.; $75) or five-course post-show (9:45 p.m.; $100) meal. Prices include both dinner and one ticket to the 7:30 p.m. performance.
New Year's Eve with Susan Werner
Davenport's
With the success of her recently released highly acclaimed CD and her Carnegie Hall debut, songwriter/performer Susan Werner will bring in the new year with two special shows at 8 and 10 p.m. ($35 cover). Hailed as one of the brightest and exciting new singer/songwriters on the national music scene today, she has received accolades for charting new territory with her beautiful songs and insightful lyrics. Werner's show will feature songs from her recording "I Can't Be New" that has been praised by All Music Guide as "a brilliantly constructed, soulful, and cleverly tender effort by a songwriter and musician who is in such complete command of her gifts that it's almost scary."
Elizabeth Doyle
Davenport's
A New Year's Early Bird Special (6 p.m.; $18 cover) for those who don't want to venture out into the late night with the crazy party revelers, like to go to bed early before midnight, or want to get a jump start on their party going, Elizabeth Doyle is offering an alternative way to ring in 2005.The recent winner of ASCAP's Plus Award for Songwriting, Doyle has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as "an accomplished songwriter" who "enriches" the Chicago music scene, Doyle and her work has been featured in numerous productions and concerts across the world.
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