First up, everyone's favorite elf Buddy is back in Chicago as ELF the Musical returns to the Auditorium Theatre!  Andrea talks to actor Jeff Brooks about his role as Walter Hobbs, as well as this festive holiday musical which features Buddy, Jovie and of course - Santa Claus!  Elf the Musical will be bringing holiday memories and good cheer to all at the historic Auditorium Theatre through December 14th.  Tickets and information: BroadwayinChicago.com


Next, it wouldn't be the holidays without the Joffrey Ballet's magnificent portrayal of the Nutcracker at the beautiful Lyric Opera.  Andrea talks to the head of children's programs Amy Giancarlo about this Chicago-centric masterpiece complete with sugarplum fairies, the toy soldiers, the Rat King and the iconic Nutcracker in its 10th year celebrating Christmas, family, love and tradition!  Tickets: joffrey.org


Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs ‘A Christmas Carol’ Again, is back at Theater Wit this holiday season. Andrea talks with the Jeff-award winning star of the show, Blake Montgomery about this newly revised production. Charles Dickens Begrudgingly… paints an intimate and slightly absurd portrait of the famous author. Runs through December 28. Tickets: theaterwit.org


And it's the perfect time of the year for "Hot Holidays" with Jewel-Osco! Communications Director Mary Francis Trucco joins us to talk about this tropical-themed holiday takeover at Water Tower Place on December 13 & 14.  It’s free, open to the public, and filled with tons of holiday fun for the family - including Surf School, Hula lessons, Santa selfies, and cookie decorating. Information: celebratewithjewelosco.com

First up, everyone's favorite elf Buddy is back in Chicago as ELF the Musical returns to the Auditorium Theatre!&nbsp; Andrea talks to actor&nbsp;Jeff Brooks about his role as Walter Hobbs, as well as this festive holiday musical which features Buddy, Jovie and of course - Santa Claus!&nbsp; Elf the Musical will be bringing holiday memories and good cheer to all at the historic Auditorium Theatre through December 14th.&nbsp; Tickets and information: <a href="http://broadwayinchicago.com/">BroadwayinChicago.com</a>
 Next, it wouldn't be the holidays without the Joffrey Ballet's magnificent&nbsp;portrayal of the Nutcracker at the beautiful Lyric Opera.&nbsp; Andrea talks to the head of children's&nbsp;programs Amy Giancarlo about this Chicago-centric masterpiece complete with sugarplum fairies, the toy soldiers, the Rat King and the iconic Nutcracker in its 10th year celebrating&nbsp;Christmas, family, love and tradition!&nbsp; Tickets: <a href="http://joffrey.org/">joffrey.org</a>
 <a href="https://www.dickenschicago.com/">Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.dickenschicago.com/">&lsquo;</a><a href="https://www.dickenschicago.com/">A Christmas Carol</a><a href="https://www.dickenschicago.com/">&rsquo;&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.dickenschicago.com/">Again</a>, is back at Theater Wit this holiday season. Andrea talks with the Jeff-award winning star of the show, Blake Montgomery about this newly revised production. Charles Dickens Begrudgingly&hellip; paints an intimate and slightly absurd portrait of the famous author. Runs through December 28. Tickets: <a href="http://theaterwit.org/">theaterwit.org</a>
 And it's the perfect time of the year for "Hot Holidays" with Jewel-Osco!&nbsp;Communications Director Mary Francis Trucco joins us to talk about this&nbsp;tropical-themed holiday takeover at Water Tower Place on December 13 &amp; 14.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s free, open to the public, and filled with tons of holiday&nbsp;fun for the family - including&nbsp;Surf School, Hula lessons, Santa selfies, and cookie decorating. Information: <a href="http://celebratewithjewelosco.com/">celebratewithjewelosco.com</a>

"Show and Tell" with Andrea Darlas is a local arts and entertainment podcast hosted by Chicago media personality, Andrea Darlas. Every week Andrea will tell you about a new play or musical or exhibit a museum… something cultural in our community!

Show & Tell with Andrea Darlas

"ELF the Musical" at the Auditorium Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet's NUTCRACKER at the Lyric Opera, "Charles Dickens' Begrudgingly Performs 'A Christmas Carol' Again" & "Hot Holidays" with Jewel-Osco

'Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil is back at the Chicago Theatre this holiday season! Andrea is joined by Jordan Smith, a professional hand-to-hand acrobat and one half of an Australian roller-skating duo with Alina Suvorina. Together on stage as the “Disco Lovers” in ’Twas the Night Before, Jordan and Alina are known for a dynamic, exhilarating performance that captivates audiences. It's a performance not to be missed!  Runs through 12/28. Tickets: cirquedusoleil.com or msg.com


Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol returns to the historic Studebaker Theatre this holiday season!  Co-Artistic Director Ben Kaufmann talks about toy puppetry, shadowboxing, great music and immersive sound design. The show features holiday skeptic Aunt Trudy who relearns the magic of the holiday season by retelling the classic Dickens' tale.  12/12-12/14. Tickets: fineartsbuilding.com 


Music, film and screen legend Alicia Witt is coming to Evanston for the holidays!  Alicia joins Andrea to talk about her show at Studio 5 on December 17th where she'll be singing songs from her new album, "I Think I'm Spending Christmas With You".  Tickets and information: studio5.dance


Ready for some classic 1920's and 30's style jazz?  The Chicago Cellar Boys are back at Studio 5 in Evanston on December 5th. Director and performer Andy Schumm talks about playing his vintage coronet, the upcoming show and what jazz enthusiasts can expect! Tickets and information: studio5.dance and ChicagoCellarBoys.com


And WTTW's Very Own Geoffrey Baer has a brand new 60-minute special, "CHICAGO WORKS" on December 9th!  He joins Andrea to give us an inside look of some of the places he visited - including the Shedd Aquarium and inside of the city's major recycling and processing centers!  Geoffrey talks to bridge operators, rides alongside Metra engineers and takes us atop the Wrigley Field scoreboard in this new episode! Information: wttw.com

'Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil&nbsp;is back at the Chicago Theatre this holiday season! Andrea is joined by Jordan Smith, a professional hand-to-hand acrobat and one half of an Australian roller-skating duo with Alina Suvorina. Together on stage as the &ldquo;Disco Lovers&rdquo; in&nbsp;&rsquo;Twas the Night Before,&nbsp;Jordan and Alina are known for a dynamic, exhilarating performance that captivates audiences. It's a performance not to be missed!&nbsp; Runs through 12/28. Tickets: <a href="http://cirquedusoleil.com/">cirquedusoleil.com</a> or <a href="http://msg.com/">msg.com</a>
 Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol returns to the historic Studebaker Theatre this holiday season!&nbsp; Co-Artistic Director Ben Kaufmann talks about toy puppetry, shadowboxing, great music and immersive sound design. The show features holiday skeptic Aunt Trudy who relearns the magic of the holiday season by retelling the classic Dickens' tale.&nbsp; 12/12-12/14. Tickets: <a href="http://fineartsbuilding.com/">fineartsbuilding.com</a>&nbsp;
 Music, film and screen legend Alicia Witt is coming to Evanston for the holidays!&nbsp; Alicia joins Andrea to talk about her show at Studio 5 on December 17th where she'll be singing songs from her new album, "I Think I'm Spending Christmas With You".&nbsp; Tickets and information: studio5.dance
 Ready for some classic 1920's and 30's style jazz?&nbsp; The Chicago Cellar Boys are back at Studio 5 in Evanston on December 5th. Director and performer Andy Schumm talks about playing his vintage coronet, the upcoming show and what jazz enthusiasts can expect! Tickets and information: studio5.dance and <a href="http://chicagocellarboys.com/">ChicagoCellarBoys.com</a>
 And WTTW's Very Own Geoffrey Baer has a brand new 60-minute special, "CHICAGO WORKS" on December 9th!&nbsp; He joins Andrea to give us an inside look of some of the places he visited - including the Shedd Aquarium and inside of the city's major recycling and processing centers!&nbsp; Geoffrey talks to bridge operators, rides alongside Metra engineers and takes us atop the Wrigley Field scoreboard in this new episode! Information: <a href="http://wttw.com/">wttw.com</a>

Show & Tell, Ep 182: 'Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil, Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol, Alicia Witt, the Chicago Cellar Boys and Geoffrey Baer!

"A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theatre is back again this year! Andrea talks to two of the stars of the show - Lucky Stiff, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Bethany Thomas, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Present. Lucky and Bethany talk about this holiday "must-see" show that has become a tradition for families through the generations!  Runs through 12/31. Tickets and info: goodmantheatre.org
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party is back!  Puppeteer and actor Lily Emerson talks to Andrea about the four adorable Beatrix Potter favorites that come to life - including Peter Rabbit - in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show at the Chicago Children's Museum. Stick around for snacks at the post-show party and meet and greet for the kids!  Runs through 12/28.  Tickets and information:  https://chicagochildrenstheatre.org
"Twas the Week Before Christmas in Chicago" presented by Bach & Beethovan experience returns this holiday season December 4th in Wicker Park at the Den Theatre and December 5th at the Irish American Heritage Center! Andrea talks to composer and violinist Brandi Berry Benson about these one-of-a kind classical performances that feature "Chicago themes" - think the Bean, the El... and "dibs"!  Tickets and information: bbexperience.org
Fall and winter City Cruises are up and running along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. There are Thanksgiving cruises, Christmas brunch cruises, New Year's Eve, and of course holiday fireworks cruises ready to set sail!  City Cruises General Manager Grace Fuller joins Andrea to talk about all of the iconic cruises they offer this holiday season! Tickets and information:  citycruises.com/chicago.
Celebrate the holidays - Italian style with Olio e Piu! Chef Luca Corazzina joins Andrea to talk about the delicious food, celebrations and ambiance at Olio for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Chef and his team have prepared a delicious holiday menu that features turkey, butternut squash soup, sweet potatoes, string beans - and of course, the feast of the seven fishes!  Information: https://www.olioepiu.com/ 

"A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theatre is back again this year! Andrea talks to two of the stars of the show - Lucky Stiff, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Bethany Thomas, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Present. Lucky and Bethany talk about this holiday "must-see" show that has become a tradition&nbsp;for families through the generations!&nbsp; Runs through 12/31. Tickets and info: <a href="http://goodmantheatre.org/">goodmantheatre.org</a> The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party is back!&nbsp; Puppeteer and actor Lily Emerson talks to Andrea about the four adorable Beatrix&nbsp;Potter favorites that come to life - including Peter Rabbit&nbsp;- in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show at the Chicago Children's Museum. Stick around for snacks at the post-show party and meet and greet for the kids!&nbsp; Runs through 12/28.&nbsp; Tickets and information:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagochildrenstheatre.org/">https://chicagochildrenstheatre.org</a> "Twas the Week Before Christmas in Chicago" presented by Bach &amp; Beethovan&nbsp;experience returns this holiday season December 4th in Wicker Park at the Den Theatre and December 5th at the Irish American Heritage Center! Andrea talks to composer and violinist Brandi Berry Benson about these one-of-a kind classical performances that feature "Chicago themes" - think the Bean, the El... and "dibs"!&nbsp; Tickets and information: <a href="http://bbexperience.org/">bbexperience.org</a> Fall and winter&nbsp;City Cruises&nbsp;are up and running along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. There are Thanksgiving cruises, Christmas brunch cruises, New Year's Eve, and of course holiday fireworks cruises ready to set sail!&nbsp;&nbsp;City Cruises General Manager Grace Fuller&nbsp;joins Andrea to talk about all of the iconic cruises they offer this holiday season! Tickets and information:&nbsp; <a href="http://citycruises.com/chicago">citycruises.com/chicago</a>. Celebrate the holidays - Italian style with&nbsp;Olio e Piu!&nbsp;Chef Luca Corazzina&nbsp;joins Andrea to talk about the delicious food, celebrations and ambiance at Olio for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Chef and his team have prepared a delicious holiday menu that features turkey, butternut squash soup, sweet potatoes, string beans - and of course, the feast of the seven fishes!&nbsp; Information:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.olioepiu.com/">https://www.olioepiu.com/&nbsp;</a>

Show & Tell, Ep 181: "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theatre", the "Beatrix Potter Holiday Party" at the Chicago Children's Theatre, "'Twas the Week Before Christmas in Chicago"/Bach & Beethoven experience, Holiday City Cruises and Olio e Piu's holiday menu!

Lightscape is now open at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Experience the region’s brightest, boldest, and most unforgettable holiday event at Lightscape through January 4th.  Associate VP of Visitor Events & Programs Jodi Zombolo joins Andrea to talk about the festive trail that will set the Garden aglow with twinkling lights, curated displays, and lively music all season long! Visit chicagobotanic.org/lightscape for more information and to purchase tickets. 

 

Rosemont is ready for the holidays! Mayor Brad Stephens joins Andrea to talk about free ice skating all season long in the village as we get ready to glide into the holiday spirit! The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park returns November 22, the same night at the annual “Light Up The Park” tree lighting celebration!  Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their annual appearance alongside horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers and ice sculpting demonstrations.  Information: Rosemont.com

 

Veronica Garza is back as Cindy Lou Who in “Who’s Holiday” this holiday season at Theater Wit.  Veronica joins Andrea to talk about her 5th year in this iconic role she created!  We get an inside look of Cindy Lou’s life decades after the Grinch stole her Christmas.  Audiences are in for a hilarious show, complete with shots of Malort!  Runs through December 28th.  Tickets and information at theaterwit.org

 

Chicago’s beloved Lillstreet Art Center is celebrating 50 years of forming community through creativity with a 50th Anniversary Holiday Party on December 5th. Andrea is joined by founder and executive director Bruce Gibbons to talk about all of the celebratory activities throughout December including The Holiday Table gallery show, Jewelry Trunk Shows, and Early Winter & Holiday Workshops!  Information: lillstreet.com

Lightscape is now open at the Chicago&nbsp;Botanic&nbsp;Garden.&nbsp;Experience the region&rsquo;s brightest, boldest, and most unforgettable holiday event at Lightscape through January 4th. &nbsp;Associate VP of Visitor Events &amp; Programs Jodi Zombolo joins Andrea to talk about the festive trail that will set the Garden aglow with twinkling lights, curated displays, and lively music all season long! Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape">chicagobotanic.org/lightscape</a>&nbsp;for more information and to purchase tickets.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Rosemont is ready for the holidays! Mayor Brad Stephens joins Andrea to talk about free ice skating all season long in the village as we get ready to glide into the holiday spirit! The&nbsp;Chicago Wolves Ice Rink&nbsp;at&nbsp;Parkway Bank Park&nbsp;returns November 22, the same night at the annual&nbsp;&ldquo;Light Up The Park&rdquo;&nbsp;tree lighting celebration!&nbsp; Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their annual appearance alongside horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers and ice sculpting demonstrations.&nbsp; Information: <a href="http://rosemont.com/">Rosemont.com</a>
&nbsp;
Veronica Garza is back as Cindy Lou Who in &ldquo;Who&rsquo;s Holiday&rdquo; this holiday season at Theater Wit.&nbsp; Veronica joins Andrea to talk about her 5th year in this iconic role she created!&nbsp; We get an inside look of Cindy Lou&rsquo;s life decades after the Grinch stole her Christmas.&nbsp; Audiences are in for a hilarious show, complete with shots of Malort!&nbsp; Runs through December 28th.&nbsp; Tickets and information at <a href="http://theaterwit.org/">theaterwit.org</a>
&nbsp;
Chicago&rsquo;s beloved Lillstreet Art Center is celebrating 50 years of forming community through creativity with&nbsp;a 50th Anniversary Holiday Party on December 5th. Andrea is joined by founder and executive director Bruce Gibbons to talk about all of the celebratory activities throughout December including&nbsp;The Holiday Table&nbsp;gallery show,&nbsp;Jewelry Trunk Shows, and&nbsp;Early Winter &amp; Holiday Workshops!&nbsp; Information: <a href="http://lillstreet.com/">lillstreet.com</a>

Show & Tell, Ep 180: Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ice skating/holiday season begins in Rosemont, Lillstreet Art Center’s 50th Anniversary Holiday Party and Cindy Lou Who returns!

"ELF the Musical" at the Auditorium Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet's NUTCRACKER at the Lyric Opera, "Charles Dickens' Begrudgingly Performs 'A Christmas Carol' Again" & "Hot Holidays" with Jewel-Osco

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