Through December 7
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, one of America's best-loved holiday traditions, starring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, returns to the Rosemont Theatre, for 32 dazzling performances. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular features a cast and crew of nearly 100 people who work together to create a magical holiday experience unlike any other. Audiences of all ages will be enchanted by live holiday entertainment as teddy bears dance, wooden soldiers come to life, reindeer fly and the Radio City Rockettes perform their fancy footwork and signature eye-high kicks. This year, audiences will be delighted by classic numbers such as ''The Parade of Wooden Soldiers,'' which has been a Radio City Christmas Spectacular tradition since 1933. Among the new scenes that will be featured once again this year is ''The Twelve Days of Christmas,'' a thrilling tap dancing extravaganza; ''Sleighride,'' during which the Radio City Rockettes join Santa Claus for a brisk journey from the North Pole to Chicago; and ''Christmas Dreams,'' which brings the hopes, dreams and wishes of the holiday season to life.
Through December 14th
Set in the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ruined is the captivating story of Mama Nadi, a savvy businesswoman who, in the midst of a complex civil war, both protects and profits from the women whose bodies have become battlegrounds., MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Award-winner Lynn Nottage returns to Chicago with Ruined, which the Goodman produced as part of the 2007 New Stages Series.
Through December 19th
"Summertime," "I Got Plenty o'Nuttin'," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now"... iconic American songs from the greatest American opera of them all!, The Washington Post lauded this sumptuous production as "Heaven the Whole Night Long." The Washington Times pronounced it "dazzling." And you'll call it wonderful as the glorious music and a top-notch cast sweep you away to Catfish Row., There's Crown, a murderous local thug who keeps the alluring Bess by his side through intimidation and his own sexual prowess; Bess, who falls for the good-hearted Porgy-but in the end can't resist the "happy dust" of dope-peddling Sportin' Life; and Porgy, the lame man who's the strongest of them all-an indomitable spirit determined to do whatever it takes to reclaim the woman he loves.
Soleil's Take: This is truly a gorgeous and historic production! The lecture before the performance that I attended emphasized that the Opera remains a double-edged sword. While stereotypes run throughout the opera (which stereotypes from the 1930's, frankly, pale in comparison to those that we find in the media today), it is nonetheless a tremendous vehicle to showcase the talents of African-American performers. The voices, acting, the set, the costumes and the venue itself all combine to form a stunning performance!
Through December 20th
Through December 21st
From the author of Bee-Luther-Hatchee and Permanent Collection comes this inspired-by-real-life drama. Philadelphia wants to build its new American Museum of Liberty on the grounds of George Washington's Philadelphia home and slave quarters. Soon a conservative academic star and a liberal political activist are confronting each other with polarizing questions of African-American legacy and identity. Elegantly juxtaposed with this contemporary conflict is the true story of one of Washington's slaves as she contemplates escape. The result is a thought-provoking drama that asks vital questions about where we've been and where we go next.
Soleil's Take: Visit Theater Review! Mention Soleil's To-Dos when purchasing your tickets and save $10 on the purchase price!
Through December 28, 2008
Congo Square Theatre Company plans to once again reinvent its annual holiday tradition Black Nativity. With the help of longtime friend and fellow artist McKinley Johnson, Congo Square will put a rejuvenating spin on this powerful Langston Hughes classic. This is a performance not to be missed! By Langston Hughes Adapted and Directed by McKinley Johnson, Featuring Congo Square Ensemble Member Alexis J. Rogers.
Through December 28th
This holiday season, The Black Ensemble Theater Company is thrilled to bring back one of the all-time greatest hits in the company's repertoire, The Other Cinderella. The first production ever mounted by the Black Ensemble Theater, The Other Cinderella was an instant hit when it premiered in 1976 starring Black Ensemble Theater Founder and Artistic Director Jackie Taylor as Cinderella. The Other Cinderella is produced, written and directed by Taylor, who has continued to adapt and update the musical to keep it current with the times., Featuring some new twist, turns, and surprises The Other Cinderella joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist. [more]
Through January 4, 2009, 9:30am - 4pm; Sundays, 11am-4pm
The Museum halls will be decked, holiday singers and dancers will be joyously kicking off the festivities and the sparkle of more than 50 trees will greet you at this year's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. We couldn't resist one more chance to pay homage to our "Diamond Anniversary" and more than seven decades of imagination, invention and inspiration with the theme "Celebrating 75 Years of Museum Memories." The Museum's grand 45-foot tree will be decorated with shimmering ornaments representing the Museum's iconic exhibits, while fun-loving "penguins" play under the tree and welcome Museum guests to our very own South Pole. (Or maybe just the South Pole of Chicago.) More than 50 trees-including the new Bulgaria tree-will be beautifully decorated by members of Chicago's ethnic communities. [more]
Through January 11, 2009
From the Mississippi Delta is the inspiring, autobiographical story of Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland whose journey takes her from poverty and prostitution in the Jim Crow South to civil rights activism, academic achievement and success as a Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright. From the Mississippi Delta celebrates the triumph of the human spirit. After a rough early start, Ida Mae Holland's life was transformed when she walked into the local office of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1962. [more]
Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 7 - 10pm
Around age 16 I heard my first jazz album. I think it was Miles' first Quintet. A bass player friend of mine also introduced me to an album with Jaco Pastorius on it called Bright Size Life. I heard Pat Metheny for the first time., I began checking out every jazz CD and vinyl I could get my hands on at the library and dubbing them onto cassettes at home. Some of these included: Miles, Coltrane, Monk, Bird, Blue Note stuff, Charlie Christian, Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins, Ornette, Metheny, Scofield, Mike Stern, Bill Frisell, John Abercrombie, etc. [more]
Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 7:30 - 11pm
Immediately upon entering Carnivale, you'll find yourself swept up in its festive atmosphere! In fact, I can never manage to make it as far as the bar without having danced at least a couple of steps on my way over. The soaring ceilings of the main dining floor are grande and dramatically embellished with festive decorations on the walls, tables, chairs, staircases and ceilings! The design decadence continues in the upstairs loft, where you'll find another bar and several more intimate dining areas. The waitstaff is friendly, the food delicious and the raspberry mojitos to die for!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 9pm - 2am
Presented by Mark Fuller, Bryan Wallace, Douglas Johnson, Antoine Jennings, Akili Lee and Darius Hines. Music by Timbuck2, 33 1/3 and Mark Fulla Flava., Indulge yourself in pure social bliss this Thanksgiving Eve at Chicago's finest restaurant, hosted by Chitown's premier social marketing companies and the elitist ladies and gents our city has to offer, as we reinforce why it feels good to be . . . Privileged!
Nightly
The Velvet Lounge is the only place in the world where you can hear the Chicago sound seven days a week. The Sunday night jam sessions have been an effective way to promote younger members of the jazz community. Fred Anderson opened the Velvet Lounge in 1982 after his club The Birdhouse, on the near north side, closed due to city zoning ordinances.
Friday, November 28, 2008, 8 - 10pm
The best choreography from the 2008 Dance Chicago festival will be intertwined together in a one-night grand event! A jury will award the best choreographer of the evening a $1,000 prize!
Dance Chicago 2008, Chicago's most unique entertainment experience is back for its 14th, spectacular season! You'll be mesmerized by over 130 companies performing 300 works. From Ballroom to Steppin', every genre of dance is represented and embraced.
Friday, November 28, 2008, 8 - 11pm; and Saturday, November 29, 2008, 10pm - 11am
Thursday the first set starts at 7pm; on Fridays, 8pm; and Saturdays 10pm
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 2 - 4pm
One of the most popular holiday dance programs in Chicago! Created for all ages, audiences will see excerpts from the Nutcracker, magical stories and seasonal delights. And yes, The ROPE WARRIOR is part of this program, as well!
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 7pm - 3am
Grammy and Stellar Award nominated singers Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore will perform a duet charity concert of their R&B and gospel hits. Net proceeds benfit Autism Speaks., Special guests include popular Chicago recording artist Baritone and award-winning songwriter, producer/singer Gordon Chambers. House Music Dance Party immediately follows the concert with sounds provided by DJ FLX (3 Degrees Chicago) & New York's CAMERON DA DJ.
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 8 - 10pm
See an all-new show of some of the best Chicago and international companies such as Deeply Rooted Productions and guests from Istanbul Contemporary Performance. The Grand Finale features the best of ballet, tap, jazz, Irish, urban and contemporary. Featuring live music and non-stop action with the big choreographed final BOW, this is the season's grand send-off.
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 8 - 10:30pm
Chévere is Chicago's leading Latin/Jazz/Funk/Blues Band, mixing Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Jazz, Blues, and just about everything else together into an exciting and unique collage of sound. Characterized by high voltage percussion and compelling original compositions, Chévere has performed in and around Chicago and the Midwest for 30 years.
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 9pm - 3am
You requested an eclectic mix of hip-hop, neo-soul and house by resident DJs: Mark Fulla Flava, Vince Adams and Tim Buck 2.
Sunday, November 30, 2008, 7 - 9pm
See an all-new show of some of the best Chicago and international companies such as Deeply Rooted Productions and guests from Istanbul Contemporary Performance. The Grand Finale features the best of ballet, tap, jazz, Irish, urban and contemporary. Featuring live music and non-stop action with the big choreographed final BOW, this is the season's grand send-off.
Monday, December 1, 2008, 6:30 - 9pm
Black Theatre: the Making of a Movement recaptures the birth of a new theatre from the Civil Rights activism of the 1950s, '60s and '70s. It is a veritable video encyclopedia of the leading figures, institutions and events of a movement which transformed the American stage. Amiri Baraka, Ed Bullins, James Earl Jones and Ntozake Shange describe their aspirations for a theatre serving the black community. Clips from A Raisin in the Sun, Black Girl, Dutchman and For Colored Girls... reveal how these actors and playwrights laid the basis for the black theatre of the present.
Monday, December 1, 2008, 7 - 11pm
MECCA Jam Session featuring: Maggie Brown, Joan Collaso, Nanette Frank, Josie Johnson, Keith Nunnally, Brienn Perry, Russoul, Samotta and more . . . with the MECCA Band. Hosted by Joan Collaso.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 6 - 8pm
"A Discussion With No Walls" will be moderated by Dr. Harvette Grey, formerly executive director of the DePaul University Cultural Center, and will feature panelists: · Eric Arnesen - A professor of history and African American studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, specializing in race, labor and civil rights · Melissa Barton - A Ph.D. candidate in the Department of English at the University of Chicago who is currently teaching the course "Staging Race: African Americans and Theater in the 20th Century." · Dr. Valerie C. Johnson - Associate professor of Political Science at DePaul University, specializing in African American politics and education policy, who previously served as national education spokesperson for the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. · Dawn Turner Trice - A columnist for the Chicago Tribune and moderator of the Tribune's online project "Exploring Race." [more]
Soleil's Take: While the discussion I mentioned in the 11/20 newsletter did not include diverse participants, I'm sure that between the International House and CSRPC this discussion session will include significant diversity. For my take on A House with No Walls visit Theater Review.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 6 - 8pm
For entrepreneurs who don't want to spend a lot of money, creative thinking is an important and effective marketing tool. You have to always be on the lookout for innovative and inexpensive ways to strategically promote your business. In this session, you will be introduced to proven techniques for marketing your products and services on a 'shoestring' budget.
Looking for something To-Do this weekend or perhaps a way to get your out-of-town visitors out of your house long enough for you to get a break? Let Soleil's To-Dos guide you through! My approach? I go to the To-Dos page and clear those calendar categories (such as "Party" and "Comedy") that I know my Mom and sister wouldn't be interested in. Then I check off the boxes next to those To-Dos that I think they would be interested in. With a simple click on the "Other Event Actions" box, a click on "Forward to Friends" and a message like "What do you want To-Do this weekend" and my work is done! Perhaps Granny isn't real e-mail savvy or still uses "dial-up." Well, instead of forwarding it, you can print the information about the events you've selected and place it on her turned-down bed for bedtime reading. There you have it - your holiday planning made incredibly simple!
These are and will continue to be difficult economic times for all of us.
On behalf of the Board and Staff of The Renaissance Collaborative, Inc. thank you for including our request in your year-end giving.
"War!
Ruined Sophie continues to read and dream and hope in a place where only hopelessness should thrive.
Created in January 2001, the 
