Curtain call
Theater previews and openings Dec. 19 - 25:
‘A Christmas Carol — A Holiday Pantomime’
Sage Studio’s panto version of the holiday classic. Dec. 21-29. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams, Crystal Lake, $20+; rauecenter.org
‘Deck Them Halls Y’All’
Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan looks behind-the-scenes at the Christmastime of his childhood as well as his long career. Dec. 20-22 at Chicago Theater Works, 1113 W. Belmont, $40, $55; chicagotheaterworks.com
‘The Elf on the Shelf — A Christmas Musical’
A new musical for the entire family that takes a peek into the magical lives of elves. Dec. 20. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee, Waukegan, $39.50-$99.50; geneseetheatre.com
‘The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Sweater’
The Second City roasts all the things we love to loathe about the holidays. Dec. 21-31. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights, $30, $35; metropolisarts.com
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s colorful musical based on the Old Testament story of the youngest son of Jacob and his betrayal by his jealous brothers. Opens Dec. 21; to Dec. 31. Music
Theater Works, 600 Emerson, Evanston, $17$96; musictheaterworks.com
‘Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical’
The story of Mrs. Claus and the new Elf Class of 2019 on their first day of work in Santa’s workshop. For ages 2-10. Dec. 11-22 at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main, St. Charles, $14-$18; pheasantrun.com
‘Starting Before You’re Ready…’
DJ/sound artist Hijo Prodigo and dance artist Po’Chop present an improvised performance that explores spirituality, personal mythology, rave, storytelling, ritual and release. Dec. 20-21. Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted, $25; steppenwolf.org
Mary Houlihan, For the Sun-Times