Holiday Theatre Performances in Lake County 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 12/07/2022
Wear your best overcoat and break out the top hats for holiday stage productions. The professionals of the visual arts are here to entertain with holiday theatre performances in Lake County 2022.
Holiday Your Way in Lake County and make the most of the season when you visit Antioch, Gurnee, Libertyville and Vernon Hills.
After experiencing a show, visit one of the many fine establishments of the Lake County Libation Trail.
Catch up on the latest campfire stories to find an experience for the family in the holiday season.
Prepare to be delighted by talented thespians when you watch holiday theatre performances in Lake County 2022.
"A Christmas Story" at the Marriott Theatre (Select Dates Through January 1, 2023)
“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” is everyone’s favorite saying during the winter holidays. Visit the Marriott Theatre at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort to experience the live stage musical of “A Christmas Story.” The timeless yuletide Lincolnshire Marriott Resort tale tells the story of Ralphie Parker and his wish for a Red Ryder air rifle. Throughout the charming holiday tale, Ralphie deals with bullies, a disgruntled shopping mall Santa and elf duo, a malfunctioning furnace, his parents, a bar of soap and the iconic leg-shaped table lamp. The Broadway-hit musical adaption of the 1983 Bob Clark-directed movie has received three Tony Awards nominations. The film continues to air on numerous television stations during the holiday season.
"A Christmas Carol: Radio Play" at the Mundelein Village Hall (December 9 and 11)
Relive the classic tale of a miser, three ghosts and the opportunity always to be a better person with the Mundelein Arts Commission’s live performance of “A Christmas Carol.” The Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella tells the holiday tale of penny-pinching Ebeneezer Scrooge and his one-night journey of being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Each spirit takes him on a metaphysical journey that forces him to look into himself, appreciate all he has and stop taking things in life for granted. This Charles Dickens story has been adapted into countless plays, films and radio shows.
John-Mark McGaha's "Someday at Christmas" at the Marriott Theatre (December 12-13)
Celebrate the holiday season with multi-talented artist John-Mark McGaha while he channels his inner Stevie Wonder. McGaha has a voice that “Broadway World” describes as “crystal clear perfection,” whose clarity will transport your mind to a winter state of wonder. McGaha sheds a personal light on one of America’s most renowned artists with a yuletide twist. The Marriott Theatre performance features hit holiday songs, including, "Someday at Christmas," "My Cherie Amour," "That's What Christmas Means to Me," "For Once in My Life," "Ave Maria" and "I Just Called to Say I Love You."
"Million Dollar Quartet" at the Genesee Theatre (December 15)
The “Million Dollar Quartet” tells the musical tale of four legendary artists getting together and improvising a jam session. The live stage musical performance at the Genesee Theatre follows a 1956 collaboration with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins at Sun Records in Memphis and recorded whatever came to mind. This version adds a holiday twist and features classic holiday tunes, “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Blue Christmas,” “Run Run Rudolph,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and more from the iconic singers. This tale is a follow-up to the Tony Award-winning musical and also features legendary hits, “Ring of Fire,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Visit the Waukegan theatre to see a jam-packed show with a “Whole Lotta Leg Shakin’ Goin’ on!”
"It's a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play" at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts (December 16-18)
The Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Waukegan brings its rendition of the holiday-staple 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” to the stage. This rendition of the iconic movie directed by Frank Capra is a radio play performed live onstage by a talented group of actors. The holiday feature follows protagonist George Bailey, who puts his big dreams on hold during the Great Depression as he takes over his father’s business, who abruptly passes away. Bailey faces many adversities and makes strategic maneuvers that save his hometown of Bedford Falls. Down on his luck, frustrated with life and questioning his existence, Bailey attempts suicide. A guardian angel named Clarence saves his life and shows him a world without the story’s main character.
Ruth Page Civic Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (December 17)
The beloved family classic returns for the annual holiday tradition at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences find themselves transported to a beautiful kingdom in a snowy wonderland. “The Nutcracker,” tells the magical story of a little girl heroine, her mysterious grandfather, playful toy soldiers, daring mice and dancing snowflakes. This iconic, full-length production was initially choreographed by Ruth Page and featured an elite troupe and international guest artists.
A Live Holiday Performance with Disney Fine Artist Trevor Carlton at Hawthorn Mall (December 17)
The Gallery of Art and Collectibles hosts an exceptional live painting performance at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. The painting party features talents of artist Trevor Carlton. Carlton paints scenes and characters straight from popular Disney movies with a vintage Americana aesthetic. He complements his signature style by painting a blank canvas, creating a texture that resembles wood. He follows with various painting solvents and sandpaper to give each piece a distressed look. After the performance, Carlton will be in The Gallery of Art and Collectibles doing more live paintings.
"A Christmas Story" at the PM&L Theatre (Select Dates Through December 18)
“In the heat of battle, my father wove a tapestry of obscenity that, as far as we know, is still hanging in the space over Lake Michigan.” Visit the PM&L Theatre in downtown Antioch to experience the live stage production of “A Christmas Story.” The timeless yuletide tale tells the story of Ralphie Parker and his wish for a Red Ryder air rifle. Throughout the charming holiday talestory, Ralphie deals with bullies, a disgruntled shopping mall elf & Santa duoSanta and elf duo, a malfunctioning furnace, his parents, a bar of soap and the iconic leg-shaped table lamp. The 1983 movie inspiring the play continues to air on numerous television stations during the holiday season.
"It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" at the Improv Playhouse (Select Dates Through December 18)
Improv Playhouse Theater in downtown Libertyville brings to life their interpretation of the beloved 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play.” This rendition of the iconic movie directed by Frank Capra showcases talented thespians in a radio drama format like actors performed through the 1930s-1960s. The holiday feature follows protagonist George Bailey, who puts his big dreams on hold during the Great Depression as he takes over his father’s business, who abruptly passes away. Bailey faces many adversities and makes strategic maneuvers that save his hometown of Bedford Falls. Down on his luck, frustrated with life and questioning his existence, Bailey attempts suicide. A guardian angel named Clarence saves his life and shows him a world without the story’s main character. This show is also a “BYOB” event that includes a $5 corking fee per person ages 21 and older.
"Junior Claus" at the Citadel Theatre (December 20-30)
Everyone has tales of growing up and the tribulations of aging. But what happens when your dad is Father Christmas himself? Junior Claus is Santa and Mrs. Claus’ only child and already has big expectations. Junior prefers everything that any average teenager does. But like any teenager, he couldn’t be more interested in taking over the family business. When there’s an unexpected drop in holiday cheer, circumstances dictate that Junior must take over the reins. Out to impede Junior’s quest is a miserly elf who wishes to exploit Santa’s absence for industrial profits. Eccentric characters fill Junior Claus’ journey with laughs, cheery tunes and the true meaning of the holidays.
Dancenter North Presents "The Magic of the Nutcracker" at the Genesee Theatre (December 21-22)
Dancenter North's "The Magic of the Nutcracker" is a must-see ballet in Lake County. The Gurnee-based dance company performance features the classic elements that makes “The Nutcracker” unforgettable . The Genesee Theatre production features over 100 performers, elaborate sets, graceful dancers and Tchaikovsky's beautiful score. This anniversary performance celebrates 34 years and will delight young and old audience members. Share the beauty of this holiday treat with your family.
Quentin Road Baptist Church's has sold out its Christmas Pageant. Visit their website for more information.
Holiday Your Way to Lake County and find experiences for the whole family. Click here for more arts and entertainment in Lake County.
