If you're within shouting distance of Chicago (or will be) and have a chance sometime in the coming week, you should definitely make the time to catch Vitalist Theatre's production of Anung's First Christmas at the Theatre Building on Belmont. The show runs through January 4 (schedule and tickets are available at the above link).
Truth in advertising: I know the playwright/adapter of the story, the director, and the scene designer. The author of the original novella on which the play is based, everyone I just named, and several more people in the cast or crew for the play are all affiliated with or alumni/students of my alma mater. But that's not why I'm encouraging you to see this show.
The first reason to see it is because it's a great story and apropos for the season. The second is because it's a wonderful production, inventive, eclectic in the best sense, and it has a wonderful cast. I won't go into any more specifics than that, because to do so would reveal too much that you'll want to experience for yourself.
The last reason to see this show is because it's an independent production. This is theater at its very best--no super-commercial hackery, no standard, one-size-fits-everybody plot lines. Just a wonderful story beautifully adapted for the stage, innovatively staged, mounted, and costumed, and an ending that underscores a very important point in these trying times. But to keep that kind of theater going, it needs our support. So if you can possibly manage it, please do consider taking in this show. You won't regret it.
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