November in Chicago

Frank Brichetto

Chicago Correspondent

Do you believe it? November is here, the Holidays are upon us, and the year is nearing its end. The weather is going to be doing what November weather does best: changing its mind. Some days will be chilly, some downright cold, and every now and then we’ll get one of those beautiful autumn days that makes us glad we live here. So keep an eye on the forecast, dress appropriately, make all the necessary reservations, and let’s get out there!

Let’s start the month today, Friday, November 6th, with Giordano Dance Chicago: “untamed passion” at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The Center is an excellent performance venue, and, of course, Giordano Dance, https://www.giordanodance.org/,   may well be the premier Jazz dance company in America. Meet us at 7:00pm for the 7:30pm performance. We’ll be presented with Caravan; it’s not only a world premiere by choreographer Al Blackstone, it’s also a new solo created specifically for dancer Sasha Lazarus. Ms. Lazarus is a stunning dancer, so this solo will undoubtedly highlight the raw power, fluid grace and boundless energy that so exemplifies the entire Giordano company.

More dances will surround Caravan, some will be familiar, and a few will be new-to-us experiences. Giordano Dance Chicago never disappoints, nor does it fail to excite and enthrall anyone who comes to see and feel the show. Be sure to get tickets early at https://www.northshorecenter.org/.

Today, Saturday, November 7th, let’s take some time for an early dinner at Curry a la Flambé, https://curryalaflambe.com 426 N. Park Blvd., #120, Glen Ellyn, where we can indulge in the unique flavors of Indian–French cuisine. They promise “a fresh take on dining by pairing the vibrant spices of India with the elegance of French cooking.” This will be a new experience!

After this fabulous dinner, we’re off to the MAC, where MOMIX performs “Botanica” at 7:30pm. MOMIX, https://www.momix.com/, founded and directed by Moses Pendleton, has been creating astonishing theatrical illusions for more than 45 years, and Botanica takes us into a dreamlike natural world. I expect to be totally amazed when “dancer-illusionists transform themselves into flowers, insects and constantly shifting landscapes.”  The company describes the production as a celebration of nature, and I suspect “celebration” may not quite capture the visual magic we’re going to see. The MAC, www.atthemac.org, of course, is the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

Our action-packed weekend will conclude on Sunday, November 8th, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. It’s time for The Greatest Show on Earth as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey comes to demonstrate the wonder of their re-imagined production. Ringling’s “Greatest Show on Earth” is a very different circus from the one we might expect. There are no animals. Instead, the production combines aerial artistry, comedy, highwire, trapeze, bicycles, music and other feats of physical skill in a 360-degree arena experience. The performers include the Navas Troupe on the Double Wheel of Destiny, unicyclist Weslley Williams, trapeze artists Flying Cáceres and legendary comic daredevil Bello Nock brings his signature sway pole act, fearless stunts, and unmistakable brand of family-friendly comedy. A seventh-generation circus performer and one of the most beloved stars in Ringling history, Bello became the first performer ever to have a Ringling production named after him, the iconic Bellobration. I’m already excited! Call us and we’ll pick a time and purchase tickets.

Wednesday, November 11th, is Veterans Day. Take a moment today to thank the veterans in your life and remember those who served. Let us also remember our besieged friends in Ukraine who are still suffering daily from Russia’s illegal invasion. Hopes, prayers, and perhaps a few donations for First Aid kits, https://whitestork.us/, might be in order.

On Saturday, November 14th, we’ll be heading back to the MAC, for Buffalo Theatre Ensemble: “Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women”. The MAC website, www.atthemac.org, describes “a timeless story of sisters, courage and becoming who you are meant to be. In Lauren Gunderson’s fresh and heartfelt adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, the beloved four March sisters’ step onto the stage with new vitality and emotional clarity. As Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy navigate growing up during the Civil War in Massachusetts, they chase dreams, confront loss and discover the fierce power of family. Gunderson’s lively, modern voice illuminates Alcott’s timeless story, celebrating imagination, resilience and the enduring bonds that shape who we become.”  Buffalo Theater Ensemble presents well directed, wonderfully acted plays on a smaller, intimate stage. This is sure to be another wonderful play. Performances run through December 13, so if you can’t be with us tonight, you still have plenty of opportunities to see this beloved story, and you should.

On Sunday, November 15th, let’s slow things down and meet at Sweet Moon Bakery, 1964 W. Lawrence Ave., https://mysweetmoon.com/, about Noon, to indulge in some nice pastries and hot coffee. Now it’s time to enjoy one of Lincoln Square’s favorite outdoor spaces, Winnemac Park, 5100 N. Leavitt. https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/winnemac-park. November is the perfect time for a fall-colors stroll here. The park’s broad open spaces, winding paths, mature trees and natural areas give us plenty to explore without requiring a strenuous hike. Bring a camera, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. We’ll walk, talk, admire what’s left of the autumn color and enjoy the fact that we don’t have to buy a ticket to do any of it.

In this hectic pre-holiday season, everybody needs a laugh, so please join us tonight, Wednesday, November 18th, for Blind Wolf Comedy. This is a free weekly comedy show held at the Blind Wolf Speakeasy, 3222 N. Sheffield Ave., https://www.denhotelchicago.com/blindwolf. The door is unmarked and discreet, so we will have to carefully hunt with a rotating lineup of local and touring comedians. The show starts at 8pm, and there is no admission charge, although reserving a seat through the show’s social media is a good idea. I like this one: intimate, inexpensive and a chance to discover comedians who may not yet be household names.

On Friday, November 20th, let’s make this an unusual triple-feature day. Earlier in the day, we’ll visit “A Palm of Victory,” the exhibition by Italian artist Emilia Faro at the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago, http://iicchicago.esteri.it/, 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1580. The exhibition is free, but visits are by appointment, Monday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm, so let’s arrange our visit in advance, and meet there at 1:00pm. Faro uses watercolor, video and sculpture to create an imaginative palm grove, with the palm tree serving as a symbol of resilience, transformation and rebirth. It sounds like a beautiful way to spend a few hours downtown.

Afterward, we can have dinner at Pierogi Kitchen, https://pierogikitchenchicago.com/, 1856 W. North Ave., a casual Polish restaurant in Wicker Park specializing in handmade pierogi and other Polish comfort food. It has a neighborhood atmosphere, a full bar and a moderately priced menu. Take your time, we can relax, talk and catch up on our lives.

After a while, we’ll head to The Den Theatre, http://www.thedentheatre.com/, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., for the 7:30pm performance of The Snow Queen. The website tells of “A beloved folktale re-imagined through a new landscape, The Snow Queen explores the people who carry our stories when we no longer can—and the courage it takes to let them go.” Can Gerda journey beyond the aurora to save Kay from a life in the endless winter? Who will she become as she travels, encountering nearly impossible obstacles? She’s helped and hindered by talking ravens, singing thieves, and complete strangers that she must learn to trust. She relentlessly pursues the equally relentless Snow Queen in her quest to save Kay. This Impostors Theatre Company production re-imagines the old story as something whimsical, haunting, joyful and deeply human, sure to warm even the coldest hearts into blooming again. I think this could be one of the month’s more interesting theatrical surprises.

Thursday, November 26th, is Thanksgiving. Every year I write that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The extended family gathers, everyone talks loudly over everyone else, the fragrant smells of roasting turkey, cranberry relish, pumpkin pie and fresh, strong, delicious coffee fill the whole house. We give heartfelt thanks for the many, many gifts in our lives, pray before dinner and dive in to all this great food.  Wherever you are and whoever you’re with, I hope your day includes good food, good company and at least a little time to appreciate how fortunate we are to have friends and family with whom to share it.

On Saturday, November 28th, it’s time to officially begin the Christmas season with College of DuPage Theater: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the MAC, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Meet us for the 2pm performance where we’ll watch as a cast of 50 local actors and children bring Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghosts and the residents of Victorian London to life once again. There is going to be something special about seeing A Christmas Carol performed live as the holiday season begins. Get your tickets in advance at www.atthemac.org.

And just like that, November is almost gone. There’s shopping, decorating, volunteering, and so much more to do in just a few weeks! December is waiting, the holiday lights are coming, and there will be plenty more adventures ahead. Until then, keep warm, keep moving and I’ll see you out there!