Theater
- Holiday theater gets underway with the Goodman Theatre’s 48th staging of “A Christmas Carol,” Tom Creamer’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Donahue) who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Malkia Stampley directs. From Nov. 15-Dec. 31 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets: $34-$173. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
- “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” is the story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting American rock icon. Nick Fradiani and Robert Westenberg star as Diamond at different points in his life. Michael Mayer directs. From Nov. 19-30 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $70-$180. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
- In Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” two sisters (Netta Walker and Melisa Soledad Pereyra) have a problem: Their father refuses to marry the youngest until the eldest is married first. Marti Lyons adapts and directs. From Nov. 14-Dec. 14 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Tickets: $60-$90. Visit courttheatre.org.
- “Much Ado About Nothing” is Shakespeare’s romantic comedy about two independent, stubborn singles — Beatrice (Deborah Hay) and Benedick (Mark Bedard) — who finally meet their match. From Nov. 18-Dec. 21 at Chicago Shakespeare, 800 E. Grand Ave. Tickets: $51+ and $30 tickets for ages 30 and under. Visit chicagoshakes.com.
- Theater Grottesco and Fay-Glassman Performance present “Action at a Distance,” a physical theater piece that challenges traditional storytelling, immersing audiences in a constantly shifting mosaic of interactions and emotions. From Nov. 13-16 at Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. Tickets: $15-$30. Visit facilitytheatre.org.
Dance
- Hubbard Street Dance Chicago launches its 48th season with performances that showcase the company’s physicality and range: Ohad Naharin’s “Black Milk,” Bob Fosse’s “Percussion IV,” Aszure Barton’s “A Duo” and Johan Inger’s “Impasse.” From Nov. 14-23 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $30+. Visit hubbardstreetdance.com.
- Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater performs selections from the company’s repertoire including late artistic director Dame Libby Komaiko’s iconic take on “Bolero.” At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. Tickets: $35+. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
Music
- Grammy-winning band Maroon 5 tours in support of its eighth studio album, “Love Is Like,” which features a collaboration with Lisa of Blackpink on the song “Priceless.” The tour is a mix of new songs and popular hits all fronted by Adam Levine’s strong vocals. Claire Rosinkranz opens at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Tickets: $152+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Tom Morello & Friends kick off a full-band tour in Chicago. The Rage Against the Machine guitarist also is riding high on the successful run of his first musical, ”Revolution(s),” running through Nov. 22 at the Goodman Theatre. The Neighborhood Kids open at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Tickets: $45-$65. Visit jamusa.com.
- Carl Orff’s 20th century masterpiece, “Carmina Burana,” captures the full sweep of human experience. The performance features the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, soprano Jasmine Habersham, tenor David Portillo, baritone Ian Rucker and the Uniting Voices Chicago children’s choir. Enrique Mazzola conducts. Nov. 14, 16 and 18 at Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Drive. Tickets: $80+. Visit lyricopera.org.
- Rebuild Foundation, the custodian of the Frankie Knuckles Collection, presents the fourth annual Frankie Knuckles Festival. The event includes a lineup of Chicago-based DJs representing the future of house music: Raven Wright, Excursions, Michael Serafini, CTRL Zora and Duane Powell. From noon-8 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Land School, 1353 E 72nd St. Admission is by donation. Visit eventbrite.com.
- Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking album “Horses,” Patti Smith and Her Band (guitarist Lenny Kaye and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty played on the original album) perform it in its entirety as well as other selections from Smith’s songbook. At 8 p.m. Nov. 17-18 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets: $125+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Museums
- “The Land of Oz: Beyond the Page” explores the imaginative artistry required to turn Frank L. Baum’s classic children’s story into a beloved movie. The many highlights include a replica of Dorothy’s ruby slippers, a prototype of the Flying Monkey costume, an early edition of Frank L. Baum’s book and more. From Nov. 13-March 15 at Driehaus Museum, 50 E. Erie St. Admission: $20, children 12 and under free. Visit driehausmuseum.org.
Movies
- Actress Lesley Ann Warren hosts a screening of “Clue: The Movie,” a cult comedy based on the popular board game. As the original Miss Scarlet, Warren will share behind-the-scenes stories and take part in a Q&A. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Studebaker Theater, Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Admission: $64.50+. Visit fineartsbuilding.com.
Family fun
- “Gabby’s Dollhouse Live” is a new stage show inspired by the magical world of Gabby and her cat friends. Actors and puppets bring Gabby’s world to life along with songs from the preschool series such as “Hey Gabby” and “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me.” At 4 p.m. Nov. 16 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets: $47+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- “Which Instrument Should I Play” features children’s songwriter-performer Justin Roberts, conductor Andrew Grams and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in an investigation of the instruments that make up an orchestra. For ages 5-12. At 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Nov. 15 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: $25+. Visit cso.org.
Holiday happenings
- Illumination: Tree Lights features 20 dazzling light and music displays, highlighting the beauty of trees in winter along a one-mile walking trail. Plus special events such as IllumiBrew, Electric Illumination and more. From Nov. 14-Jan. 3 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. Rt. 52, Lisle. Admission price varies, children 3 and under free. Visit mortonarb.org.
- The Chicago Botanic Garden’s enchanting Lightscape fills the garden grounds with twinkling lights, curated displays and lively music. This year’s edition features the return of a fan favorite from the event’s debut year and new installations from around the world. Nov. 14-Jan. 4 at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Admission: $16-$39, ages 2 and under free. Visit chicagobotanic.org.
- Center on Halsted debuts its Fa La La Fabulous Holiday Market, which features local vendors and more than 40 artisans from the LGBTQIA+ and ally community. From 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15 at 3656 N. Halsted St. Admission: $5 suggested donation. Visit centeronhalsted.org.
- Randolph Street Holiday Market includes more than 125 vendors with vintage décor, fashion, estate jewelry, retro furnishings, handmade gifts and more. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 15-16 and Dec. 13-14 at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. Admission: $12. Visit randolphstreetmarket.com.