Find out more about events happening in Chicago this week: The 54th Annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards, ‘Annie’ at the Paramount Theatre, Evanston Flying Turkey 5K Walk/Run, the Brian Setzer Orchestra at Horseshoe Casino, Mercado Navideño 2012, ScrapArtsMusic at Harris Theater and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at Victory Gardens.
54th Annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards
Nov. 18: Salute the locals who keep us informed at the Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards. Hosted by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper (above) and held at Alhambra Palace restaurant, the 54th annual event honors regional on-air and behind-the-scenes talent in the broadcast industry. This year’s nominees include WLS-AM’s Roe Conn, WGCI-FM/WKSC-FM’s Nina Chantele, the team behind WLS-TV’s “Windy City Live,” Blackhawks exec Patrick J. Dahl (Steve’s son) and many other local luminaries. Open to the public, tickets $125 for members, $145 for nonmembers. 4:30 p.m. cocktails, 5:30 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. awards. Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph. Learn more at Chicagoemmyonline.org.
Roe Conn
Nina Chantele
‘Annie’ at the Paramount Theatre
Nov. 21–Dec. 30: Not since Dorothy and Toto have a little girl and her dog won the hearts of audiences as thoroughly as Little Orphan Annie and Sandy. The musical version of the long-running comic strip debuted on Broadway in 1977, and hundreds of revivals and a feature film later, her message that “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” still resonates. This latest production is helmed by award-winning Chicago director Rachel Rockwell, whose credits include much-lauded renditions of “Ragtime” and “The Sound of Music.” Tickets $34.90 to $46.90. Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena, Aurora. Call (630) 896-6666 or visit ParamountAurora.com.
Evanston Flying Turkey 5K Walk/Run
Nov. 22: Work up an appetite for turkey and exercise your philanthropic spirit at the second annual Evanston Flying Turkey 5K Walk/Run. The first 2,000 registrants get a swag bag filled with a commemorative sweatshirt plus goods from sponsors such as Whole Foods Evanston and Chicago Athlete Magazine. Participants can bring along nonperishable food items, which will be donated to the Harvest Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. Registration: $30 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and younger. For more information or to sign up visit Evanstonflying5k.com.
Brian Setzer Orchestra at Horseshoe Casino
Nov. 23: Seems every musical artist out there has cut a Christmas album at some point, and while for some it seems a stretch, for rockabilly-turned-swing interpreter Brian Setzer, performing holiday numbers is a natural fit. Whether rendering his signature hits, pumping out classic tracks or delivering his own contributions to the seasonal catalog, the Grammy winner displays old-school musicianship with Vegas-style flash and a rock star’s go-for-broke virtuosity. Tickets $30-$68.50. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center, Hammond, Ind. Visit Ticketmaster.com.
Mercado Navideño 2012
Nov. 23-25: If the thought of braving Black Friday at the mall has you in cold sweats, travel off the beaten shopping path and check out this annual Christmas market at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Whether hunting for stocking stuffers or something more substantial, the Mercado Navideño offers textiles, paintings, pottery, figurines and jewelry, all crafted by artists from throughout Mexico, plus plenty of books devoted to Mexican culture and cuisine. While you’re there, see what’s up in the galleries: admission to both the market and the museum is free. 1852 W. 19th, (312) 738-1503, Nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
ScrapArtsMusic
Nov. 24-25: In addition to celebrating tap dance in myriad forms, Chicago Human Rhythm Project has long championed all things percussive. Since 2005, it has been an ambassador of tap, showcasing companies from Japan, Israel, Spain, Brazil and Mexico here in Chicago. Next up is ScrapArtsMusic, a determinedly feisty outfit from Vancouver. Founded by Gregory Kozak and Justine Murdy, the ensemble conjures compelling sound from invented instruments spun from things like accordion parts, artillery shells, dishwasher hoses and bagpipe reeds. Tickets $15-$55. Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph; Harristheaterchicago.org.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at Victory Gardens
Nov. 23–Dec. 30: It may be missing Jimmy Stewart, but George Bailey, Mary, Uncle Billy and Mr. Potter are all present in the American Blues Theater’s unique version of Frank Capra’s 1946 flick. Using sound effects, an original score and a cast of eight portraying 39 characters, the show is performed before microphones, as if the actors are reading the script over the radio. With this refreshingly clever concept, the production captures the sweet sentiment that has made the film a Christmas classic. Previews Nov. 23-25; runs Nov. 29-30. Tickets $19-$49. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, (773) 871-3000; Americanbluestheater.com.
—Thomas Connors
