Joffrey's 'Nutcracker' Dec. 5-28
The Joffrey Ballet will celebrate the 27th annual presentation of Robert Joffrey's The Nutcracker in a 24-performance engagement at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., on Dec. 5-28.
Joffrey Ballet Co-Founder Gerald Arpino contributed to Robert Joffrey's version, having choreographed the Land of the Snow scene, which closes Act I, and the Waltz of the Flowers in Act II.
The full Joffrey company is joined onstage by local children's choruses and over 118 young dancers from Chicago and beyond. The Chicago Philharmonic, which Scott Speck conducts, provides live accompaniment of the classic Tchaikovsky score for every performance.
Tickets are $32-$134; stop by the box office, call 800- 982-2787 or visit www.ticketmaster.com .
Joel Hall receives achievement award
Among the highlights of the recent African American Arts Alliance's 14th Annual Black Excellence Awards show at the DuSable Museum was the presentation of the "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Chicago dance icon Joel Hall, the founder of Joel Hall Dancers & Center.
The accolade recognized Joel Hall's enduring dedication to his artistic craft and innumerable international achievements in dance, extending more than four decades in the Chicago arts community.
"Joel is a pioneer," said Jackie Taylor, president of the African American Arts Alliance board of directors. "He is nationally and internationally recognized. Who better to recognize than someone who has added to the development of the arts in our community. He is legendary."
Additional information about Joel Hall Dancers & Center may be found at joelhall.org .
Chicago Artists Chorale's inaugural concert Dec. 16
The Chicago Artists Choralea new group of more than 50 members primarily from the area's theater communitywill present its inaugural concert Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St.
Led by Artistic Director Tom Vendafreddo, the chorale is the brainchild of Associate Artistic Director Devin DeSantis. For the concert, the group will perform works by Britten, Mozart, Paletrina, Viadana, Lauridsen and Northfield composer Gary Fry, among others.
Tickets may be purchased online for $25 at www.brownpapertickets.com, or at the door for $30. ( Tickets are $10 for students and members of the theater industry. ) For more information, email the chorale at chicagoartistschorale@gmail.com .
'Foiled Again' Dec. 6-20 at Davenport's
The 15th annual "Foiled Again"an irreverent look at some holiday classics and an introduction to some soon-to-be classicswill take place three consecutive Saturdays ( Dec. 6, 13 and 20 ) at 8 p.m. at Davenport's, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The first show ( Dec.6 ) will feature the cabaret-jazz duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael. The Dec. 13 "Foiled Again" welcomes Meghan "Big Red" Murphy and her holiday stylings. Lastly, on Dec. 20, parody writer Miriam Plotkin will be honored with some Hanukkah tunes.
A portion of each evening's profits will go to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Admission is $20, with a two-drink minimum; visit www.DavenportsPianoBar.com .