The House Theatre of Chicago Presents THE NUTCRACKER This Holiday Season

The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer with its sixth annual return of the all-original, family-friendly The Nutcracker playing at the The Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division, tonight, November 5 - December 31. The show created by Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O'Donnell and Tommy Rapley. Company Member Rapley reprises his role as director and choreographer of the holiday production based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's story. Previews take place November 5 - 12 following the regular schedule, excluding matinees. The press opening is Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Additional holiday weekend performances are Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 27 at 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m.. NOTE: The House hosts a family-friendly New Year's Eve extravaganza following the closing 7 p.m. performance December 31 and will last until 1:00am. Tickets to the New Year's Eve Extravaganza go on sale Thursday, Nov. 5. Preview tickets are $15 with regular run tickets $25 - $45. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $10 for all dates, based on availability. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com.

The House's fantastical expansion of this holiday classic centers on young Clara's journey to celebrate Christmas in the face of grief after the death of her brother. With the help of a magical nutcracker, this brave little girl will fight the Rat King and save her family. The House's modern holiday theatrical production weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original song and spellbinding spectacle to tell a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope -- a fun outing fit for the whole family.

The House's original play version of The Nutcracker has become a Chicago Holiday tradition for many families. It premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in 2007 under the Visiting Company Initiative and enjoyed highly acclaimed new productions at The House from 2010 through 2014, as well as simultaneous 2012 productions in Chicago and Miami.

About the New Year's Eve Extravaganza:

Following the closing performance Thursday, Dec. 31, The House hosts a family-friendly New Year's Eve Extravaganza. The party features music from House Company members, led by Kevin O'Donnell, a dance floor, full table-top and party game room, photo booth and savory and sweet eats and drinks. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, Nov. 5.