Chi-Town Countdown: 15 things to do, Nov. 15-30, 2009

The big bird beckons come Thanksgiving day, but the second half of November also boasts local shows from three big Chicago acts, sublime Jewish cooking and singing with the von Trapps! And that’s just the start of it.

Presenting Chicago Beat’s picks for 15 things to do the rest of the month.

1.  “For The Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism” (Nov. 16-19): Chicago’s mighty clan of film critics –  Roger Ebert, Michael Phillips (The Trib), Michael Wilmington (formerly at The Trib) and Jonathan Rosenbaum (formerly The Reader) – are among those featured in this documentary, the directorial debut of Boston Phoenix critic Gerald Peary. Thursday’s your last day to see it. Gene Siskel Film Center. 164 N. State St. 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. nightly through Nov. 19. $5-10. 

2. R. Kelly (Nov. 17-18): Chicago’s controversial R&B icon frees himself from the closet with this one-two punch at the Auditorium Theatre. By the way, ever wondered what R. Kelly’s crib would look like? This fun A.V. Chicago article takes you inside his old Chicago home. 50 E. Congress Parkway. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17, 8 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 18. $48-$78. Buy tickets here.  

3. “Carnival Nocturne” (Nov. 19): The mime-like theatrics of Chicago’s Silent Theatre Company come alive again in this carnival-like spectacle the company claims “combines the styles of Tim Burton and Edward Gorey.” DCA Theater’s Storefront Theater. 66 E. Randolph. Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (excluding Thanksgiving) and Sundays at 3 p.m. through Dec. 20. $10-$20. Tickets here. 

4. The Pixies (Nov. 19): One of indie rock’s most influential outfits have got something special in store for their fans, play their masterwork “Doolittle”, start to finish, live, in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Two of the Chicago shows are already sold out, but there are still spots for Thursday’s gig. Aragon Ballroom. 1106 W. Lawrence. 7:30 p.m. $44.75. Tickets here.

5. Ahmed Ahmed (Nov. 20): The Egypt-born, California-raised Arab stand-up – a star player in “Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show” and the “Axis of Evil” comedy tour – rags on racism and stereotypes in post 9/11 America. Loyola University Chicago’s Mundelein Center Auditorium (Rogers Park Campus). 7:30 p.m. $15 for non-Loyola students.

6. “All Tomorrow’s Parties” (Nov. 20): Mini-versions of this 10-year-old English, sponsor-free, artist-curated alternative rock fest, founded by Belle and Sebastian’s Barry Hogan, have made their way to Chicago’s Pitchfork Festival in the past, with artists such as Sonic Youth and Public Enemy playing their greatest albums from start to finish. This doc, making its city premiere, compiles documentary footage and video shot by attendees to present ATP performances by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Iggy and the Stooges, Patti Smith and others. Directed by Jonathan Caouette, who made the revelatory and revealing documentary “Tarnation.” Facets Cinémathéque. 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. 11:30 p.m. $9, free for Facets members.

7. “The Mystery of Irma Vep” at Court Theatre (Nov. 20): A Gothic melodrama played for guffaws, with two actors, Erik Hellman and Chris Sullivan, occupying several diverse roles between them. Nov. 20 is the last day you can catch the show for preview prices ($32 gen admission) before the official run, when it costs $56 per general admission ticket. Court Theatre. 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Through Dec. 20. Wednesdays-Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Some alterations throughout the run; click here for a full schedule and to buy tickets. 

8. Poi Dog Pondering (Nov. 20-21): Pop outfit Poi Dog Pondering may have an international, eclectic sound, but the band’s local, having picked up the best rock/pop act title from the Chicago Readers’ poll this year. They perform a pair of hometown shows at The Vic. 3145 N. Sheffield. 8 p.m. $22.50. Tickets here.

9. “Tasting Tradition: Tales at the Table of Jewish Culture” (Nov. 23): Kosher chef Laura Frankel (Wolfgang Puck) does her thing in the kitchen, and Serendipity Theatre Collective’s 2nd Story share stories of high holiday traditions, food being an integral part. Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. 610 S. Michigan Ave. 6:30 p.m. $36. Ticket sales end Nov. 19; call 312-442-3800 to make your reservation.

10. Kid Sister (Nov. 25): Kanye’s Chicago-area protege (birth name Melissa Young) hits the House of Blues behind her oft-delayed, critically-acclaimed debut album “Ultraviolet.” Also performing is DJ duo Flosstradamus featuring J2K – Sister’s younger brother Josh Young. 329 N. Dearborn. 6:30 p.m. $16-$18. Tickets here. 

11. Ezra Furman and the Harpoons (Nov. 27): This folk-gone-electric alt rock outfit lead by Evanston native Furman made its mark with a pair of records on Chicago label Minty Fresh. That deal’s done, but the group’s still offering up good tunes (gotta listen to “Take Off Your Sunglasses”), including customized tracks for every person that buys the band’s new album “Moon Face: Bootlegs and Road Recordings 2006-2009.” Good luck with that Ezra. Double Door. 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. 9 p.m. $10-$12. Tickets here.

12. John Williams Movie Music Spectacular (Nov. 27-29): The menace of “Jaws,” the sweep of “Star Wars,” the adventure of “Indiana Jones” – they all owe so much to John Williams, the man behind those landmark films’ unforgettable scores (and many others). The legendary composer conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through a concert of other equally impressive film scores for David Lean classics – “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” “Dr. Zhivago,” “Lawrence of Arabia” and others – as well as a suite from his exquisite “Harry Potter” scores. Actors Michael York and Holland Taylor narrate. Symphony Center. 220 S. Michigan Ave. 8 p.m. Nov. 27-28; 3 p.m. Nov. 29. $45-$179. Tickets here.

13. Sing-a-Long “Sound of Music” (Nov. 27-29): Tired of doing the Time Warp? Feeling walled in by “The Room”? Then get your interactive movie experience fix with the Music Box’s annual tradition, complete with special prop kits, subtitles on the screen (so you don’t forget the words), and a costume contest. 3733 N. Southport Ave. 7 p.m. Nov. 27 and 28; 1:30 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29. $12-$15. Tickets available here.

 14. “A Fight Club for One” (Nov. 29): Hard to have a show about fighting when you’ve only got one performer. But that’s not stopping Chicago-raised comedian/actor Erick Esteban, who recounts his history of fights growing up on the West side. Note to readers: Yes, I understand I’m breaking the number one rule of Fight Club, but how else are you going to find out about this show? Lakeshore Theater. 3175 N. Broadway. 7 p.m. $15-20. Tickets here. 

15. Jackie Hoffman: Whining In The Windy City, Holiday Edition (Nov. 30): Second City alum Hoffman is back in Chicago for the pre-Broadway run of The Addams Family, a new musical starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. But while the rest of the cast and crew will be relaxing on their Mondays, Hoffman’s going to be on stage with her one-woman musical comedy show. Her primary target: the holidays. Royal George Theatre. 1641 N. Halsted. 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 21. $25. Tickets here.