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Geeks on end
Trekkies, wookies and Nintendos are invading concert halls, clubs and comedy venues near you.
Star Wars in Concert
The Force will be with you as will film paraphernalia, costumed nerd children and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at this musical homage to arguably the greatest sci-fi film ever made. Performing selections from all six Star Wars films, the orchestra is backed by film clips on gigantic screens. Expect a near sold-out crowd and an almost oppressive amount of film-trivia banter ricocheting around the stadium. United Center, 1901 W Madison St (312-455-4500). Sun 6 at 1pm and 6pm; $39.50–$85.
Improvised Star Trek
Space was never intended to be the final comedic frontier, but Improvised Star Trek is about to change that. Using all of Star Trek’s cheesiest plot devices (we’re talking mind control, alien encounters, time travel and a healthy serving of interplanetary drama), the six-person troupe creates a new “episode” each week based on audience suggestion. Come prepared to boldly go where no man has gone before. Improv Olympics, 3541 N Clark St (773-880-0199). Sat 5 at 11:59pm, $5.
Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy
Playing all 13 Final Fantasy games isn’t enough; now you can get a musical preview of the 14th installment. Performed by the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra and Festival Choir, the concert will feature works from the not-yet-released Final Fantasy 14 as well as fan favorites from previous games. Video and art stills will accompany on a huge-ass screen, too. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont (847-671-5100). Dec 12 at 8pm, $19–$150.
I Fight Dragons
If the theory that video games rot the brain were true, I Fight Dragons would be all-star burnouts. Transforming OG Nintendo accessories into musical instruments, the six-piece indie rock ensemble uses traditional instruments, sound effects from 8-bit video games and new instruments jerry-rigged from Powerpads and SNES game controllers to create legitimately good music that just happens to be inspired by Super Mario and Mega Man. The band performs with Cobalt and the Hired Guns. Metro, 3730 N Clark St (773-549-0203). Dec 12 at 9pm, $11.
