Books | New Year’s Eve 2012 events

Jeff Turner and Daniel Clarkson star in Potted Potter, a spoof of all seven Harry Potter books.

The Chimes
Tired of A Christmas Carol? Check out Remy Bumppo’s adaptation of a lesser-known Charles Dickens Christmas story, The Chimes, performed by artistic director Nick Sandys. It has all the Dickensian elements: grotesque characters, gloom, moral lessons and hopeful realizations to warm the Scrooge-iest heart. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave (773-404-7336). 4pm; $20.

Potted Potter: A Harry Potter Parody
Whether you’re an HP fanatic or don’t know a bludger from a boggart, you’ll be entertained by this 70-minute parody of all seven books in the series. Written and performed by BBC TV hosts Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the fast-paced show features witty banter, songs and more costume changes than you can shake a wand at. Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph Dr (312-334-7777). 4pm; $40.

2nd Story
Close the chapter on 2012 with a night of lively storytelling. The special NYE package includes stories by Julia Borcherts, Eric Hazen, Earliana McLaurin and Darwyn Jones, plus live music and a complimentary drink and Champagne toast. Morseland, 1218 W Morse Ave (773-217-8679). 7pm; $50, advance $40.