There’s so much to do in our neck of the Old Northwest Territory! Here are some fun events coming up this season.
June
“Some Enchanted Evening”
Through July 22, check website for days/times. Revue featuring songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein shows like Carousel, The King & I, Oklahoma!, more. Presented by Fox Valley Repertory (FVR). Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
Route 66
Through Aug. 19, check website for days/times. Rowdy Chicago service station attendants take a road trip filled with mischief, dance and music, featuring hits like “King of the Road,” “I Get Around,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Route 66.” Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
The Blues: From the Heart and Soul
Through Aug. 19, museum hours. A behind-the-scenes look at blues through memorabilia from Chicago blues legend “Barrelhouse” Chuck Goering of Libertyville. Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Road, Wauconda, (847) 968-3400, LakeCountyDiscoveryMuseum.org.
Kashmir
June 27, 5-10 p.m. This popular Led Zeppelin cover band performs. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.museum.org.
You Can’t Take It With You
June 29-July 1, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The Sycamores are artsy, eccentric and happy; the Kirbys are proper, uptight and dour. Brought together by an engagement, the families clash hilariously. Elgin Theatre Company, Kimball Street Theater, Dundee Avenue & Kimball, Elgin Academy, Elgin, (847) 741-0532, elgin-theatre.org.
Buckwheat Zydeco
June 28, 5-10 p.m. This group rocks with its Cajun & Creole party music. Naper Settlement, Naperville, napersettlement.museum.org.
U.S. Army Field Band
June 28, 8 p.m. Free. This internationally recognized band plays country, rock and pop. No ticket required.
Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
Legally Blonde: The Musical
June 29-30, July 1, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. See Elle conquer Harvard, in the production of the smash hit Broadway musical based on the smash hit film. Rising Star Theatreworks, Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, risingstartheatre.org.
Into the Woods
June 29-July 8, see website for times. In James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s fractured musical fairytale, classic characters like Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel get their wishes, but face disastrous consequences. From Natural Talent Productions. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Fox Valley Orchestra
June 30, 7:30 p.m. The Fox Valley Orchestra and Fox Valley Concert Band, Colin Holman conductor, play the music of favorite movies and musicals. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Tickets: foxvalleyorchestra.org.
July
Lee Murdock
July 6, 7 p.m. This folk singer’s original songs reflect everything from ancient Celtic harp melodies to contemporary American music. First Friday Concert Series. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
Circo Comedia
July 6, 7:30 p.m. This duo from Montreal performs acrobatic tricks, daring feats and magic, with unpredictable thrills and side-splitting comedy. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
St. Charles Summer Theater Festival
July 6-22, various venues, times. For the second year, the community’s creative charm is condensed into three weekends of concerts, dramas, new play-readings and interactive art demonstrations. (800) 777-4373, summertheaterfest.org.
New Odyssey
July 7, 7 p.m. Three guys on 30 instruments play every style from Beethoven to contemporary music, mixed with original comedy. Free. Summer Breeze Concert series. Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center grounds, Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Yeah, But …
July 11-12, 7 p.m. Vince Carney Community Theatre’s (VCCT) Carney Kids present a summer camp mystery written by some of its own troupe members. VCCT, Paddock Memorial Hall, Hickory Grove Complex, 1127 N. 7th St., Rochelle, (815) 764-2287, vcctrochelle.org.
Private Eyes
July 12-14, 19-21, 7:30 p.m., July 22, 2 p.m. This hilarious thriller has everyone guessing whether what they see is real, as the audience plays detective. Stage Coach Players Theatre, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Nashville Backstage Series: A Country Cabaret
July 13, 8 p.m. An insider’s look at songwriting from Gary Burr, Georgia Middleman and Jim Photogolo, whose songs have been sung by the likes of Keith Urban, Christina Aguilera and other stars, along with stories behind the hits. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Retro on the Rock Fest
July 14, 2:30-10 p.m. Hear four great bands: Hey Jimmy, ARRA, Chasing the Day, Village People. Part of Downtown Alive! Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Jin and Tonic
July 14, 7 p.m. With a seven-piece band and three power vocalists, this is one of the premier country bands performing in the Midwest today. Free. Summer Breeze Concert series. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Red Stick Ramblers
July 14, 8 p.m. This Louisiana band plays a mix of Cajun fiddle tunes, Western Swing and traditional jazz of the 1920s and 1930s. Ramsey Auditorium, Fermilab, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Tom Paxton
July 14, 8 p.m. This singer/songwriter has a been a force in the folk music industry since the 1960s. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Kevin Costner & Modern West
July 14, 8 p.m. The actor performs original and cover songs with the country rock band that he formed in 2007. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
53rd Naperville Woman’s Club Art Fair
July 14-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Annual event, with children’s activity tent, entertainment and food available. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, napervillewomensclub.com.
Jam on the Fox Music Fest
July 18, 2:30-10 p.m. Hear four great bands for one low price: Red Woody, Heartsfield, Georgia Satellites, last TBA. Part of Downtown Alive! Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Big Brother & the Holding Company
July 20, 8 p.m. Original members of the band that made Janis Joplin famous, performing hits like “Down on Me,” “Hall of the Mountain King.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Seussical Jr.
July 20-22, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7 p.m., “Oh, the thinks you can think,” when Dr. Seuss’s best-loved stories collide and cavort in this Broadway adaptation for young performers. From Woodstock Summer Theatre. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Footloose
July 20-22, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. From Fox Valley Park District. Tony-nominated hit musical of the hit 1984 film about Ren, who leads a campaign to bring dancing back to his small town. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
July 20-Aug. 5, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. Musical comedy based on Charles Shulz’s beloved comic strip characters. SecondSpace Theatre, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin, (847) 697-1000, elgin.edu.
The Flat Cats
July 21, 7 p.m. This six-member group plays jazz and blues, contemporary classics and timeless standards. Free. Summer Breeze Concert series. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Disney’s High School Musical
July 21-Aug. 5, see website for days/times. Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble brings the hit film to life onstage. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
July 27-28, Aug. 3-4, 8 p.m. Schaumburg Summer Theatre: This Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy follows window washer Finch as he fights his way up the corporate ladder, with only his wits, his faithful and loving secretary and one little rulebook. Hear hit songs such as “I Believe in You,” “The Brotherhood of Man.” Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
July 27-28, Aug. 3-4, 8 p.m., July 29, 2 p.m. In this Tony-Award winning musical comedy, the lesson learned (hilariously) is that winning isn’t everything and losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. VCCT, Rochelle, vcctrochelle.org.
Woodstock Mozart Festival
July 28, 8 p.m.; July 29, 3 p.m. David Schrader plays and conducts an early Mozart concerto, a later Mozart concerto, and the 29th Symphony. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (630) 983-7072, mozartfest.org.
Rosie! A Tribute …
July 28, 8 p.m. A musical telling of singer Rosemary Clooney’s life and career, spanning 40 years, written and performed by Heather Moran. Includes hits like “Mambo Italiano” and “Come On-a My House.” Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
Geneva Arts Fair
July 28-July 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Outdoor juried gallery of fine art photography, pottery, textiles, printmaking, glass, jewelry, watercolor and oil/acrylic/pastels from national artists. Downtown Geneva,
(630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.
August
Will Krueger
Aug. 3, 7 p.m. This singer/songwriter music rings of Peter, Paul & Mary; Simon & Garfunkel; John Denver. First Friday Concert Series. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Ringwood, mccdistrict.org.
Pat Travers Band
Aug. 3, 8 p.m. This Canadian-born blues/rocker has been entertaining audiences since the 1970s. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Woodstock Mozart Festival
Aug. 4-5, 8 & 3 p.m. Violinists Vesna and Igor Gruppman (Igor will play and conduct from his Stradivarius) perform Bach, Grieg, Mahler and their Grammy-winning Malcolm Arnold’s Concerto for Two Violins. Woodstock Opera House, (630) 983-7072, mozartfest.org.
Mike Toomey’s TV & Me
Aug. 4, 8 p.m. See how the role television played in this comedian’s childhood has shaped his adult life. With over 200 slides and sound bites from TV shows and his dead-on impressions of celebrities. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
Draw the Line
Aug. 4, 8 p.m. Boston-based tribute band for Aerosmith and AC/DC; costume changes, authentic instruments. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
FVR: Sirens: A Modern Romantic Comedy
Aug. 6-Oct. 7, check website for days/times. Empty-nesters are on a honeymoon cruise when the husband hears the mythological sirens’ call. Will he jump ship on his marriage? Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
Collider
July 7-21, Saturday 1 p.m. A world premiere of staged readings, the result of a program partnering playwrights from around the country with scientists from Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory. Part of St. Charles Summer Theatre Fest. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
Guys & Dolls
Aug. 9-11, 14-18, 8 p.m.; Aug. 11-12, 18-19, 2 p.m.; Aug. 12, 7 p.m. The classic Damon Runyon Broadway fable, about the oldest established permanent floating craps game in New York. Featuring two sets of cast and crew, youth and adult; check website for specific performances. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, (815) 758-1940.
The Best of Second City
Aug. 10-11, 8 p.m. Chicago’s best-loved comedy group with its raucous comedy and trademark improv. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
The Fantasticks
Aug. 10-26, Thu-Sat, 8 p.m. , Sun. 3 p.m. Williams Street Repertory. Longest-running musical ever, the ultimate boy-meets-girl story, with the well-known hit, “Try To Remember.” Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
The Voices
Aug. 11, 7 p.m. Rated the No. 1 Motown and R&B Tribute group in the Midwest, singing legendary hits from Barry White, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, more. Free. Summer Breeze Concert series. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
Woodstock Mozart Festival
Aug. 11-12, 8 & 3 p.m. Dutch conductor Arthur Arnold accompanies Grammy Award-winning oboist Alex Klein in Mozart’s Oboe Concerto and a Brazilian choro version of Paganini’s 24th Caprice, Choro no Capricho. Playel’s 1st Symphony and Schubert’s 5th complete the program. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (630) 983-7072.
Heartache Tonight
Aug. 18, 7 p.m. This popular six-member group covers all of the Eagles’ greatest hits with soaring harmonies and dynamic musicianship. Free. Summer Breeze Concert series. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Howard Levy
Aug. 18, 8 p.m. This Grammy winner is acknowledged as one of the best chromatic harmonica players around. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
ARRA
Aug. 24, 5-10 p.m. Rock band covering Journey, Stone Temple Pilots, Queensryche, Def Leppard, Creed, Eddie Money, Lynard Synard, Rick Springfield, Toto, more. Naper Settlement, Naperville, napersettlement.museum.org.
Happy Together Tour
Aug. 24, 8 p.m. Hear The Turtles, Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Al Stewart
Aug. 25, 5-10 p.m. This 1970s-’80s folk/rock star performs hits like “Year of the Cat,” “Time Passages.” Naper Settlement, Naperville, napersettlement.museum.org.
The Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Chicago
Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Broadway favorites and light classics, with exceptional vocalists and 35-piece ensemble conducted by Frank Winkler. Free. Summer Breeze Concert series. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Aug. 26, 8 p.m. This celebrated country/bluegrass artist has won 26 of the 41 Grammy Awards she’s been up for, most recently, Best Bluegrass Album 2011. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com. ❚
September
Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival
Sept. 2-3, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Its 36th year. Eight stages with more than 30 national artists perform folk music, storytelling, folk dance and folk arts. Sunday barn dance & ghost stories. Island Park, Geneva, (630) 897-3655, foxvalleyfolk.com.
The Dining Room
Sept. 6-8, 14-15, 8 p.m. , Sept. 2 p.m. A series of overlapping vignettes of family life, poignant, dramatic and humorous, set in the dining room. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, (815) 758-1940.
Rodney Carrington
Sept. 8, 8 p.m. Multi-talented comedian, actor, and writer, star of his own sitcom for two seasons on ABC, performs his popular, interactive comedy. Rated R. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Ed Asner as FDR
Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. This recipient of 16 Emmy nominations and seven Awards, five Golden Globes and TV Academy Hall of Famer, in the solo performance drama based on the Broadway hit Sunrise at Campobello. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
A Change in the Air: ESO Classics
Sept. 8-9, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun 2:30 p.m. Dorian Wilson, guest conductor, Joyce Yang, pianist. Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s 63rd season opener. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: ESO (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Grease
Sept. 12-Oct. 7, see website for times. The fabulous record-breaking musical tribute to the ’50s, with songs “Greased Lightning,” “Summer Lovin’.” Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Three Dog Night
Sept. 14, 8 p.m. The power group of the ’70s, with hits like “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “Joy to the World,” “One.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
The Sunshine Boys
Sept. 14-Oct. 7, set website for times. Al Lewis and Willie Clark played vaudeville as a team for 43 years, but mutual dislike has kept them far apart for the last 11. Now CBS wants them to appear in A History of Comedy and their reunion sparks delirious comedy. Neil Simon hit. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Three Faces of the King
Sept. 15, 8 p.m. A tribute to Elvis, with Cody Slaughter of the Million Dollar Quartet tour as ’50s Elvis, Shawn Klush, first Ultimate Elvis contest-winner from Graceland doing the Las Vegas years, and Chicago’s own Rick Saucedo for the come-back special.. Arcada, St. Charles (630) 587-8400.
Kansas
Sept. 21, 8 p.m. This 1970s rock band became popular with hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Arcada, St. Charles (630) 587-8400.
4th Annual Elgin Short Film Festival
Sept. 22, 7-9 p.m. Area filmmakers compete for cash prizes. The top five films from various genres will be presented, and winners selected by a panel of judges and audience votes. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Branford Marsalis
Sept. 22, 8 p.m. Though first and foremost a jazz musician, world-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis has established himself as one of today’s most versatile jazz musicians. Arcada, St. Charles (630) 587-8400.
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Sept. 30, 2 & 5 p.m. Gather in unison with more than 100,000 people in more than 250 cities to view and vote on the finalists’ films for this special worldwide event. Arcada, St. Charles (630) 587-8400.