There’s so much to do in our neck of the Old Northwest Territory! Here are some fun events coming up this season.
October
Doktor Kaboom
Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m. & noon. Wild hair, orange lab coat, goofy goggles. His mission: to get kids interested in science. A show packed with wild experiments, student participation and fun lessons. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Mark Twain and the Laughing River
Oct. 4, 7 p.m. The wit and wisdom of American humorist comes alive as Jim Post blends his skills as storyteller, actor, historian and musician, with original script and songs. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Not Now, Darling
Oct. 4-6, 11-13, 8 p.m.; Oct. 14, 2 p.m. A zany British farce, full of mobsters, mistresses and mink coats. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Potts and Pans
Oct. 5, 7-8:30 p.m. Talented regional musicians perform on the patio. Bring a picnic if you wish and a lawn chair. Indoor venue for rain. First Friday Concert Series, Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
“Nashville Backstage: A Country Cabaret”
Oct. 5, 8 p.m. Songwriters Jim Photoglo and Craig Carothers, who have written hits for stars like Alabama, Shania Twain and Kathy Mattea, share the stories behind the hits and perform them. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Crazy For You
Oct. 5-27, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. A 1930s well-to-do playboy ignores his mother and fiancée to pursue his dream to dance to a small Nevada town, where he meets the girl of his dreams. Gershwin tunes include “I Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You.” Woodstock Musical Theatre Company, Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
ESO Masterclass: Elena Urioste, violin
Oct. 6, 10-11:30 a.m. This winner of the Greenfield Competition at age 13, who has soloed with major orchestras throughout the U.S., offers a Master Class prior to her performance with ESO. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Improv Saturdays
Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Unscripted comedy a la “Whose Line is it Anyway?” from GreenRoom Productions. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Brooks Family Dynasty
Oct. 6, 8 p.m. Chicago’s “first family of blues” blends swampy bayou rhythms, hard rockin’ style and the from-the-gut powerful riffs. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
An Evening With Amy Grant (Sold Out)
Oct. 6, 8 p.m. The first contemporary Christian artist to earn a platinum record, score a No. 1 pop hit and perform at the Grammys. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
The Original Crickets
Oct. 6, 8 p.m. The Crickets are a rock & roll band from Lubbock, Texas, formed by singer/songwriter Buddy Holly in the 1950s. For tickets and information please call (630) 962-7000. Tickets can also be ordered on line. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
ESO: “Night of Enchantment”
Oct. 6-7, Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Andres Franco, conductor; Elena Urioste, violin. Hemmens, 45, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
The Go Go’s With Belinda Carlisle
Oct. 7, 7 p.m. These girls helped to cement the foundation of the early ’80s pop-rock sound with original hits like “We Got the Beat,” “Vacation,” “Our Lips Are Sealed.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Prog Night, with Three Friends,
Neal Morse & District 97
Oct. 12, 7 p.m. An evening of progressive rock. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Capitol Steps
Oct. 12, 8 p.m. Former Capitol Hill staffers satirically skewer all things political, with hilarious song lampoons and outrageous impersonations. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Oct. 12-13, 19-20, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Washington Irving’s time-honored tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Albright Theatre Company, 100 N. Island Ave., 3rd Floor, Batavia, (630) 406-8838, albrighttheatre.com.
The Woman in Black
Oct. 12-28, check Web site for days/times. A London lawyer hires an actor to help recount a story to family and friends that has troubled him since he attended the funeral of an elderly recluse. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, pheasantrun.com.
Tap
Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. This cast of award-winning dancers and singers travels seamlessly over decades of styles from Broadway and big band to world music and pop/rock. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Dana Carvey
Oct. 13, 8 p.m. Hear stand-up comedy from the actor known for his work on SNL and as Garth in the Wayne’s World franchise, among other TV and movie credits. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Tributosaurus: Crosby, Stills & Nash
Oct. 13, 8 p.m. This group of Chicago-area studio musicians and vocalists recreate, note-for-note, classic songs from great artists. This time, it’s CSN, with songs like “Teach Your Children,” “Our House,” Marrakesh Express.” Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
Welcome to the Haunted House
Oct. 13-28, Sat.-Sun., check website for times. When their bus breaks down, a group of junior high students and their teacher take refuge in an abandoned house and tell scary stories. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre, Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Sunday Afternoon Concert
Oct. 14, 2-3 p.m. Moises Bonella Cunha, a Brazilian violinist, and Toma Iliev, a Bulgarian violinist & pianist, will play Brazilian songs and Argentinian tangos. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 429-4680.
Footsteps: A Guided Tour
of Century Walk Art
Oct. 14, 2-3:30 p.m. Learn about the artists and inspiration behind the murals, mosaics, reliefs, mobiles and sculptures of the 10 pieces of Century Walk public art interspersed throughout downtown Naperville. 12/free for members. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.museum.org.
“Emily Post: Mistress of American Manners”
Oct. 18, 10 a.m. Biographer Laura Claridge provides new details about the events that governed Post’s life, including an unhappy marriage and scandalous divorce, and how Post converted social disgrace into triumph. Creative Living Series, Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl
Oct. 19, 8 p.m. Amazing choreography, superb showmanship and authentic wardrobes, made in Mexico, mark the performances by this nationally recognized dance troupe from Aurora. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
ESO: A Night in Havana
Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. Matthew Kraemer, conductor. Prairie Center, Schaumburg. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Nicholas Brooks
Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Hear this Batavia native, currently performing as Sammy Davis, Jr., in “The Rat Pack” national tour, sing a selection of favorite tunes. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, bataviafineartscentre.org.
ESO: “A Night in Havana”
Oct. 20-21, Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. Matthew Kraemer, conductor; Tiempo Libre, guest artists (Saturday only). Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
The Rocky Horror Show
Oct. 19-20, 25-27, 8 p.m. Dig out your fishnets, sharpen your stilettos and get read to do the “Time Warp” with the musical that launched a worldwide cult following. Presented by Williams Street Repertory. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
An Evening of Chicago Blue Grass
Oct. 20, 8 p.m. With Henhouse Prowlers. Benefit for Rotary Club and Bob Leonard – River Corridor Foundation. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
7th Heaven
Oct. 20, 8 p.m. This Chicago pop-rock group delivers a mix of favorite covers and original songs with a diversity of style clearly evident in their signature “30 Songs in 30 Minutes,” a potpourri of radio hits from the Beach Boys to Bon Jovi. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
Peter Pan
Oct. 25-26, 9:45 a.m.; Oct. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 28, 2 p.m. A brand new musical of J. M. Barrie’s classic tale of pirates, pixies and perpetual childhood from CTE. Tickets: cteelgin.com. Venue: Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Atlantic Harp Duo
Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Marta Power Luce and Elizabeth Jaxon enrich their music with the combined sonority of two harps. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Chris Errera
Oct. 26, 8 p.m. Undaunted by the diastrophic dwarfism that has affected him since birth, Schaumburg resident Errera plays original, intricate piano compositions that transcends any physical limitations. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
Michael Schenker Group Reunion
Oct. 26, 8 p.m. The former member of hard rock group UFO plays hits like “Armed and Ready” and “Tales of Mystery” with his new group and his half-black, half-white Gibson Flying V. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
In the Footsteps of Django
Oct. 27, 8 p.m. Music in the style of Django Reinhart, performed by Gypsy jazz masters Lulo Reinhart and Latin Swing Project, and Sebastirn Giniaux. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
ESO: “Halloween Spooktacular”
Oct. 28, 2 p.m. activities; 3:30 concert. Randal Swiggum, conductor. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Dracula
Oct. 28, 2 p.m. Master story teller Megan Wells brings Bram Stoker’s original terrifying gothic tale to life in this one-woman show. Woodstock Opera House, woodstockoperahouse.com.
November
Jay Ungar & Molly Mason
Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Best-known for “Ashokan Farewell” from “The Civil War” on PBS, these Grammy Award-winners play timeless American folk songs and traditional music. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200.
FVR: Defending the Caveman
Nov. 2-4, , Fri-Sat 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The longest-running solo play in Broadway history that reveals with laughter the misunderstandings between men and women. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, foxvalleyrep.org.
Blithe Spirit
Nov. 2-18, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. TownSquare Players present Noel Coward’s comedy about an engaged widower who is suddenly haunted by his past wife’s ghost. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Improv Saturdays
Nov. 3, 7 p.m. Unscripted comedy a la “Whose Line is it Anyway?” from GreenRoom Productions. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
The Scintas
Nov. 3, 8 p.m. Las Vegas’ biggest act, a variety show that leaves audiences delighted. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Natalie MacMaster
Nov. 3, 8 p.m. The award-winning fiddler mixes her Canadian roots with Scottish, Celtic and bluegrass music. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
Indigo Girls
Nov. 3, 8 p.m. This folk-rock duo have been performing together since high school, and scored in the ’80s with hits like “Closer to Fine,” “Least Complicated,” “Power of Two.” Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Gilbert Gottfried
Nov. 3, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. The former SNL cast member, whose voice-over work is heard in many commercials and animated work, performs. Must be age 21; two drink/food minimum. Zanies Comedy Club, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, stcharles.zanies.com.
11th Annual Showcase of Arts & Treasures
Nov. 3-4, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. From jewelry to holiday items to art work, browse through booths from many of the region’s most talented artists. Free admission. Concessions available. Barrington Fitness & Recreation Center, 235 Lions Dr., Barrington, (847) 381-0687, barringtonparkdistrict.org.
ESO: “Pictures at an Exhibition”
Nov. 3-4, Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. Rafael Payare, conductor. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Alan Jackson
Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. With guests David Nail, Casey James. This country superstar has sold more than 50 million albums and scored 34 No. 1 hits like “Chattahoochee” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffmann Estates, searscentre.com.
The Bronx Wanderers Sock Hop
Nov. 9-10, 8 p.m. This dynamic group of musicians recreate the magic of the era with favorite hits from the ’50s and ’60s. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com
“Mythbusters: Behind the Myths”
Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series, with onstage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. Sears Centre, Hoffmann Estates, (888) 732-7784.
Olivia Newton-John
Nov. 10, 8 p.m. The star of the most successful movie musical ever performs some of her 11 No. 1 singles and selections from her 14 Gold Albums. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Jay O’Callahan Presents Father Joe
Nov. 10, 8 p.m. The riveting true story of a man whose courage saved the USS Franklin from sinking after it was bombed off the coast of Japan in March 1945, told by master storyteller O’Callahan. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Denny Diamond: A Neil Diamond Tribute
Nov. 10, 8 p.m. With his group The Family Jewels, this popular singer gives flawless renditions of your favorite Neil Diamond songs. FVR at Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-7342.
“Building a Bakery”
Nov. 15, 10 a.m. Former ad guys Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito discuss their path from cubicles to operating a Brooklyn bakery whose brownies were named one of Oprah’s favorite things. Creative Living Series. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
WFAA: “The First 50 Years”
Nov. 15, 7 p.m. Mark the 50th birthday of Woodstock Opera House with a screening of a new documentary on its history, narrated by Bill Kurtis. Free. Woodstock Opera House, woodstockoperahouse.com.
FVR: The Winter Wonderettes
Nov. 15-Dec. 30, check website for days/times. Betty Jean has hired the hottest group in town for the hardware store 1968 Christmas Eve party. But Santa goes missing and the staff is mistakenly fired. Hear classic ’60s hits including “Santa Baby,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “It’s a Marshmallow World,” more. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-7342.
Shirley MacLaine
Nov. 16, 8 p.m. The award-winning actress talks about her life and career, including her turn as Martha Levinson on the third season of “Downton Abbey.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Nov. 16, 8 p.m. This internationally-acclaimed group puts on a show of award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrics. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
The Hunts
Nov. 17, 8 p.m. A young family of nine whose music ranges from Celtic to country to rock, with champion fiddling, world-ranked step dancing, drums, acoustic and electric guitars, piano and beautiful vocal harmonies. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
Chicago Comedy Tour
Nov. 17, 7 & 9:17 p.m. Featuring WGN TV’s Pat Tomasulo , Ana Belaval & Mike Toomey. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
ESO: “A Patriotic Salute”
Nov. 17-18, Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. Stephen Squires, conductor; Henry Fogel, narrator. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Scrooge: The Musical
Nov. 17-Dec. 23, check website for days/times. Dickens’ time-honored story of redemption and love, based on the popular movie musical starring Albert Finney. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Sunday Afternoon Concert
Nov. 18, 2-3 p.m. The Millikin Percussion Ensembles under the direction of Brian Justison have been widely acclaimed for their concert performances and recordings of percussion music. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 429-4680.
Annie
Nov. 21-Dec. 30, check website for times. Leapin’ Lizards! The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. Part of the Broadway Series. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Nov. 23-24, 30, Dec. 1, 8 p.m.; Nov. 25, 4 p.m.; Dec. 1, 2 p.m.; Dec. 2, 3 p.m. A couple putting on a church Christmas show must include in the cast the worst-behaved children ever. Woodstock Musical Theatre Co., Woodstock Opera House, woodstockoperahouse.com.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play
Nov. 23, 9 p.m., Nov. 24, 30, Dec. 1, 3 & 8 p.m., 14-15, 8 p.m. From Williams Street Repertory, a 1940’s radio broadcast in front of a live audience, based on the classic holiday film. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Skippyjon Jones
Nov. 27, 9:30 a.m. & noon. When this Siamese cat – who wants to be a Chihuahua – lets his imagination take over, he becomes El Skippito Bandito, the greatest canine sword fighter in Mexico! From Theatreworks USA. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
The Nutcracker
Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 7-9, Fri. &:30 p.m. Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 1 & 5 p.m. Sugarplum fairies, nutcrackers and delightful dancers dazzle in Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, performed by The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.