There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at what’s coming up this season in our many arts venues.
January
ESO: Scottish Fantasy
Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m. Andrew Grams, conductor; Michael Ludwig, violin. Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 in A minor “Scottish”; Bruch: Scottish Fantasy. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, Tickets: ESO (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Robbie Fulks
Jan. 10, 8 p.m. This Chicago singer-songwriter has a unique style of soulful, spirited alt country. Metropolis Performing Arts Center (Metropolis), 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
American English
Jan. 10-11, 8 p.m. Considered by many to be the best Beatles tribute band today, with vintage costumes, authentic instruments, fun special effects. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
Postmortem
Jan. 10-Feb. 9, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. A medieval castle, shots in the dark, deathbed letters, ghosts and a séance all add up to a clever thriller packed with suspense and laughter. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Bubble Wonders
Jan. 11, 1 p.m. Bubbleologist Geoff Akins’ wondrous show is full of laughs, surprises, joy and inspiration for kids of all ages. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
ESO: Scottish Fantasy
Jan. 11-12, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun 2:30 p.m. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: ESO (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Glass and Metals Juried Show and Sale
Jan. 11-Feb. 15. Opening reception, Sat. 2-4 p.m. Open to all glass and metals artists. Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 6N158 Crane Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-9443, fineline.org.
The Frog Princess
Jan. 12-Feb. 9, Sat. 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre. Roles are reversed in this colorful adaptation of the Russian folk tale. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, steelbeamtheatre.com.
42nd Street
Jan. 15-Feb. 9, see website for days/times. The classic Broadway story of a small-town girl pursuing her dreams in New York, with hits like “We’re in the Money,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and “42nd Street.” Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
FVR: Nunsense
Jan. 16-March 9, see website for days/times. The Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and to pay for the burials, they decide to put on a show. From Fox Valley Repertory (FVR). Pheasant Run, St. Charles, pheasantrun.com.
A Capella Couture
Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. These three talented sirens perform chart-topping hits by great female singers from the 1940s to today, from The Andrews Sisters to Lady Gaga and many in between. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Dave Coulier
Jan. 18, 8 p.m. This “Full House” co-star’s stand-up routine is centered on his ability to mimic celebrities and cartoon characters, and involve putting well-known characters into unexpected situations. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Lee Greenwood
Jan. 18, 8 p.m. Legendary country music giant and multiple CMA award winner performs hits including “God Bless the USA,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “She’s Lyin’,” “Dixie Road.” Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Queensryche
Jan. 18, 8 p.m. This 1980s Grammy-nominated band has sold 30 million records and hit No. 1 in 1991 with “Silent Lucidity.” With special guest Quiet Riot (“Cum on Feel the Noiz”). Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
Greater Tuna
Jan. 23-Feb. 16, see website for days/times. Two actors bring to life the entire town of Tuna, Texas (pop. 20), in this hilarious comedy. Life at a small-town radio station was never funnier. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Chamber Music at the 95th Street Library
Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. Informal and informative chamber music concert presented by DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO) brass, for listeners of all ages. Q&A sessions, along with classical & popular music. Free. Naperville Public Library 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Road, Naperville, (630) 961-4100, naperville-lib.org.
You Only Shoot the Ones You Love
Jan. 25, 8 p.m. Solo show by Jeffrey Sweet about improv and how the children of Jewish European refugees created the subversive, anti-authoritarian comedy of Lenny Bruce, Mort Sahl, Mel Brooks, et al. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Jan. 25, 8 p.m. This group has revitalized the brass band in New Orleans and around the world, touring nearly constantly in the U.S. and in over 30 other countries on five continents. $30/$15 ages 18 & under. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Rik Emmett Acoustic
Jan. 25, 8 p.m. From his roots in early-‘80s hard rock, this artist has developed into one of the most critically respected guitarists ever, hailed for his technique across numerous genres and styles. Hits include “Magic Power,” “Hold On” and “Never Surrender.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Mozart for the Masses
Jan. 26, 4 p.m. The St. Charles Singers, Metropolis Chamber Orchestra and Anima, the internationally recognized Glen Ellyn-based youth choral. $40/$30 65+/$10 students. Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles, (630) 513-5272, stcharlessingers.com.
Soldier’s Tale
Jan. 26, 3 p.m. Stephen Alltop, conductor. The first-ever collaboration of the First Folio Theatre and the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra in a theatrical presentation of this age-old story of the devil and a mysterious violin. Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings; Stravinsky: L’Histoire du Soldat (The Soldier’s Tale). Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, elmhurstsymphony.org.
Dave Flippo Quartet
Jan. 26, 2 p.m. Sunday Afternoon Concert series. This Chicago group’s compositions blend jazz with world music, and also includes some American jazz classics and vocals from Flippo. Free. Gail Borden Public Library, Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin, (847) 531-7271, gailborden.info.
Chicago Brass Quintet
Jan. 26, 8 p.m. Celebrating its 50th anniversary season, this ensemble has performed around the world with a repertoire that includes Jan Bach, Cliff Colnot and others. Fermilab, Batavia, fnal.gov/culture.
ESO: Magic of Rhythm
Jan. 26, 2 p.m. activities, 3 p.m. concert. Family Concert Series. Randal Swiggum, conductor; Michael Folker, percussion & illusions; George Blanchet, percussion; Daniela Folker, violin. Hemmens, Elgin, elginsymphony.org.
Everybody’s Hero: The Jackie Robinson Story
Jan. 31, 12:15 p.m. Madriver Theatreworks tells of personal sacrifices and triumphs as Robinson breaks the National Baseball League color barrier without violence, forever changing the world of sports. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
February
Switchback
Feb. 1, 8 p.m. Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack perform their unique American Roots-Celtic Soul music blend on mandolin, guitar and bass and amazing vocal harmonies. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
The Musical Box
Feb. 1-2, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 8:30 p.m. Genesis tribute band recreates the look and sound of the 1970s super group. Sat. Selling England by the Pound selections; Sun. Foxtrot. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Transatlantic
Feb. 4, 7 p.m. Progressive rock band founded by Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater and featuring three other stars. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Brian Regan
Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. One of the premier comedians in the country. With the perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, his comedy spans generations. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Frindle
Feb. 6-14, see website for days/times. When 5th grade teacher Mrs. Granger decides to teach her students where words come from, the class prankster creates his own word, frindle, which spreads throughout the town. Fun and inspiring story about creativity and the power of words. Grades 4-8. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
DSO: Brownies With Barbara
Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Attend the first half of the dress rehearsal for select subscription concerts of the DuPage Symphony and join Music Director Barbara Schubert and musicians for refreshments and conversation. Free; donations accepted. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets: (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
ESO: Tour of Italy
Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Tania Miller, conductor; Brandon Ridenour, trumpet. Rossini: L’Italiana in Algeri Overture, Vivaldi: “Agitata da due venti” from La Griselda; Paganini: Variations (World Premiere), Strauss: Aus Italien. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Cheap Trick
Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Formed in 1974 and originally from Rockford, Ill., this group combines the tunefulness of The Beatles with the speed and energy of punk rock, with hits like “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender” and “Dream Police.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
She Loves Me
Feb. 7-14, Fri.-Sun. 3 & 8 p.m. A musical, pre-computer version of You’ve Got Mail, set in a perfume shop in Budapest. New employee Amalia clashes with co-worker Georg, who doesn’t tell her when he discovers that they have been secret pen spals. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Say Goodnight Gracie
Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. With vintage photographs and video clips from film and television performances, the hit Broadway play reveals the life of the great George Burns, whose career spanned more than 90 years. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, bataviafineartscentre.org.
DSO “By Request”
Feb. 8, 8 p.m. Barbara Schubert, conductor; Hye-Jin Kim, violin. A program chosen by audience and musicians. Mozart: Overture to The Magic Flute; Dvorak: Concerto for Violin in A minor, Op. 53; Brahms: Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90. Wentz Hall, Naperville. Tickets: (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Rolling Stones Tribute
Feb. 8, 8 p.m. The Glimmer Twins share their unique ability to capture the raw energy of the electrifying live performances of the Stones in concert, with hits like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Satisfaction,” “Brown Sugar” and more. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
ESO: Tour of Italy
Feb. 8-9, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Tania Miller, conductor. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
The Midtown Men
Feb. 14, 1:30 & 8 p.m. The original stars of Broadway’s hit Jersey Boys with a new musical act that celebrates music of the 1960s, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys and the best artists from the golden age of Motown. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Groovin’ the 60s
Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Hear The Buckinghams, the ’60s band from Chicago, with hits like “Kind of a Drag” and “Don’t You Care,” take the stage with Gary Puckett, lead man for the Union Gap (“Young Girl,” “Lady Willpower”), backed by a full orchestra. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
On My Way to You: Pascale M. Trouillot
Feb. 14-15, 8 p.m. A special evening of love songs. $20. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Peter Pan
Feb. 14-16, 22-23, check website for times. From Spotlight Youth Theatre: The story of the Darling children and their adventures in Never-Never Land. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, bataviafineartscentre.org, spotlight.org.
10,000 Maniacs
Feb. 15, 8 p.m. This group’s hits include “More Than This,” “These Are Days,” “Don’t Talk.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Gaelic Storm
Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. This group incorporates a rock sensibility into their Celtic sound for crossover appeal, and has appeared on the same bill as The Goo Goo Dolls, Zac Brown Band and Emmylou Harris. Egyptian, DeKalb, egyptiantheatre.org.
Joe Cocker Tribute
Feb. 15, 8 p.m. As the legendary singer, Alan Kaye sings “Feelin’ Alright,” “A Little Help From my Friends,” “Unchain my Heart,” more, backed by Mad Dogs and Americans. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Kimberly E. Jones
Feb. 16, 2-3 p.m. Sunday Afternoon Concert series. This soprano, who’s performed worldwide, sings selections from Lerner and Loewe musicals and opera. Gail Borden Library Rakow Branch, Elgin, (847) 531-7271.
The Peking Acrobats
Feb. 16, 5 p.m. Renowned for the grace, artistry and feats of seemingly impossible physical daring, the Peking Acrobats are a marvel to behold. Watch these talented performers climb, flip and fly. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Cavatina Duo
Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. This flute and guitar duo has inspired composers from around the world to write and arrange new works for them. Fermilab, Batavia, fnal.gov/culture.
The Red Sky’s The Great Mountain
Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. & noon. Hearing the Great Mountain’s cries, Nuna sets out to heal the grieving environment. For grades K-6. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
A Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel
Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Two legendary pop pianists. Act one is a spot-on tribute to Billy Joel, with hits from “Only the Good Die Young” to “Piano Man.” Then it’s all Elton John, with hits like “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “I’m Still Standing.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
The Bay of Portugal (World Premiere)
Feb. 21-March 16, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Thirty years ago, it was love at first sight for Gwen and Jack, but they didn’t make it through the first year of marriage. Can they get through their daughter’s engagement party without killing each other? Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.
Taylor Mason
Feb. 22, 7 p.m. This “Star Search” winner and “Last Comic Standing” contestant performs with a combination of ventriloquism, musical performances and quick wit for a hilarious night of clean comedy. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
The Crystal Lake Strikers
Feb. 22, 7 p.m. Percussion performances by the Crystal Lake Strikers All-Star Drumline, with both adult and high school drummers from the community. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
KSO: ADM Young Artists Winner Concert
Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. Linc Smelser, conductor. Be spellbound by the talent found among Illinois’ young musicians. The winner of the KSO’s annual Young Artists Concerto Competition performs with the orchestra. Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University, 300 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb, kishorchestra.org.
Babe the Sheep Pig
Feb. 22-March 16, Sat. 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. The tale of high adventure in the farmyard that became the hit movie Babe. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.
Hollywood & Broadway: A Fine Romance
Feb. 23, 3 p.m. Chicago cabaret artist Hilary Ann Feldman shares the meeting of Hollywood and Broadway, with classic songs and exciting backstage stories. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Heartache Tonight
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. A tribute band that authentically captures the sound and style of super group The Eagles. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
A Little Princess
Feb. 28-March 2, see website for times. From Spotlight Youth Theatre. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, bataviafineartscentre.org, spotlight.org.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Feb. 28-March 15, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. George and Martha’s marriage breaks down in front of newlywed guests Nick and Honey. Rated MA (LDV). The Albright Theatre Co., 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia, (630) 406-8838, albrighttheatre.com.
March
Alan Kelly Gang
March 1, 8 p.m. Four musicians push the conventional boundaries of traditional Irish music, yet remain sympathetic to its past, present and future. Fermilab, Batavia, fnal.gov/culture.
Arranmore
March 1, 8 p.m. Influenced by both American folk and Celtic music, this group creates a unique, beautiful sound all their own. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Michael Perry
March 1, 8 p.m. The best-selling author and humorist who’s recorded three comedy albums discusses the backstories of his books in a humorous monologue. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Fox Valley Concert Band
March 2, 3 p.m. Fox Valley Concert Band presents their winter concert “Morning, Noon and Night” featuring Lincoln Junior High Band. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road St. Charles, (847) 695-7096, fvcb.org.
DSO: Basically Baroque
March 2, 3 p.m. Barbara Schubert, conductor; William P. Crosbie, organ. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major; Handel: Organ Concerto; various baroque selections. Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton.
Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor
March 2, 3 p.m. Elmhurst Symphony, Stephen Alltop, conductor; Apollo Chorus of Chicago. Mozart: Mass in C minor; Dvorák: Te Deum. Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, elmhurstsymphony.org.
Danu
March 2, 7 p.m. Founded in 1995, this band has established itself as one of Ireland’s most important ensembles, and gathered many awards and critical acclaim. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Creole Stomp
March 4, 7:30 p.m. Blues, jazz, rock and R&B styles blend with fiddle, accordion and washboard to create that unforgettable Louisiana sound. $28. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
The Straits
March 7, 8 p.m. Members of Dire Straits, with hits like “Sultans of Swing,” “Money for Nothing,” “Come Dancing.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Baby Wants Candy
March 7, 8 p.m. A completely improvised musical based on audience suggestions. Accompanied by a full band. $25. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
The Wedding Singer
March 7-23, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. A musical stage version of the hit Adam Sandler film. Townsquare Players. Woodstock Opera House
ESO: Beethoven Inspired
March 8-9, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Andrew Lewis, conductor; Elgin Choral Union. Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major; Cherubini: Requiem in C minor. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Rembrandt Chamber Players
March 9, 7:30 p.m. Seven Chicago musicians who play for the likes of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play music from Baroque to the 21st century. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
Half and Half
March 13-30, see website for times. Set in Chicago’s Rogers Park, this comedy examines married life through two generations of the Grant family. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
New Shanghai Circus
March 14, 8 p.m. Some of the best acrobats, contortionists, bicyclists and jugglers in the world. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
RENT
March 12-April 6, see website for days/times. Based on Puccini’s La Boheme, a modern-day story of love and loyalty in NYC’s East Village that uses pop, rock, R&B and salsa. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666.
The Fantasticks: Steampunk Version
March 15, 8 p.m. A steampunk-inspired adaptation of this classic musical. With “Try to Remember,” “Soon it’s Gonna Rain” and all the hits. By Nebraska Theatre Caravan. Fermilab, Batavia, fnal.gov/culture.
Flanagan’s Wake
March 15, 8 p.m. Dear ol’ Flanagan has died, and in this hilarious interactive show you’ll join his closest friends on the Emerald Isle, to grieve as only the Irish can. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, pheasantrun.com.
DSO: Broadway Spectacular
March 15-16, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Barbara Schubert, conductor; Lisa Vroman, vocalist. Broadway favorites, from The Great American Songbook to Phantom and Les Mis. Wentz Hall, Naperville, dupagesymphony.org.
California Dreamin’
March 16, 5 p.m. This U.K. group celebrates the ’70s sound of the West Coast with hits from The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Lovin’ Spoonful and more. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Diary of Anne Frank
March 21-April 4, see website for days/times. The struggles of the Frank family to survive during World War II. Grades 5-12. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Neverly Brothers
March 22, 8 p.m. This Chicago group plays ‘50s rockabilly and early ‘60s British invasion hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Beatles and more. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, pheasantrun.com.
ESO: Bring on Broadway
March 22-23, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun 2:30 p.m. Stephen Squires, conductor. Teri Dale Hansen & Sean MacLaughlin, vocalists. Hit songs from a variety of Broadway favorites. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Winery Dogs
March 27, 7 p.m. This trio of Mike Portnoy, Ritchie Kotzen and Billie Sheehan play original classic rock influenced by Led Zeppelin, Cream, Grand Funk Railroad, Jimi Hendrix and the progressive grunge sound. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
FVR: Cheaper by the Dozen
March 27-May 18, see website for days/times. A large houseful of energetic children, a dad who’s an efficiency expert and a teenage daughter who’s grown up faster than Dad realizes, in a story mixed with love and laughter. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
Eddie Money
March 29, 8 p.m. This double-platinum artist, with hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On,” has been rocking audiences for more than 35 years. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
VN3TO, brass trio
March 30, 2-3 p.m. Sunday Afternoon Concert series. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments afterward. Gail Borden Rakow Branch, Elgin, (847) 531-7271.