(Cole Kiburz photo)

Events @ a Glance: Arts & Entertainment Calendar

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.

(Cole Kiburz photo)
Simply Three delivers a mix of classical pieces and instrumental pop arrangements to Schaumburg’s Prairie Center for the Arts on Jan. 9. (Cole Kiburz photo)

NOVEMBER

“A Christmas Story”
Nov. 25-Jan. 3, Wed.-Sun., see website for times. One of the most watched and beloved holiday movies ever made comes to life in a full-blown musical production. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.

America
Nov. 28, 8 p.m. Celebrate the 45th anniversary of this perennial classic-rock favorite. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

ESO: The Magical Music of Disney
Nov. 28, 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Favorite Disney films and music come alive onstage. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

Williams Street Rep: Plaid Tidings
Nov. 28-Jan. 3, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge mysteriously return to Earth to weave musical magic. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

The Fox Valley Nutcracker
Nov. 28-29, Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Sugarplum fairies, nutcrackers and delightful dancers will dazzle you in Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, performed by State Street Dance. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

The Christmas Harp
Nov. 29, 3 p.m. Popular Chicago-area harp virtuoso Kate Cockle returns to The Norris gallery in a concert that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

DECEMBER

The One and Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Dec. 1, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

An Evening with Todd Rundgren
Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. An American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer, Rundgren has produced a diverse and eclectic range of recordings, often as a solo artist and as a member of the band Utopia. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

“Miracle on 34th Street”
Dec. 3-6, check website for times. Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the classic Christmas film “Miracle on 34th Street.” Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.

Sara Evans
Dec. 4, 8 p.m. Evans has crafted a compelling body of work filled with the kind of slice-of-life vignettes that fans expect from the award-winning vocalist. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Home for the Holidays: Frozen Extravaganza
Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m. As downtown Elgin rings in the holiday season with its Home for the Holidays event, enjoy seasonal games, refreshments, drawings and live entertainment. The library will be open late for this special event. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

A Well-Strung Christmas
Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. A string quartet featuring classical musicians who put their own spin on the music of Mozart, Rihanna, Adele, Vivaldi and more. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 4-13, check website for times. The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” continues to delight audiences of all ages. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.

Second City: “Holidazed and Confused”
Dec. 4-20, check website for times. This show will burst the monotony of the season with a riotous send-up of all things holiday. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.

Michael McDonald
Dec. 5, 8 p.m. From 1970s-era Doobie Brothers classics through two highly acclaimed Motown cover albums, the five-time Grammy-winning McDonald is that rare thing in contemporary pop: an artist whose work is both timeless and ever-evolving. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Tiny Great Performances
Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Join select DSO musicians for a short recital and instrument demonstration, specifically designed for children and their families. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

Windham Hill’s Winter Solstice Concert
Dec. 5, 8 p.m. This concert brings the best of acoustic music to joyfully mark the Winter Solstice. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

ESO: Brass Music From Around the World
Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Listen to the ESO Brass Quintet play music from all over the globe and learn how much fun it is to travel using your ears. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

Fox Valley Holiday Concert
Dec. 6, 3 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit at this annual holiday concert. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

The Lakeside Singers
Dec. 7, 8 p.m. This group is dedicated to bridging the worlds of classical and popular choral music by presenting a wide range of musical styles, from jazz to R&B. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

A Carpenters’ Christmas
Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and band are keeping The Carpenters’ holiday traditions alive and bringing their unforgettable Christmas songs to the stage. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

The 12 Dames of Christmas
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Chicago’s dynamo captures the iconic voices of the season in a merry evening of musical mastery. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 11, 8 p.m. The symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert provides quality orchestral music through festive combinations of contemporary and classic hits. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Second City: “Holidazed and Confused”
Dec. 11-31, check website for times. This show will burst the monotony of the season with a riotous send-up of all things holiday. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday Party
Dec. 12, 8 p.m. Celebrate one of the most important music figures of the 20th century and hear some of his classic hits, performed by a variety of Chicago musicians. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

ESO: Magical Holiday Concerts
Dec. 12-13, Sat. 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30 p.m. Enjoy musical holiday favorites at a magical concert that’s perfect for the whole family. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.

DSO Holiday Concert
Dec. 13, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Fresh and engaging symphonic arrangements of favorite holiday tunes. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

Ronnie Spector
Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Experience the heart, soul and passion of female 1960s rock and roll with these 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Ides of March Christmas Show
Dec. 18, 8 p.m. Celebrate the season with the hits of this powerhouse rock-and-roll band plus singer Jim Peterik’s other groups, including Survivor (“Eye Of The Tiger”) and .38 Special (“Hold On Loosely”). Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Linda Eders
Dec. 19, 8 p.m. She made her Broadway debut in the musical “Jekyll & Hyde,” for which she was nominated for the Drama Desk Award. Hear her perform hits from her 15 solo albums. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 19-20, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Hear Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, witness emotional dancing and view lavish costumes. Performed by Berkshire Ballet Theatre. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Ed Hall’s Christmas Guitar Night
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. Five internationally acclaimed musicians present an evening of entertaining arrangements on their guitars and mix in a few popular holiday favorites. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

NYE Arcada Style
Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Celebrate 2016 with The Bronx Wanderers and ring in the New Year with two hours of 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s rock and roll. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

JANUARY

Shining Star
Jan. 2, 7 p.m. Eleven vocalists and musicians celebrate the four decade-strong success of Earth, Wind and Fire. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Mr. Blotto’s Procrastinators Ball
Jan. 2, 8 p.m. One of Chicago’s greatest jam bands performs its blend of hard rock, southern rock, folk and country. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular
Jan. 8, 8 p.m. See Elvis throughout the years, celebrating the music era by era. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.

Lucy’s Comedy Cafe
Jan. 8, 8:30 p.m. This hilarious series has featured a plethora of comic gems and is curated and hosted by Pat McGann. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

ESO: Andrew Grams
Jan. 8-10, Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. As virtuosic a violinist as he is a conductor, ESO director Andrew Grams makes his violin debut with the Elgin Symphony. Fri. & Sat.: Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg. Sun.: Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.

Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp
Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. These two friends and “Rent” co-stars share stories about the hit show that brought them together, perform songs from the Pulitzer Prize-winning show and play individual songs and original material that audiences have come to know. Batavia Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

Jimmy Page Birthday Bash with Kashmir
Jan. 9, 8 p.m. Kashmir seeks to recreate the experience of a 1970s Zeppelin show using authentic vintage stage gear, costumes and special effects. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Simply Three
Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. The group’s instrumental arrangements of songs by Adele, Coldplay, Puccini and Pharrell, along with original compositions, push the classical format envelope to create a sound that’s instantly accessible and highly accomplished. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.

Snap, Sizzle, Pop
Jan. 9, 3 p.m. Experience the legacy as Steve March-Torme delivers a fresh, dynamic take on enduring songs you already love, in captivating style. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Johnny Maggio
Jan. 10, 3 p.m. Performing the hits of legends Frank Sinatra, Jerry Vale, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin and more. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

“Yankee Tavern”
Jan. 15-Feb. 7, check website for times. This chilling new play explores Americans’ obsessions with conspiracies. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

Bob Saget
Jan. 16, 8 p.m. Witness the actor’s dark side as an out-of-his-mind, Grammy-nominated standup comedian for over thirty years. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Deacon Blues
Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Based in Chicago, these 11 players honor the music of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker by crafting an amazing replication. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

The Osmonds
Jan. 17, 5 p.m. One of the best-known entertainment families in the world reunites to share the unique sound that brought it fame in the 1960s. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

“Hairspray”
Jan. 20-Feb. 21, check website for times. Based on the John Waters hit movie, this is a high-octane ride with thrilling choreography, rockin’ tunes and explosively colorful costumes – plus some really cool hairdos. Batavia Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

DSO Chamber Concert
Jan. 24, 3 p.m. A showcase of chamber music performances by trio, quartets and quintets, with repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. First United Methodist Church, Lombard, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

Billy Gibbons
Jan. 29, 8 p.m. Witness the performance of ZZ Top’s guitarist as he performs work from his solo project, “The BFGs.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

The Four Freshmen
Jan. 29 & 30, 8 p.m. This group continues to bring its unique brand of vocal harmony to audience worldwide. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

ESO: Copland & Shostakovich
Jan. 30-31, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. This concert embodies the hopeful dreams of a young America and the stark realities of the Russian Revolution. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

True Blues
Jan. 30, 8 p.m. Hosted by Corey Harris, a MacArthur Grant recipient, and featuring American Folk & Blues musician Eric Bibb, this chronicles the extraordinary living culture of the blues. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

Artists Lounge Live Presents Patsy Cline
Jan. 31, 3 p.m. Celebrate country music’s greatest star in a bewitching performance from Broadway powerhouse Jenny Lee Stern. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Puccini’s Tosca
Jan. 31, 5 p.m. For more than 100 years, audiences have watched and listened spellbound as the cat-and-mouse game between Tosca and Scarpia plays to its deadly conclusion. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

FEBRUARY

Scott Stapp
Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. This American singer, songwriter and musician shares his hits from the post-grunge Creed to his own solo album, “The Great Divide.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Artists Lounge Live Presents Vegas
Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. With powerhouse vocals that soar, this debonair transports you to the Golden Era of Entertainment, when singers could sing and music was music. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks
Feb. 4, 7 p.m. This play dispels myths about Parks and her protest as it paints a portrait of a complex woman who had to find reconciliation within herself to become an effective Civil Rights leader. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

An Evening of Comedy with Dennis Regan
Feb. 5, 8 p.m. A true comedy veteran, Dennis has headlined most major comedy clubs in the U.S. and Carnegie Hall. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

DSO: Chamber Music
Feb. 5, 7 p.m. Join the brass quintet for a short, family-friendly, informal performance followed by a question-and-answer session. 95th Street Library, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

The Musical Box
Feb. 5 & 6, 8 p.m. Two nights of the world-class French Canadian tribute to the Peter Gabriel era of Genesis. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Creole Stomp
Feb. 6, 7 p.m. This musician travels the country carrying the long tradition of Mississippi River Valley Creole music. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Red, Hot and Blue
Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. A seasoned cast of professional entertainers take you “Dancin’ Thru the Decades,” from the Big Band Swing Era to the music of today. Batavia Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

Quintessence
Feb. 7, 3 p.m. A woodwind quintet comprised of members of the Fox Valley Concert Band, The Norris’ “resident” ensemble that presents four concerts here every year. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

ESO: A Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration
Feb. 12-14, Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Experience the classics with Lyric Opera star Jenn Gambatese. Fri. & Sat.: Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg. Sun.: Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.

DSO: Global Connections
Feb. 13, 8 p.m. In conjuction with North Central College, young cellist Jay Campbell presents the “Ballad, Dance, and Fantasy” by Chinese-American composer Chen Yi. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

The 39 Steps
Feb. 18-April 3, check website for times. Hitchcock’s classic reimagined as a whodunnit farce. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Mojo & The Bayou Gypsies
Feb. 19, 8 p.m. All-original Louisiana music certified by the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

Imago Theatre: “ZooZoo”
Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Much like Cirque Du Soleil, Imago showcases acrobatics mixed with Mummenschanz-like mime, set in a unique, French-influenced, avant-garde playground. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

“My Favorite Things”
Feb. 21, 3 p.m. A new annual program, this series presents a lineup of prominent local personalities from a variety of fields, each of whom talks about “My Favorite Book.” Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

“Lily’s Crossing”
Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. & noon. Based on Patricia Reilly Giff’s Newberry Medal-winning novel, this play will teach students of all ages the powers of courage, honesty and above all, friendship. An ArtsPower Production. Batavia Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

“One Man Star Wars”
Feb. 26, 8 p.m. An off-Broadway play based on the original “Star Wars” trilogy, written and performed by Canadian actor Charles Ross. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

“Stomp”
Feb. 26-27, check website for times. Experience an inventive, energizing and electrifying spectacle that blends dance, music, percussion and theatricals. Batavia Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

Nelson Illusions
Feb. 27, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. A one-of-a-kind theatrical spectacle that combines rare and original illusions with award-winning, jaw-dropping magic. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.