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.
FEBRUARY
“Hairspray”
Jan. 20-Feb. 21, various times. Based on the John Waters hit movie, this high-octane ride features thrilling choreography, rockin’ tunes and explosively colorful costumes – plus some really cool hairdos. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Scott Stapp
Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. This American singer, songwriter and musician shares his hits, from his post-grunge band Creed to his own solo album, “The Great Divide.” Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
Artists Lounge Live Presents Vegas
Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. With powerhouse vocals, this debonair transports you to the Golden Era of Entertainment. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., 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 For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
DSO: Chamber Music
Feb. 5, 7 p.m. The Brass Quintet gives a fun, family-friendly performance followed by a question-and-answer session. 95th Street Library, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
An Evening of Comedy with Dennis Regan
Feb. 5, 8 p.m. This true comedy veteran has headlined most major comedy clubs in the U.S., including 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 and 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 Fine Arts Centre, 1399 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Quintessence
Feb. 7, 3 p.m. A woodwind quintet comprised of members of the Fox Valley Concert Band, this “resident” ensemble presents four concerts here every year. Norris Center, 1050 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.
BoDeans
Feb. 12, 8 p.m. Long known as one of the best live acts in the business, this rock band is part of a small contingent of bands to inspire a new radio format known as adult alternative, album rock-triple A. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.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, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Sun.: Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. The world-famous brass band from New Orleans rolls into Schaumburg for a postMardi Gras celebration, Dirty Dozen style. Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
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.
“Voice of Rock”
Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night and Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad give outstanding performances on their combined tour. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
“The 39 Steps”
Feb. 18-April 3, check website for times. Alfred Hitchcock’s classic is 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.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Feb. 20, 8 p.m. More than 45 years ago, these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers headlined the Saturday night slot at the legendary Woodstock Music Festival. 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, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Evening Percussion
Feb. 21, 7 p.m. Packed with energy and excitement, this event features performances by the Crystal Lake Strikers All-Star Drumline, a group of adult drummers as well as talented high school drummers from the community. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“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.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: BMR4, Jazz
Feb. 21, 2 p.m. This Chicago jazz quartet features some of the best players in the city, including members of the Buddy Guy, Lonnie Brooks and Patricia Barber bands. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
“Lily’s Crossing”
Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. & noon. Based on Patricia Reilly Giff’s Newberry Medal-winning novel, this play teaches the powers of courage, honesty and friendship. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Crystal Bowersox
Feb. 26, 8 p.m. With a gentle warmth, this indie folk and rock singer-songwriter has an uncompromising vision of herself and her music. VIP Meet & Greet available. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
“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.
“The Clean House”
Feb. 26-March 20, various times. A very funny play about class, comedy and the true nature of love. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
“Stomp”
Feb. 26-27, check website for times. Experience an inventive, energizing and electrifying spectacle that blends dance, music, percussion and theatricals. Batavia Fine Arts 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.
The Special Consensus
Feb. 27, 8 p.m. This four-person acoustic bluegrass band features a repertoire of traditional bluegrass standards, original compositions and cover songs featuring their own bluegrass influence. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Avian Architecture
Artist reception, Feb. 28, 1-3 p.m.; exhibit open Feb. 28-April 10. Multimedia artist Dave La Forge was inspired by the beauty of birds and nature to create this exhibition of unique platform bird feeders made from recycled materials. Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, (847) 367-6640, lcfpd.org.
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra
Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Hailing from New Zealand, this group of ukulele players is critically acclaimed as “New Zealand’s hottest music/comedy ensemble.” Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
MARCH
Poi Dog Pondering
March 4, 8 p.m. This group is noted for its cross-pollination of diverse musical genres, including various forms of acoustic and electronic music. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
UFO
March 4-5, 8 p.m. For the first time in more than 20 years, one of the most British rock bands in history shares its newly recorded studio album, “A Conspiracy Of Stars.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
“BoomeRaging”
March 5, 8 p.m. This tribute to the history and growth of the Baby Boom Generation in today’s youth-obsessed society has racked up terrific reviews amid sold-out houses. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Muriel Anderson – “Musical Visions”
March 6, 2 p.m. A journey around the world in photos and stunning visuals by award-winning photo artist Bryan Allen, with original music and arrangements by Muriel Anderson on harp guitar, flamenco/classic guitars. Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
“Frindle”
March 7-16, 7 p.m. This quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words is based on the award-winning, best-selling novel by Andrew Clements. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Bret Michaels
March 10, 7:30 p.m. This singer-songwriter famous from glam metal band Poison has sold more than 45 million records worldwide. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
“Mary Poppins”
March 10-20, various times. Witness the Stage Coach Players bring to life the classic tale of a magical nanny who uplifts the lives of the Banks family. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Dervish
March 12, 8 p.m. Enjoy a range of powerful and energetic dance tunes to sublime interpretations of Irish songs and airs with vocals, fiddle, flute, accordion, bodhran, mandola and bouzouki. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
ESO: Brahms & Ives
March 12-13, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2:30 p.m. Alexander Schimpf’s limitless piano skills will astound you. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Livingston Taylor
March 12, 8 p.m. From Livingston’s well-crafted, introspective songwriting and beautiful melodies to the warmth he generates during his live performances, he has mastered the craft of taking his listeners on a journey. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Y & T
March 12, 8 p.m. A legendary live band that arguably never managed to translate its electric on-stage intensity into its studio albums, Y&T stood within reach of the Grail of rock & roll stardom many times in its long career. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
Lightwire Theater
March 13, 1 p.m. Internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry, poignant storytelling and music scores designed to evoke imagery. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
The Sinatra Centennial
March 13, 2 p.m. To celebrate the recent 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary singer Frank Sinatra, Christopher Popa, a music librarian from Chicago, shares an hour’s worth of authentic Sinatra arrangements while he performs live vocals, set against a backdrop of more than 400 eye-catching images from Sinatra’s life and career. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
“West Side Story”
March 16-April 24, various times. From heart-wrenching ballads like “Somewhere” to steamy Latin beats in “America,” this is Leonard Bernstein’s and Stephen Sondheim’s musical masterpiece brought to life in an exciting new production. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Hubbard Street 2
March 19, 7:30 p.m. Founded by Julie Nakagawa and Lou Conte in 1997 and now led by Terence Marling, this company of young performers is poised to become the next generation in world-class dance. Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Cornerstones of Rock
March 19, 8 p.m. This is a nostalgic celebration of the local “garage bands” that rose to national prominence in the 1960s and ‘70s. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
DSO: Celebrate the Season
March 20, 3 p.m. Ottorino Resphighi’s “Church Windows” and Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 in D Major, Reformation, frame this Palm Sunday concert. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
One Night of Queen
March 24, 8 p.m. Gary Mullen has been a lifelong Queen fan. For the past five years, Mullen and his band The Works have consistently performed more than 150 tribute shows per year in a variety of countries. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Blue Öyster Cult
March 25, 8 p.m. These seminal 1970s hard rockers’ best work was ambitious, intelligent and rocking in a strangely sensual kind of way. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
The Ultimate Guitar Experience
March 26, 8 p.m. Witness this multi-faceted phenomenon whose unique set of artistic talents has gained him an international reputation as a musical visionary and innovator. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
The Diary of Anne Frank
March 28-April 10, 7 p.m. Anne Frank’s story is one of the most iconic to come out of the tragedy of the Holocaust. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
APRIL
ESO: Rachel Barton Pine Plays Dvorák
April 1-2, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. The most romantic of programs played by one of the most talented and well-loved Chicago violinists, Rachel Barton Pine. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
“Spelling Bee”
April 1-24, various times. A Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book winner, this musical, complete with audience participation, features six tween spellers in the championship of a lifetime. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
American English
April 2, 8 p.m. Relive the eras of The Beatles and Ed Sullivan with this tribute band. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Chaplin: A Life in Concert
April 2, 7:30 p.m. This unique performance dramatizes, in song, the life of brilliant actor Charlie Chaplin. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Reduced Shakespeare
April 3, 2 p.m. The bad boys of abridgement deconstruct the entire history of comedy, leaving no joke untold in 105 fast, funny and physical minutes. Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Zazz!
April 3, 3 p.m. The alternative jazz quintet presents A Jazz Palette, a concert that complements the Watercolor 2016 exhibit on display in the gallery. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.
“Sleuth”
April 7-29, 7 p.m. The ultimate game of cat-and-mouse is played out in a cozy English country house owned by celebrated mystery writer Andrew Wyke and his invited guest, Milo Tindle. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Artists Lounge Live Presents Streisand
April 8, 7:30 p.m. iTunes Essential Artist and award-winning Cabaret luminary Colleen McHugh triumphantly returns to Chicago to sing Streisand. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
An Evening with Steven Wright
April 9, 8 p.m. Known for his distinctly lethargic voice and slow, deadpan delivery of ironic, philosophical and sometimes nonsensical jokes and one-liners with contrived situations, this comedian has made countless appearances on TV specials, late-night talk shows and tons of films throughout the years. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.