The Flat Cats bring their blend of swinging jazz and blues to the Norris Cultural Arts Center, in St. Charles, on Jan. 22.

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.

The Flat Cats bring their blend of swinging jazz and blues to the Norris Cultural Arts Center, in St. Charles, on Jan. 22.
The Flat Cats bring their blend of swinging jazz and blues to the Norris Cultural Arts Center, in St. Charles, on Jan. 22.

December

A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 22, check website for times. A new take on the Charles Dickens classic. A narrator takes the audience through the Christmas tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. He is relentless in his pursuit of money, he takes very little joy in life and is only consumed by work. He is visited by ghosts who show him his past, present and future. Metropolis Performing Arts Center (Metropolis), 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue!
Through Dec. 23, check website for times. Blow off some seasonal steam with the Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue. The ladies and funnymen have made it an end-of-the-year tradition to bring their hilarious routine to the suburbs. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Through Dec. 27, check website for times. This American holiday classic hits the stage as a radio broadcast from the 1940s. With the help of 1940s radio effects, actors play out this unforgettable story. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”
Through Jan. 15, check website for times. Watch as Ariel, Scuttle, Sebastian and the rest of their underwater world come to life and join in Ariel’s journey to find love, in this stage adaptation of the Disney animated classic. Paramount Theatre, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Tony Orlando
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Tony brings a warmth and exhilarating energy to the stage that electrifies his audience. From selling records and creating a popular television variety series to starring in movies and on Broadway, Tony Orlando has done it all in show business. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO): Magical Holiday Concerts
Dec. 10-11, Sat. 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Enjoy holiday concerts that include performances with the Elgin Master Chorale, Anima-Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus and the Midwest Dance Collective. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.

“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 10-11 & 16-18, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. Enjoy the magic of the holiday season as the Judith Svalander Dance Theater performs “The Nutcracker.” Witness Clara’s journey as Tchaikovsky’s music is brought to life. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Sing-Along Messiah Presented by Voices in Harmony
Dec. 11, 4 p.m. George Frideric Handel’s work is featured with a 25-piece orchestra, soloists and calligraphy by Timothy Botts. The McHenry County Choir Chorus supplements the on-stage choir. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Fox Valley Concert Band: Annual Holiday Concert
Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Fox Valley Concert Band presents its annual holiday concert. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com

An Evening with Rocky LaPorte
Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Creating laughs in that trademark Brooklyn accent, LaPorte has become one of the most popular comedians in the country. He recently appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Christmas With The Celts
Dec. 13, 3 p.m. This show provides a combination of Christmas hits, Irish carols, spontaneous humor, string arrangements and a children’s choir. It gives audiences a memorable Christmas experience. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Blue Christmas Featuring Guitarist Roger Adler and the Blues Deluxe Band
Dec. 16, 8 p.m. Roger Adler, a sought-after guitarist and composer for commercials, film and TV, brings his blend of blues, rock and soul, and his hand-picked band. Lakeside Arts Park At The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.

“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 17-18, Sat. 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Audience members are transported through a fairy tale while witnessing this classic ballet put on by the Berkshire Ballet Theatre. Raue Center For The Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Presto! Holiday Concert
Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m. The Presto! Holiday shows combine music of the season with vignettes and narration. The Schaumburg youth choir adds charm as they sing classical and popular holiday music. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

Ralphie May
Dec. 17, 8 p.m. The star of four of his own Comedy Central TV specials and two of his own Netflix specials, Ralphie May is one of the funniest comics out there. Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Taylor Sherry and Tom Bravos: Home for the Holidays
Dec. 18, 3 p.m. Start Christmas week festivities with a concert performed by two of St. Charles’ up-and-coming talents. Witness these two 2013 St. Charles North High School graduates at the beginning of their performing careers. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

Elgin Celebrates The Holidays
Dec. 18, 3 p.m. This holiday show has something for everyone: dance, chorale music, classic vocal performances and holiday cheer. This show features the Elgin Master Chorale, Elgin Master Chorale, Children’s Chorus and Integrity School of Dance, among others. Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.

An Evening with George Winston
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. World-renowned pianist George Winston returns to Metropolis with a winter show. His work is inspired by a variety of New Orleans R&B pianists. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Bret Michaels
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. The front man of Poison performs a Christmas show. Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Ed Hall’s Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. Five internationally acclaimed musicians provide an evening of entertaining arrangements as well as popular holiday favorites. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

The Second City’s Holidazed
Dec. 28-31, Wed.-Sat. 7 p.m., Fri. 9:30 p.m., Sat. 10 p.m. Burst the monotony of the holiday season with a riotous rendition of all things holiday. Laugh until your cheeks are filled with joy. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Piano Man: A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John
Dec. 30, 8 p.m. Tribute band Piano Man brings the music of Elton John and Billy Joel to life in a show that pays tribute to the gifted artists. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Close to You
Dec. 30, 7 p.m. Experience the beautiful music of The Carpenters with Lisa Rock and her six-piece band. Raue Center For The Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Steve Cochran’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Show
Dec. 31, 1 p.m. Join WGN Radio’s Steve Cochran and guests Rocky LaPorte, Tom Benker and John DaCosse for a New Year’s Eve comedy show. Raue Center For The Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

New Year’s Eve with Jimmy Nick
Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Jimmy Nick, an old-fashioned, guitar-slinging blues prodigy, takes the stage with comics from WGN’s morning show, including Mike Toomey and Pat Tomasulo. Raue Center For The Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

January

First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions
Jan. 6, 8 p.m. A spinoff of “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” improvisers help ease you into the new year with an exciting, yet relaxing night out. Enjoy live music and a cash bar. This is something for the whole family. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.

1st Friday Art Show at the Dole
Jan. 6, 5 p.m. Enjoy an artistic evening with wonderful featured art, the chance to meet and mingle with artists, and possibilities to purchase an origianl piece of work. Lakeside Arts Park at the Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.

ESO: Beethoven’s Eroica
Jan. 7-8, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Guest artist & violinist Angelo Xiang Yu performs Prokofiev’s “Violin Concerto No. 1.” The performance concludes with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.

American English: The Complete Beatles Tribute
Jan. 7, 8 p.m. Widely considered the best Beatles tribute band of our time, American English won Beatlefest’s sould-a-like contest for three consecutive years. Raue Center For The Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Emil Viklicky Grand Moravia Trio
Jan. 8, 3 p.m. Consisting of Emil Viklicky on piano, Petr Dvorsky on double bass and Cyril Zelenak on drums, the Emil Viklicky Grand Moravio Trio has toured the world performing their unique style of jazz. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Get Lit(erary)
Jan. 12, 7 p.m. Each month, actors and supporters from Raue Center’s Williams Street Repertory read classic and contemporary works by a wide array of distinguished authors. Le Petite Marche, 19 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, wsrep.org.

Judy Garland: Come Rain Or Come Shine
Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. Chicago’s award-winning dynamo Angela Ingersoll captures the emotional power and presence of beloved superstar Judy Garland. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Random Theft & Other Acts
Jan. 13-Feb. 5, Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Enjoy a  fast-paced comedy about three over-educated, under-employed suburbanites. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

Jay Casmirri: Songs You Love
Jan. 15, 3 p.m. Casmirri infuses classic hits from past decades, along with some originals that he wrote, with a soulful style of his own. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

Chicago Sinfonietta’s “Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
Jan. 15, 3 p.m. The Roosevelt University Conservatory Choir joins the Sinfonietta for a performance of “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 637-7469, finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.

Creative Living Series: Mary Fons
Jan. 19, 10 a.m. She is the co-host of “Love of Quilting,” which airs on PBS and co-host of the Quilt Your Heart Out podcast with her mom, quilting icon Marianne Fons. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Williams Street Rep Comedy
Jan. 19, 8 p.m. With a mixed set based on audience suggestions and orignial sketches, the WSR Comedy Troupe packs more laughs per minute in a single hour than most people can produce in a lifetime. Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, wsrep.org.

Defending The Caveman
Jan. 20, 8 p.m. With entertaining insight on feminism, masculine sensitivity and the erogenous zone, Rob Becker looks at the common themes in relationships that go straight through the funny bone and into the heart. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Williams Street Rep: “First Date”
Jan. 20, 8 p.m. When a blind date newbie is set up with a serial dater, a casual drink turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Raue Center For The Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

God Save The Queen
Jan. 21, 8 p.m. This band packs Queen’s popular hits, including “We Are The Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Somebody to Love,” into one memorable set, and they do it with theatrics that made Queen one of the most popular bands in music history. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

The Flat Cats: “Swing in the New Year”
Jan. 22, 3 p.m. The Flat Cats play a range of modern and vintage music, inspired by swinging jazz and blues, contemporary classics and timeless standards. The group is made up of six talented musicians with several years of performing, arranging and composing experience. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

4th Fridays at The Starline Gallery
Jan. 27, 6 p.m. This regional art event has a juried mixed art exhibit, juried photo contest, a featured artist solo exhibit, vendor artists, open Starline artist studios, People’s Choice voting, live music and a cash bar. Starline Factory, 300 W. Front St. #204E, Harvard, (815) 943-4805, starlinefactory.com.

ESO: Gershwin Rhapsodies
Jan. 28-29, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. This program, with guest pianist Yana Reznik, features “Cuban Overture,” written after Gershwin’s visit to Havana in 1932 and “Lullaby for Strings,” which highlights the strings of the Elgin Symphony. Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.

Spektral Quartet
Jan. 29, 2:30 p.m. The Spektral Quartet returns to Fermilab for a performance centering around composers’ use of the pizzicato technique. Creating connections across centuries, the group invites listeners to experience charismatic deliveries, interactive concert formats, an up-close atmosphere and inquisitive programming. Fermilab, Pine Street and Kirk Road, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, events.fnal.gov.

Williams Street Repertory: Bit O’ Wit in the Burbs
Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Two English artists make a bet as to which one of them can steal the affections of their fellow ex-patriot from her moneyed French fiance. Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, wsrep.org.

February

1st Friday Art Show at the Dole
Feb. 3, 5 p.m. Enjoy an artistic evening with wonderful featured art, the chance to meet and mingle with artists, and possibilities to purchase an origianl piece of work. Lakeside Arts Park at the Dole, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.

An Evening with Molly Ringwald
Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Ringwald and her band have performed more than 200 concerts in seven countries since her debut jazz album was released in 2013. She has also appeared in numerous films, such as “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Pretty in Pink.” Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

Meeting the Lincolns
Feb. 5, 3 p.m. Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, are brought to life in this entertaining and enlightening performance. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

“Sweeney Todd”
Feb. 8-March 19, check website for times. This Stephen Sondheim work has been nominated for Tony Awards in three different decades. Some call Sweeney Todd the perfect score, filled with beauty, while others describe it as a pitch-black comedy filled with terrors. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

“JOAN”
Feb. 10-Feb. 26, check website for times. The Sigman Brothers present a musical that portrays the mystery surrounding the life of a 15th century peasant girl, who is guided by “divine voices.” Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com

Get Lit(erary)
Feb. 10, 7 p.m. Each month, actors and supporters from Raue Center’s Williams Street Repertory read classic and contemporary works by a wide array of distinguished authors. Le Petite Marche, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, wsrep.org.

Roaring ‘20’s Gala
Feb. 11, 7 p.m. The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra Gala presents the opportunity to experience live orchestra music and dancing to an energetic swing band. Riviera Ballroom, 812 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, (262) 359-9072, lakegenevariviera.com.

Chris Lemmon in “A Twist of Lemmon”
Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Follow the lifelong journey of Chris Lemmon and his world-famous father, actor Jack Lemmon. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, villageofschaumburg.com.

En Vogue
Feb. 11, 8 p.m. This R&B group fuses style, sophistication, sass and sex appeal. The female group has released five albums and has sold more than 8 million copies. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 637-7469, finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.

A New Birth of Freedom: Abraham Lincoln’s Abiding Call
Feb. 12, 2 p.m. Kevin Wood portrays Lincoln in this discussion Lincoln’s life and the country’s history, from independence through the Civil War. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

Williams Street Rep Comedy
Feb. 16, 8 p.m. With a mixed set based on audience suggestions and orignial sketches, the WSR Comedy Troupe packs more laughs per minute in a single hour than most people can produce in a lifetime. Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, wsrep.org.

Richard Marx
Feb. 17, 8 p.m. As a performer, songwriter and producer, Richard Marx’s nearly three-decade-long career has had innumerable highlights. Raue Center For The Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

One Woman Sex and the City
Feb. 18, 8 p.m. This loving tribute takes audiences through a laughter-infused version of all six seasons of the beloved show. Raue Center For The Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Ana Popovic
Feb. 24, 8 p.m. Award-winning guitarist Ana Popovic combines electric funk and slide guitar, along with jazzy instrumentals with a soulful feminine voice. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 637-7469, finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.