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.
November
Yellow House Artists: Wish You Were Here
Through Nov. 19, Mon.-Tue., Th. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Wed. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun. 1-4 p.m. Nearly 30 area artists specializing in oil pastels display their works. Elgin Artspace, 51 S. Spring St., Elgin, (847) 214-2922, yellowhouseartists.com.
TownSquare Players: “Shrek”
Nov. 3-19, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. A big, green ogre who lives on a swamp embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and falls in love with an extraordinary princess. Presented by TownSquare Players. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, townsquareplayers.org.
Endangered Beauty
Nov. 4-Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Artist reception, Nov. 5, 1-3 p.m. Over the past 14 years, Carol Freeman has photographed hundreds of Illinois’ threatened and endangered species. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Ill. Rt. 31 and Harts Road, Glacial Park, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus
Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. The premier touring musical representatives for the U.S. Army for more than half a century. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Cocktail Hour: The Show
Nov. 11, 8 p.m. “Ballet with a Twist NYC” reinvents the glamour and excitement of classic entertainment, combining Hollywood’s Golden Age with a sleek 21st-century sensibility. Experience an original mix of pop-infused choreography, music and costumes. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
The Roots of American Folk Music
Nov. 12, 5 p.m. Featuring Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, the concert showcases young singers and musicians who return us to a time when music brought us together and changed us. Arcada, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.
Carol Foster
Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. This Barrington Hills artist specializes in original oil paintings of nature and pets. Music provided by Barrington Music Institute. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4284, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Cirque du Soleil: Crystal
Nov. 16-19, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3:30 p.m. Performers explore the artistic attributes of ice, combining skating, sliding, aesthetics and acrobatic feats. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, (847) 649-2270, searscentre.com.
Larry Yazzie & the Native Pride Dancers, with Bill Miller
Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. A world champion dancer, Yazzie and his crew combine traditions of American Indians while introducing a wide spectrum of Native music and movement. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
Lucy’s Comedy Café
Nov. 17, 8:30 p.m. Lucy’s Comedy Café brings in regional and national comedians such as Dwayne Kennedy, Rocky LaPorte and Patti Vasquez for a night of laughs. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“Defending the Caveman”
Nov. 17-18, 7:30 p.m. The longest-running solo play in Broadway history reveals, with laughter, the misunderstandings between men and women. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Bette Davis Isn’t for Sissies!
Nov. 18, 8 p.m. Jessica Sherr performs her acclaimed one-woman show as a tenacious young starlet fighting her way to the top. Arcada Family Theatre at Pheasant Run, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6300, pheasantrun.com.
America
Nov. 18-19, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. Some 40 years on, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell are thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.
DSO: Yoohah Kim
Nov. 19, 3 p.m. Pieces by German masters Carl Maria von Weber and Robert Schumann are performed by acclaimed clarinetist Kim. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Elmhurst Symphony: Music at Mayslake
Nov. 19, 3 p.m. Enjoy classical music with a twist, from bebop jazz, electronic pop and original compositions to jazzed-up classical selections. Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook, (630) 206-9566, elmhurstsymphony.org.
WSRep: “Suffer a Witch”
Nov. 20, 7 p.m. Unorthodox herbalist-healer Grace sticks out mightily in a God-fearing community. When the court orders a trial by dunking, will Grace sink or float? Williams Street Repertory, Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Elf, the Musical
Nov. 22-Jan. 7, see website for times. After discovering he isn’t an elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City in search of his real father. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Radio Play
Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 8 p.m.; Nov. 26, 4 p.m.; Dec. 2-3, 2 p.m. The American classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, with an ensemble of actors telling the story of George Bailey. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Radio Play
Nov. 24-Dec. 30, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Heartache Tonight: Eagles Tribute
Nov. 25, 8 p.m. A realistic concert experience featuring the Eagles’ greatest hits like “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Hotel California” and “Take it Easy.” Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“A Christmas Carol”
Nov. 29, 10:30 a.m. Dickens’ classic holiday tale of miserly Scrooge’s redemption. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Gentri: Finding Christmas
Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. Three inspiring tenors bring your favorite Christmas songs to life with epic orchestrations and lush harmonies. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
December
First Friday/Christmas at the Dole
Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. Featuring work by Lakes Region Watercolor Guild, Janet Rieck and resident artists. Family-friendly activities include lighting of Dole Mansion Christmas tree. Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.
BDE: “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 1-3, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. The talented dancers of Barrington Dance Ensemble present the classic Tchaikovsky ballet. Barrington High School Richard C. Johnson Auditorium, 616 W. Main St., Barrington. Tickets/Info: (847) 382-6333, byde.org.
First Fridays Improv
Dec. 1, 8 p.m. An evening of improvisation, à la “Whose Line is it Anyway?” A 100-percent “clean” show by GreenRoom Productions. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Dec. 1-29, see website for times. In this spirited retelling of the holiday classic, Marley gets one more chance to free himself and redeem the skinflint Scrooge. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Love and Joy Come to You
Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. The Lakeside Singers perform carols and holiday samplings, both classical and contemporary. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
A Carpenters Christmas
Dec. 5, 3 p.m. Singer Lisa Rock and her band keep The Carpenters’ holiday traditions alive, bringing their Christmas songs to the stage. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 8, 8-11 p.m. Enjoy the beloved Holiday Pops Concert, featuring festive combinations of contemporary and classic hits. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
ESO: Magical Holiday Concerts
Dec. 9-10, Sat.-Sun. 2:30 p.m., Sat. 7:30 p.m. Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s tradition continues with a holiday extravaganza for the entire family, complete with an appearance by a very special visitor from the North Pole. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Ron Hawking: Home for the Holidays
Dec. 9-10, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Chicago’s award-winning singer-entertainer puts you in the holiday spirit with holiday favorites. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4284, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
FVCB: Home for the Holidays
Dec. 10, 3 p.m. The Fox Valley Concert Band shares some Christmas magic with a rousing lineup of holiday-themed tunes. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1050 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Info: (630) 584-7200, fvcb.org
DSO: Yuletide Joy
Dec. 10, 4 p.m. Celebrate the season with DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s family-friendly program featuring holiday favorites from around the world. Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Sing-Along Messiah
Dec. 10, 4-6 p.m. Voices in Harmony and a 25-piece orchestra perform Handel’s masterwork, joined by the McHenry County College Chorus and the audience. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Tim Benker: “Fixing Stupid”
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Comedian Benker uncovers human daffiness in a colorful multimedia presentation. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
She’s Folks
Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Journey with Elizabeth Morgan and her band from big city to farm country and back again through folk music, gospel, bluegrass and storytelling. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
WSRep: Get Lit(erary)
Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Join WSRep actors for this monthly reading of selected classic and contemporary literary works. Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. Baritone Jared Bradshaw is joined by a trio singing the infectious harmonies of the Andrews Sisters. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Ball in the House: Holiday Magic
Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Following in the path of classic harmony groups like the Temptations, this veteran group incorporates pop and neo-soul into a holiday a capella show. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1399 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Marta and Ani Aznavoorian
Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. These world-renowned, award-winning musicians return to their childhood hometown and share their piano and cello talent. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4284, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 16-17, Sat. 1 & 5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. The Berkshire Ballet Theatre delights with lavish costumes and powerful dancing set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Dancewerks Studio
Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Join the dancers and Parker Playhouse Performers as they express the joy of the season. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4284, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Boilermaker Jazz Band
Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Paul Cosentio and the band capture the energy and swing of Benny Goodman. Vocalist Jennifer McNulty joins them. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Polish Carols, Song & Dance
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. The Lira singers and dancers perform Polish folk songs, carols and dances in authentic folk costumes. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue
Dec. 20-31, see website for times. Laugh along with this revue, which captures the magic, mystery and mayhem of the season with original songs and sketches. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Bret Michaels Christmas Show
Dec. 22, 8 p.m. An evening of entertainment by this Poison rock star, supercross enthusiast and philanthropist. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Home for the Holidays
Dec. 22-30, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Bring the family and celebrate the holidays with the Williams Street Rep Ensemble and Comedy Troupe. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Ed Hall’s Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. Four internationally acclaimed musicians present an evening of popular holiday favorites. Featuring Patty Larkin, Jack Wilson, David Youngman and Jeff Friedlander. An annual event in memory of musician Ed Hall. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
A Rockin’ New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Welcome the New Year with blues/rock ‘n’ roll musicians Jimmy Nick and the Don’t Tell Mama band. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Arcada’s New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Rock in the New Year with the Diva Montell Band. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.
January
Guitar Duo Haque & Ivanovic
Jan. 4, 7:30 p.m. Virtuoso Fareed Haque, steeped in classical and jazz tradition, uses his unique command of the guitar to inspire different musical styles. The career of versatile and skilled musician Chicagoan Goran Ivanovic has been built upon innovation. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Live in Central Park
Jan. 5, 7:30 p.m. A celebration of the Simon & Garfunkel concert in Central Park, re-creating the music that made this night magical. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
ESO: “Hungarian Rhapsody”
Jan. 5-7, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. With works by Dvorak and Liszt, this program features Bella Hristova, a guest violinist from Bulgaria, and has a distinct Slavic flair. Fri. at Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, Sat.-Sun. at Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets/Info: (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Baby Boomer Comedy Show
Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m. Veteran comedians Jan McInnis and Kent Rader entertain with clean humor on topics the boomer generation can relate to: family, kids, work, DIY projects, dieting, aging and grandchildren. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
American English
Jan. 6, 8 p.m. A Beatles tribute that captures musical details with costumes, vintage instruments and special effects. This show features the U.K. versions of two complete albums, “Please Please Me” and “Rubber Soul.” Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“Miss Expanding Universe”
Jan. 8, 7 p.m. A comedic family drama tells the story of a young runaway and her struggling writer uncle, two misfits who forge an unexpected connection. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“Dry Powder”
Jan. 12-Feb. 4, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. In its Midwest premiere, this play pulls back the veil on the world of high finance and equity traders, through the anatomy of a deal that will change people’s lives. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Elmhurst Symphony: “Four Seasons”
Jan. 13, 2:30 p.m. The Stradivarius Society’s newest recipient, Joshua Brown, performs Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and ESO string principals are showcased. Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, (630) 206-9566, elmhurstsymphony.org.
Something Good: Rogers and Hammerstein
Jan. 14, 3 p.m. Featuring singer, pianist and guitarist Elisabeth von Trapp, granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp, this musical overview showcases fresh arrangements of songs from Broadway shows such as “South Pacific,” “Cinderella,” “The King and I,” “Carousel” and “The Sound of Music.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Open Stage at the Raue
Jan. 17, 7 p.m. Raue Café welcomes local performers of all kinds – poets, dancers, songwriters, jugglers, magicians, comedians – to share their talent and passion for the arts. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Step Afrika!
Jan. 17, 7 p.m. Based on the sights, sounds and movements of downtown Chicago, this group introduces young people to the art form of stepping, an exciting contemporary African-American dance genre. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
WSRep Comedy Night
Jan. 18, 8 p.m. An evening of sketch and improv comedy. Raue Center Café, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Resurrection: A Journey Tribute
Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. Re-create the experience of a Journey concert from the band’s most prolific period, with many of the musicians who have performed or recorded with the group. Appearance by Steve Perry. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Masters of the Mind
Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. Four internationally acclaimed mentalists demonstrate the power of the mind. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.