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 at some of the many arts venues near you.

Barrington Dance Ensemble and professional guest artists perform the classic ballet “Sleeping Beauty” June 14-15 at Barrington High School.

May

WSR: “The Elephant Man”
Through May 19, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; May 12 & 19, 3 p.m. Horribly deformed by rare skin and bone diseases, a man becomes the star attraction in a traveling sideshow. Admitted to a prestigious London hospital for care, he evolves from an object of pity to a favorite of the aristocracy. Williams Street Repertory, Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

“August Rush”
Through June 2, Wed. 1:30 p.m., Wed.-Thu. 7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m., Sun. 1 & 5:30 p.m. A musically gifted boy runs away from his orphanage to New York City to find his parents, who are searching for him. World-premiere musical based on the film. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

GreenRoom Improv
May 11 & June 8, 7 p.m.; June 7, 8 p.m. Audience suggestions and stories become improvised songs and games; with live music. May 11 & June 8: Cosman Theater, 12015 Mill St., Huntley, (815) 814-4045. May 3 & June 7: Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, greenroomimprov.com.

Celebration of Steel
May 7, 7:30 p.m. The ECC Steel Band entertains with a mix of calypso, reggae, rock and more. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

The Music of John Denver
May 10, 7:30 p.m. Jim Curry mirrors Denver’s voice and clean-cut looks as he performs “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine,” “Calypso” and “Annie’s Song.” Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Martin Barre
May 10, 8 p.m. Celebrating 50 years of Jethro Tull with original members Barre, Clive Bunker and Johathan Noyce. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.

The Tale of Two Tims
May 11, 7:30 p.m. A night of stand-up comedy with Tim Cavanaugh, of the nationally syndicated radio shows, “The Bob and Tom Show” and “Dr. Demento.” Joining him is Tim Walkoe, the grand prize winner of “America’s Funniest People.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Kindra Scharich & Jeffrey LaDeur
May 12, 6:30 p.m. Mezzo soprano Scharich performs Beethoven’s “An die ferne Geliebte” and Schumann’s “Frauenliebe und Leben, Fantasie,” Opus 17. She is accompanied by pianist Jeffrey La Deur. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

David Crosby
May 13, 7:30 p.m. Crosby performs some of the greatest hits from his career with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

WSRep Comedy Night
May 16, 8 p.m. An evening of sketch and improv comedy. Williams Street Rep, Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”
May 16-June 29, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. One of Broadway’s greatest farces combines many plot twists with cases of mistaken identity, bawdy innuendos and hair-brained schemes. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Jay & the Americans
May 17, 8 p.m. From its beginnings in a Brooklyn basement some 50 years ago, the band has created a legacy in rock ‘n’ roll. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

“Dear Finch”
May 18, 7 p.m. This production features original music by Jess Godwin and stories inspired by handwritten letters from all over the world that remind us that no one is an island. Artists Lounge Live, Second Space Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

Tru: A One-Man Show
May 19, 3 p.m. Ron Keaton brings to life Truman Capote, one of America’s most colorful and controversial figures. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos
May 23, 8 p.m. A high-energy, all-request sing-along show for all ages. Music from The Beach Boys to the Beastie Boys, from John Lennon to John Legend. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Barry Manilow Tribute
May 24, 8 p.m. Jay Gates sings classics such as “Copacabana,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Even Now.” Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.

“The Savannah Sipping Society”
May 24-June 15, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. In this comedy, four Southern women meet at an impromptu happy hour and decide it’s time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

4th Fridays at The Starline Factory
May 24 & June 22, 6 p.m. This monthly art exhibit is an open-themed, juried fine art show that covers all media. The Starline Factory, 306 W. Front St., Harvard, (815) 943-4805, starlinefactory.com.

St. Charles Fine Art Show
May 25-26, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. More than 100 juried fine artists demonstrate their original works in a variety of media. Downtown St. Charles, Riverside Avenue and Main Street, (630) 443-3967, downtownstcharles.org.

Steve Adler
May 25, 8 p.m. The founding drummer of Guns N’ Roses entertains with hits from the band during the late 1980s. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Trouble Ahead
May 26, 3 p.m. Chicago-area musicians offer faithful renditions of classic Grateful Dead tunes. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.

Rosie & the Rivets
May 26, 3-5 p.m. Family-friendly show featuring period clothes, vintage guitars, drums and microphones; danceable music of the 1950s and early 1960s, including early rock, rockabilly, surf and soul. Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

A Night with Brontë Fall
May 29, 7:30 p.m. Entertainment by the indie-pop/Americana group out of Chicago. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

B. B. King’s Blues Band
May 31, 8 p.m. The blues band keeps the musical legacy of King alive; with Michael Lee from “The Voice.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

“Over the Tavern”
May 31-June 16, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. It’s the 1950s in Buffalo, New York. When the youngest Pazinski family member, 12-year-old Rudy, announces that instead of being confirmed, he’d rather shop around for a more “fun” religion, you could say that all hell breaks loose. A warm and comedic look at family, growing up and God. Elgin Theatre Company, Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., 8th Floor, Elgin, (847) 741-0532, elgin-theatre.org.

June

Mason Rivers
June 2, 3-4:30 p.m. The high-energy band covers the best of today’s country music as well as favorite classics. Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Ben Vereen
June 2, 5 p.m. An evening of song and dance, combining tributes to Broadway, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Concerts in the Park
June 4-Aug. 27, Tues. 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music performed by a regional band in the stage by the lakeside. Crystal Lake Park District, Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.

Samantha Pauly
June 5, 7:30 p.m. Known for her performances in “Evita” and “Godspell,” Pauly captures the spirit of Connie Francis with favorites such as “Where the Boys Are,” “Volare” and “Stupid Cupid.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Concerts in the Square
June 5-July 24, Wed. 7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax with a summertime tradition of city band concerts and ice cream socials. Historic Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Concerts in Lincoln Park
June 6-Aug. 15, Thu. 7-8:30 p.m. Performers include Sushi Roll, Rosie & the Rivets, Ethan Bell Band, FeelGood Party Band and many more. Lincoln Park, Main Street between 4th and 5th Streets, St. Charles, (630) 513-4329, stcparks.org.

First Friday at the Dole
June 7, 5-9 p.m. An evening with displays in two galleries and the opportunity to purchase original, local work. Lakeside Arts Park at the Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.

Herman’s Hermits
June 9, 5 p.m. Peter Noone reprises hits from “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” to “A Kind of Hush.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

“Godspell”
June 13-16, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 2 p.m. The updated version of the musical consisting of biblical parables told through games, storytelling and song, with music ranging from pop to vaudeville, including the hit “Day by Day.” Children’s Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley, Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

Christopher Titus: Amerigeddon
June 14, 8 p.m. The comedian brings his newest show to theaters. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Blues on the Fox Festival
June 14-15, Fri. gates open 6 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. Featuring Ana Popovic, Taj Mahal Quartet, Jamiah Rogers, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Coco Montoya and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, riveredgeaurora.com.

“Sleeping Beauty”
June 14-15, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. The classic ballet set in a magical kingdom, performed by student dancers and professional guest artists. Barrington Dance Ensemble, Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 382-6333, barringtondance.org.

“A Few Good Men”
June 14-30, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. At a court-martial, military lawyers uncover a high-level conspiracy in the course of defending their clients, two United States Marines accused of murder. TownSquare Players, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, townsquareplayers.org.

One Night in Memphis
June 15, 8 p.m. Former cast members of “Million Dollar Quartet” perform a tribute to Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Mississippi Heat
June 16, 3-4:30 p.m. The Chicago Blues band entertains with fresh, yet vintage-based music. Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash
June 21, 7:30 p.m. Celebrating the music of the biggest names in rock ‘n’ roll from the 1950s. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

Heart Alumni
June 21, 8 p.m. Original members Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier re-create the hits of Heart.; vocals by Somer Macek. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Riverside Folk Festival
June 22, 1-5 p.m. Bring a picnic and listen to relaxing folk music. Proceeds benefit scholarships for Riverside’s Imaginative Learning programs. Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

MBTL: Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra
June 23, 4 p.m. Now in its 19th season, the orchestra boasts talented musicians from southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College of Aurora University (GWC), 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501 musicbythelake.com.

Summer Concert Series
June 25-Aug. 20, Tues. 7 p.m. Bands include Chicago Tribute Anthology, Mr. Myers, Ethan Bell and The Blooze Brothers. Deicke Park, 11419 Ill. Rt. 47 or Town Square, Huntley, (847) 515-5200, huntley.il.us.

“The Mousetrap”
June 27-30 & July 5-7, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Agatha Christie’s famous play involves a group of strangers who are stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm. One of them is a murderer. Stage Coach Players Theatre, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.

“All Shook Up”
June 28-July 23, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. It’s 1955, and a guitar-playing young man rides into a “square” little town in a “square” little state, changing everything and everyone he meets. Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, such as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t be Cruel.” Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

MBTL: The Oak Ridge Boys
June 29, 7:30 p.m. The award-winning country group entertains with four-part harmonies and upbeat songs. Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.

The Fortunate Sons
June 30, 3-4:30 p.m. With vintage costumes, gear and instruments, the band puts on a tribute to Credence Clearwater Revival. Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

July

MBTL: Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx
July 6, 7:30 p.m. The founding member and lead singer of Styx and his six-piece band showcase the band’s greatest hits, such as “Lady,” “Babe” and “Come Sail Away.” Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.

RiverPark Summer Concerts
Through July, Sun. 6 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy performances on the terrace of the stone amphitheater along the Fox River. RiverPark, N. River Lane and Peyton St., Geneva, (630) 262-7494, geneva.il.us. (Geneva United Methodist Church, 211 Hamilton St., in case of rain.)

Summer Breeze Concert Series
July 6-Aug. 24, select Saturdays, 7 p.m. Performers include Sushi Roll, Soul 2 The Bone, Semple, Ethan Bell Band, The Flat Cats and Frank Winkler & the Symphonic Pops. Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center Grounds, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Tickets: Prairie Center for the Arts, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

MBTL: An Evening with Judy Collins
July 13, 7:30 p.m. The iconic singer-songwriter interprets folk standards and original compositions. Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.

Woodstock Folk Festival
July 21, noon-6 p.m. Folk singers, dancers, story tellers, workshops and a children’s area. Lifetime achievement award presented to Anne Hills, American folk singer-songwriter. Woodstock Square, Woodstock, (815) 479-9933, woodstockfolkmusic.com.

Geneva Arts Fair
July 27-28, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 140 artists show work in a variety of media, including glass, textiles, painting and sculpture. Location: Downtown Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.

Williams Bay Fine Art & Craft Fest
July 27-28, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. This juried show attracts fine artists and crafters from the Midwest and beyond; music and food. Edgewater Park, 15 E. Geneva St., Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 275-2750, travelwisconsin.com.

MBTL: The Music of ABBA
July 28, 4 p.m. The 12-piece band performs ABBA’s hits, including “Dancing Queen,” and “Mamma Mia.” Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.