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.

Paramount Theatre’s staging of “Disney’s Beauty & The Beast” runs through Jan. 19 in downtown Aurora.

December

Second City’s Holiday Revue
Through Dec. 22, Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Comedians take on “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Sweater” in this send-up of some of the amusing aspects of the holiday season. Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

The Ballad of CC Scrooge
Through Dec. 29, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Dickens’ tale gets a modern makeover as three ghosts and an old business associate try to change the stone-cold heart of a workaholic entrepreneur, Ms. CC Scrooge, in a blend of humor and pathos, good for the whole family. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

Fox Valley Nutcracker
Dec. 1, 2 p.m. Showcasing students from local studios alongside professional dancers, with beautiful dance and music, lavish sets and festive costumes. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

Christmas with the Nelsons
Dec. 1, 3 p.m. Gunnar and Matthew Nelson blend Everly Brothers-style harmonies and Smothers Brothers-style comedy. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Leonid & Friends
Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Back by popular demand, the group entertains its audiences by capturing the spirit, musicality and fire of the iconic group Chicago. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.

“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 1, 4 p.m., & Dec. 6-8, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Ebenezer Scrooge has a long night as he journeys through Christmas Past, Present and Future with ghostly guides. Theatre 121, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

A Cherry, Cherry Christmas
Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. A selection of songs from Neil Diamond’s four Christmas albums and his greatest hits, performed by Denny Svelha, who has performed tributes to Diamond for over 20 years. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Radio Theatre
Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. It’s Christmas Eve 1945 and only a handful of WVL Radio’s employees have braved the blizzard to perform the live broadcast and keep the station afloat. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Celebrate & Sing
Dec. 3-4, 7:30 p.m. An evening of music performed by ECC’s in-house ensembles: Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo and Steel Bands. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

The 12 Dames of Christmas
Dec. 4, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Emmy nominee Angela Ingersoll captures the sounds of a dozen divas, including Judy Garland, Julie Andrews and Brenda Lee. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”
Dec. 4-Jan. 19, see website for times. A cursed prince must learn to love before the last petal of a magic rose drops or he will remain a beast forever. Will a young woman who comes to his castle tip the balance in his favor? Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”
Dec. 5-18 & 13-15, Thu.-Fri. 7:30 p.m. Based on the film by Frank Capra, the classic holiday tale in which George Bailey is trying to make it through a very dark time with the help of Clarence, an almost-angel first class. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.

1st Friday Art Show
Dec. 6, 5-7:30 p.m. Featuring artwork by Studio of McHenry and Lakes Region Watercolor Guild. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, thedole.org.

Nat King Cole Christmas
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Chicago singer Tyrone Martin performs classics such as “The Christmas Song,” “All I Want for Christmas” and many more. The Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo and Steel Bands. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

Bret Michaels Christmas Party
Dec. 6, 8 p.m. First rising to fame as the frontman of Poison, Michaels continues to rock hard. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 6-15, see website for times. A corps of professional dancers and student performers present the 25th anniversary production of this beloved holiday ballet. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

Tower of Power
Dec. 7, 8 p.m. The legendary group represents love, peace and soul power. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

ESO: The Nutcracker
Dec. 7-8, Sat. 2 & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Local dancers and actors share the stage with seasoned professionals to create a production full of elaborate and enchanting surprises. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, elginsymphony.org.

Sinatra Tribute
Dec. 7-8, Sat. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sun. 3-5 p.m. Ron Hawking delivers a 104th Sinatra birthday tribute, “The Song is You.” Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Swedish-American Children’s Choir
Dec. 8, 1 p.m. The Midwest’s largest choir of its kind for singers ages 4-17. Main Branch, Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

A Carpenters Christmas
Dec. 8, 2 p.m. Backed by a seven-piece band, singer Debbie Taylor pays tribute to the songs of Karen and Richard Carpenter. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Home for the Holidays
Dec. 8, 3 p.m. The concert band entertains with seasonal music. Fox Valley Concert Band, Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com, fvcb.org.

EMC Children’s Holiday Concert
Dec. 8, 3:30 p.m. The Elgin Master Chorale’s Children’s Chorus performs holiday favorites. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

Wizards of Winter
Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. In this holiday rock show, the group performs classical and progressive rock; includes five former members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

It’s the Best Time of the Year
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. The Lakeside Singers entertain with jazz, gospel, rock, folk, R & B and other contemporary genres. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Holiday Humbug Comedy Show
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Known as “Uncle Lar,” Larry Reeb is a wise-cracking, politically incorrect relative everyone knows. He’s happy to give tips on everything from marriage to lotteries to children. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Anthony Nunziata in Amore
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Nunziata brings his full tenor voice to great American and Italian love songs. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Jane Lynch, A Swingin’ Little Christmas
Dec. 12-14, Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 10 p.m. Singer-comedian Lynch and Kate Flannery ring in the holidays with takes on classic holiday tunes as well as nostalgia-inspired originals by bandleader Tony Guerrero. Thursday show: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org. Fri.-Sat. show: Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Ides of March Christmas Show
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. Entertaining since 1964 with an energetic mix of rocking guitars, brass and vocals. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Christmas at the Silent Movies
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. Holiday-themed silent films – Buster Keaton in “The Frozen North,” Laurel and Hardy in “Big Business” and the first-ever film adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” and “The Night Before Christmas” – are accompanied with their original orchestral scores. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

ESO: Deck the Halls
Dec. 14-15, Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. The holiday concert is a community sing-along for the entire family. ESO, Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 14-15 & 20-22, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 & 7 p.m. Judith Svalander Dance Theatre takes you on a journey with Clara, the nutcrackers and a host of characters in this holiday classic. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

DSO: “Tis the Season”
Dec. 15, 2 & 4 p.m. The annual family holiday concert includes works by German, Rimsky-Korsakov, Respighi and Anderson. DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

English Madrigal concert
Dec. 15, 3 p.m. The award-winning Barrington High School Madrigal ensemble performs a variety of Medieval and holiday tunes at this Renaissance-themed event, complete with elaborate costuming. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

The Lettermen
Dec. 15, 3 p.m. Harmonizing since the early ’60s with hits such as “The Way You Look Tonight” and “When I Fall in Love.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Sing-Along “Messiah”
Dec. 15, 4 p.m. Join Voices in Harmony for an afternoon of Handel’s masterwork, accompanied by an orchestra. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Christmas in Ireland
Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. Having recently sold out Carnegie Hall, young tenor Emmet Cahill returns to perform holiday favorites as well as classic songs from the Emerald Isle. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Glen Miller Orchestra
Dec. 17, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. The most popular big band has been playing swing since 1956. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Holiday Pops Concert
Dec. 17, 8 p.m. The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra performs renditions of traditional holiday favorites as well as new sounds. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Elisabeth von Trapp
Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. A joyous family celebration of festive holiday music from around the world; Ms. Von Trapp tells stories of Christmas in the von Trapp household and in her native Austria. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

WSRep Comedy Night
Dec. 19, Jan. 16 & Feb. 28, 7 p.m. An evening of sketch and improv comedy. Williams Street Rep, Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

The FIXXmas Tour
Dec. 20, 8 p.m. The group performs songs such as “One Thing Leads to Another,” “Red Skies” and “Saved by Zero.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

“A Christmas Carol” Radio Show
Dec. 21, 3 & 5 p.m. Presented as a 1940s radio show, a retelling of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to find his holiday spirit. Reg. online. McCormick House Freedom Hall, Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Presto! Holiday Concert
Dec. 21, 3 & 7 p.m. Four youth ensembles combine talents for a program of seasonal classical works and holiday favorites. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

Trans Infinity Orchestra
Dec. 21, 8 p.m. Christmas, classical and rock music, including hits from Boston, Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, Styx, Queen, Journey and more. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 21-22, Sat. 1 & 5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. A favorite ballet for the season. Engage Dance Theatre, Norris Cultural Arts Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Radio Theatre
Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m. It’s Christmas Eve 1945 and only a handful of WVL Radio’s employees have braved the blizzard to perform the live broadcast and keep the station afloat. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 21-29, see website for times. Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim in this interactive, family-friendly show. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Dec. 22, 3-4:30 p.m. Bring the family and sing along with favorite traditional carols. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Ben Vereen Christmas Show
Dec. 22, 5 p.m. His one-man show, “Steppin’ Out” is a tribute to Broadway, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Christmas Guitar Night
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. In an ongoing tribute to Ed Hall, four internationally acclaimed musicians present an evening of popular holiday favorites and arrangements for guitar. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Steve Cochran
Dec. 31, 1 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of comedy, music and game shows and be home well before midnight; with Mike Toomey and John DaCosse. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

American English
Dec. 31, 7 p.m. The Beatles tribute band plays selections from “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Let it Be.” Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

New Year’s Eve Prince Party
Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Bring in the new year with The Purple Xperience, a five-piece group from Minneapolis, Prince’s birthplace. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

January

Skip Griparis
Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m. The “Major League” star and singer/guitarist entertains with comedy and music, performing take-offs of James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Springsteen, Prince, Billy Joel and more. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

TV & Me
Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m. Mike Toomey takes a humorous journey back to the TV Land of the 1960s and 1970s, relating how childhood television-watching shaped his adult life, and impersonating favorite TV celebrities. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Andy Woodhull & Friends
Jan. 4, 7:30 p.m. Entertainment by comedian Woodhull, who has appeared on Comedy Central and the Tonight Show. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Blooze Brothers
Jan. 4, 8 p.m. The music of the original Blues Brothers, from traditional blues to classic rock. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

The Knific Quartet
Jan. 5, 3 p.m. This family ensemble performs originals, Brazilian music and American Songbook classics. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Metropolis Oboe Quartet
Jan. 6, 2 p.m. Join the quartet of oboe, violin, viola and cello for a journey through some of the most well-known chamber music from all eras. Main Branch, Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

Dueling Pianos
Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 12, 8 p.m. Felix and Fingers is a high-energy, all-request sing-along show for all ages. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

The Neverly Brothers
Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m. A musical guided tour of rock history from 1955 to 1964, including American Rock “n’ Roll pioneers such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry and the British invasion bands. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Johnny Lang
Jan. 10, 8 p.m. Lang has been crafting his modern R&B sound since he released his first record at the age of 15; it went platinum. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

ESO: Magnificent Mozart
Jan. 10-12, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. The orchestra gives the audience a glimpse into the brilliance that was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. Jan. 10 at Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg. Jan. 11-12 at Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org

“Love, Loss & What I Wore”
Jan. 10-Feb. 2, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Smart and persistent women share their funny, compelling and touching stories. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

Just Imagine
Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m. A celebration of the life and music of John Lennon, starring look- and sing-alike artist Tim Piper, who shares the stories behind the songs. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Boomer Babes: Still Rockin’
Jan. 12, 3 p.m. Pam Peterson and Jan Slavin celebrate and spoof their generation with wit and musical flair, schmoozing about the 1950s and 1960s while facing their age with humor. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Tsukasa Taiko
Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. Bringing together professional contemporary and classical performers, along with community members, for an authentic taiko drumming concert. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Resurrection: A Journey Tribute
Jan. 17-18, 7:30 p.m. A faithful re-creation of a Journey concert from the band’s most prolific period. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

The Sweet Remains
Jan. 18, 7 p.m. The group performs three-part harmonies that harken back to Crosby, Stills & Nash, the Eagles and Simon & Garfunkel. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

AC/DC Thunderstruck Tribute
Jan. 18, 8 p.m. This salute to AC/DC includes hits “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black.” Joined by tribute band Sabbath. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Sweet Baby James
Jan. 18, 8 p.m. Sam Hyman captures the vocal and guitar styles of James Taylor. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

3 Redneck Tenors Broadway Bound
Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. Three singing cousins belt out Broadway’s greatest hits from “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Sound of Music,” “Annie” and others. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

A Neil Diamond Story
Jan. 24, 8 p.m. Celebrate Neil Diamond’s 79th birthday with Denny Svehla’s tribute to his music and the stories behind them. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

American Grands 25
Jan. 25, 1, 4 & 7 p.m. Nearly 500 pianists of all ages perform on 12 grand pianos. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

An Evening with Greg Warren & Friends
Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. Most recently seen on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” comedian Warren entertains with an act inspired by his Midwestern upbringing. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

ESO: Abbey Road Tribute
Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. ESO and Jeans ‘n Classics perform the best-selling Beatles album, with a warm-up set featuring hits from the White Album. ESO, Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

“Romeo and Juliet”
Jan. 26, 3 p.m. The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa presents this tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers, told through dance. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.