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 world-premiere production of “The Secret to My Success” runs through March 29. Based on the hit film starring Michael J. Fox, this musical tells the story of an ambitious young man who finds a way to climb the corporate ladder on a lark. (Liz Lauren photo)

February

The Secret of My Success
Through March 29, Wed. 1:30 & 7 p.m., Thu. 7 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 5:30 p.m. A world-premiere musical in which a young, ambitious Midwesterner moves to New York City to start his dream job at a major corporation, only to be laid off on the very first day. He devises a way to climb the corporate ladder anyway, but will his scheme come unraveled? Paramount Theatre, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Raima Ratti Exhibit
Through April 12, Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. The work of Finnish-American painter Ratti was influenced by the economic and social changes he experienced during the Great Depression in Lake County. He documented the world around him in sketches and paintings of landscapes and his community until his untimely death at the age of 31. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, (847) 968-3400, lcfpd.org.

“20th Century Blues”
Feb. 21-March 15, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Four women meet once a year to have their pictures taken as they navigate through love, careers, children and the complications of history. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

“Giselle”
Feb. 23, 2 p.m. In this theatre cinema broadcast, choreographer Alexei Ratmansky and the Bolshoi Ballet bring a fresh perspective to one of the greatest works of classical dance, which touches upon universal romantic themes. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Egyptian Classic Film Series
Feb. 23, March 29 & April 5, 2 p.m. The February film is “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs;” in March, “Gone with the Wind,” and in April “The Sound of Music.” Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.

John-Mark McGaha
Feb. 26, 3 & 7:30 p.m. Acclaimed singer and instrumentalist McGaha celebrates the genius of Stevie Wonder with hits including “Isn’t She Lovely” and “My Cherie Amor.” Metropolis, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
Feb. 27-March 1, see website for times. When eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts restores an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, they discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to take flight. The family must outwit the evil Baron Bomburst, who wants the magic car for himself. CYT Aurora, Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

4th Fridays Art Event at the Dole
Feb. 28, March 27 & April 24, 6-9 p.m. Regional juried art event featuring multiple media in two galleries, with live music on three stages. Food trucks outside. Stay afterward for music, dancing and cash bar in the Listening Room, 9-10:45 p.m. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, thedole.org.

DSO: Chamber Music at the 95th St. Library
Feb. 28, 7:30-8:30 p.m. A family-friendly performance followed by a question-and-answer period. DSO, Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

Josh Turner
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Multi-platinum MCA Nashville recording artist Turner plays hits such as “Your Man,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Time is Love.” Arcada, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Alash
Feb. 29, 7 p.m. Using a technique for singing multiple pitches at once, this ensemble of throat singers blends the sounds of Siberia with those of folk and Americana. SecondSpace Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

International Guitar Night
Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m. Four acclaimed acoustic guitarists come together in concert. Featuring English Guitarist Mike Dawes, Cenk Erdogan of Istanbul, Finnish Olli Soikkeli and Hawaiian Jim “Kimo” West. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues
Feb. 29, 8 p.m. Jazz and classical music mingle; with Ernie Watts and Lynne Jordan. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

The Way Down Wanderers
Feb. 29, 8 p.m. High-energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo and fiddle come together to create a unique sound. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Y & T
Feb. 29, 8 p.m. Beginning in the early 1970s, the band set the standard for hard rock bands that followed. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

 

March

Anthony Rodia
March 1, 5 p.m. A first-generation Italian-American, comedian Rodia is known for his skits and song parodies, as well as his weekly “Road Rage Wednesday,” with his popular character Uncle Vinny. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

The Tap Pack
March 1, 7:30 p.m. The five-member cast from Australia entertains with tap, smooth vocals, a swinging jazz band and on-stage banter. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

Howard Jones Acoustic Session
March 6, 8 p.m. A fresh take on Howard’s best-known hits; featuring Robin Boult and Nick Beggs. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

“Matilda the Musical”
March 6-22, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m.; on March 14 & 21, 2 p.m. Based on the book by Roald Dahl, Matilda is an extraordinary girl, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Broadway Panel Series
March 7, 6 p.m. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a new musical, this is your chance to find out. The featured speaker is Michael Mahler, composer and lyricist for “The Secret of My Success.” Reg. online. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

The Ragged Rascals
March 7, 7:30 p.m. Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day with this Irish pub band. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

Mariachi!
March 7, 7:30 p.m. Mariachi Acero, from Las Vegas, takes pride in presenting an evening of music, culture and dance. ESO, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

Goitse
March 7, 8 p.m. Pronounced gwi-cha, the Irish band brims with energy. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

Laurel Canyon Band
March 7, 8 p.m. An acoustic tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, featuring re-creations of their well-known works as well as songs from their early bands and solo years. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Geoff Tate
March 7, 8 p.m. Tate and his band Operation: Mindcrime celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Empire album. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Le Cirque Esprit
March 8, 3 p.m. Combines circus arts with live music provided by CORDIS, setting a dramatic backdrop to acrobatics, aerial work, dance and lights. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

Grass Roots & Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
March 8, 5 p.m. The two popular rock ‘n’ roll groups produced many top Billboard hits from the mid-’60s to the mid-’70s. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Arcada Silent Film Night
March 10, 7:30 p.m. The 1924 comedy “Sherlock Jr.” stars Buster Keaton. Organ accompaniment by Jay Warren. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Lewis Black
March 12, 8 p.m. Comedian Black entertains with his “It Gets Better Every Day” tour; topics include current events, social media and politics. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

Carole’s Kings
March 13, 7:30 p.m. An all-male tribute, complete with lush orchestrations, witty banter and three New York stage veterans who rock out to Carole King’s hits. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.

Third Coast Percussion
March 13, 7:30 p.m. The Grammy-winning quartet of classically trained musicians celebrates the world of percussion. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

Ruth Moody Band
March 13, 7:30 p.m. Ruth Moody, of The Wailin’ Jennys, and folk duo Dala entertain with harmonies and soaring vocals. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.

Bay City Rollers
March 13, 8 p.m. Original guitarist Stuart “Woody” Wood and group play songs such as “Saturday Night,” “I Only Want to Be with You” and “Be My Baby.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Lucy’s Comedy Cafe
March 13, 8:30 p.m. In its 9th season, the series features regional and national comedians. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

An Irish Heartbeat
March 14, 8 p.m. A 10-piece group presents a musical tribute to Van Morrison. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

The McCartney Years
March 14, 8 p.m. Harmonies, riffs and note-for-note songs played live to the standard set by McCartney. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner
March 15, 3-4:30 p.m. Named one of the most promising American pianists of the new generation, Sanchez-Werner returns for an afternoon of classical music. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Elmhurst Symphony: Bach’s Passion
March 15, 3 p.m. The Apollo Chorus of Chicago is featured with the symphony, presenting “Saint John Passion BWV 245.” Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Rush Hill Road, Elmhurst, (630) 206-9566, elmhurstsymphony.org.

The Making of “My Fair Lady”
March 18, 1-2:30 p.m. Theater historian and storyteller Charles Troy documents uses recordings, graphics, vintage photos and videos to tell the story behind the creation of one of the world’s most beloved musicals. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

3rd Thursdays Art Night Out
March 19, 6-8 p.m. An exhibition of pastels exploring the language of painting through the vision of two landscape artists, Julie Skoda and Kathleen Newman. The evening includes a jazz duo, snacks and a cash bar. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

A Bowie Celebration
March 19, 7:30 p.m. Join alumni of David Bowie’s bands, anchored by Mike Garson, for an evening of Bowie songs from Diamond Dogs and Ziggy Stardust. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Creole Stomp
March 20, 7:30 p.m. The band plays contemporary blues, swamp pop, and traditional Cajun and zydeco music. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Everclear
March 20, 8 p.m. The group plays its iconic ’90s alt-rock hits. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

DSO: Gateway to Romance
March 21, 7:30 p.m. Pre-concert lecture 6:30 p.m. This concert features Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture,” and Howard Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2 in D-flat major,” the so-called “Romantic.” DSO, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

Skerryvore
March 21, 7:30 p.m. The group plays music described as “the sound of young Scots power folk.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Mr. Speed-A KISS tribute
March 21, 8 p.m. A show reminiscent of an original KISS performance in music and costumes. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Maxwell Street Klezmer Band
March 22, 3 p.m. Chicago’s go-to band for Jewish music since 1983, playing their jazz-inflected Big Band sound; featuring Cantor Pavel Roytman. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Molly Hatchet
March 22, 3 p.m. Continuing their southern rock party with tunes such as “Flirtin’ with Disaster.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Comedian Carrot Top
March 22, 7 p.m. Coming from his residency at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Scott Thompson delivers his take on pop culture, music and headlines of the day. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

“Big Fish”
March 26-April 5, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Traveling salesman Edward Bloom leads an extraordinary life, according to the larger-than-life stories that delight his wife Sandra and son Will. As he awaits the birth of his own son, Will is determined to find out the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.

4th Fridays Art Event at the Dole
March 27, 6-9 p.m. Regional juried art event featuring multiple media in two galleries, with live music on three stages. Food trucks outside. Stay afterward for music, dancing and cash bar in the Listening Room, 9-10:45 p.m. The Dole, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, thedole.org.

WSRep: “Native Gardens”
March 27-May 10, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. Gardens and cultures clash, turning friendly neighbors into feuding enemies in this comedy of good intentions and bad manners. Williams Street Repertory, Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Happy Birthday, Beethoven
March 29, 2-4 p.m. Violinist Dmitri Makhtin and pianist Julia Siciliano perform three sonatas to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

Frisson Ensemble
March 29, 2:30 p.m. From NYC, the ensemble features classical music’s rising stars from Juilliard, Curtis and Yale, sharing rarely performed masterworks. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

Classical Indian Dance
March 29, 3 p.m. Kathak, a dance form that tells a story, has absorbed Persian and Central Asian influences and comprises intricate footwork, dynamic spins and rhythmic interplay. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Ho Etsu Taiko
March 29, 3 p.m. The group blends the culture of Japanese-American taiko with influences that celebrate the diversity of the ensemble and its mission to spread joy. Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.

Scott Bradlee
March 29, 5 p.m. Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox has toured the world and has 1.7 million fans on Facebook. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

April

Emisunshine
April 2, 7:30 p.m. From the teen singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist comes music that is a unique blend of Americana, bluegrass, gospel and country, with a sprinkle of blues. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

ASIA with A Flock of Seagulls
April 3, 8 p.m. Featuring John Payne, the groups perform new favorites and old classics. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

The Petty Hearts
April 4, 7:30 p.m. The nationally touring band celebrates the life and musical legacy of Tom Petty’s 40-year career in rock ‘n’ roll, performing faithful renditions of dozens of his best-known Top 40 hits along with some deeper album cuts. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Frank Caliendo
April 4, 8 p.m. Comedian and actor Caliendo entertains with a high-energy, family-friendly act of observations, anecdotes and impressions of famous personalities such as Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Dr. Phil and many others. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Straight No Chaser
April 5, 1 & 6 p.m. Nine voices come together to re-create beautiful popular music with a sense of humor; these trailblazers are not your typical a cappella group in blue blazers and khakis. Paramount Theatre, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Gryphon Trio
April 5, 3-4:30 p.m. The trio of violin, cello and piano pushes the boundaries of classical music with a repertoire that ranges from traditional to contemporary and from European classicism to modern-day multimedia. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

The Association with Classics IV
April 5, 5 p.m. One of the most successful bands to come out of the 1960s performs hits such as “Cherish,” “Windy,” “Never My Love” and “Along Comes Mary.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

The Legacy Show
April 5, 7:30 p.m. A multimedia concert of music by African-American composers, portraying cultural themes of the Antebellum Period, the Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era and modern times. Featuring classical music infused with spirituals, blues, gospel, hip-hop and jazz. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Stomp
April 10-12, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 & 7 p.m. Twenty-five years on, the energy continues as artists use brooms, garbage cans, lighters and more to create pounding beats while blending dance and performance. Paramount Theatre, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

The Musical Box
April 10-11, 8 p.m. An encore performance by the official tribute band to the Peter Gabriel era of Genesis. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

Arcada Silent Film Night
April 14, 7:30 p.m. Featuring “Hot Water,” an American silent comedy film about the life of Hubby, who struggles with domestic life with Wifey and his in-laws. Accompanied on organ by Jay Warren. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.

3rd Thursdays Art Night Out
April 16, 6-8 p.m. Lake Zurich artist Frankie Johnson explores the dynamics of light and color in oils, using a variety of subjects as her inspiration, including portraits, landscapes and still lifes. The evening includes a jazz trio, snacks and a cash bar. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

One Night in Memphis
April 16, 7:30 p.m. A night of rockabilly, country, gospel and 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, paying tribute to Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Michael Bolton
April 22, 7:30 p.m. Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and social activist Bolton, now in his 50th year of entertaining, shares his hits. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.