There’s so much to do in our neck of the Old Northwest Territory! Here are some fun events coming up this season.
December
Annie
Through Dec. 30, check website for times. The popular comic strip heroine takes the stage in this beloved musical. Part of the Broadway Series. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
FVR: The Winter Wonderettes
Through Dec. 30, check website for days/times. Betty Jean has hired the hottest group in town for the hardware store’s 1968 Christmas Eve party. But Santa goes missing and the staff is mistakenly fired. Hear classic ’60s hits including “Santa Baby,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “It’s a Marshmallow World.” Fox Valley Repertory (FVR), Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
FVR: Disney’s Cinderella
Dec. 8-22, Sat. 10:30 a.m.; Dec. 9, 2 p.m. A live stage production of the animated film from the Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble. Pheasant Run, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-7342, foxvalleyrep.org.
U.S. Air Force Concert Band
Dec. 14, 7 p.m. A Christmas show of favorite holiday music. Free. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, egyptiantheatre.org.
Diamonds Christmas Show
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. It’s been over 53 years since The Diamonds released their million-selling hit “Little Darlin’,” and it continues to sell worldwide. Here, they sing holiday favorites. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, oshows.com.
ESO: “Let it Snow!”
Dec. 15-16, Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Stephen Squires, conductor; Rich Ridenour, piano; Rachel DeShon, vocalist; Elgin Choral Union; Elgin Children’s Chorus; Midwest Dance Collective. Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Trans Infinity Orchestra
Dec. 22, 7 p.m. Some of Chicagoland’s top musicians, lighting techs and sound engineers create a tribute experience in sight and sound. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Presto! Holiday Concert
Dec. 22, 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. The Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, Joseph Malmquist, conductor. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Bryan White & guest The Anna Johnson Band
Dec. 29, 7 p.m. The country singer performs a mix of Christmas music and hits like “God Gave Me You.” Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. woodstockoperahouse.com
Under the Streetlamp
Dec. 31, 6 & 10 p.m. These former cast members from The Jersey Boys ring in the New Year with music. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
New Year’s Eve Comedy Show
Dec. 31, 7 p.m. With Steve Cochran, John DaCosse and Patty Vasquez. Raue Center, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
January 2013
Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It
Jan. 4, 8 p.m. The famous actor’s one-man show reflects on his life and work. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular
Jan. 4, 8 p.m. The music of Elvis Presley, era by era. As Elvis: Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Donny Edwards, Special Guests: D.J. Fontana; Elvis’ back-up singers The Sweet Inspirations; The Blackwood Quartet; The Fabulous Ambassadors Tribute Band. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
ESO: “The Four Seasons”
Jan. 10, 12-13, Thurs., Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. Ignat Solzhenitsyn, conductor; Jennifer Frautschi, violin. Hemmens, Elgin. Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m. Prairie Center, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, ci.schaumburg.il.us. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Deathtrap
Jan. 11-Feb. 10, check website for days/times. Classic thriller with twists and turns, when a successful Broadway murder-mystery playwright on a dry spell conspires to steal a sure hit from one of his college students. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.
An Evening With Larry Miller
Jan. 12, 8 p.m. The recognizable and popular comic tackles the subject of everyday life with a charm that’s relatable, thought-provoking and hysterical. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
The Music Man
Jan. 16-Feb. 3, check website for times. There’s trouble in River City, when Prof. Harold Hill, con man extraordinaire, falls for Marion the librarian while organizing the town’s youth into a marching band – without any instruments. Paramount’s Broadway Series. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Wendy McClure: The Wilder Life
Jan. 17, 10 a.m. This “Little House” fan recounts her journeys to various homesteads, log cabins and museums that honor the Wilder family, as described in her book, The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie. Creative Living Series. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
The Capitol Steps
Jan. 18, 8 p.m. Former Capitol Hill staffers satirically skewer all things political, with hilarious song lampoons and outrageous impersonations. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Jim Peterik’s World Stage
Jan. 19, 8 p.m. The founder of The Ides of March brings top national and local artists together on one stage. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Ricky Nelson Remembered
Jan. 19, 8 p.m. Gunner and Matthew, Nelson’s twin sons, bring an inside look at their father’s career that includes family photos and videos and, of course, his music. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Sunday Afternoon Concert
Jan. 20, 2-3 p.m. Together, guitarist Paul Moeller and his wife, cellist Kerena Moeller, have played throughout the U.S. and England. Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 429-4680.
Metropolis Quartet
Jan. 20, 2:30 p.m. Deb Stevenson, oboe; Thomas Yang, violin; Doyl Armbrust, viola; Steven Houser, cello, perform oboe quartet works. Fermilab, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
FVR: The Art Of Murder
Jan. 24-March, check website for dates/times. When successful artist Jack is wronged by art dealer Vincent, he plans a devious way to kill him. This comedic game of Clue is full of twists, turns and deception. Rated PG-13. Pheasant Run, St. Charles.
The Irish House Party
Jan. 25, 8 p.m. Not your average kilt-and-tam, violin-and-flute, stomping Irish music and dance show, but a unique celebration of Irish culture. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Tomas Kubinek
Jan. 26, 7 p.m. A collision of theatre and music-hall, “Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible” is an exuberant one-man show with equal parts comic brilliance, virtuosic vaudeville and irresistible charm. 2nd floor art gallery, Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
ESO: “Wicked Divas”
Jan. 26-27, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Hear two stars from Wicked perform showstopping favorites. Stephen Squires, conductor; soloist; Emily Rozek, soloist. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000. .
February
Company
Feb. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 8 p.m.; Feb. 10, 3 p.m. In a series of vignettes, playboy Bobby contemplates his single life on his 35th birthday, by observing married friends at his party. Record-setting Sondheim musical presented by Williams Street Repertory. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Ed Asner as FDR
Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. He’s won seven Emmies and five Golden Globes, and is in the TV Academy Hall of Fame. Now he appears in a one-man show based on the Broadway hit Sunrise at Campobello. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Loudon Wainwright III
Feb. 2, 8 p.m. Grammy Award-winner who wrote the hit “Dead Skunk” in 1972, has produced 23 albums and music for hit films like Knocked Up. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Feb. 5, 9:30 a.m. & noon. Musical about Laura Ingalls and her pioneering family and the obstacles they faced crossing America to find a new home. For grades 2-6. ArtsPower National Touring Theatre. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
“Walk On: The Story Of Rosa Parks”
Feb. 5, 12:15 p.m. In Montgomery, Ala., a determined activist refuses to give up her seat on a city bus, launching the Civil Rights movement. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Muntu Dance Co.
Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m., noon & 7 p.m. This Chicago troupe features authentic, progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African-American dance, music and folklore. All ages. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
“The Who Show”
Feb. 9, 7 p.m. This tribute band plays hits like “My Generation,” “Pinball Wizard,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com
Poi Dog Pondering
Feb. 9, 8 p.m. This Hawaiian group, first relocated to Austin, Texas, and now based in Chicago, plays a blend of acoustic folk and electronic music. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
ESO: “Sublime Delight”
Feb. 9-10, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Donato Cabrera, conductor; Alexander Schimpf, piano; Elgin Choral Union. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Bobby Vinton
Feb. 14, 1:30 & 7 p.m. This ’60s heartthrob had No. 1 hits including “Roses are Red,” “Sealed with a Kiss,” “My Melody of Love.” Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Creedence Clearwater Revived
Feb. 16, 7 p.m. This tribute band performs hits like “Down on the Corner,” “Lookin’ Out my Front Door.” Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
The BoDeans
Feb. 16, 8 p.m. Waukesha boys Sam Llanas and Kurt Neumann perform hits like “Closer To Free” and “Good Things.” Prairie Center, Schaumburg, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: Ronald YaDeau
Feb. 17, 2-3 p.m. This pianist with degrees from Baldwin-Wallace College and University of Illinois, teaches piano, music theory and class piano at Millikin. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 429-4680.
18 and Graduating
Feb. 17, 3 & 7 p.m. For Black History Month. A girl’s high school graduation causes conflict from parents and friends about opportunities and choices that will affect the course of her life. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
James & the Great Peach
Feb. 17-March 10, check website for days/times. A tale of friendship, love and triumph, that shows how a little magic can take you a long way. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.
Gale Gand: “A Chef’s Journey”
Feb. 21, 10 a.m. The Food Network star discusses succeeding in a man’s field, rubbing elbows with celebrities, and launching her own root beer company. Creative Living Series. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Shirley MacLaine
Feb. 22, 8 p.m. The award-winning actress talks about her life and career. Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Becky’s New Car
Feb. 22-March 17, check website for days/times. Comedy with serious overtones as a woman caught in middle-age takes the road less travelled. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
ESO: “A Very Windy Afternoon”
Feb. 24, 2 p.m. activities; 3:30 concert. Randal Swiggum, conductor and host. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000. .
Dios no Choro
Feb. 24, 2:30 p.m. Brazilian choro music by Julie Koidon on flute and Paulinho Garcia on guitar. 2nd floor art gallery, Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
Seasonal Classics, Concerts & Shows
A Christmas Carol (and variations)
The Dickens tale of Cratchitt, Tiny Tim & Scrooge
Scrooge: The Musical
Through Dec. 23, check website for days/times. Based on the movie musical starring Albert Finney. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, steelbeamtheatre.com.
A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 24, check website for days/times. The traditional version, with morning, afternoon, evening performances, school group rates. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Christmas Concerts
Music of the season, contemporary to classic
Diamonds Christmas Show
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. It’s been over 53 years since The Diamonds released an instant million-selling hit called Little Darlin’. The song continues to sell worldwide. Here, they perform a selection of holiday favorites. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, oshows.com.
Clay Aiken: “Joyful Noise”
Dec. 15, 8 p.m. The “American Idol” and “Celebrity Apprentice” finalist performs holiday favorites. Arcada, St. Charles.
Presto! Holiday Concert
Dec. 22, 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. The Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, Joseph Malmquist, conductor. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
“Ed Hall’s Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night”
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. Four internationally acclaimed musicians will present unique and entertaining arrangements for the guitar and violin, as well as popular holiday favorites. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. woodstockoperahouse.com
Holiday Theater
A light-hearted look at the season
The Winter Wonderettes
Through Dec. 30, check website for days/times. Just before the hardware store’s 1968 Christmas Eve party, Santa goes missing and the staff is mistakenly fired. Hear classic ’60s hits including “Santa Baby,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “It’s a Marshmallow World,” more. From Fox Valley Repertory. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
The Family Fruitcake
Dec. 14-16, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Mom’s hopes for a normal holiday dinner are thwarted by hormonal children, out-of-control relatives and a new in-law. Albright Theatre Company, 100 N. Island Ave., 3rd Floor, Batavia, (630) 406-8838.
The Second City Dysfunctional Holiday Review
A raucous blend of seasonal sketches, songs and satire from members of the famed Chicago improv troupe.
Dec. 7-21, Fri. 8 p.m.; Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Pheasant Run, St. Charles.
Dec. 13-23, Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.