There’s so much to do in our neck of the Old Northwest Territory! Here are some fun events coming up this season.
April
Exhibit: “Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America”
Through June 16, Wed-Thu noon-8 p.m., Sat-Sun noon-4 p.m. This traveling exhibition from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation features artifacts ranging from Lincoln’s surveying instruments to the gloves he wore to Ford’s Theater. Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake, (847) 543-1745, villageofgrayslake.com.
Exhibit: “Mucha: Expanding Art Nouveau”
Through Aug. 25. Alphonse Mucha brought the elegance of the Art Nouveau movement to everyday and commercial objects. Features objects from the Curt Teich Postcard Archives’ John High Collection, one of the world’s leading collections of Mucha postcards. Free with museum admission. Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 Forest Preserve Dr., Wauconda, (847) 968-3400, lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.
Bullets in the Chest, Arrows in the Back
Through April 26, check website for times. Featuring work by artist Bunky Echo-Hawk. Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, Aurora University, 347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, (630) 844-7843, aurora.edu.
Forever Plaid
April 11-May 19, Fri-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. Musical comedy about members of a Doo-Wopping boy band who die on their way to their first big gig and return to earth to take the stage one last time. Hear “heavenly” ’50s hits like “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Catch a Falling Star,” “Moments to Remember,” Sixteen Tons,” more. Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
The Seafarer
April 12-28, Fri-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. An enthralling dramatic play about Ireland and the power of myth as a Christmas Eve card game turns into a game of life and death. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Boz Scaggs
April 12, 8 p.m. The former Steve Miller Band member and solo artist plays hits like “Lowdown,” “Look What You’ve Done To Me,” “Lido Shuffle.” Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
Seussical Jr.
April 11-14, Thu 9:45 a.m. & noon, Fri 9:45 a.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. “Oh, the thinks you can think,” when Dr. Seuss’s best-loved stories collide and cavort in this Broadway adaptation for young performers. By Children’s Theatre of Elgin. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
The Fox on the Fairway
April 12-28, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Quail Valley Golf Club faces Crouching Squirrel in the inter-club championship, amidst a must-win bet, three love affairs, a disappearing diamond, objectionable sweaters and an exploding vase. By Woodstock Musical Theatre Co. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Short Stories & Tall Tales Of The American Hero
April 13, 3 p.m. Fabled stories of American folklore heroes come alive onstage in this high-energy, fast-paced, vaudevillian-esque original production by Williams Street Repertory. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Voices In Harmony: Viva La Opera IV
April 13, 3 p.m. Accompanied by a full orchestra, the group performs music you’re sure to recognize, even if you’ve never been to the opera. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Clay Jenkinson as Teddy Roosevelt
April 13, 8 p.m. The humanities scholar portrays the wit and wisdom of the 26th president in a discussion with WGN radio host John Williams that bridges the politics of the past with the issues of today. Get to know this statesman, hero, author and conservationist. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
STOMP
April 13-14, Sat 8 p.m., Sun noon & 4 p.m. The eight-member international percussion sensation uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Rich Little as Jimmy Stewart & Friends
April 13, 8 p.m. “The Man of a Thousand Voices” brings his one-man play from Las Vegas, talking about his play Jimmy Stewart & Friends, his career and his life. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
David Sedaris
April 15, 8 p.m. Grammy Award-nominated humorist, comedian, bestselling author. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
The Clodhopper Monologues
April 18, 8 p.m. New York Times bestselling author and humorist Michael Perry draws on his background as father, farmer, nurse, cowboy and EMT to keep audiences laughing. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Pink Floyd Nite with Echoes of Pompeii
April 19, 8 p.m. EOP puts on a dazzling light show complete with lasers, lights and video, with Pink Floyd hits “Money,” “Comfortably Numb,” “Hey You,” “Another Brick in the Wall.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy
April 20, 8 p.m. Carl Palmer, founding member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) and Asia performs hits like “Karn Evil 9,” “Tarkus” and “Fanfare For the Common Man.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Peter Yarrow
April 20, 8 p.m. As part of the legendary folk group, Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow’s music has spanned the generations and touched the lives of so many. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: Peter Fletcher
April 21, 2 p.m. Straight from Carnegie Hall, the classical guitarist performs music by Bach, Praetorius, Mompou and Granados. Free; tickets at both branches. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
ESO: “Around the World in 50 Minutes”
April 21, 2 p.m. activities; 3:30 p.m. concert. Randall Swiggum, conductor. A one-hour concert for the entire family. Activities before the concert put everyone in the mood for music and fun. Presto Family Series. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
The Jersey Boys’ DooWop Project
April 21, 7 p.m. Jarrod Spector, John Michael Diaz and other former Jersey Boys stars perform some of the best-loved Doo Wop songs in history. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Montgomery Gentry
April 21, 7 p.m. This country-western duo has gold and platinum albums, CMA and ACM awards and a Grammy nomination. A portion of every ticket sale goes to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, (815) 753-1311, convocenter.niu.edu.
Michael McDonald
April 26, 8 p.m. Five-time Grammy award-winning performer and member of The Doobie Brothers sings classics and solo hits such as “Minute By Minute,” “Real Love,” “What A Fool Believes.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Dennis DeYoung
April 27, 8 p.m. The Styx founder plays the group’s Top 10 hits, including “Lady,” “Grand Illusion,” “Come Sail Away.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Barynya: Music & Dance of Russia
April 20, 8 p.m. The premier Russian folk ensemble presents the music, dance and songs of Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Jewish and Gypsy Roma. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
ESO: “Traveling Music”
April 21, 2 p.m. activities; 3:30 concert. Randal Swiggum, conductor. A one-hour concert for the entire family. Activities before the concert put everyone in the mood for music and fun. Presto Family Series. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: Kimm Hollis
April 21, 2-3 p.m. Hear pianist Dr. C. Kimm Hollis, Professor of Music and Department Chair at Hanover College in Hanover, Ind. Gail Borden Public Library, (847) 429-4680.
Reel Women for Real Women: Half the Sky
April 23, 6 p.m., 8:45 p.m. This 2012 documentary by Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn explores and documents the abuse, rape, slavery and murder of tens of millions of girls and women each year across the world. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, gailborden.info.
7th Annual Screen Test Student Fest
April 26-27, 7:30 p.m. Fri Team Screen Test; Sat Festival & Competition. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
Steel Magnolias
April 26-27, May 3-4, 10-11, 8 p.m.; May 11, 3 p.m. Presented by Williams Street Repertory. The story of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor whose interactions reveal deep strength of character. Set completely in Truvy’s shop, with just the female characters. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Woodcarving & Woodworking Show
April 27-28, Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. The Midwest’s finest woodcarvers present their works of carvings, turnings, wood-burning art and hand-carved ornaments for sale. Carving demonstrations. Free with $5 parking. Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
May
Photo Exhibit: “Connecting”
May 1-31. Artist reception: May 5, 2-5 p.m. Photographer Donna Giovanni’s images of Glacial Park in different seasons, as she “connects” with the nature around her. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
The Robin Hood Capers
May 2-4, 9-11, 7:30 p.m.; May 12, 2 p.m. At their semi-annual meeting, four old reformed criminals, who to report to each other about their “Charities Anonymous,” get involved in the struggle of a member’s nephew, a small-town newspaper man who’s in trouble for exposing the town’s grafting mayor. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Aaron Carter & Guests
May 3, 7 p.m. The pop music star who made “Crush on You” a hit is joined by Ryan Cabrera, Tyler Hilton and Teddy Geiger. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Rockabilly Rocks
May 3, 8 p.m. Featuring The Everly Hillbillies, The Cadillac Casanovas, The Old Town Underdogs. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Glenn Miller Orchestra
May 4, 2 p.m. Big Band sounds from this world-famous group led by Nick Hilscher, with hits like “String of Pearls,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Frankie Avalon
May 4, 8 p.m. The original surfer dude and teen heartthrob brings chart-topping hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s with No. 1 hits like “Venus,” “Bobby Sox To Stockings,” “A Boy Without a Girl.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Red Rose Ragtime Band
May 4, 8 p.m. A potpourri of musical Americana, straight from the roots of our animated musical heritage: ragtime, blues and jazz, as well as pop selections from the 1920s thru the 1930s. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
Eleanor: Her Secret Journey
May 5, 7 p.m. Starring “M*A*S*H” actress Loretta Swit, this one-woman show gives an incredibly personalized, intimate portrait of the historic woman, the many challenges that surrounded her, and her evolution from an ugly duckling into a powerful leader whose works impacted human rights around the world. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
ESO: “A Lark of a Season”
May 4-5, Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 2:30 p.m. Andrew Grams, conductor; Isabella Lippi, violin. Vaughn Williams: The Lark Ascending, Isabella Lippi, violin; Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10 in E minor. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
Yngwie Malmsteen
May 5, 8 p.m. One of the world’s greatest guitarists of all time plays both rock and classical music. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
17th Annual Art in the Park
May 4-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A juried show of more than 100 artists displaying works of ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, more. Food vendors; children’s activities; free admission to Elmhurst Art Museum; Wilder Mansion open. 175 S. Prospect, Elmhurst, (630) 993-8900, rglmarketingforthearts.com.
Black Tie
May 10-June 2, Fri-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. The father of the father-of-the-groom haunts his son’s choice of protocol in this comic commentary on the time-honored ways of the past. Funny, touching, perfect for the wedding season. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.
Hubbard Street 2
May 11, 8 p.m. One of the most original and forward-thinking forces in contemporary dance, this Chicago company brings artists, art and audiences together to enrich and transform lives through dance. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
Lee Greenwood
May 11, 8 p.m. Legendary country music giant and multiple CMA award-winner performs hits including “God Bless the USA,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “She’s Lyin’,” “Dixie Road.” Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.
American Pop with The Buckinghams and The Grass Roots
May 11, 8 p.m. Two of America’s favorite bands with hits like “Temptation Eyes,” “Midnight Confessions,” “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song)” and “Kind of a Drag.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
“Comedy Only A Mother Can Love”
May 12, 5 p.m. Special Mother’s Day Cabaret. From The 4 Bitchin’ Babes Tour, Karen Mills & Sonya White. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films: Brigadoon
May 13, 11 a.m. Gene Kelly and Van Johnson star as American hunters who stumble upon the magical Scottish village that went to sleep in 1754 and awakens for just one day each century. Memorable songs include “From This Day On,” “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean.” Gail Borden Library, Elgin, gailborden.info.
The Mad Adventures of Mr. Toad
May 12-June 2, Sat-Sun 1 p.m.; additional 10:30 a.m. show June 1. Children perform this musical based on Kenneth Graham’s The Wind in the Willows, with Mr. Toad getting into trouble for crashing his motorcars and possibly losing his home to the weasels. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
FEMME FEST 2013
May 16, 8 p.m. Featuring “The Fabulous Miss Wendy,” “Hear Kitty Kitty,” “The Theadora Kelly Project” and “Mahi Gato.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Survivor & John Waite
May 17, 7:30 p.m. Hear hits like “Eye of the Tiger,” “High on You” and “I Can’t Hold Back” from the 1980s supergroup, and “Missing You” and “Every Time I Think of You” from the lead singer and bassist of The Babys. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, (815) 758-1215.
The Trials of Mary Todd Lincoln
May 17, 7 p.m. Actress Lynn Rymarz performs her one-woman show portraying one of America’s most fascinating – and vilified – First Ladies. Grayslake Heritage Center, Grayslake, (847) 543-1745.
Queensryche 25th Anniversary Tour
May 17, 8 p.m. Queensryche vocalist and founding member Geoff Tate, with Kelly Gray, Randy Gane, Robert Sarzo, Rudy Sarzo and Simon Wright, on the 25th anniversary of the group’s album Operation: Mindcrime. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Herman’s Hermits & The Ides Of March
May 18, 8 p.m. One of the most successful British invasion bands of all time, with hits like “There’s a Kind of Hush,” “I’m Into Something Good” and “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” and Jim Peterik’s group with hits like “Vehicle.” Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Delfeayo Marsalis Does Duke Ellington
May 18, 8 p.m. Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and a star-studded octet that includes brothers Branford and Jason Marsalis, pianist Mulgrew Miller, saxophonists Victor Goines and Mark Gross, trumpeter Tiger Okoshi, bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Winard Harper. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Gary Hoey Deja Blues
May 18, 8 p.m. One of the top 100 guitarists of all time, who’s appeared with Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Ted Nugent, The Doobie Brothers and Peter Frampton. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Switchback
May 18, 7:30 p.m. This American recording music duo plays Americana and traditional Celtic genres. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, egyptiantheatre.org.
Raffi
May 19, 1 p.m. Songs such as “Baby Beluga,” “Down By The Bay” and “Bananaphone” have helped to shape a generation. Proceeds benefit the Centre for Child Honouring. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Gretchen Wilson
May 24, 8 p.m. Country & southern rock performer, with multi- award-winning hit “Redneck Woman.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
Side Effects May Include
May 24, 8 p.m. Former “Seinfeld” writer Marc Jaffe shares his own experiences in the story of stand-up comedian Phil who uses wife Maggie’s waning sex drive as fodder for his stand-up act – until she’s diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Their life changes, not all for the bad. Sometimes it’s not the disease that changes us, but the side effects. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
A Diamond, The Killer and The King
May 25, 8 p.m. Neil Diamond, Jerry Lee Lewis (played by Lance Lapinski, Jerry Lee Lewis from Million Dollar Quartet) and Elvis (Shawn Klush) come together for a Million Dollar night of some of the best-loved music of our time! Featuring The Fabulous Ambassadors, the No. 1 Elvis backup band in the country. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
15th Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show
May 25-26, Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Located along the banks of the Fox River, this juried art show features 100 fine artists, live music, demonstrations and artists awards. Free admission and parking. Downtown St. Charles, along Riverside Ave., (630) 513-5386, downtownstcharles.org.
Barrington Art Festival
May 25-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 120 juried artists from around the region sell original works of ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors, wood, more. Cook & Station streets, Barrington, (847) 304-3400.
The Chicago Experience
May 31, 8 p.m. The group CTA: 25 or 6 to 4, with the music of Chicago, The Buckinghams, California Transit Authority (CTA) and more, with special guests former Chicago members Bill Champlin and Danny Seraphine, and Buckinghams’ vocalist Dennis. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400.
The Best of Second City
May 31-June 1, 7-8, 8 p.m. Chicago’s best-loved comedy group in an evening of raucous comedy and trademark improv. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.