There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at what’s coming up this season in our many arts venues.
SEPTEMBER
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe
Through Sept. 24, see website for times. The ultimate self-help comedy that’s outrageous, hilarious and inspiring, performed by award-nominated actress Amanda Flahive. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, wsrep.org.
Almost, Maine
Through Oct. 5, Fri.-Sat 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. A delightful visit to a mythical town where residents fall in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Cats
Through Oct. 12, Wed.-Sun., see website for times. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash Broadway hit about the Jellicle cats, with “Memory” and all of the songs. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Brighton Beach Memoirs
Through Oct. 19, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Coming-of-age comedy based on Neil Simon’s memoirs of growing up in 1937. Fox Valley Repertory (FVR). Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, foxvalleyrep.org.
Dial M for Murder
Sept. 25-Oct. 19, Fri.-Sun., see website for times. Tony hopes he can pull off the perfect murder of his wife, using his ex-con friend as the hitman. A taut stage thriller. Metropolis Performing Arts Center (Metropolis), 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Faces of Elvis
Sept. 26, 8 p.m. With Sean Klush and Cody Slaughter. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
6th Annual Elgin Short Film Festival
Sept. 27, 7 p.m. See 20 juried films, no longer than 20 minutes; winners chosen by panel of judges and audience votes. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Mike Super
Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Top 10 Finalist in America’s Got Talent, former winner of Phenomenom. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Seventies Night
Sept. 27, 8 p.m. Ambrosia (“Biggest Part of Me”); Orleans (“You are the Woman”); Firefall (“Dance With Me”). Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
George Clinton & Parliament
Sept. 18, 7 p.m. The architect of ’70s funk, with one of the great funk bands he helped to form. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
OCTOBER
Love & the Outcome
Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. This husband-and-wife contemporary pop Christian duo released its debut album in fall 2013 to much critical acclaim. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Blues in the Night
Oct. 3, 8 p.m. Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners and The Nick Moss Band. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Flying Colors
Oct. 3, 8 p.m. Rock supergroup playing innovative original rock. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Elsten Torres
Oct. 4, 8 p.m. This Cuban singer/songwriter’s music mixes British pop, Cuban Troubadour and Americana heartland soul. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Al Stewart: Wine & Song
Oct. 5, 5 p.m. His break-out hit was “Year of the Cat,” but this folk rocker is also a wine collector. Enjoy his music and sample some wines. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Dann Gire: The Movies at Metropolis
Oct. 8-29, Fri. 7:30 p.m. View a different classic film each week with Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire, who then shares fun facts about that film and the contributions it made to the movie industry. See website for specific films. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Asia
Oct. 9, 8 p.m. The four original members of this super group – John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downs and Steve Howe – created monster hits in the 1980s including “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Eighties Night
Oct. 10, 8 p.m. The Romantics (“What I Like About You”); The Smithereens (“A Girl Like You”); Marshall Crenshaw (“Someday, Someway”); and Tommy Tutone (“867-5309/Jenny”). Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
ESO: Nature’s Soundscape
Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Stephen Squires, resident conductor; Matthew Agnew, cello. Respighi: The Birds; Haydn: Cello Concerto in C major; Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major. Prairie Center, Schaumburg. Tickets: ESO, elginsymphony.org.
Robbie Fulks and Jon Langford
Oct. 11, 8 p.m. In separate sets, the artists present a unique fusion of folk, country and punk. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
ESO: Nature’s Soundscape
Oct. 11-12, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Stephen Squires, resident conductor; Matthew Agnew, cello. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000.
Julie Fowlis
Oct. 11, 8 p.m. This Scottish folk singer and singing voice for Pixar’s Brave has become a standard bearer for Gaelic music and culture. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
The McCartney Years
Oct. 12, 7 p.m. A celebration of this Beatle’s music in the 1970s. Led by perfectionist Yuri Pool as Sir Paul, the band has a commitment to 100-percent live and accurate reproductions of McCartney’s concerts. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
We the People
Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m. & noon. An all-new musical revue brings American civics lessons to life and makes social studies exciting. Grades 4-8. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Bill Medley
Oct. 16, 7 p.m. Best known as half of the 1960s duo The Righteous Brothers, whose raw emotional rhythm and blues sound essentially created the genre “blue-eyed soul,” with hits like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” and “Unchained Melody.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Jo Dee Messina
Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Debuting in 1996 with the hit single “Heads Carolina, Tales California,” she has charted 9 No. 1 one singles, 16 Top 40 singles, and sold more than 5 million records worldwide. Her new album is entitled ME. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Penn & Teller
Oct. 17, 8 p.m. The sensational team of illusionists performs its unique mix of comedy and magic. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Tower of Power
Oct. 17, 8 p.m. Powerhouse band that’s been delivering great rhythm and blues for nearly 50 years. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Simply Three
Oct. 18, 8 p.m. These three symphonic strings players blend classical style with today’s popular songs. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
The Neverly Brothers
Oct. 18, 8 p.m. This Chicago group plays early hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Beatles and more. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Jim Brickman
Oct. 18, 8 p.m. The pianist who revolutionized adult contemporary music with his pop-style solo piano. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: ESO: The Music of Hollywood
Oct. 19, 2 p.m. The Elgin Symphony Orchestra String Quartet plays music from Jaws, Pirates of the Caribbean and more, and discusses how Hollywood composers use string instruments to complement what’s happening on the screen. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Rhythm on the River
Oct. 19, 3:30 p.m. Chicago’s premier gypsy jazz band, and sounds of early swing with Fat Babies. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Home Free
Oct. 19, 5 p.m. This country a cappella vocal group sings country standards and pop hits with a country twist. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
The Ghosts of Mary Todd Lincoln
Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. In a one-woman show, Michele Tauber portrays the tortured First Lady – her personal tragedies, bouts of depression, spiritualism, confinement in an asylum in Batavia and more. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Gary Wright
Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Best known for his synthesizer and hits “Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
ComedySportz
Oct. 23-25, see website for times. Hilarious 90-minute show where improv comedy is played as a sport. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Spank: The Fifty Shades Parody
Oct. 24, 8 p.m. All the naughty fun of the best-selling book, with hysterical comedy, musical numbers and sexy, fun performances from the hunky leading man. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
The 5th Dimension
Oct. 24, 8 p.m. A reinvention, featuring original member Florence LaRue, of the group responsible for hits like “Up Up & Away,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stone Soul Picnic.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues
Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Gritty Chicago blues and rarefied classical chamber music come together through the creative genius and instrumental prowess that have defined Siegel’s career for nearly four decades. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
ABBA Salute
Oct. 25, 8 p.m. A Las Vegas-style show that celebrates the music and style of the disco-era super group. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, pheasantrun.com.
Tommy James & the Shondells
Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Hear the original group perform its hits: “Hanky Panky,” “Mony Mony,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Crimson and Clover,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Draggin’ The Line” and more. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Hunts
Oct. 26, 2 p.m. This indie-folk group of seven brothers and sisters play original, heartfelt songs. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Jeanie B!
Oct. 26, 3 p.m. This Rockin’ Mom will thrill and delight kids of all ages with her show jammed full of dancing, sing-alongs, laughs and audience participation. $15/$12 ages 12-under. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Jerry Lewis
Oct. 26, 3 p.m. The Academy Award winner, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and entertainment icon shares stories and rarely seen film clips of his great screen moments with top entertainers in history. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
NOVEMBER
An Evening With Bonnie Koloc
Nov. 1, 7 p.m. The enduring and versatile Chicago vocalist, with her hybrid style of blues, folk, and ballads. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
American English
Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Considered by many to be the best Beatles tribute band today, with vintage costumes, authentic instruments and fun special effects. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Heartache Tonight
Nov. 1, 8 p.m. A tribute band that authentically captures the sound and style of super group The Eagles. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
Kansas
Nov. 1, 8 p.m. This 1970s rock band became popular with hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Recycled Percussion
Nov. 1, 8 p.m. These 2009 winners of “America’s Got Talent” combine extreme percussion, engaging humor and extraordinary athleticism, playing on buckets, ladders, grinders, sinks and more. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Nov. 2, 5 p.m. The big band era lives on as this 19-member group plays favorites like “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “String of Pearls,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” more. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Sword in the Stone
Nov. 2-23, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The legendary tale of young Arthur, destined to become the king of England. Presented by The Children’s Theatre of Elgin. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Wings of Courage
Nov. 5, 12:15 p.m. An original play based on the life of Eugene Bullard, the first African-American combat pilot and adventurer. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
BJ Thomas & Exile
Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Hear ’70s hits like Thomas’ “Hooked on a Feeling” & “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head,” and Exile’s “Kiss You All Over.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Piano Man
Nov. 8, 8 p.m. A tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel, from “Only the Good Die Young” and “Piano Man” to “Crocodile Rock” and “I’m Still Standing.” Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
The Bronx Wanderers Sock Hop
Nov. 8, 8 p.m. This dynamic group recreates the magic of the era with favorite hits from the ’50s and ’60s. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
An Irish Christmas
Nov. 8, 3 & 8 p.m. Dancing over brooms, on half doors, around butter churns and shoemakers; singing “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Carol of the Bells”; pipes, flutes, fiddles, button accordion and bodhráns. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
FVR: Christmas on Broadway
Nov. 13-Dec. 28, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Four star-struck holiday tourists snowbound in a shuttered Broadway theater on Christmas Eve break out props, costumes and set pieces and perform favorite holiday songs. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
Burton Cummings
Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Hear the former front man for The Guess Who perform his original hits, including “American Woman,” “No Sugar Tonight,” “These Eyes,” more. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Nov. 14-Dec. 7, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 3 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Musical comedy based on Charles Shulz’ beloved comic strip characters. Steel Beam, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.
African Guitar Summit
Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Canadian musicians from various countries such as Ghana, Kenya and Madagascar who play African music with a rhythm that’s usually Highlife-based and a guitar that’s Zairean. Fermilab, Batavia, fnal.gov/culture.
America
Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley perform original hits like “A Horse With No Name” and “Ventura Highway.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
ESO: America’s Musical Treasures
Nov. 15-16, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Andrew Grams, music director; William Wolfram, piano.
Bernstein: Overture to Candide; Bernstein: On the Town: Three Dance Episodes; Schoenfield: Parables for Piano and Orchestra; Rodgers: South Pacific selections; Rodgers: Slaughter on Tenth Avenue; Copland: Corral Nocturne; Copland: Suite from the Tender Land. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, elginsymphony.org.
Little River Band
Nov. 16, 7 p.m. Originally formed in Australia in 1975, the current lineup of musicians brings new energy and arrangements to the classic hits “Cool Change,” “Reminiscing,” “Take it Easy on Me.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
BritBeat
Nov. 21, 8 p.m. With mop tops, retro costumes and vintage instruments, this tribute band performs all of the Beatles hits from the ’60s. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Hands on a Hardbody
Nov. 21, 8 p.m. Ten contestants. Four days. One truck. A musical inspired by true events: the hilarious, hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with the American dream. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Buddy Guy
Nov. 21, 8 p.m. Hear the legendary Chicago blues guitarist, with selections from his new album. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Kingston Trio
Nov. 22, 5 & 8 p.m. The folk-music tradition lives on, as the group performs hits like “Tom Dooley.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
The Spinners
Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Hear hits like “Rubberband Man,” “Games People Play,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” performed by a group that includes original member Henry Fambrough. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The World of Magic
Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Sunday Afternoon Concert
Nov. 23, 2-3 p.m. Martha Stiehl, harpsichord, featuring Sun-Young Gemma Shin, violin. Free. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Flipside: The Patti Page Story
Nov. 23, 5 p.m. Written from interviews with Page, a poignant musical journey featuring 28 of her greatest hits, including “The Tennessee Waltz.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 28-Dec. 24, see website for days/times. Dickens’ classic holiday tale of miserly Scrooge’s redemption. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
ESO: Magical Disney Experience
Nov. 29, 1:30 & 6:30 p.m. Stephen Squire, resident conductor. A magic carpet ride through more than 70 years of magical Disney music in a program derived from some of the best-loved scores of all time. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, elginsymphony.org.
DECEMBER
Second City’s Holiday in the Heights
Dec. 4-31, see website for days/times. Hilarious send-up of all the holiday activities we actually love, and the ones we love to hate. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Ultimate Christmas Show
Dec. 6, 8 p.m. It’s the Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church, where three members must perform the entire show by themselves when none of the acts show up. Fermilab, Batavia, fnal.gov/culture.
Trans Infinity Orchestra
Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Some of Chicagoland’s top musicians, lighting techs and sound engineers create a tribute experience in sight and sound to Trans Siberian Orchestra. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Legally Blonde Jr.
Dec. 6-21, Sat. 10:30 a.m., Sun. 7:30 p.m. FVR Youth Ensemble takes the stage by glittery-pink storm in this fun musical based on the hit 2001 film. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: Brass Quintet
Dec. 7, 2-3 p.m. ESO Brass Quintet: Madrigals to Jazz and Everything In-Between. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the concert. Free tickets at Registration Desk. Library: Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Lakeside Singers
Dec. 8, 8 p.m. This ensemble of 24 Chicago-area professional singers perform the very best in vocal music in this holiday concert. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Irish American Heritage Singers
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. Irish and Irish-Americans make up this 45-member group that performs traditional Irish and Irish-American music, including holiday selections for this concert. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Tinsel Time with Dave Herzog’s Marionettes
Dec. 11, 10-10:45 a.m. A variety show where puppets sing and dance to celebrate the holiday season. Ages Pre-K and up. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Dec. 11-21, Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m, Sun. 3 p.m. The Dickens classic, told from Jacob Marley’s point-of-view, with one actor portraying all of the familiar characters. Steel Beam, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.