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.
February
Veronica’s Room
Through Feb. 8, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. This chilling mystery thriller by the author of Rosemary’s Baby explores the thin line between fantasy and reality, madness and murder. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Tommy
Through Feb. 15, Th.-Sun., see website for times. The electrifying rock opera from The Who, about Tommy, who goes into a catatonic state after seeing his mother’s lover murder his father and is catapulted to fame as the blind “Pinball Wizard.” Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Private Lives
Through Feb. 15, Th.-Sun, see website for times. Noel Coward’s best-known play about a divorced couple who run into each other while honeymooning with their new spouses, fall back in love and elope. Hilarity ensues when old problems surface and the abandoned spouses show up. Metropolis Performing Arts Center (Metropolis), 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Only Owls: Traveling Art Exhibit
Through March 8, visitor center hours. Forty artistic representations in pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor and woodcut drawn from the Woodson Art Museum’s collection. Also, owl facts and artifacts, from the Conservation District. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
FVR: No Way to Treat a Lady
Through March 8, Th.-Sun., see website for times. A serial killer is on the loose, in a whodunit with befuddled detectives, meddling mothers and glamorous socialites, and four actors playing 17 roles. Fox Valley Repertory. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
Frindle
Feb. 4-13, see website for days/times. When Mrs. Granger decides to teach her 5th graders word origins, the class prankster creates his own word, frindle, which spreads throughout the town. Grades 4-8. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Patsy Cline: She’s Got You
Feb. 5, 7 p.m. A spellbinding performance from powerhouse Broadway vocalist Jenny Lee Stern, celebrating one of country music’s greatest stars. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Creedence Revived
Feb. 6, 7 p.m. Cover band plays all of the great hits in this tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Married Alivew
Feb. 6, 8 p.m. Four actors and a piano make up this funny and touching new musical that examines two couples, one newlywed and one old-ly wed. Williams Street Rep. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
DuPage Symphony: Gallic Glory
Feb. 6-7, 8 p.m. Barbara Schubert, conductor; North Central College Concert Choir and Women’s Chorale. Poulenc: Gloria in G major; Ravel: Le tombeau de Couperin; Ravel: La valse. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets: (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Cirque Zuma Zuma
Feb. 7, 7 p.m. Dressed in costumes that draw on African art, these performers leap and tumble to traditional music. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Family Stone and James Brown Experience
Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Sly & the Family Stone hits, and music from the group’s greatest influence. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
A Tribute to James Taylor
Feb. 7-8, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Toronto native Neil Donnell gives a stunningly accurate presentation of more than two dozen James Taylor classics. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
ESO: Much Ado About Music
Feb. 7-8, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Michael Christie, conductor; Michael Sweeney, bassoon. Korngold: Much Ado About Nothing Suite; Mozetich: Concerto for Bassoon and Strings with Marimba; Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films: Saboteur (1942)
Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Alfred Hitchcock’s wartime thriller of Nazi sabotage, murder, and an aircraft factory worker’s cross-country chase, ending atop the Statue of Liberty. Gail Borden Public Library (GBPL), 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
The B-52s
Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. The New Wave band with hits including “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” “Roam.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
ESO Master Class: Michael Sweeney
Feb. 13, 4-5:30 p.m. Witness the learning process as the Principal Bassoonist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra works with area students on technique and musicianship. Free. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Mojo & The Bayou Gypsies
Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Original American roots music in the Louisiana Bayou tradition, with sounds such as Cajun, Zydeco, New Orleans, Mardi Gras, traditional Louisiana dance, more. Playing to sell-out crowds for 25 years. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Mousetrap
Feb. 13-28, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A woman’s murder in London is somehow connected with a group of strangers stranded during a snow storm, one of whom is the murderer. A policeman no sooner arrives when someone is killed. Albright Theatre Co., 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia, (630) 406-8838, albrighttheatre.com.
Gaelic Storm
Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. After 10 albums and nearly 3,000 live shows, the chart-topping, multinational Celtic band that played in the third-class dancing scene in Titanic dishes up a hearty serving of its greatest hits. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
His Way: Sinatra’s Centennial Celebration
Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Celebrate the legacy of Frank Sinatra and his music on the 100th anniversary of his birth, with new show featuring Ole Blue Eyes’ greatest hits, performed with stunning authenticity by entertainer Ron Hawking. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Loverboy and The Romantics
Feb. 14, 8 p.m. A truly rockin’ Valentine party with Loverboy hits like “Turn Me Loose,” “Workin’ for the Weekend,” “Talking in Your Sleep” and “What I Like About You.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Callipygian Players
Feb. 15, 2:30 p.m. An ensemble of Chicago’s finest period instrument musicians and singers present innovative performances of music from the Baroque era (approximately 1600-1750). Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: Peter and the Wolf
Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m. The ESO woodwinds, consisting of a flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn, along with a narrator, present Prokofiev’s renowned classic tale. Each instrument will present the classic characters of the story. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Creole Stomp
Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. Blues, jazz, rock and R&B styles blend together with fiddle, accordion and washboard to create that unforgettable Louisiana sound. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Etta May: Not Just Another Pretty Face
Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. The reigning Queen of Southern Sass, described as Minnie Pearl with a migraine, Etta May is a regular on radio’s “Bob & Tom Show.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Mr. Big
Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. The 1990s American rock super group scored with hits like “To Be With You,” “Wild World,” “Road to Ruin.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Circus Spectacular
Feb. 20-22, Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m., 3 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 1:30 & 6:30 p.m. Human and animal performers take you into the magical world of the circus. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffmann Estates, searscentre.com.
Michael Johnson & John Gorka
Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Johnson is the singer of “Bluer Than Blue,” “Give Me Wings,” and other landmark songs; Gorka has played with a who’s-who of the American folk scene. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
ESO: A Night at the Oscars
Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Andrew Grams, music director. Take a walk on the red carpet and experience some of the world’s best movie scores. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, elginsymphony.org.
The Big Meal
Feb. 20-March 15, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Somewhere in a typical suburban restaurant on a typical night, Sam and Nicole meet. And so begins an expansive tale over five generations, from first kiss to final goodbye. Steel Beam, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band
Feb. 21, 7 p.m. This international group performs a potpourri of Yiddish songs, dance and theater music with clarinet, saxophone, violin, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, percussion and two female singers. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
The Crystal Lake Strikers
Feb. 21, 7 p.m. “An Evening of Percussion” from this marching unit of collegiate and drum corps percussionists. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Billy Ocean
Feb. 21, 8 p.m. The British R&B singer/songwriter of the 1980s performs, including hits “Suddenly,” “Caribbean Queen,” “When the Goin’ Gets Tough.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
“One Swingin’ Night”
Feb. 21, 8 p.m. The Chicago Rat Pack re-creates the experience of hearing Frankie, Dino and Sammy singin’ and swingin’ at the Sands in Las Vegas. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, egyptiantheatre.org.
Mikal Cronin
Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Playing garage-accented pop that reveals more than a passing influence of indie rock of the 1980s and ’90s. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
ESO: A Night at the Oscars
Feb. 21-22, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Andrew Grams, music director. Various musical scores from award-winning movies. Hemmens, Elgin, elginsymphony.org.
Vicki Lawrence and Mama
Feb. 22, 3 p.m. A featured performer on “The Carol Burnett Show” and the star of “Mama’s Family,” brings her “two-woman show,” with a mix of stand-up comedy and music, to Aurora. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Alyssa Allgood Quartet
Feb. 22, 3 p.m. An exciting new voice in vocal jazz, specializing in new arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.
La Boheme
Feb. 22, 5 p.m. Lyric Opera of Europe presents Puccini’s La Boheme with an amazing set, incredible vocalists and a full live orchestra. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Ugly Duckling
Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. The classic tale is told with technological brilliance that incorporates luminescent puppets and poignant choreography. From Lightwire Theatre. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Jackyl
Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. A show that’s equal parts hard rock, heavy metal and Southern rock, full of spit and swagger. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Bible Bingo
Feb. 26, 8 p.m. A night of Bible trivia, audience interaction, and the funniest quiz about the Holy Family. The audience actually plays bingo in this interactive show. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Reely Dan
Feb. 27, 8 p.m. A dead-on tribute group for every die-hard Steely Dan fan, with all of the hits: “Reelin’ in the Years,” “Do It Again,” “Hey Nineteen,” more. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
The Neal Morse Band
Feb. 27, 8 p.m. The American singer, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and progressive rock composer’s groups have included Spock’s Beard, Transatlantic and Flying Colors. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Peter Yarrow: A Night of Conversation and Song
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The songwriter and activist who produced such Peter, Paul & Mary hits as “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “The Great Mandela,” “Day is Done.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Caladh Nua
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Direct from Ireland, five versatile musicians and singers playing banjo, fiddle, guitar, bodhran, tin whistle and button accordion capture traditional Irish music with a contemporary flair. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.
Rare Earth
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The Motown group of the 1960s and ’70s had hits including “Get Ready,” “Losin’ You,” “I Just Want to Celebrate.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Jim Belushi & The Chicago Board of Comedy
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The alumnus of “Saturday Night Live” and Chicago’s famed “Second City,” with an improvised comedy sketch show featuring members of the Chicago Board of Improv. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
March
Sharing of the Green
March 1, 3 p.m. Fox Valley Concert Band Winter Concert. Free, but donations encouraged. Norris Cultural Arts Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200.
Canzonissime
March 4, 7:30 p.m. A live version of the Italian musical variety show broadcast by Rai TV from 1958 to 1974, consisting of a musical competition interspersed with dances and comedy sketches, with notable special guest vocalists Fausto Leali and Orietta Berti. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
An Evening with Barbara Eden
March 5, 7:30 p.m. Juggling assignments from motion picture and television roles to theatre and personal appearances, TV’s Jeannie is popular with audiences everywhere. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Drowsy Chaperone
March 6-7, 8 p.m.; March 14-22, Fri-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat-Sun. 3 p.m. From Townsquare Players. When a fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 hit called The Drowsy Chaperone, the show bursts to life in his living room. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.
John Lithgow: Stories by Heart
March 7, 8 p.m. The award-winning performer traces his roots as an actor and storyteller, interspersing his own story with two great stories that were read to him as a child. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Pink Droyd
March 7, 8 p.m. This Pink Floyd tribute band blends the high-energy excitement of a live rock performance with the sonic perfection of a studio recording, along with a staggering array of robotic lighting, digital video projection and jaw-dropping lasers. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Lee Murdock
March 8, 3 p.m. This fluent instrumentalist on six- and twelve- string guitars combines ragtime, Irish, blues and folk styles with a flair for storytelling in songs. Norris Cultural Arts Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200.
Classic Films: They Drive By Night (1940)
March 9, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. George Raft and Humphrey Bogart star as brothers trying to make a living with their trucking enterprise. Ida Lupino is the headstrong executive who mixes business and romance with murder. Brown Bag Lunch program. Directed by Raoul Walsh. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Disco Party with the Boogie Wonderband
March 12, 8 p.m. The funkiest, most disco-loving band in all the land, with crazy costumes and a very solid set of musicians. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Dave Coulier
March 12, 8 p.m. Best known as Joey from the hit ABC television series “Full House,” which aired for eight seasons, with hilarious stand-up act is full of physical comedy and appropriate for the entire family. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Harlem Gospel Choir
March 13, 7:30 p.m. This group has performed for Nelson Mandela, two Popes and two Presidents, and shared the stage with such legendary artists as Bono, Sinead O’Connor and Andre Rieu. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Howard Jones
March 13, 8 p.m. The 1980s English singer-songwriter who utilized synthesizers on hits such as “What is Love?” “Things Can only Get Better,” “Everlasting Love” and “No One is To Blame,” which reached No.1 in the U.S. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
June’s Got The Cash
March 13, 8 p.m. Broadway-style tribute show to Johnny & June Cash, complete with their legendary onstage banter, jokes and music, including “Ring of Fire,” “Cry! Cry! Cry!,” “Walk The Line.” Pheasant Run, St. Charles, pheasantrun.com.
Defending the Caveman
March 13-29, see website for days/times. The longest-running solo play in Broadway history reveals with laughter the misunderstandings between men and women. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
An Evening with C.S. Lewis
March 13-April 12, see website for days/times. British actor David Payne plays the author who gave us Narnia, as he entertains a group of writers with experiences that inspired his stories. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
St. Charles Singers
March 15, 2:30 p.m. Founded in 1984, this internationally recognized professional choir performs music from the Renaissance through the modern period. Fermilab, Batavia, fnal.gov/culture.
Tartan Terrors
March 14, 8 p.m. A troupe of professional performers known for taking traditional Celtic music and dance, and mixing it with rock and roll, blend in their own unique Scottish comedy. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
The Wailers and Rusted Root
March 14, 8 p.m. Together with Bob Marley, the Wailers have sold in excess of 250 million albums worldwide. Pittsburgh’s Rusted Root celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Flanagan’s Wake
March 14, 8 p.m. Dear ole Flanagan has died, and in this hilarious interactive show you’ll join his closest friends on the Emerald Isle, to grieve as only the Irish can. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, pheasantrun.com.
Beppe Grillo
March 15, 2 p.m. Italy’s most popular stand-up comic is also a political activist and blogger. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Robby Krieger: Night of the Doors
March 15, 7 p.m. This Doors guitarist wrote or co-wrote many of the band’s songs, including “Light My Fire,” “Love Me Two Times,” “Touch Me,” “Love Her Madly” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Les Miserables
March 18-April 26, see website for days/times. Set in 19th century Paris, the award-winning musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel uses the tale of Jean Valjean to examine broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Eddie Money
March 20, 8 p.m. This double-platinum artist, with hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On,” has been rocking audiences with his distinctive sound for more than 35 years. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Turtle Island Quartet/Nellie McKay
March 21, 8 p.m. A delightfully kaleidoscopic view of the music of Billie Holiday, Billy Strayhorn, and the Weimar cabaret of the 1920s. $30/$15 for ages 18 and under. Fermilab, Batavia, fnal.gov/culture.
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
March 21, 8 p.m. The Jersey Shore musical group led by Southside Johnny has been recording since 1976 and is closely associated with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
David Cassidy
March 26, 7:30 p.m. The former teen heartthrob plays some hits, tells real behind-the-scenes stories, and answers questions. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Loretta Lynn
March 27, 8 p.m. The Coal Miner’s Daughter with hits from her 50-year musical career, including “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Honky Tonk Girl,” “It’s Only Make Believe.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Los Lobos
March 28, 8 p.m. This Grammy-award winning American Chicano band’s sound blends rock & roll, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, soul and traditional music. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
Los Lonely Boys
March 28, 8 p.m. This Tex-Mex group celebrates their roots with the spirit and sound of their Latin rhythms. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
Jefferson Starship
March 29, 7 p.m. A stellar cast of old and new players, including songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Paul Kantner and vocalist Marty Balin, both of whom founded Jefferson Airplane. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
April
Randy Bachman
April 2, 7:30 p.m. The singer/songwriter and founder of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, with hits like “Takin’ Care of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Smithereens
April 3, 7:30 p.m. The 1980s pop-rock group had hits like “Blood & Roses,” “A Girl Like You,” “In a Lonely Place.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Echoes of Pompeii
April 4, 8 p.m. This Pink Floyd tribute band plays the influential rock band’s hits with striking accuracy and showmanship. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Libera
April 8, 5 p.m. The group’s albums have topped both mainstream and classical charts in many countries, and their recordings hold their place in the Top 10. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Lunafest
April 9, 6 p.m. Zonta Club of St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia hosts an evening film festival dedicated to promoting women’s issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing women together. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Fund and Zonta West-Illinois. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Wizard of Oz
April 10-12, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. A live stage production, with Toto, Scarecrow, the Wicked Witch and the classic songs. Presented by The Children’s Theatre of Elgin. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Junie B. Jones
April 10, 9:30 a.m. & noon. Based on the popular books by Barbara Park, this musical is packed with music, laughter and life lessons. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Oliver!
April 10-26, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Townsquare Players presents the Tony Award-winning musical based on the Dickens novel, with hit songs “Consider Yourself,” “Food! Glorious Food” and “Where is Love?” Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockopera.com.
Charlie Daniels Band
April 10, 8 p.m. Still a road warrior at age 77, Daniels and his group epitomizes southern rock, with hits that include “Long-Haired Country Boy,” “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Uneasy Rider.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.