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.
December
BDE: The Nutcracker
Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. The holiday classic performed by the youngsters of Barrington Dance Ensemble. Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 382-6333, barringtondance.org.
Miracle on 34th Street
Through Dec. 23, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Is the Kris Kringle in Macy’s Department Store the real deal? His claim that he is really Santa Claus leads to a court case to determine his authenticity. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
“A Christmas Carol”
Through Dec. 24, Thu.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. When he’s visited by three magical spirits on Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge learns how much he has been missing because of his obsession with making money. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
The Wizard of Oz
Through Jan. 6, 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 Kansas twister transports Dorothy to the Land of Oz, where she and the cowardly lion, a tin man and a scarecrow must defend against the Wicked Witch. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 1-2, Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Travel back to 1843 London for Scrooge’s journey through Christmas Past, Present and Future. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 1-2 & 6-8, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Charles Dickens’ story of a bitter old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, and his transformation into a kinder man after being visited by several spirits. Stage Coach Players Theatre, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 1-9, see website for times. Tchaikovsky’s magical holiday battle, with dancing snowflakes, leaping dancers and battling mice. Schaumburg Dance Ensemble, Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
Ramsey Lewis and the Urban Knights
Dec. 2, 5 p.m. Grammy winner Lewis, an iconic leader in contemporary jazz for more than 50 years, entertains with the unique sound that has allowed him to crossover to the pop and R&B charts. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.
Rocky LaPorte & Friends
Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. A former dockworker and truck driver, LaPorte entertains with a clean, blue-collar style of comedy, complete with his trademark Brooklyn accent. Friends Mike Preston and Brian Hicks join. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Lakeside Singers
Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Join your friends for a mashup of traditional choral and contemporary holiday songs in “Oh, What Fun.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Mirari Brass Quintet
Dec. 6, 2:15 p.m. In its return engagement, the quintet plays a selection of seasonal songs and eclectic works from the traditional brass repertoire. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. Rt. 53, Lisle, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.
First Fridays at the Dole
Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m. Mingle with the artists as you enjoy featured art with a winter theme. Lakeside Arts Park at the Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.
Ben Hale’s Hi-Fi Holiday
Dec. 7, 8 p.m. The former star of “Million Dollar Quartet,” now a rising star in Nashville, channels the icons of Christmases past, including Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, in this holidy special. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 7-16, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 & 6 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s renowned ballet of magic and enchantment, performed by the young dancers of Judith Svalander Dance Theatre. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
ESO: Sounds of the Season
Dec. 8-9, Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and create joyful holiday memories at this special concert, featuring the Elgin Master Chorale. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Lightwire Theatre
Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Multi-dimensional neon puppetry-based characters present a tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits in “A Very Electric Christmas.” Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Ron Hawking: Home for the Holidays
Dec. 8-9, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Chicago’s award-winning singer-entertainer puts you in the holiday spirit with holiday favorites. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4284, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
FVCB: Home for the Holidays
Dec. 9, 3 p.m. The Fox Valley Concert Band shares some Christmas magic with a rousing lineup of holiday-themed tunes. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1050 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Info: (630) 584-7200, fvcb.org.
Sing-Along Messiah
Dec. 9, 4 p.m. Community and chorus join an orchestra and soloists for a performance of Handel’s masterwork. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Ronnie Spector & the Ronettes
Dec. 9, 7 p.m. The group embodies the heart, soul and passion of female rock ‘n’ roll in the ’60s. Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.
Jill Grove
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Mezzo-soprano Grove has performed with the world’s leading orchestras and is known for her portrayals of heroines of German and Italian opera. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
The Kingston Trio
Dec. 11, 3 & 7:30 p.m. With their signature striped shirts, banjos, bongos, guitars and charismatic personalities, this trio has been entertaining since 1955 and recently received the Grammys’ Lifetime Achievement Award. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Tony Orlando & Dawn “Christmas Reunion”
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Performing all their hits and your Christmas favorites. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
O Sole Night
Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. The O Sole Trio delivers holiday cheer with its arrangements of classics such as “White Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “O Holy Night.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
‘the Listening Room’: Maureen Christine
Dec. 14, 1:15 p.m. Featuring Maureen Christine, who has headlined with symphony orchestras and concert bands throughout the Midwest and abroad. Lakeside Arts Park at the Dole, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.
Jack Russel’s Zeppelin Tribute
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. The Great White Band performs a tribute to Led Zeppelin. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
First Fridays Improv
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. Improvisers take audience suggestions and true-life audience stories and turn them into comedy sketches. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
“White Christmas”
Dec. 14-16, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Romance is in the air as veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who have a successful song-and-dance act, pair up with a duo of singing sisters at a Vermont lodge owned by their former Army commander. Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
Presto! Holiday Concert
Dec. 15, 3 & 7 p.m. Accomplished youth orchestra and choral ensembles create a heartwarming program of seasonal classical works and holiday favorites. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org
Ides of March
Dec. 15, 8 p.m. Entertaining since 1964, this Chicago group mixes rocking guitars, brass and vocals. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Marta and Ani Aznavoorian
Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. These world-renowned, award-winning musicians return to their childhood hometown and share their piano and cello talent. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4284, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 15-16, Sat. 1 & 3 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Acrobatic Russian dancers, waltzing flowers and the Sugar Plum Fairy are featured along with Clara and her godfather, Drosselmeyer. Berkshire Ballet Theatre, Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Elgin String Quartet
Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon with violinist Isabella Lippi, Concertmaster, performing a composition by Elgin’s own Daniel Brewbaker as well as Brahms’ “String Quartet No. 2 in A minor.” Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
DSO: Joy to the Holidays
Dec. 16, 2 & 4 p.m. Bring your family and join in the spirit of the season with favorite holiday carols and popular songs. DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Wintertainment Holiday Show
Dec. 16, 3 p.m. Join the dancers from Dancewerks Dance Studio, Parker Playhouse Performers and The Entertainers as they express the joy of the season through song and dance. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4284, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
George Winston
Dec. 17-18, 7:30 p.m. Pianist Winston shares his own rural folk style as well as R & B and slow-dance songs from his favorite masters and composers. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
NW Indiana Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 18, 8 p.m. A holiday pops concert celebrating the spirit of the season with traditional favorites as well as new sounds. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
The 12 Dames of Christmas
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Angela Ingersoll captures the iconic voices of the holiday season including Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Eartha Kitt, Brenda Lee and other well-known singers. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
A John Denver Christmas
Dec. 21, 8 p.m. Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon group honor Denver’s legacy with warmth and musical integrity. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Bret Michaels
Dec. 22, 8 p.m. First rising to fame as the front man of Poison, Michaels invites fans to “Get Your Rock On.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Second City Nutcracking Holiday Revue
Dec. 22-23 & 27-31, Thu. 7 p.m., Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 7 & 9:30 p.m., Mon. 7 & 10 p.m. Original songs, new sketches and some classic favorites. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
The BoDeans
Dec. 29, 8 p.m. The band entertains with hits such as “Good Things,” “Idaho” and “All the World.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Pat McGann
Dec. 30, 7 p.m. The Chicago comedian, known as host and creator of “The Chicago Stand-Up Project” performs. Zanies Comedy Club, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, (847) 301-8543, pheasantrun.com.
Leaders of the Pack
Dec. 31, 2 p.m. The Lovettes journey back in time to celebrate the major female artists from the 1940s-1960s, such as the Andrews Sisters, the Shirelles and the Supremes. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
January
David Gonzalez
Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m. Gonzalez performs “La Rosa Blanca,” featuring original music for Spanish guitar, myths from the Hispanic world and poetry. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute
Jan. 5, 7:30 p.m. Ten vocalists and musicians join forces in Shining Star to celebrate five decades of Earth, Wind & Fire. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Kashmir – The Led Zeppelin Show
Jan. 5, 8 p.m. Celebrate Jimmy Page’s birthday with an evening of Zeppelin. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Metropolis Oboe Quartet
Jan. 6, 2 p.m. Relax to an hour of well-known chamber music of all eras. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Skip Griparis
Jan. 6, 3 p.m. Singer, guitarist, comedian and impressionist Griparis celebrates “the guys who gave us Rock” from the ’40s through the ’60s. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Formosa Quartet
Jan. 10, 2:15 p.m. Prize-winning quartet performs masterworks by Beethoven, Stéphane Grappelli’s classic jazz tunes and commissioned pieces by Shih-hui Chen and Dana Wilson. Morton Arboretum, Lisle, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.
Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues
Jan. 11, 8 p.m. An evening of entertainment with blues pianist and singer Siegel and country-blues vocalist Tracy Nelson, who has recorded with Willie Nelson. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“Silent Sky”
Jan. 11-Feb. 3, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The true story of the 19th century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of great scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
The Four Freshmen
Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy classic Freshmen favorites such as “Day by Day” and “Blue World,” along with new arrangements of “Come Fly with Me” and “I Ain’t Got Nobody.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
ESO: Haydn’s ‘Surprise’ Symphony
Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. The Father of the Symphony liked to include “jokes” in his music, like the surprise in his “Symphony No. 94.” Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO), Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Listen Up!
Jan. 13, 3 p.m. This a capellla group entertains with multi-generational wit and celebrates 70 years of Jewish song. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
John Pizzarelli Sings Nat King Cole
Jan. 13, 7 p.m. Renowned guitarist and singer Pizzarelli honors Nat King Cole with a selection of his classics. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
The Music of Gershwin
Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Two young singers and dancers perform to hits such as “They Can’t Take that Away from Me” and “I Got Rhythm.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Dueling Pianos
Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Felix and Fingers returns for a high-energy, all-request sing-along show. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Well-Strung
Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. The all-male quartet puts its own spin on the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Rihanna, Adele and many others. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Marrakesh Express
Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. Capturing the spirit of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Talking Heads Tribute
Jan. 19, 8 p.m. Big Suit’s nine musicians perform the pioneering music of Talking Heads, reviving their hits from the ’70s and ’80s. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.