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.
February
The Mousetrap
Through March 16, Thu.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 3 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Agatha Christie’s famous mystery about a group of strangers stranded in an English country boarding house by a sudden snow storm. There is a murderer in their midst and everyone is a suspect. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
First Friday Improv
Feb. 1 & March 1, 8 p.m. The Green Room’s Improvisers take audience suggestions and turn them into hilarious theater pieces right on stage. The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Lucy’s Comedy Café
Feb. 1, 8:30 p.m. Mike Toomey, a regular performer on WGN Morning News, delivers quick wit with a unique style as well as dead-on impersonations. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Switchback
Feb. 2, 8 p.m. Join this duo with an evening of Irish song, stories and dance. Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Mike Marino
Feb. 2, 8 p.m. Affectionately known to his fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy, Marino has performed in major comedy clubs nationwide and around the world. Arcada, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Tapestry Unraveled
Feb. 2, 8 p.m. Tina Naponelli captures the essence of Carole King with her powerful voice and soulful renditions of hits such as “Natural Woman” and “Feel the Earth Move” from the Tapestry album. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Bob Marley Nite with the Wailers
Feb. 2, 9:30 p.m. The reggae band performs Bob Marley and the Wailers hits, such as “Stir it Up,” “Get Up, Stand Up,” and “Buffalo Soldier.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner
Feb. 3, 3 p.m. The 21-year old virtuoso pianist, who has performed on five continents, performs a classical piano recital. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Abba Mania!
Feb. 3, 5 p.m. The original tribute from London’s West End takes you back in time by re-creating one of most popular groups in a live stage performance. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
‘The Producers’
Feb. 6-March 17, 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. Enjoy Mel Brooks’ comedy hit about has-been producer Max Bialystock, who concocts one of the biggest cons in musical theater history, trying to make money with a guaranteed flop. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Weird (But Wonderful) Quartet
Feb. 7, 2:15 p.m. Comprised of a unique mix of instruments, including the flute, alto flute, violin, viola, guitar and cello, the quartet performs works by Shubert, Italian Baroque composer Pietro Locatelli, and French guitarist Jean-Michel Coquery, among others. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. Rt. 53, Lisle, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.
Jim Brinkman
Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. Brinkman returns with his Valentine’s show, “Share the Love,” with songs such as “Love of my Life” and “The Gift.” Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Molly Hatchet
Feb. 8, 8 p.m. A mixture of blues, country gospel and English invasion equals Southern Rock. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
One-Man Batman
Feb. 8, 8 p.m. Charles Ross entertains with his irreverent parody and homage in “One Man Dark Knight,” covering Batman’s origins to his epic battles against Gotham’s supervillains. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
DSO: Inside the Orchestra
Feb. 8 & March 15, 7:30 p.m. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the dress rehearsal for the next evening’s concert. Watch the orchestra at work for the first hour, then check out the instrument petting zoo, followed by refreshments. RSVP. DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
One-Man Star Wars Trilogy
Feb. 9, 3 p.m. In this whirlwind solo show, Charles Ross retells the classic trilogy in 60 minutes, including all the characters, music, ships and battles. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
DSO: From the Heart of Europe
Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m., pre-concert lecture; concert 7:30 p.m. Featuring Beethoven’s “Overture to Fidelio,” “Op. 72 and “Violin Concerto in D Major,” “Op. 61” as well as Dvorák’s “Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Op. 60” with soloist YooJin Jang, Concert Artists Guild Competition Winner. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Love Letter to Broadway
Feb. 9, 8 p.m. A cabaret of Broadway’s greatest hits from yesterday and today. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Rico Tribute to Santana
Feb. 9, 8 p.m. The three-hour tribute show captures the sound and spirit of Santana, whose hits include “Oye Coma Va,” “Black Magic Woman” and “Soul Sacrifice.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
One-Man Lord of the Rings
Feb. 9, 8 p.m. Journey through the trilogy in one hour as Charles Ross re-creates the world of Middle-Earth. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
ESO: Natasha and the Romantics
Feb. 9-10, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Pianist Natasha Paremski is featured in this program including Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture,” “Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2” and “Schuman’s Symphony No. 4.” Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Tomáš Kačo
Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Young piano virtuoso and Berklee College of Music graduate Tomáš Kačo presents his new album “My Home,” featuring his own arrangements and compositions, and a unique fusion of classical, jazz and gypsy music. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
The Everly Set
Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. A salute to the Everly Brothers including hits such as “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie” and “Let It Be Me.” Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin, (847) 622-0300, elgin.edu.
The Lotus Kings
Feb. 15, 8 p.m. The all-star tribute to Santana includes everything from the classic early hits to the “Supernatural” Grammy songs and everything in between. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Pat McKillen
Feb. 15-16, 8 p.m. Barrington’s own McKillen returns to share his acoustic guitar songs of love, childhood and his Irish roots. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Judy Collins
Feb. 16, 7 p.m. With 50 years of artistry and 50 albums to her credit, Judy Collins inspires audiences with her sublime vocals. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Caroline Rhea
Feb. 16, 8 p.m. Stand-up comedian and actress Rhea plays in top comedy clubs across the U.S. and Canada. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Svetlana Belsky & Elena Doubovitskaya
Feb. 17, 2 p.m. Pianists perform “Tales from the East,” stories of romance and adventure by Russian composers: Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakoff, Prokofiev and Stravinsky. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Ian Clarke
Feb. 17, 2:30 p.m. One of the leading player/composers in the flute world. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
‘The Cat in the Hat’
Feb. 19, 10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Sally and her brother meet the most mischievous cat with some crazy ideas to turn a rainy afternoon into an adventure. What will Mom find when she comes home? Grades K-4. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
‘Madeline and the Bad Hat’
Feb. 21, 12:15 p.m. Children from preschool through grade 3 enjoy the tale of a young Parisian girl who gets off on the wrong foot with a mischievous new neighbor and learns that first impressions aren’t everything. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Rob Schneider Comedy
Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Stand-up comedy by the former Saturday Night Live writer and actor. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Feb. 22, 6 p.m. Join detective Paddy O’Furniture as he finds out who has eliminated the favorite contestant in a reality TV talent competition, right onstage. Is it a jilted lover, a jealous businessman or an audience member? Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Johnny Lang
Feb. 22, 8 p.m. After releasing his first platinum record at 15 years old, Lang has gone on to enjoy two more decades as a blues artist. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
‘Scatter the Pigeons’
Feb. 22-March 17, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Lives are upended when a real estate developer threatens to buy Citron Court Trailer Park; a comedy-drama of loss and love. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Las Cafeteras
Feb. 23, 8 p.m. Playing Afro-Mexican beats and rhythms, the group delivers inspiring lyrics that document stories of a community seeking love and justice in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
‘The Wall’ Live Extravaganza
Feb. 23, 8 p.m. Immerse yourself in the sounds, sets, costumes and visual effects inspired by Pink Floyd. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Voices from Around the World
Feb. 24, 3 p.m. Canadian soprano Solange Sior and Italian tenor Franco Martorana are joined by Ukrainian soprano Tatyana Torzhevska, Korean tenor Simon Kyung Lee and pianist Chiayi Lee for a performance featuring operatic excerpts, musical theater favorites, Viennese waltzes, popular music and folk songs from around the world. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.
Neal Morse Band
Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. Nashville-based progressive rock musician Morse and band stop off on their world tour to play from their recently released album, “The Great Adventure.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Chester Gregory
Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. Broadway entertainer Gregory sings solid gold Motown hits including “My Girl,” “Higher and Higher” and “Heard it Through the Grapevine.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
‘Junie B. Jones’
Feb. 28, 10 a.m. The musical adventures of everyone’s favorite first-grader, based on the books by Barbara Park. Grades K-5. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
March
Meatloaf’s Neverland Band
March 1, 8 p.m. Featuring the “Bat Out of Hell” album with American Idol winner Caleb Johnson. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
‘Tale as Old as Time’ Musical
March 1-23, Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. Featuring the characters and songs from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” TownSquare Players, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, townsquareplayers.org.
Atlanta Rhythm Section
March 2, 8 p.m. With nearly 50 years on the Southern Rock scene and 15 albums under their belts, the band entertains with classic rock. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Pink Droyd
March 2, 8 p.m. This tribute to Pink Floyd brings the look, feel and sound of “The Wall,” complete with light and laser shows. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
ESO: Guitar Serenade
March 2-3, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Guitarist Jason Vieaux is featured; Smetana’s The Moldau, Villa-Lobos’ Concerto for Guitar and Small Orchestra, Corigliano’s Troubadours and Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Golden Dragon Acrobats
March 3, 2 p.m. This Chinese acrobatic touring company presents a show combining award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
American Scenes
March 3, 3 p.m. The Fox Valley Concert Band performs music of American composers. Norris Center, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.
The Liverpool Legends
March 3, 5 p.m. Hand-picked by Louise Harrison, George’s sister, the Liverpool Legends celebrate 50 years of Abbey Road. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
The McCartney Years
March 8, 8 p.m. Enjoy a trip down memory lane with songs played to the standard set by McCartney in the early 1970s. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Shining Star
March 9, 8 p.m. A tribute to the superstar R&B group Earth, Wind and Fire, covering the playlist of the band’s top-charting hits. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Lunasa
March 9, 8 p.m. Back for a repeat performance, the internationally known band plays traditional Irish instrumental music. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Concerto 2.0
March 10, 2 p.m. Families with children in grades 2-5 enjoy an introduction to the world of orchestra music through a one-hour program featuring a performance of Benjamin Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra,” enhanced by video projections and live narration. Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairecenter.org.
See the Wheat Fields?
March 10, 2, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. The 43rd season of concerts by the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra draws inspiration from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s quote, “What is essential is invisible to the eye” and explores the ways art makes us see what matters most about our humanity. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
Recycled Percussion
March 15, 7:30 p.m. A family-friendly, high-energy experience with a band that uses ordinary objects to create “junk rock music.” Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Foghat with Savoy Brown
March 15, 8 p.m. Lots of energy and musicianship define this timeless band. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
DSO: Luck o’ the Irish
March 16, pre-concert lecture 6:30 p.m., concert 7:30 p.m. Featuring “Irish Rhapsody No. 1,” “Op. 78 Symphony No.1 in E minor,” and “Op. 32, Gaelic.” DSO, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Rodney Crowell
March 16, 7:30 p.m. Crowell’s latest album, “Close Ties,” looks back at his long and varied career as part of the Nashville music scene. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
The Hurricane Saxophone Quartet
March 17, 3 p.m. The quartet plays classical, jazz and contemporary music. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.