tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10401450043641541942024-03-13T13:14:46.633-07:00And now presenting ...Veteran journalist Myra Eder revives Southland entertainment listings!myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-80108794884309320342011-01-24T19:44:00.000-08:002011-03-30T18:05:46.155-07:00Carpe weekend and March: Lots of Sex, a homicidally bent Pippi Longstocking wannabe among AE highlights<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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Disregard date above. Today is March 31, 2011<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dear, Dear Readers, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few highlights in this post: Good buddy Mojo of <b>Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies</b>, the hottest authentic Zydeco band from down in Looziana, has a great show coming upMarch 4 at the Montrose Room in the Intercontinental O'Hare. See more in the listings, but your best bet is to check out the band's website at <a href="http://www.redhotmojo.com/">www.redhotmojo.com</a> where you also can check out the Mojo sounds. Yes, Mojo (center, wild hat) looks tame but wait till you see him on stage!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Want to bypass the classic 20th century musicals in favor of serious drama that's not downtown, a Theatre at the Center in Munster has just the production for you. The monstrously phenomenal <b>Sleuth</b>, not a musical but a riveting mystery <i>a la</i> Agatha Christie and stars Larry Yando and Lance Baker. This production will grab your attention, pull you to the edge of your seat and not let go until the "last page." TAC is an easy ride. Take Interstate 80 to Calumet Avenue and go South. Turn left at Ridge Road (there's a huge Jewel on the SW corner) and in a few blocks, TAC will be on your right. See the listings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now for those who have not checked the blog lately, here is an update vis-a-vis my arts and entertainment coverage. As of late last month, my <b>Patch.com</b> weekly A&E highlights roundup, <b>SouthScene</b>, now covers <b>Tinley, Orland, Palos, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Homewood-Flossmoor, Chicago Heights</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not yet introduced to the wonders of Patch.com, then here's the scoop. Patch.com is a rapidly growing chain of daily community online news sites in many states. If you go to Patch.com, you will see a list of all the states, and if you click on Illinois, you will get see all the towns covered. Naturally, much local news applies to more than one village or city and consequently, editors do share news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is community journalism at its best!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's all free, all online and you can subscribe to the morning headlines -- again, free. If you look at a site, you'll see all the bells and whistles of a top flight, 21st century news sites. I'm excited to be freelancing for this a growing operation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you'll check it out if you have not done so yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All that said, local events and venues covered in SouthScene are no longer included in this blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please continue to send me A&E listings as most of them will either be in the Friday SouthScene or the blog, which is now monthly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? WHATEVER! My e-mail is myrasharon@comcast.net</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Myra</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">LINKS IN ORDER OF LISTINGS:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#theater">THEATER</a>, <a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#music">MUSIC AND ART</a>,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND <a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#museum">MUSEUMS AND ANIMALS</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#theater" id="theater" name="theater"></a><b>THEATRE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Sixty miles outside Las Vegas today, sex is for sale in state licensed bordellos where almost any fantasy can be accommodated for the right price." So begins the first sentence of a press release for the first play of the year for <b>CHICAGO DRAMATISTS</b>, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. Alas <b><i>Bordello</i>,</b> which runs through <b>March 6</b>, has received very mixed reviews. Tickets are $32 at <a href="http://www.chicagodramatists.com/">www.chicagodramatists.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmerT29_BJUtvMC7ZReX5Hbu2toZmYs9E6PVCU_-F7e3PweipBgepqJzZ3tBJrldtoz03r5Hz_LdB5Ol5qTRSnK_7guarJbIVCf-_DfmsOh56ZlrjDb4ozh4PuI8CN6BoatzVyAt5MiXU/s1600/spamalot.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmerT29_BJUtvMC7ZReX5Hbu2toZmYs9E6PVCU_-F7e3PweipBgepqJzZ3tBJrldtoz03r5Hz_LdB5Ol5qTRSnK_7guarJbIVCf-_DfmsOh56ZlrjDb4ozh4PuI8CN6BoatzVyAt5MiXU/s200/spamalot.jpg" /></a><b>DRURY LANE THEATRE</b>, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, goes for the laugh-yourself-out-of-your-seat Broadway hit, <b><i>Spamalot, </i></b>through <b>March 6.</b> The riotous musical spoofs another spoof, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Directed by William Osetek, the show is a total gas, wacky and true to the Monty Python one-of-its-kind genre. There are no weak performances and the cast blends well. If you loved Monty Python, this for you, this show rocks! Tickets are $35-$40 and dinner packages are available; (800) 745-3000 and at <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a> and Ticketmaster. Parking is free. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FOX VALLEY REPERTORY</b> (formerly Noble Fool Theatricals), Pheasant Run Mainstage, 4015 E. Main St. St. Charles, (630) 443-0438, kicks off the year with <b><i>Leaving Iowa,</i></b> now through <b>March 13</b>. Written by well-known Chicago funny-witty guys Tim Clue and Spike Manton, the plays focuses on a middle-aged writer, Dan Browning, who is searching for the perfect place to scatter his father's ashes. Fox Valley Rep. has a full lineup of theater in March including <b>Seussical Jr</b>., Flanagan's Wake, Heartache Tonight (Eagles tribute concert) and Always Patsy Cline. Dinner packages are available for some shows. Check theater website as playdates for all the shows are not ongoing but go back and forth, date-wise, in March. In addition to box office number above, tickets are at Ticketmaster and online at <a href="http://www.foxvalleyrep.org/">www.foxvalleyrep.org</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE</b> in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, brings to life the Broadway' high stakes musical classic with its "fabled world of high rollers, loveable lowlifes and Salvation Army soul savers," Frank Loesser's Tony Award-winning <b><i>Guys and Dolls.</i></b> The Marriott production garnered rave reviews and with musical treasures including "Luck Be a Lady" and "If I Were a Bell," the 1950 classic will continue to thrill audiences of all ages, now through <b>March 27</b>. Tickets are at (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</b>, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, presents the musical <i><b>Meet John Doe</b></i>, <b>March 4</b> through <b>April 17, </b>based on the 1941 film directed by the legendary Frank Capra and starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck whom many blog readers may not recall. Anyway, all three were superstars of big screen in the late 1930s through the early '50s. This play has touches of CSI as a young female hotshot reporter gets fired during the depression so she sends the paper a phony anonymous letter (remember, no e-mail then) from a John Doe who says he's disgusted with society and is going to jump off a the Brooklyn Bridge on Christmas Eve. Newspaper sales go through the roof and this anonymous character begins to write for the paper, of course under the pseudonym. Sounds intriguing, huh? Tickets are $38 at (773)327-5252 and <a href="http://www.porchlighttheatre.com/">www.porchlighttheatre.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RED TAPE THEATRE</b>, 621 Belmont, Chicago, presents a double bill through <b>March 5</b>. <i><b>Church</b></i> is billed as a celebration designed to play with expectations of the religious and non religious as well as uplifting and inspirational. <i><b>Pullman,WA</b></i>, focuses on three characters who cannot quite succeed at life. Tickets are $25, $15 students and industry, <a href="http://www.redtapetheate.com/">www.redtapetheate.com</a> and at box office.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEEL BEAM THEATRE,</b> 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, at <a href="http://www.steelbeamtheatre.com/">www.steelbeamtheatre.com</a> continues its run of <i><b>The Au Pair Man</b></i> through <b>March 13</b>. The plot revolves around a, uhm, somewhat older woman (Donna Steele) and "her roughhewn boytoy," (boy toy) the release says. Billed as a "witty comedy of Anglo-Irish manners," the play also has a touch of Pygmalion in it, the release says. Tickets are $25, $23 students and seniors, $22 for groups of 10 or more and available on the website above or at (630) 587-8521. The play features Robin Childress (left) and Nicole Dizen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b7XpUEhJbo6P4OppL93xWpStWoGIE48HRiLnbSdzzwuRzp1OsBTSQP1C9UB3pr85oxoFwJYENb9Tjkr3Kvr5eYO_3Z23gyllAsd3dAg6UoQTyUToYW1HQ99Ih6ev0AHMHdN3AWPU4yc/s1600/samueljk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b7XpUEhJbo6P4OppL93xWpStWoGIE48HRiLnbSdzzwuRzp1OsBTSQP1C9UB3pr85oxoFwJYENb9Tjkr3Kvr5eYO_3Z23gyllAsd3dAg6UoQTyUToYW1HQ99Ih6ev0AHMHdN3AWPU4yc/s320/samueljk.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS</b>, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, presents the Midwest premiere of <i><b>Samuel J. and K</b>.</i> Set in the Chicago suburbs, sometime right around now, the production follows two brothers, one black and one white. "In honor of Samuel K's (left, Samuel G. Roberson Jr.) college graduation, Samuel J (Cliff Chamberlain) surprises his adopted brother with two round-trip tickets to his birthplace in Africa to explore his roots," the press release states. "As the brothers set out on a life changing journey, they confront long-buried issues of identity, race and family secrets. (312) 335-1650. The production runs through <b>March 13</b>. Tickets are $20-$75 at the box office number above and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikku0-VXI9rdrAXSsEWPWzPAwV4Y6ovxHlFXDBzRYT8hVneE8RfhdiszOLXcn66mUfLS_c30GjpgIBLI2Yf4vs-UfSLrESiHf0xD2Xxj3lv1KK4emL4RzK3xqIneCbRfjnh_bLj1y1b-4/s1600/sexsteppen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikku0-VXI9rdrAXSsEWPWzPAwV4Y6ovxHlFXDBzRYT8hVneE8RfhdiszOLXcn66mUfLS_c30GjpgIBLI2Yf4vs-UfSLrESiHf0xD2Xxj3lv1KK4emL4RzK3xqIneCbRfjnh_bLj1y1b-4/s320/sexsteppen.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If a lot of f-bombs bother you, read no further. If they don't, read on because this is a very witty, funny and intelligent play that focuses on a hot young male writer whose online journals of 'sexcapades' are the buzz of the blogosphere. If we are to believe him, women want to hit the hay with him just to have their names in his blog (go figure). Olivia, who is not on his blog, is an attractive 30-year-old whose own writing career is at standstill. Ethan and Olivia hook up and ... Got your attention?<b> STEPPENWOLF'S UPSTAIRS THEATRE</b> (same address as above) presents <i><b>Sex with Strangers</b></i>, directed by Jessica Thebus, Steppenwolf associate artist and starring Stephen Louis Grush and Sally Murphy (left) both phenomenal actors who settle into their characters immediately and keep the audience guessing, what will happen next. The production runs through <b>May 15</b>. Tickets are $20 to $73, same phone and website above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJY3rkkjjwqTzE4ixi7WMbqLX3VdL7Vsqb6t-JYqo3emp6nBcHnmq2MqZwpiilirQDqABmppcQhzfSzTM_RkDdpJhLZj8IWxdS1XlVBuxsw2zeDinOAU5-YBcvBBkhU0fEMQuYtO-81I/s1600/SLEUTH.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJY3rkkjjwqTzE4ixi7WMbqLX3VdL7Vsqb6t-JYqo3emp6nBcHnmq2MqZwpiilirQDqABmppcQhzfSzTM_RkDdpJhLZj8IWxdS1XlVBuxsw2zeDinOAU5-YBcvBBkhU0fEMQuYtO-81I/s200/SLEUTH.jpg" /></a><b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER</b>, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, veers from its traditional musical fare to present a riveting mystery thriller, <i><b>Sleuth</b></i>, through <b>March</b> <b>20.</b> Award-winning actors Larry Yando (left in photo), well-known to Chicagoland theater-goers, and Lance Baker (at right) star in the TAC's first production of the 2011 season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Opening night drew a modest but wildly enthusiastic crowd that bounced out of their seats for a standing ovation when the lights went down (thrust stage, no curtain). Yando, on stage the entire time, does not miss a beat of his character's calculated wickedness. If I say too much about Baker, I'd reveal too much about the storyline. But Baker also gives a stunning performance. This is a do not miss for all the murder mystery fans out there. Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, at (800) 511-1552 and on the theater website at <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</a>. Parking at TATC is always free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER, THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES</b>, presents the ArtsPower National Touring Theatre production of the classic, <i><b>Anne of Green Gables</b></i> <b>March 29-April 2</b>. Tickets are $8.50 adults, $7 children. Theater address and where to buy tickets in listing above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TOWLE THEATER</b>, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, opens its eighth season with the musical comedy, <i><b>Ruthless, the Director's Cut</b></i>. The story revolves around 8-year-old Tina Denmark (Nicole Dizon, left) who is convinced she is the right person to play Pippi Longstocking in the school play and will thus do anything to get the part (Robin Childress also is featured). Murder comes to mind. This seductively funny musical comedy, obviously not for kids, continues through <b>March 30</b>. Tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780 and at the theater website, <a href="http://www.towletheater.com/">www.towletheater.com</a>. Free, secured parking is just off Lafayette Street, steps from the theater's back door. From what we have noticed, that appears to be where most people park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>MOJO AND THE BAYOU GYPSIES</b></i> bring Mardi Gras to Chicagoland with what promises to be a rocking Cajun CD release party and concert at 8 p.m. <b>March 4</b> at the <b>Montrose Room, Intercontinental Hotel</b>, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. Advance tickets $20-$89, at the door $25-$99, Ticketmaster and (847) 544-5300. If you've never been to a Mojo concert, treat yourself to an awesome concert you won't forget. And for Mojo's huge fan base in Chicagoland, well all those people know what's coming and this show will rock, Looziana Bayou style. That's good buddy Mojo (front, center) with his wild hat. Wherever Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies play, it's Mardi Gras time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#museum" id="museum" name="museum"></a><b>MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">View the skies through some of the world's Great Observatories in 3D, an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at <b>ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM</b>, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. (at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-7827 (STAR). This show takes you behind the scenes with some of the world's most incredible telescopes so you can see how new discoveries reach the human eye. All the info you need for your virtual ride to the stars is at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM </b>one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road. The planetarium presents always-free Sky Shows every month with astronomy advocate and host, Art Maurer. Art is one of those guys who can answer just about any question his audiences might ask and his explanations are clear! General audience shows are at <b>7:30 p.m. Tuesdays</b>: March 1 - <i>Skies of Spring</i>; March 15 - <i>Our Solar System</i>; March 29 - <i>The Ferni Paradox</i>. If weather permits, there will be telescope viewing after the show. The <b>6:30 p.m. Thursday </b>shows are for the younger set: March 10 - <i>Skies of Spring</i> (young); March 24 - Dec. 21, 2012. No, the world is not going to end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Use your GPS to find the place on the Joliet Junior Campus off Houbolt Road. If you need good directions, Art says you can e-mail him at <a href="mailto:amaurer@jjc.edu">amaurer@jjc.edu</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. Michigan Ave. On Feb. 5 the museum opens <i><b>American Modern</b></i>, a collection of more than 140 photographs by Berenice Abbott (1898-1991), Walker Evans (1903-1975) and Margaret Bourke-White (1906-1971, now through <b>May 15</b>. As this column goes to press, or online, the Art Institute is conducting previews of <i>Kings, Queens, and Courtiers: Art in Early Renaissance France</i>. All the exhibit details and info you need to plan a day at the Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. Pictured: <i>The Madonna of Yarnwinder</i> by Leonardo DaVinci (1452-1519).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>BROOKFIELD ZOO</b>, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000. For more information check out at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a><a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society). OK. I didn't say it, but the folks at Brookfield did. Here goes: "Have a swinederful day" <b>March 5 </b>at the zoo's National Pig Day Celebration. The fun begins at 1 p.m. in the Children's Zoo and the kids will serenade said piggies, (including American guinea hogs pictured), with "with a hog-wild rendition of 'Happy Pig Day'". There's much more and in fact, the zoo always has something going on for visitors of all ages. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Years ago, I met and wrote about the legendary Dr. Margaret Burroughs who, with her husband, in 1961 founded what became the<b> DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY</b> -- in their home. The museum featured items the couple had collected or others had donated. Burroughs, who died late last year at 93, also remains a legend in the world of art with an incredible body of artworks focused on African American people and cultures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When our Star Newspapers' photographer and I interviewed Dr. Burroughs at the DuSable, she gave each of us a personally signed posters of a few of her classic woodcuts. Authentic treasures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The museum today is located at 740 E. 56th Place, virtually on the University of Chicago campus. The exhibit <i>Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services</i>, reveals the struggles of the 14 million African Americans who have served in the military on American shores, starting long before the American Revolution. Of course there is much more, both art and history. All the details for a DuSable visit are at (773) 947-0600 and <a href="http://www.dusablemuseum.org/">www.dusablemuseum.org</a>. The DuSable website lists many activities and the exhibits and proves that every month is Black History Month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chicagoland's own T. rex, Sue, continues her restful stay in the grand hall of <b>FIELD MUSEUM,</b> 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Now through <b>Aug. 14</b>, <i><b>The Horse</b></i>, a new exhibit at Field, is an exploration of the profound relationship between humans and horses and a look at how human civilization has been influenced the horses. Visitors will explore more than 200 different breeds of horses, artworks focused on horses and much more. Horse whisperers will not want to say nay to this exhibit. Sorry. Couldn't resist. BTW: One of Field's best kept secrets is the Crown Family Playlab where little ones will have a great time digging up fossils and playing games in the world of natural history. Details and tickets for a trip to the museum are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a> and at (312) 922-9410.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 2203 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 280-2660, presents <i><b>Coming into Character</b></i>, an exhibit of works by American painter Jim Nutt, through <b>May 29.</b> Known for his "inventiveness biting wit and distorted figure," the exhibit promises a striking new look at modern art. All the details are at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/">www.mcachicago.org</a>. Take a look at the museum website and at Nutt online. His work is striking and he is one of the foremost contemporary artists at work today. Nutt was born in 1938 so add some years to the photo at left from the MOMA website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</b>, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, looks ahead to its third <i><b>Body Worlds</b></i> exhibit, the <b><i>Cycle of Life</i></b>, which has its U.S. premiere at MSI starting <b>March 18</b> and closing <b>Sept. 5</b>. The 14,000 square feet of Body Worlds, Cycle of Life focuses on the human life cycle and follows the previous two exhibits of its type. According to Dr. Gunther von Hagens of Germany, who discovered what he calls plastination, people will their bodies to the exhibit. They are then preserved via plastination, a see through look at the working of the human form and various organs, often displayed separated. Be forewarned. The features in this exhibit, as in the previous two, once were living people or their organs that have been donated with complete details of how they will be used.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Body Worlds</i> are at once absolutely fascinating while at the same time the concept has a macabre side. I was entranced with <i>Body Worlds</i> and at the same time found myself wondering about the people whose bodies I was viewing. In any case, for anyone fascinated by the workings of the human body, nothing can take the place of von Hagens' exhibits. More details are at <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a>. (773) 684-1414. Photo courtesy Museum of Science and Industry</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART</b>, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, (312) 738-1503, looks at the indigenous societies known as the Huichol who inhabited what is now Mexico long before the formation of nation defined by boundaries and a central government. "The ancestral traditions, an impressive artistic legacy and notable contributions to Mexican history are attributable to this people. Alas, today this beautiful collection of people face the brutality of deforestation, construction and mining that threaten their very existence. <i><b>La Nacio Huichol, from the Sea to the Desert</b></i> looks at the people throughout history through photographs, artwork and more. The exhibit runs through <b>August</b>. Admission to this extraordinary museum is free. In conjunction with the exhibit, the museum offers many programs and special classes. Information is at the number above and <a href="http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/">www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SHEDD AQUARIUM</b>, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, is where you can go eye to eye with a dolphin or take a stroll with a penguin and much more. Fascinating and mysterious, the World of Sea Jellies invades Shedd starting April 15. More as the date approaches. Head to the aquarium website more details about what is there and how to plan your day. Remember, there's no way you can do it all or even see it all. Everything you need for a visit is at <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a> and at (312) 939-2438. The website also has links to enchanting looks at some of Shedd's aquatic residents.</span></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-52806706548279498522010-12-29T11:07:00.000-08:002011-01-02T20:07:17.393-08:00And now presenting .... January 2011<blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Dear Readers, </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">OMG! I did not realize how much stuff there was in the Blog folder and tons of theater focused on some aspect of sex, including prostitution. Although I have not seen any of the productions involving some aspect of sex, none sound gratuitous. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But there's also 'Zoo Year's Eve' at Brookfield Zoo. It sounds like a blast for families. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then in January, get out your swords for some swashbuckling. No, I am not kidding. Check out the Center for Performing Arts events and look for 'The Swordsmen.'</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you love the stars but hesitant about going to the Museum Campus, there's a small planetarium in Joliet listed as well, Trackman Planetarium at Joliet Junior College. Astronomy advocate and amazingly knowledgeable Art Maurer presents the shows and always answers questions as well as asks probing ones himself. It is all free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">MEANWHILE ... If you are still looking for something to do out here for New Year's Eve, something that is not going to put you in debt just to park as in downtown Chicago, then check out my all-new Tinley Park listing in Tuesday's Tinley Park Patch.com at <a href="http://tinleypark.patch.com/articles/11-local-places-to-ring-in-2011">http://tinleypark.patch.com/articles/11-local-places-to-ring-in-2011.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy and healthy 2011 to you, Dear Readers. Look for next update at end of January. Meanwhile please keep those press releases coming and inform me ASAP about any errors; <a href="mailto:myrasharon@comcast.net">myrasharon@comcast.net</a>. CHEERS!! And countless thanks to the blog's volunteer webmaster who prefers to remain anonymous.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">ORDER OF LISTINGS: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#theater">THEATER</a>, <a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#musicart">MUSIC AND ART</a>, <a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#galleries">GALLERIES</a> <br />AND <a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#museums">MUSEUMS AND ANIMALS</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#theater" id="theater" name="theater"></a></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">THEATRE</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BEVERLY ARTS CENTER</b>, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago Southwest corner of 111th Street and Western Avenue), presents the <i><b>Flying Karamazov Brothers</b></i> at 8 p.m. <b>Jan. 21</b>. Tickets are $21-$34 at <a href="http://www.beverlyartcenter.org/">http://www.beverlyartcenter.org/</a> and (773) 445-3838.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone called her "Jackie." <b>THE DRAMA GROUP</b> returns to the stage <b>Feb. 4 to 11</b> at the Studio Theatre, 330 202nd St., Chicago Heights, with<b> <i>Grey Gardens</i></b>, based on a 1975 documentary of a mother-daughter pair, Edith and Edie Beale, relatives of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Based on the book, same title, Grey Gardens is both hilarious and heart-breaking." The show opened on Broadway in 2006 and won several awards. Tickets are $18, $17 students and seniors, at (708) 755-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Sixty miles outside Las Vegas today, sex is for sale in state licensed bordellos where almost any fantasy can be accommodated for the right price." So begins the first sentence of a press release for the first play of the year for <b>CHICAGO DRAMATISTS,</b> 1105 W. Chicago Ave. What promises to be a riveting production that explores the lives of sex workers in legal operations in Nevada, <i><b>Bordello</b></i>, opens <b>Jan. 27</b> and runs through <b>March 6</b>. Tickets are $32 at <a href="http://www.chicagodramatists.com/">www.chicagodramatists.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>CURTAIN CALL COMMUNITY THEATRE</b> presents the beloved musical <i><b>Annie</b></i>, Jan. 7-9 at Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort. Tickets are $19, $17 students, seniors. Times, tickets and more are at <a href="http://www.ccctheatre.com/">www.ccctheatre.com</a> and at (708) 699-2228.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DRURY LANE THEATRE</b>, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, goes for the laugh-yourself-out-of-your-seat Broadway hit, <i><b>Spamalot,</b></i><b> Jan. 6 to March 6</b>. The riotous musical spoofs another spoof, <i>Monty Python and the Holy Grail</i>. Directed by William Osetek, the show should be absolutely hysterical. Tickets are $35-$40 and dinner packages are available; (800) 745-3000 and at <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a> and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</b>, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents <i><b>"Intimate Apparel"</b></i> <b>Jan. 28-Feb. 23</b> . Tickets are priced at 20-$22, $1 discount for students and seniors, (708) 481-3510.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE</b> in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, brings to life as only Marriott can do the Broadway' high stakes musical classic with its "fabled world of high rollers, loveable lowlifes and Salvation Army soul savers," Frank Loesser's Tony Award-winning <i><b>Guys and Dolls</b></i>. With musical treasures including <i>Luck Be a Lady</i> and <i>If I Were a Bell,</i> the musical opened on Broadway in 1950 and continues to delight audiences of all ages. The show opens <b>Jan. 26 </b>and runs through <b>March 27</b>. Tickets are at (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Meanwhile, <i><b>The Music Man</b></i> continues through <b>Jan. 9 </b>with Bernie Yvon as affable trickster Harold Hill. Tickets are $40-$48 at same locations as above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SPOTLIGHT THEATER</b> presents <i><b>Suddenly Last Summer</b></i> and <b><i>Al Takes a Bride</i>, Jan. 28-30,</b> at Tinley Park High School, 6111 W. 175th St. Tickets are $14, $12 seniors, students at (708) 941-8294 and at <a href="http://www.spotlight-theater.com/news.htm">http://www.spotlight-theater.com/</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE STAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE</b> of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District rocks this month with two productions in January. At 2 p.m.<b> Jan. 16</b>, the company presents <i><b>Amazing Grace</b></i> at the H-F Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut, Homewood. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 children. Then on <i>Jan. 20 and 21,</i> the company presents a dinner/luncheon theater program with <i><b>Salute to the Tony Winners</b></i> at Balagio Ristorante, 17501 Dixie Highway, Homewood. One show will be $25, including luncheon; dinner show $35. Specifics are not on the website and when available should be at (708) 798-PARK (7275) and <a href="http://www.hfparks.com/">www.hfparks.com</a>.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>STEEL BEAM THEATRE</b>, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, kicks off the year with <i><b>Don't Dress for Dinner</b></i>, described as "two parts sexual hijinks, one part mistaken identity and a dash of slap-stick set in a French country house. The show runs from <b>Jan. 14-Feb. 6</b>. Tickets are $25, $23 seniors and students at <a href="http://www.steelbeamtheatre.com/">www.steelbeamtheatre.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC4zL-fucbNuNRI65ZnNICmWJmejOQnCFbBIA3n2qqJkxMA3fk_N0Gcv-Y9bQFYu_02lodp0WiSqkLvwav_SIgdQU0PQDNADVy2KZzqRCTHJLUi4bZKU6ePpfMRbROjqFKSP5cn123L0/s1600/VirginiaWolf.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC4zL-fucbNuNRI65ZnNICmWJmejOQnCFbBIA3n2qqJkxMA3fk_N0Gcv-Y9bQFYu_02lodp0WiSqkLvwav_SIgdQU0PQDNADVy2KZzqRCTHJLUi4bZKU6ePpfMRbROjqFKSP5cn123L0/s200/VirginiaWolf.jpg" /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</b>, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, (312) 335-1650, heads into 2011 with rave reviews for its production of the Edward Albee classic, <i><b>Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?</b></i> starring ensemble actors Amy Morton and Tracy Letts (pictured). This powerful drama of marital discord and much more continues through <b>Feb. 13</b>. Tickets are $20-$75 at the box office number above and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now how does this sound for a teaser? "Ethan is a hot young writer whose online journals of 'sexcapades' are the buzz of the blogosphere. Olivia is an attractive 30-year-old whose own writing career is fizzling." Ethan and Olivia hook up and ... Got your attention? <b>STEPPENWOLF'S UPSTAIRS THEATRE</b> (same address) presents <i><b>Sex with Strangers</b></i>, directed by Jessica Thebus, Steppenwolf associate artist. The production opens <b>Jan. 29</b> and runs through <b>May 15</b>. Tickets are $20 to $73, same phone and website above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie50rvVqhH99pL9yzIttevv2DFAvB54EpgYp_F3XWefBCW9w4jKF9rMfvRfv0NCUVu_iOQvgSbxC8qoy1DfCiVaSldoKQp333YopXu1KkM3gjLVS1fERXKEiHZgCjn9kGxWX1xA3342Bs/s1600/SLEUTH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie50rvVqhH99pL9yzIttevv2DFAvB54EpgYp_F3XWefBCW9w4jKF9rMfvRfv0NCUVu_iOQvgSbxC8qoy1DfCiVaSldoKQp333YopXu1KkM3gjLVS1fERXKEiHZgCjn9kGxWX1xA3342Bs/s320/SLEUTH.jpg" /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER</b>, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, veers from its traditional musical fare to present a riveting mystery thriller, <b><i>Sleuth</i>, Feb. 17-20</b>. Award-winning actors Larry Yando (left in photo), well-known to Chicagoland theater-goers, and Lance Baker (at right) star in the TAC's first production of the 2011 season. Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, at (800) 511-1552 and on the theater website at <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</a>. Parking at TATC is always free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS</b> heads into 2011 with <i><b>The Quick Change Room </b></i>from <b>Jan. 13-18</b>. Billed as a "hilarious and powerful comedy set in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1991, just as the Soviet government topples," the script sounds hilarious. The theater is at 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs; tickets are $18 to $20 at (708)246-3380 and at <a href="http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com/">www.theatrewesternsprings.com</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#musicart%20id=" musicart="" name="musicart"></a></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">MUSIC AND ART</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS</b>, Governors State University, University Park, steps into 2011 with a veritable potpourri of performances. At 8 p.m. <b>Jan. 8</b>, GSU celebrates Elvis, on what would have been his 75th birthday.<i><b> Blue Suede Shoes: The Ultimate Tribute</b></i> rocks the town with music from the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Tickets are $34-$49. Then at 8 p.m. <b>Jan 15, <i>Lurrie Bell's Chicago Blues Band</i></b> returns for a night of great music, $37. The next show? Alas, at this point, tickets are sold out for the 4 p.m. Jan. <b>30. <i> The Other Three Tenors -- A Tribute to Mario Lanza</i></b>. No surprise it's a sell-out, but those who really want to attend might want to call the box office (all tickets at this number), (708) 235-2222 to see if there is a wait-list. Tickets also at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Center's children's special at 1 p.m. Jan 22 features Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia performing Caldecott Award-winner Leo <i><b>Lionni's Swimmy and Inch By Inch</b></i>. Tickets are $10.50-$11.50.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>FOX VALLEY REPERTORY</b>, formerly Noble Fool Theatricals, kicks off 2011 with its new name and a potpourri of fun at Pheasant Run Mainstage, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. At 8 p.m. <i><b>Jan. 7, The Pin Ups!</b></i> return to the sounds and stars of the 1940s and '50s. Think Andrew Sisters, McGuire Sisters, Ella, Frank and Bing. Tickets are $39. Then sharpen your swords for the 8 p.m. <b>Jan. 8</b> show, <i><b>The Swordsmen</b></i> whose most unusual production is billed as an "award-winning brand of interactive swordplay for the whole family." Now this sounds like fun. Really! Tickets are $29. Rounding out the first month of the new year Beatles Style, <i><b>American English</b></i>, pegged by many reviewers and fans as the best of the Beatles tribute acts, returns for two performances, 8 p.m. <b>Jan. 14 and 15</b>. Tickets are $39. FVR tickets are at (630) 584-634d2 and <a href="http://www.foxvalleyrep.org/">www.foxvalleyrep.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The award-winning <b>ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</b>, with guest conductor Alexander Platt, presents <i><b>Beethoven and Pine</b></i> with acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. <b>Jan. 15 </b>at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. The program will be repeated at 3 p.m. <b>Jan. 16 </b>at Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Parkway, Palos Heights. Ticket prices and availability are at (708) 481-7774 and at <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MORAINE VALLEY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER</b>, <a href="http://www.morainevalley.edu/fpac/Center/facilities.htm">Dorothy Menker Theater</a>, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, presents <i><b>Fred Garbo's Inflatable Theater</b></i> with inflatable inventions, artistic imagery and creative foolishness. This performance art show for the family is at 3 p.m. <b>Jan 23.</b> Tickets are $20, seniors $15, students $10 at (708) 974-5500.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYINzy3a9RxvRiElZY1awsJsByiRWvzF8Hw4tyXpqHKnUhmVMapxdBeSmQN7tDgYJZmdzp2EwAS2-mlpEem6YPs-3GpumqEtF6JhHOfHtUjLaMMSzwsnnHlwibezwfW6HYm4zNyv2dAT0/s1600/Neverly+Brothers+-+Rockabilly+%2526+Briish+Invasion+collage+poster+size.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYINzy3a9RxvRiElZY1awsJsByiRWvzF8Hw4tyXpqHKnUhmVMapxdBeSmQN7tDgYJZmdzp2EwAS2-mlpEem6YPs-3GpumqEtF6JhHOfHtUjLaMMSzwsnnHlwibezwfW6HYm4zNyv2dAT0/s200/Neverly+Brothers+-+Rockabilly+%2526+Briish+Invasion+collage+poster+size.jpg" /></a></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>NEVERLY BROTHERS</b></i> (photo) hit the stage with a rock and roll history adventure, 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. <b>Jan. 7</b> at Francesca Vicinato, 12960 S. LaGrange, Palos Park, (708) 671-1600. Top row Kegham Giragosian (from Left), Kevin Giragosian and Craig Gigstad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>PARAMOUNT THEATRE</b>, 23 E. Galena Road, Aurora, presents the legendary <i><b>B.B. King</b></i> at 8 p.m. <b>Jan 15</b>. Tickets are at box office (630) 896-6666 and at Ticketmaster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#galleries" id="galleries" name="galleries"></a><span style="color: purple;">POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES AND MORE</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE</b>, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, features O. Gustavio Plancensia Art Exhibition,<i><b> </b><b>Jan. 18-Feb. 10,</b></i><i><b> Collecting Instantes e Instintos</b></i>. The artist utilizes inconography from Mexico as he blends "traditional native rituals with Roman Catholicism. More gallery information is at (708) 974-5500 and at <a href="http://www.morainevalley.edu/FPAC/Season/gallery_2011.htm#Gustavo">http://www.morainevalley.edu/</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>FLOATING WORD GALLERY</b>, 1925 N. Halsted St., Chicago, has extended until Jan. 28 the exhibit <i><b>Behind Paper Walls: Self-printed Masterworks by Jun'ichirosekino. </b></i>More information is at (312) 587-7800 and at artwork@floatingworldgallery.com.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601, kicks off 2011 with <i><b>Dialogue: Contemporary Region Sculpture and Paintings</b></i>. Limited to two artists, the exhibits paintings are by Patricia Moore and sculptures by Bob Emser. The show runs from <b>Jan. 12-Feb.12</b>. Admission to the gallery is always free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY,</b> 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, (708) 748-3377, presents an informal exhibit of works by the Tall Grass Life Drawing Class from <b>Jan. 21-Feb. 6.</b> And from 7-9 p.m. Jan 28, models from the class will be present, fully clothed, so guests can try their hand at sketching. More information is at phone number above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#museums" id="museums" name="museums"></a></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">View the skies through some of the world's <i><b>Great Observatories in 3D,</b></i> an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at <b>ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM</b>, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. (at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-7827 (STAR). This show takes you behind the scenes with some of the world's most incredible telescopes so you can see how new discoveries reach the human eye. All the info you need for your virtual ride to the stars is at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBwhXQ5cg6dA3DeiTwSclKkyGbk6bYcXD4JMCOdNimR1uxd-e83quiZFHs3wvuebZlGn-QjtLt4ekFc53q-2j2Y9YEKg1xz9W9-uq0oux5pXnX6c8dIlr8QKuTevi82mh8hjYK-esQPg/s1600/Extraterrestrial_Being.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBwhXQ5cg6dA3DeiTwSclKkyGbk6bYcXD4JMCOdNimR1uxd-e83quiZFHs3wvuebZlGn-QjtLt4ekFc53q-2j2Y9YEKg1xz9W9-uq0oux5pXnX6c8dIlr8QKuTevi82mh8hjYK-esQPg/s200/Extraterrestrial_Being.jpg" /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate <b>HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM</b> one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road. The planetarium presents always-free Sky Shows every month with astronomy advocate and host, Art Maurer. Art is one of those guys who can answer just about any question his audiences might ask and his explanations are clear! General audience shows are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays: <b>Jan 4 is Sun-Earth-Moon</b> and <b>Jan. 18, Comets Asteroids and Meteors</b>. If weather permits, there will be telescope viewing after the show. At 6:30 p.m. Thursdays are shows for the younger set. Upcoming <b>Jan. 27, We Go to the Moon.</b> Young folks shows also run some Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Upcoming, <b>Jan. 16, Are There Aliens</b>? Hmmm. Good question. Use your GPS to find the place on the Joliet Junior Campus off Houbolt Road. If you need good directions, Art says you can e-mail him at <a href="mailto:amaurer@jjc.edu">amaurer@jjc.edu</a>. <b>NOTE: Photo is NOT Art Maurer!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIuISBwsSbRhdtmFTBqrz7HYenlcPvFzHkc_t2xFr1EqIh1c2DdswNvPlZPQ5o4EiWLAKLv_BvCNUOMISiyP3KRu5-BLWLeagvrcmOYQEAGOeMaxI-I-ptH16XPAxOn1IMI_WvJ-MMd0/s1600/artinststridinghorn.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIuISBwsSbRhdtmFTBqrz7HYenlcPvFzHkc_t2xFr1EqIh1c2DdswNvPlZPQ5o4EiWLAKLv_BvCNUOMISiyP3KRu5-BLWLeagvrcmOYQEAGOeMaxI-I-ptH16XPAxOn1IMI_WvJ-MMd0/s200/artinststridinghorn.jpg" /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was mesmerized by photo sent with a press release from <b>THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. Michigan Ave. The image shows a 5,000-year-old copper statue, <i><b>Striding Horned Figure</b></i>, now on long-term loan to the museum and on exhibit in Gallery 153. At just under 7 inches, the statue, described as Shaman/Demon, is one of a pair found in what is now Iran. Scholars who have spent years studying it believe the bearded figure wearing a horned headdress, short boots and a raptor slung over its shoulder may depict "a supernatural intermediary between the early and (s)piritual worlds," the press release states. All the details you need to plan a day at the Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. Attached photo: Striding Horned Figure, courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago. Anonymous loan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11ga8xwH2pbbGpB2wSjsPiC9GyKkGWzChfko1okVdb1XdMYxE0fSwROE3j0P-5u-0U5ioOwLV1I7MXpmqb4hlQzIL9_2TFciIWerof6TdF20GzP5bM8nSOy-7XmHX81shkJTQpaK96kk/s1600/brkfieldpolar.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11ga8xwH2pbbGpB2wSjsPiC9GyKkGWzChfko1okVdb1XdMYxE0fSwROE3j0P-5u-0U5ioOwLV1I7MXpmqb4hlQzIL9_2TFciIWerof6TdF20GzP5bM8nSOy-7XmHX81shkJTQpaK96kk/s200/brkfieldpolar.jpg" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Holiday Magic</b></i> lights up <b>BROOKFIELD ZOO</b>, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000,. Get ready for <i><b>Zoo Year's Eve,</b></i> a celebration for the entire family. You might see a zoo resident, like Hudson the 4-year-old polar bear in photo, munching on an edible decoration The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 with festive music, games and even prizes. An countdown to 2011 begins somewhat early, 8 p.m., so the animals can get their beauty rest. For more information check out at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a> or <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a>(Chicago Zoological Society). Photo courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY</b>, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, continues the exhibit <i><b>Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services</b></i>, revealing the struggles of the 14 million African Americans who have served in the military on American shores, starting long before the American Revolution. All the details for a DuSable visit are at (773) 947-0600 and <a href="http://www.dusablemuseum.org/">www.dusablemuseum.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone's favorite T. rex, Sue continues her restful stay in the grand hall of <b>FIELD MUSEUM</b>, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Meanwhile, the dinomentary, <i>Waking the T. rex 3-D: The Story of Sue</i> continues to thrill visitors of all ages. While safe in their seats, visitors find themselves in a world filled with dinos that can devour 100 pounds of meat and bone in one chomp. This dazzling computer-generated 3-D adventure presents a fresh look at what T. rex's life might have been like. This is all ages, almost, so parents take note: There are CG depictions of animals tearing their bloody prey apart and dining on dino tartare. The scenes last only a few moments and are not used gratuitously. In any case, this is one awesome adventure and it has been extended till.... Meanwhile for all the info anyone needs for a Field visit are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a> and at (312) 922-9410.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 2203 E. Chicago Ave., presents <i><b>Coming into Character</b></i>, an exhibit of works by Jim Nutt, <b>Jan. 29-May 29.</b> All the details are at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/">www.mcachicago.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzajjtnTo-2T99Ro7ENk_k9VYkV4EBXn_xta3Q6Qpjmzh2efLwwGlV-4xuqbnXPIBev_ziq4BJTfRt6Cd1Ptf0EloN94fJJh9twU9FgDqQVMix22h2aoFfwvrBnmHF2BarnTqkJ6mglc/s1600/berternie.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzajjtnTo-2T99Ro7ENk_k9VYkV4EBXn_xta3Q6Qpjmzh2efLwwGlV-4xuqbnXPIBev_ziq4BJTfRt6Cd1Ptf0EloN94fJJh9twU9FgDqQVMix22h2aoFfwvrBnmHF2BarnTqkJ6mglc/s200/berternie.jpg" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chicago's wondrous holiday traditions, <i><b>Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights</b></i>, will dazzle visitors at the <b>MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</b>, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive through <b>Jan. 9.</b> Meanwhile. <i><b>Jim Henson's Fantastic World</b></i>, which runs through<b> Jan. 23</b>, brings Henson's genius and his characters to life, including Miss Piggy, Bert and Ernie and many more favorite Muppets. In addition to the original characters, visitors will see Henson's art work, sketches as well as television and movie props and photos of Henson and his collaborators at work on some of the most lovable characters of all-time. Details on all the exhibits as well as museum tickets exhibit tickets are at the website above and at (773) 684-1414. Photo courtesy Museum of Science and Industry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SHEDD AQUARIUM</b>, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, <i><b>The Polar Express 4-D Experience</b></i> has situated itself at the aquarium and is the perfect winter adventure for all ages. All the details for a trip to Shedd are at <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a> and at (312) 939-2438.</span>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-74597384871855020642010-11-30T11:10:00.000-08:002010-12-27T14:05:05.893-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgypsoJjSb7zBKQE0h6QOLqVhhEOZobLpfsWzqkfB3qgCoh-SvT6hFRy5yy92c79WRTNjdpLL0ko-KaXLPRdxZO0a-xIffzfP460USYfqj2vRbf37_VK-sHSVEewKAkhCBMV38h1TMQwk/s1600/brkfieldlites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgypsoJjSb7zBKQE0h6QOLqVhhEOZobLpfsWzqkfB3qgCoh-SvT6hFRy5yy92c79WRTNjdpLL0ko-KaXLPRdxZO0a-xIffzfP460USYfqj2vRbf37_VK-sHSVEewKAkhCBMV38h1TMQwk/s320/brkfieldlites.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dear Readers,</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQExpChVKdqCDf2t8kVU-NfCn6XVdKYC79325MIm4VnPSe0PB6a3t1L2rTCkVDYzKZaPRm3twSIHJfjPISkXT4MWujRi6mf_JjDr5434FNUgeCNaRzQNKnAzLntdaI9c9A-OY2JmTTkZc/s1600/rotate.php.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQExpChVKdqCDf2t8kVU-NfCn6XVdKYC79325MIm4VnPSe0PB6a3t1L2rTCkVDYzKZaPRm3twSIHJfjPISkXT4MWujRi6mf_JjDr5434FNUgeCNaRzQNKnAzLntdaI9c9A-OY2JmTTkZc/s200/rotate.php.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><i>Listings galore have filled my e-mail in-box. As such, the proverbial something for each and every one of you and your friends and families of all ages rests within the blog that follows. Band concerts, chorales (Charles Stark conducts Lincoln-Way Area Chorale at right), holiday productions, ghostly encounters and even heavy drama join with elegant museum exhibits and brilliant Brookfield Zoo (just one view at top of blog) for whatever your mood commands. </i><br />
<i>For those of you who live in the southwest enjoy the season and cherish time with friends and family. Remember, 2010 disappears all too soon. Happy Chanukah (or however you spell it), Merry Christmas, Joyful Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays.</i><br />
<i>Myra</i><br />
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<b>ORDER OF LISTINGS: </b><br />
<b><a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#theater">THEATER</a>, <a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#musicart">MUSIC AND ART</a>, <a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#galleries">GALLERIES</a> AND <a href="http://myrasharon.blogspot.com/#museums">MUSEUMS AND ANIMALS</a>.</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1040145004364154194&postID=7459738487185502064" id="theater" name="theater"></a><span style="font-size: large;">THEATRE</span></div><br />
<b>BEVERLY ARTS CENTER</b>, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, presents the wacky Broadway hit, <i><b>Hairspray</b></i> from <b>Dec. 2-5</b>. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors, students, BAC members, (773) 445-3838 and <a href="http://www.beverlyartcenter.org/">www.beverlyartcenter.or</a>g.<br />
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<b>CHICAGO DRAMATISTS</b>, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., presents the musical <b><i>Local Wonders</i></b>, <b>Nov. 27-Jan. 9</b>. Tickets are $25-$30, discounts seniors, students, groups, (630) 457-1074 and <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com./">www.brownpapertickets.com.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Yw5RUxtxJl2Nyw-9-_kg3Bk06h906mTseCHn_kZQKg01tphHG7oM0LCAeVdc9HuyKNCx44DBXKkoIBe-BGkGNMEObiUct8bKz2exFe12bc491UnWALI0GplHr30IiYHVqshmh6e5GSY/s1600/blithe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Yw5RUxtxJl2Nyw-9-_kg3Bk06h906mTseCHn_kZQKg01tphHG7oM0LCAeVdc9HuyKNCx44DBXKkoIBe-BGkGNMEObiUct8bKz2exFe12bc491UnWALI0GplHr30IiYHVqshmh6e5GSY/s200/blithe.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><b>THE DRAMA GROUP</b> meets a persistent ghost starting <b>Dec. 3-12</b> when the theater troupe debuts its production of the Noel Coward comedy <b><i>Blithe Spirit,</i></b> directed by Kelly Padden. Imagine this: Charles (Warren Sampson Jr.) is a writer who invites a medium to his house to conduct a seance, strictly for the purpose of research. Or so he thought. Alas, Madame Arcati (Deb Brunette-Cairns) unexpectedly connects with Charles' very annoying late wife, Elvira (Betty Wigell) who is not at all pleased with her husband's marriage to Ruth (Karen Lockwood). Life becomes chaotic as Elvira's spirit interferes with what had been a relative calm. <b>Blithe Spirit</b> is set to haunt the Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18, $17 students and seniors at (708) 755-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a>. Photo features Lockwood (top), Sampson and Wigel.<br />
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<b>DRURY LANE THEATRE</b>, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. presents a remounted version of the wacky story, <b><i>Seven Brides for Seven Brothers</i></b> through <b>Dec. 19</b>. What happens when seven, uh, horny brothers up in the mountains of Oregon 1850 find seven young women in town? The young women find the newcomers quite attractive, more so than the local guys. Well, the show definitely is family fare so don't worry about bringing the kids. The energetic and highly entertaining production stars Steve Blanchard and Abby Mueller ((left) as well as many favorite Chicago-based actors, including multi-Jeff Award winning Renee Matthews as Mrs. Bixby, an absolute hoot, and Don Forston as Mr. Bixby. Tickets are $31-$45 and lunch and dinner packages available, (630) 530-0111, <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a> and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.<br />
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<b>DRURY LANE CHILDREN'S THEATRE</b> presents the Christmas classic, <b><i>A Christmas Carol</i></b>, through <b>Dec. 18</b>. Dinner with Santa on Dec. 15 followed by show and and breakfast buffet package on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 are available. Show only tickets $12 at (630) 530-0111, Ticketmaster and <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>. Parking is free.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOPdELYKNILR0MrH_EE5fhfpToV5S7wV7F7TaVpTF18pTmBVvbULBOShFnSdkLGK98Ry7fpmOoKv1QpZt8nOVbLYJ4ajZWT0ldEw0FK_dhRpGw5VOOoPOucjJCKnIib_T6iLrmIeMFY4/s1600/appltree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOPdELYKNILR0MrH_EE5fhfpToV5S7wV7F7TaVpTF18pTmBVvbULBOShFnSdkLGK98Ry7fpmOoKv1QpZt8nOVbLYJ4ajZWT0ldEw0FK_dhRpGw5VOOoPOucjJCKnIib_T6iLrmIeMFY4/s200/appltree.jpg" width="147" /></a></div><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</b>, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, sings in the holidays with the Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick musical, <i><b>The Apple Tree</b></i>, <b>Dec. 3-19</b>. The production actually is three short stories, all dealing with love and redemption. Katrina Kuntz (in photo), Glenn Stanton and ITC favorite Frank Roberts (in photo) star in the show. Etel Billig directs. Tickets are $20-$22, with $1 discount for students and senior, (708) 481-3510.<br />
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<b>MARRIOTT THEATRE</b> in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, meets River City this month for Meredith Wilson's timeless musical, <b><i>The Music Man</i></b>,<b> through Jan. 9</b>. Bernie Yvon stars as Harold Hill. "Music Man" opened on Broadway in 1957 and still sparkles more than 50 years later. Directed by Mark Lococo, Marriott brings this gem up close and personal as only Marriott's theater-in-the-round can. Tickets are $40-$48 at (847) 634-0200 and <a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>, discounts some days for seniors, students. Dinner packages available.<br />
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<b>MARRIOTT THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES</b> takes audiences from Illinois to Kansas and then to the magical, sometimes evil, world of Oz in its holiday production of <i><b>The Wizard of Oz </b></i>through <b>Dec. 30</b>. Dara Cameron stars as Dorothy, Heidi Kettenring as the Wicked Witch and Mark Kaplan as Uncle Henry/Oz as part of an all-star cast in a show for all ages. Tickets are $15.<br />
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<b>OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP</b> presents <b><i>A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley</i></b>, <b>Dec. 2-4</b> at Trinity Christian College, Marge Kallemyen Theatre, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Tickets are $17 members, $20 non-members, (708) 570-1630 and <a href="http://www.openingnightartsgroup.org/">www.openingnightartsgroup.org</a>.<br />
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<b>ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</b> presents <b><i>A Candle in the Window</i></b>, <b>Dec. 10-12</b> at Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Ave.; tickets $13, $11 seniors, students, children 12 and under free, (708) 403-7275 and <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">www.orland-park.il.us</a>. Director Frann Carnivele-Sidlow described the show as heart-warming story about a group of weary travelers stranded in a train station. After resting at the station, the travelers wake up and "their lives will never be the same." Carnivele-Sidlow adds, "I cannot tell you more or I will be giving away the miracle of the story." Should be an powerful holiday show.<br />
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<b>PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE</b>, home of Noble Fool Theatricals at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles presents an all-time favorite holiday classic, <b><i>It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, </i></b>from through <b>Dec. 26</b>. Tickets are $29.50-$39.50 and dinner packages are available, (630) 584-6342. Parking is free.<br />
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<b>PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE, STAGE 773</b>, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, (773) 327-5252 reprises its holiday hit from last year, <b><i>Miracle on 34th Street</i></b>, running through <b>Jan. 2</b>. Tickets are $38 during November, $40 after that; discounts for students, seniors, groups. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofuG7lh1OuNWRqb3StO1NKQ94fhO7Va4E3_EtaPNgzXjmHAx63A6ZsB9-EdFFM87LO5eTZ76cIkSR3QOXsdY9E1rcrcecRS_vvM9FeNTIZ5KuZnNPudVDA77mitwoLy2QyK3B68MMM0c/s1600/schooner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofuG7lh1OuNWRqb3StO1NKQ94fhO7Va4E3_EtaPNgzXjmHAx63A6ZsB9-EdFFM87LO5eTZ76cIkSR3QOXsdY9E1rcrcecRS_vvM9FeNTIZ5KuZnNPudVDA77mitwoLy2QyK3B68MMM0c/s200/schooner.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><b>ST. ANDREW PLAYERS</b> of Homewood sail into the season with <b><i>The Christmas Schooner</i></b>, a family musical that chronicles a true story of the Christmas Tree Ship. The story focuses on the shooner Rouse Simmons, lost at sea in a November gale and the German-American family who continued to bring trees to Clark Street dock in spite of their own tragedies. The production will be staged at St. Andrew UMC, 18850 Riegel Road, Homewood. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. <b>Dec. 3, 4</b> and 4:30 p.m. <b>Dec. 5</b>. All tickets are $10 at (708) 798-8904. Pictured Rebecca Mooney (from left), Tailor Montecki, Wendy King, Carl Boyens and Chianna Montecki.<br />
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<b>STEEL BEAM THEATRE</b>, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, presents <b><i>It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,</i></b> the "Miracle on 34th Street" musical version by Meredith Wilson, through<b> Dec. 19</b>, tickets $25, $23 seniors, students, www.steelbeamtheatre.com and (630) 587-8521.<br />
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<b>STEEL BEAM</b> also continues show for the younger set, <b><i>Sing Along with Santa</i></b>, through <b>Dec. 19</b>. Tickets are $12, $10 children under 16.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZsyzpr7k_ULtGU0Ld2fhDIHrOuCPeu7Bjm97D8VgO35VoVkCbx56P9nGvf1iG67LkLXKdT_i4YgE_JnpeQ_tTbklreSdWBSmsY1QHBWQthgG8e4sLDJLvDuN4_6FZ_hwSin4sTpfYIk/s1600/lesenfants.jpg"> </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC4zL-fucbNuNRI65ZnNICmWJmejOQnCFbBIA3n2qqJkxMA3fk_N0Gcv-Y9bQFYu_02lodp0WiSqkLvwav_SIgdQU0PQDNADVy2KZzqRCTHJLUi4bZKU6ePpfMRbROjqFKSP5cn123L0/s1600/VirginiaWolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC4zL-fucbNuNRI65ZnNICmWJmejOQnCFbBIA3n2qqJkxMA3fk_N0Gcv-Y9bQFYu_02lodp0WiSqkLvwav_SIgdQU0PQDNADVy2KZzqRCTHJLUi4bZKU6ePpfMRbROjqFKSP5cn123L0/s200/VirginiaWolf.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><b>STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</b>, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, (312) 335-1650, ends the year and starts the next with the Edward Albee classic, <b><i>Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?</i></b> starring ensemble actors Amy Morton and Tracy Letts (pictured). This powerful drama of marital discord and much more continues through <b>Feb. 13</b>. Tickets are $20-$75 at the box office number above and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3qWebnlPt9sgWm_lUag65sBdBTHwGr9eMBO2LECLQiw3bVQvd88wSk5YgLvCyTNRUA1DOkyfGhMSmxmWP-uODCLTKPs1NcOcTIMZg9EgFujYT1UmKzxbjR7gS7Rvyhy8vbj56KqHcI8/s1600/tatchildreth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3qWebnlPt9sgWm_lUag65sBdBTHwGr9eMBO2LECLQiw3bVQvd88wSk5YgLvCyTNRUA1DOkyfGhMSmxmWP-uODCLTKPs1NcOcTIMZg9EgFujYT1UmKzxbjR7gS7Rvyhy8vbj56KqHcI8/s320/tatchildreth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas</i></b> at <b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER</b>, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, where the family musical based on the classic "Miracle on 34th Street" continues through <b>Dec. 19.</b> Robert Hildreth (pictured) is most convincing as Santa and the rest of the huge and talented cast blends with tangible stage chemistry to take the story through to a very believable conclusion. The first act delights and the second act of the production absolutely soars. If you don't believe in Santa when you walk into the theater, you will when you leave. Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, at (800) 511-1552 and on the theater website at <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</a>. Parking at TATC is always free.<br />
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<b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER'S THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES</b> presents the always magical <b><i>The Story of the Nutcracker </i></b>through <b>Dec. 13. </b>Lunch packages are available. Show only tickets are $7 for children, $8.50 adults. See above for contact information.<br />
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<b>THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS CHILDREN'S THEATRE</b>, 4384 Hampton Ave., presents the candied classic, <b><i>Willy Wonka</i></b>, based on Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," from <b>Dec. 3 to Dec. 12</b>. Tickets are $15 and $7 for young people under 18, (708) 246-3380 and at <a href="http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com/">www.theatrewesternsprings.com</a>. More information, including showtimes, can be found on the website.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aQ2Q2WlgmRwDd7JTAuxjx9fpLxLoRO7EpBXPrlztxITqG5zFSoA-gcRzqdMImVur4czf76NDVBJUBvjDe2XccqI19c0lyW-jk0JRK2WoO5EghNtygFQQtvyjNYhxDck_YNVmBUWPdIM/s1600/towle.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aQ2Q2WlgmRwDd7JTAuxjx9fpLxLoRO7EpBXPrlztxITqG5zFSoA-gcRzqdMImVur4czf76NDVBJUBvjDe2XccqI19c0lyW-jk0JRK2WoO5EghNtygFQQtvyjNYhxDck_YNVmBUWPdIM/s200/towle.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b>TOWLE THEATER</b>, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, brings its eighth installment of its holiday tradition, <b><i>A Fabulous 50s Christmas </i></b>back to the stage, paying tribute to Perry Como, Andy Williams and many more, including mid-20th century commercials that will bring back memories or for the younger set, no doubt trigger lots of chuckles at the "olden days." The show runs through <b>Dec.19</b>. Tickets are $15, paid in advance and non refundable, (219) 937-8780 and www.towle theater.org. Free well-lit, secured parking is just off Fayette Street and leads to back entrance of theater. Since you'll never guess who's in the photo, here goes -- Kristyn Estes (from left), Gina Vitucci, Michelle Gessert and Morgan Papesh.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1040145004364154194&postID=7459738487185502064" id="musicart" name="musicart"></a><span style="font-size: large;">MUSIC AND ART</span></div><br />
<b>CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS</b>, Governors State University, University Park, presents the The Salt Creek Ballet in its annual production of <b><i>The Nutcracker</i></b> at 1 and 5 p.m. <b>Dec.11</b>. Salt Creek Ballet is one of Chicagoland's hidden treasures and features an extraordinary company of brilliant young dancers. Tickets $25-$40 adults, $20-$35 16 and younger. Then at 3 p.m. <b>Dec. 18</b> The Center's Especially for Kids series presents <b><i>The Fantastic Toy Shoppe</i></b>. Tickets for this event are $10.50 to $11.50. All tickets for all events, as well as show details, are at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a> and at (708) 235-2222. Parking is always free. When buying tickets, ask if your purchase qualifies you for a $10 ticket voucher.<br />
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<b>CIVIC BALLET OF CHICAGO</b> brings its production of <b><i>The Nutcracker</i></b> to Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, <b>Dec. 11, 12</b>. Tickets are $25, $12 children 12 and under. See tickets.elgin.edu or call (847) 622-0300 for tickets and info on Clara Christmas Parties.<br />
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The award-winning <b>ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</b>, under the direction of Maestro Carmon DeLeone, along with guest artists, present the<b><i> Harris Holiday Concerts</i></b> at 3 p.m. <b>Dec. 18 and 19</b> at Lincoln-Way East Performing Arts Center, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort. The first half of the concert will feature holiday favorites as the Lincoln-Way Area Chorale and members of the South Suburban Chorale join in the musical festivities. Soloists Marie Michuda of Frankfort and Benjamin Warschawski of Baltimore also will perform.<br />
<b><i>Scrooge! the Musical </i></b>will fill the second half of the concert. Artistic director Etel Billig of Illinois Theatre Center will direct the performers. Accompanist Lisa Kristina, along with Lincoln-Way Madrigal singers will join the musical for what promises to be a delightful production. Single tickets to the holiday concerts are $30-$40 at (708) 481-7774. When ordering ask about the IPO's special ticket promotion.<br />
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<b>LINCOLN-WAY AREA CHORALE</b> presents its annual concert, <b><i>Sing We Now of Christmas</i></b>, at 3 p.m. <b>Dec. 4</b> at Lincoln-Way East Fine Arts Center, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students at (815) 462-2307 and at the door.<br />
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<b>MORAINE VALLEY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER</b>, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, presents a potpourri of entertainment in the Dorothy Menker Theater: <b><i>Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble Holiday Concert</i></b> at 7:30 p.m. <b>Dec. 3</b>, tickets $12, $10; <b><i>Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers Merry Christmas Music </i></b>at 7:30 p.m. <b>Dec. 4</b>, tickets same as concert; <b><i>Moraine Valley Concert Band, Christmas Music and More!</i></b>, 3 p.m. Dec. 5, tickets same ; <b><i>Moraine Valley Percussion Ensemble Holiday Concert</i></b>, 7:30 p.m. <b>Dec. 8</b>, tickets free; Theater for Young Audiences, <b><i>The One Man Christmas Carol</i></b>, 2 p.m. <b>Dec. 12</b>, tickets $8, $6 children; all tickets at (708) 974-5500 and <a href="http://www.morainevalley.edu/FPAC">www.morainevalley.edu/FPAC</a>. <br />
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<b>SOUTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA</b> and the <b>ST. LINUS MUSIC MINISTRY</b> present <b><i>Season's Greetings at St. Linus Church</i></b>, a holiday concert at 4 p.m. <b>Dec.5</b> at St. Linus, 10300 S. Lawler Ave., Oak Lawn. Tickets are $20, $15 seniors, $5 students, under 12 admitted free. Concert concludes with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus with everyone joining in. Information is at (708) 802-0686.<br />
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<b>TINLEY PARK ARTS ALIVE! COMMUNITY BAND AND JAZZ BAND </b>performs its annual holiday concert at <b>3 p.m. Dec. 5</b> in the all-new Tinley Park Performing Arts Center, 16801 80th Ave. Admission is free. More details are with the park district at (708) 342-4200.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1040145004364154194&postID=7459738487185502064" id="galleries" name="galleries"></a><span style="font-size: large;">POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES AND MORE</span></div><br />
<b>MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE,</b> Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, currently features the Marc-Anthony Polizzi installation piece, <b><i>In Over My Head,</i></b> through <b>Dec. 19</b>. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. This is an amazing work of art with an unexpected treasure, a sculpture within a sculpture. Visitors will recognize this as their eyes scroll down the green artwork. More gallery information is at (708) 974-5500.<br />
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<b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601, and <b>TALL</b> <b>GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY</b>, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, (708) 748-3377, could have that special gift for that special someone, perhaps you! Both galleries will have art sales with works of art priced right for gifts as well as hand-designed gift items.<br />
<ul><li>Tall Grass gallery and mini gallery gift shop opens Dec. 3 with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. The gallery and gift shop hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Union Street's holiday shopping runs from Dec. 1-23 with a reception from 12 - 4 p.m. Dec. 11.</li>
</ul>In the Orland-Tinley-Palos area, <b>MCCORD GALLERY</b>, (708) 671-0648, the big white 'house' on top of the hill on the corner of LaGrange and Creek Roads (129th Street) also has a holiday gift event, now through Dec. 22.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1040145004364154194&postID=7459738487185502064" id="museums" name="museums"></a><span style="font-size: large;">MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE</span></div><br />
View the skies through some of the world's <b><i>Great Observatories in 3D</i></b>, an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at <b>ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM</b>, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. (at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-7827 (STAR). This show takes you behind the scenes with some of the world's most incredible telescopes so you can see how new discoveries reach the human eye. <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.<br />
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Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate <b>HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM</b> (see article: <a href="http://downersgrovesun.suntimes.com/entertainment/2120987-421/shows-planetarium-adler-sky-dec.html">http://downersgrovesun.suntimes.com/entertainment/2120987-421/shows-planetarium-adler-sky-dec.html</a>), one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road. The fall show season is in full swing with sky guy Art Maurer of Crete at the helm. Note that all shows are free. Sky shows at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays are for the general audience: <b>Dec. 7</b> <b>Our Solar System</b>, <b>Dec. 21 Christmas Star</b>. Meanwhile, shows at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays are for the younger set: <b>Dec. 2, Christmas Star and Dec. 30 Our Solar System.</b> Shows at 2:30 p.m. Sundays also are geared to the younger set: <b>Dec. 19, Christmas Star.</b> Meanwhile use your GPS to find the place on the Joliet Junior Campus off Houbolt Road. If you need good directions, Art says you can e-mail him at <a href="mailto:amaurer@jjc.edu">amaurer@jjc.edu</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjk1DIUZZwHAuIWZHGVnC1dZxBjoljXcasJc4K3Ei44hiyEhNYf4qjO26dTTuLUvmZfrdR7mzJzig_KNci-S4HJM9gZArgfqCS0Ww6JpNpTGSuXNAcEZLHPB0OnlBR6FmAVkzxRG4GuA/s1600/chagall.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjk1DIUZZwHAuIWZHGVnC1dZxBjoljXcasJc4K3Ei44hiyEhNYf4qjO26dTTuLUvmZfrdR7mzJzig_KNci-S4HJM9gZArgfqCS0Ww6JpNpTGSuXNAcEZLHPB0OnlBR6FmAVkzxRG4GuA/s200/chagall.jpg" /></a><br />
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Chagall returns to <b>THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave. After five years of intensive research and conservation treatment, Marc Chagall's <b><i>America Windows</i></b> together are the centerpiece of a new presentation of public art in Chicago. Chagall (1887-1985) created the iconic stained works to commemorate the American Bicentennial and as a memorial to Mayor Richard J. Daley (1901-1976). Another Art Institute tradition returns at 10 a.m. Nov. 26, the 19th annual "Wreathing of the Lions" on the museum's front steps. Aided by solar power, the wreaths will glow at night, adding to Chicago festive appearance during November and December. All the details you will need for a trip to the iconic Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsfn-cVsOf7QVawizj0FylQMhx3YTvS8cq79U5T_bV_BH5ud5LK0Z2Reju76ZHt7REAOgLL8Xc945a5DKOHHXETZLclbI-8yPe1FuSajOBrERu6RcrIpBwmljkErGD3_CN9HbAxhWlq8/s1600/brkfld+lites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsfn-cVsOf7QVawizj0FylQMhx3YTvS8cq79U5T_bV_BH5ud5LK0Z2Reju76ZHt7REAOgLL8Xc945a5DKOHHXETZLclbI-8yPe1FuSajOBrERu6RcrIpBwmljkErGD3_CN9HbAxhWlq8/s320/brkfld+lites.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Holiday Magic</i></b> lights up <b>BROOKFIELD ZOO</b>, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000, every weekend through Jan. 1. Billed as Chicagoland's largest light festival, guests will see the zoo become a magic wonderland with a million twinkling lights, animated displays, a 35-foot Abominable Snowman, gingerbread men tumbling and jumping on a trampoline and so much more, including, of course, all the animals. For more information check out at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a> or <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society). Be sure to ask about <b><i>Zoo Year's Eve</i></b> festivities!<br />
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<b>DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY,</b> 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, continues the exhibit <b><i>Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services,</i></b> revealing the struggles of the 14 million African Americans who have served in the military on American shores, starting long before the American Revolution. All the details for a DuSable visit are at (773) 947-0600 and <a href="http://www.dusablemuseum.org/">www.dusablemuseum.org</a>.<br />
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Where will you find a room completely covered in gold?? <b>FIELD MUSEUM,</b> 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, newest exhibit, <b><i>GOLD<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">,</span> </i></b>continues through <b>March 6</b>. Learn about gold's impact on the world as one of the rarest and most prized minerals. This extraordinary exhibit will leave visitors dazzled as they travel through galleries exploring gold around the world and precious gold objects including authentic Byzantine coins from the 11th century, the genuine Chicago White Sox World Series trophy and so much more. Couples married for 50 years -- with proof -- have a special day coming up at the museum on <b>Dec. 4</b>. All the golden anniversary celebration day details are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035">http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035</a> . All other museum details, include planning your visit, are at the details at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a> and at (312) 922-9410. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzajjtnTo-2T99Ro7ENk_k9VYkV4EBXn_xta3Q6Qpjmzh2efLwwGlV-4xuqbnXPIBev_ziq4BJTfRt6Cd1Ptf0EloN94fJJh9twU9FgDqQVMix22h2aoFfwvrBnmHF2BarnTqkJ6mglc/s1600/berternie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzajjtnTo-2T99Ro7ENk_k9VYkV4EBXn_xta3Q6Qpjmzh2efLwwGlV-4xuqbnXPIBev_ziq4BJTfRt6Cd1Ptf0EloN94fJJh9twU9FgDqQVMix22h2aoFfwvrBnmHF2BarnTqkJ6mglc/s200/berternie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Chicago's wondrous holiday traditions, <b><i>Christmas Around the World</i></b> and <b><i>Holidays of Lights</i></b>, are now dazzling visitors at the <b>MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</b>, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. A 45-foot Grand Tree with 3,000 lights graces the Rotunda. Decorated with 1,000 character-inspired ornaments, the tree pays tribute to Jim Henson's puppet creativity, also holding court at the museum in <b><i>Jim Henson's Fantastic World</i></b> which runs through Jan. 23. Yes, you'll visit with Kermit the Frog, gaze at the glamorous Miss Piggy, see Bert and Ernie and many more favorite Muppets. In addition to the original characters, visitors will see Henson's art work, sketches as well as television and movie props and photos of Henson and his collaborators at work on some of the most lovable characters of all-time. Details on all the exhibits as well as museum tickets exhibit tickets are at the website above and at (773) 684-1414.<br />
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<b>SHEDD AQUARIUM</b>, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, debuts a new seasonal special, <b><i>A Holiday Fantasea</i></b> with the beloved beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins and a sea lion, all showing off their beauty and natural behaviors and accompanied by holiday music and festive backgrounds from around the world. In addition, <b><i>The Polar Express 4-D Experience</i></b> has situated itself at the aquarium for the holiday season. All the details are at <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a> and at (312) 939-2438.myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-38447303249493874662010-11-04T11:36:00.000-07:002010-11-13T11:27:01.766-08:00Romp through November -- IPO season opens, theater galore and more!<div style="color: blue; font-style: italic;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Dear Readers,<br />
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Sorry about ongoing and increasingly worse spacing issues. I think next time I will need to start from scratch again but in the meantime, a glance at the listings below will make it clear -- the holidays are here, at least on stages across the Southland and throughout Chicagoland.</span></span></i></b></div><div 0px;=""><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline ! important; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="display: inline ! important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><br />
This weekend, the Drama Group rocks the region with an energetic "Footloose," with tons of talent in key roles (see listing below), at Bloom Township High School Auditorium. Be prepared for loads of fun and remember, the show runs Nov. 5-7 only! </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKbL80IaPuStYzz4Fw5ECspv-9mhkmUODHgDY_4Wq80ZL2pVX40x0kbKPg_1teE3tTp6CuLt4WiPLF7i-BaFIIQOJI0bSpRFxSm2kck9tx7wQYZuY6-MSie28zUKGXa8OFL5BC3AnYOU/s1600/aiclion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKbL80IaPuStYzz4Fw5ECspv-9mhkmUODHgDY_4Wq80ZL2pVX40x0kbKPg_1teE3tTp6CuLt4WiPLF7i-BaFIIQOJI0bSpRFxSm2kck9tx7wQYZuY6-MSie28zUKGXa8OFL5BC3AnYOU/s200/aiclion.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></b></div><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Love those Art Institute Lions, icons of our metropolis? Well, then head down to Michigan Avenue at 10 a.m. Nov. 26 to see the official Wreathing of the Lions. Should be fun and no doubt, lots of holiday cheer will fill the air. Much more is happening at the Art Institute during the holiday season and don't forget, the Marc Chagall windows are back!</span></span></i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrvsE2H6jgYTfNsKzScAWSLqwPuVPAMMeu62nZnEmNZU5WkrkAw3MP-AgIwSoHBUC-lrmdTbxSuAfiA2eEoRE1YSD2sk1SJP5jD1h7s5MgI_cBFwM9-ylgVUWgT4BH9NYR3PS2k2Otac/s1600/tatc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrvsE2H6jgYTfNsKzScAWSLqwPuVPAMMeu62nZnEmNZU5WkrkAw3MP-AgIwSoHBUC-lrmdTbxSuAfiA2eEoRE1YSD2sk1SJP5jD1h7s5MgI_cBFwM9-ylgVUWgT4BH9NYR3PS2k2Otac/s200/tatc.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></b></div><div style="display: inline ! important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i>And heading back out here, this weekend Theatre at the Center opens its holiday spectacular, "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas," a Meredith Wilson musical based on "Miracle on 34th Street." Bob Hildreth and Grace Goble star. BTW: For the Northwest Suburbs, this same show (obviously different cast) will run at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles.</i></b></span></span></div><br />
</div></div><b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">And don't forget, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 2010-2011 season Nov. 13, 14. The orchestra's charismatic and much loved Mastro Carmon DeLeone begins his 25th anniversary and final season as lead conductor of the region's own award-winning orchestra.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">And for the forever young set, the Muppets are at Museum of Science and Industry in a wondrous exhibit, "Jim Henson's world. Yes, even Bert and Ernie are there and along with the quite arrogant Miss Piggy.</span></span><br />
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<b><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline ! important; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="display: inline ! important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">ORDER OF LISTINGS: THEATER, MUSIC AND ART, GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS AND ANIMALS.</span></span></div></div></i></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Happy November. Enjoy Chicagoland and keep the releases and comments coming to me at <a href="mailto:myrasharon@comcast.net">myrasharon@comcast.net</a>. </span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline ! important; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="display: inline ! important;">OH!!! I will have a special announcement next week -- good news!<br />
Watch for the e-mail .... Myra<span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br />
</i><a name="theatre"></a>THEATRE</b></span><br />
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<div style="display: inline ! important;"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">AMERICAN BLUES THEATER <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">reprises its holiday favorite, </span><i>"It's A Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Nov. 26-31</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Don't let the title confuse you, though. The production takes place at the </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. The show returns to the days of yesteryear with a 1940s radio broadcast of the Frank Capra classic, complete with commerical breaks and live Foley sound effects. Tickets range from $20 for previews, $50 for press night and $32-$40 all other performances, (773) 871-3000 and <a href="http://www.victorygardens.org/">www.victorygardens.org</a>. </span></span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">BEVERLY ARTS CENTER</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, presents the Broadway hit, </span><i>"Hairspray"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> from </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Dec. 2-5</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors, students, BAC members, (773) 445-3838 and <a href="http://www.beverlyartcenter.org/">www.beverlyartcenter.or</a>g. </span></span></i></b></span></div><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br />
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<div style="display: inline ! important;"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span">CHICAGO DRAMATISTS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., presents the musical </span><i>"Local Wonders,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Nov. 27-Jan. 9</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Tickets are $25-$30, discounts seniors, students, groups, (630) 457-1074 and <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com./">www.brownpapertickets.com.</a></span></span></span></i></b></span></div><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2L3CnD4BGoNMVvx1roEn_-p3ETnq4oQ34LiAct_hHQDLu4Uhtu9B907ga1uuoas-tKxSLBYK-St81U5IcLJl03gInchnWz-x2o5d5ZoQpKDMdpGCULA2cWIaINB6rjvfkrAdXk2ILhE/s1600/footloose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2L3CnD4BGoNMVvx1roEn_-p3ETnq4oQ34LiAct_hHQDLu4Uhtu9B907ga1uuoas-tKxSLBYK-St81U5IcLJl03gInchnWz-x2o5d5ZoQpKDMdpGCULA2cWIaINB6rjvfkrAdXk2ILhE/s200/footloose.jpg" width="130" /></a></i></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>THE DRAMA GROUP</b> will rock the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Bloom High School Theater</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> stage with what promises to be a blockbuster production of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; line-height: normal;">"Footloose"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> for one weekend only <b>Nov. 6-8. </b>Charlie Misovye<b> </b>directs and Niki Lakuza-McGeady choreographs.<b> </b>Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students at (708) 755-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org./">www.dramagroup.org</a>. These tix sell out fast so this is the time to buy. The high school is on 10th Street between Dixie Highway and Chicago Road, Chicago Heights. Parking is free. Adam Polomchak and Lauren Salagaj (photo) have lead roles. Tyler McMahon also soars as country bumpkin turned savvy teen Willard.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Opening </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Dec. 3 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">at the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Studio Theatre</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights, the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">DRAMA GROUP</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> presents the Noel Coward comedy, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">"Blithe Spirit"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">, about life with a late wife's spirit; tickets $18, $17 students and seniors at (708) 755-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a>.</span></i></b></span><br />
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</i></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">DRAMA GROUP DAYTIME CHILDREN'S THEATRE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> presents the beloved classic, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; line-height: normal;">"The Velveteen Rabbit,"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Nov. 16-21</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> at the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Studio Theatre</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door. See above. Parking is free.</span></i></b></span></div></div></div></i></b><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XWyHRHFfQeuQbw3VuUQ3VOWxorp8mcUXzz70HDZm76uF9iYe9SY4YHA9EyeBiLib88WsvJJ18KWMTLgiHPd6-kPFfniBYT88n7AZA9_d5p9NRGrx1joMvGoG5x-XcPjhwGO8MohVmYE/s1600/sevenbrides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XWyHRHFfQeuQbw3VuUQ3VOWxorp8mcUXzz70HDZm76uF9iYe9SY4YHA9EyeBiLib88WsvJJ18KWMTLgiHPd6-kPFfniBYT88n7AZA9_d5p9NRGrx1joMvGoG5x-XcPjhwGO8MohVmYE/s200/sevenbrides.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="133" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">DRURY LANE THEATRE,</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">presents a remounted version of the wacky story, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">through Dec. 19</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. What happens when seven, uh, horny brothers up in the mountains of Oregon 1850 find seven young women in town? The young women find the newcomers quite attractive, more so than the local guys. </span></span></span></b></span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Well, the show definitely is family fare so don't worry about bringing the kids. The energetic and highly entertaining</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> production stars Steve Blanchard and Abby Mueller ((left) as well as many favorite Chicago-based actors, including multi-Jeff Award winning Renee Matthews as Mrs. Bixby, an absolute hoot, and Don Forston as Mr. Bixby. (Remind me to tell you a riotous Matthews/Forston story next time you see me.) Tickets are $31-$45 and lunch and dinner packages available. Students tickets for show only start at (630) 530-0111, </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.</span></span></div></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">DRURY LANE CHILDREN'S THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> presents the Christmas classic, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">"A Christmas Carol,"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> opening </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 18 </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">and running through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Dec. 18</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Dinner with Santa on Dec. 15 followed by show and and breakfast buffet package on Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 are available. Show only tickets $12 at (630) 530-0111, Ticketmaster and </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Parking is free.</span></span></div></div></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARTS CENTER</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1700 Spartan Drive, presents a new musical, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"Under the Streetlamps,"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> a retrospective of great hits from the 1950s and '60s woven into an intimate show by the Chicago cast of "Jersey Boys." The production will be staged </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 13, 14</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">; tickets are $48 at (847) 622-0300 and at </span><a href="http://tickets.elgin.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">tickets.elgin.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>GAELIC PARK PLAYERS </b>perform <b><i>"The Last Rose"</i></b> by Ann Dunphy from <b>Nov. 5-21</b> at <b>Chicago Gaelic Park</b>, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. Tickets are $12; $25 dinner theater tickets available for Sunday shows only, (708) 687-9323 and <a href="http://www.chicagogaelicpark.org/">www.chicagogaelicpark.org</a>.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents Tom Stoppard's play-within-a-play, </span><i>"The Real Thing,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> directed by David Perkovich, through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Nov. 14</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Tickets are $20-$22, $1 discount for seniors, students, (708) 481-3510. </span></span></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">MARRIOTT THEATRE </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, meets River City this month for </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Meredith Wilson's timeless musical, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"The Music Man,"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 14</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Jan. 9</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Bernie Yvon stars as Harold Hill. "Music Man" opened on Broadway in 1957 and still sparkles more than 50 years later. Directed by Mark Lococo, the Marriott brings the this gem up close and personal as only Marriott's theater-in-the-round can." Tickets are $40-$48 at (847) 634-0200 and <a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>, discounts some days for seniors, students. Dinner packages available.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">MARRIOTT THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> takes audiences from Illinois to Kansas and then to the magical, sometimes evil, world of Oz in its holiday production of </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"The Wizard of Oz"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> from </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 18-Dec. 30</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Dara Cameron stars as Dorothy, Heidi Kettenring as the Wicked Witch and Mark Kaplan as Uncle Henry/Oz as part of an all-star cast in a show for all ages. Tickets are $15.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> presents the award-winning </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"Cabaret"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> from </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 12-21</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> at <b>Oak View Center</b>, 4624 W. 110th St. Tickets are $21, $20 seniors and children, (708) 857-2200. Parking is free.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline ! important; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> brings down the house, well actually the <b>Old Village Hall</b>, 14413 Beacon, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 19</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and into 2011. Showtime -- 8 p.m. and material geared to audiences 16 and older. Tickets are $6 at (708) 403-7275 and </span><a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">at www.orland-park.il.us.</span></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline ! important; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="display: inline ! important; margin: 0px;"><div style="display: inline ! important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> presents </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">"A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley,"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Dec. 2-4</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Trinity Christian College, Marge Kallemyen Theatre</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Tickets are $17 members, $20 non-members, (708) 570-1630 and <a href="http://www.openingnightartsgroup.org/">www.openingnightartsgroup.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></span></b></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
<b>ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</b> presents <b><i>"A Candle in the Window,"</i> Dec. 10-12</b> at <b>Orland Park Civic Center</b>, 14750 Ravinia Ave.; tickets $13, $11 seniors, students, children 12 and under free, (708) 403-7275 and <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">www.orland-park.il.us</a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times,serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> present </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"She Loves Me"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">from </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 5-13</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> at <b>Palos Park Recreation Center</b>, 8910 W. 123rd St. The story focuses on two lonely hearts club members who exchange letters and, well, you'll have to see the show to find out what happens. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students at (877) 787-8197 and </span><a href="http://www.pvp.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.pvp.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Parking is free. </span></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D8cbJAWJVs8HGtZuuGZ6TDOLHqmCUJ4KDq-IspnRbA9utZsnmXrtME634nA1wbJRSO0mQXtrhKBNhLA_A_PMCc-C8EWkDtD6YajiBX1SFYD9bH7k9e_ShDTP04vLQeH4YYf8KAN9rkM/s1600/pheasantrun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D8cbJAWJVs8HGtZuuGZ6TDOLHqmCUJ4KDq-IspnRbA9utZsnmXrtME634nA1wbJRSO0mQXtrhKBNhLA_A_PMCc-C8EWkDtD6YajiBX1SFYD9bH7k9e_ShDTP04vLQeH4YYf8KAN9rkM/s200/pheasantrun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, home of </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Noble Fool Theatricals </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles presents an</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> all-time favorite holiday classic, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">from </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 5-Dec. 26</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Cast includes Tom Clear (from left), Ann Hammonds and George Keating. Rachel Rockwell directs. Tickets are $29.50-$39.50 and dinner packages are available. See above. Parking is free.</span></div></div></div></div></div><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">STAGE 773</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, (773) 327-5252 and at </span><a href="http://www.stage773.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.stage773.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> gears up for the holidays. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">On </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 19</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and running through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Jan. 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, the company reprises its holiday hit from last year, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"Miracle on 34th Street."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Tickets are $38 during November, $40 after that; discounts for students, seniors, groups. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>STEEL BEAM THEATRE</b>, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, presents <b><i>"It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,"</i></b> the "Miracle on 34th Street" musical version by Meredith Wilson, <b>Nov. 20-Dec. 19,</b> tickets $25, $23 seniors, students, www.steelbeamtheatre.com and (630) 587-8521.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>STEEL BEAM</b> also presents <b><i>"Sing Along with Santa"</i></b> for the young set from <b>Nov. 20-Dec. 19</b>. Tickets are $12, $10 children under 16.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZsyzpr7k_ULtGU0Ld2fhDIHrOuCPeu7Bjm97D8VgO35VoVkCbx56P9nGvf1iG67LkLXKdT_i4YgE_JnpeQ_tTbklreSdWBSmsY1QHBWQthgG8e4sLDJLvDuN4_6FZ_hwSin4sTpfYIk/s1600/lesenfants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Laurie Metcalf,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">back on her home stage at</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(312) 335-1650</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> once again reveals her extraordinary talent with the stellar ensemble in playwright Lisa D'Amour's phenomenal and absolutely riotously brilliant play, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">"Detroit,"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> tied only symbolically to my hometown. The show runs through </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 7</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Tickets are $20-$70 at </span><a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.steppenwolf.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and (312) 335-1650.</span></span></b></span></span></span></b></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">EXTENDED AGAIN, now to</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Nov. 18</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> in the Upstairs Theatre, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> presents the blockbuster classic, Harper Lee's </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">"To Kill A Mockingbird."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> "And now presenting" was unable to attend the press preview but critics gave the production soaring reviews. The very scarce tickets are $20; $15 for students by phone and box office only. Photo below features Gary Simmers, Caroline Heffernan and Phillip R. Smith.</span></span></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJifIDHkRh_iX8qCkWVCYpvNI6qcKKJnYQtCx9cyeBenLdFW0MLy2f5IQYQupYgee02oHw1Hv9Sj0DcsfQai69C73GeA7ky7acR0fUqf63rZvMvE0UEcLRLLJNUbcKQYEALnetRH1ki4/s1600/tkam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJifIDHkRh_iX8qCkWVCYpvNI6qcKKJnYQtCx9cyeBenLdFW0MLy2f5IQYQupYgee02oHw1Hv9Sj0DcsfQai69C73GeA7ky7acR0fUqf63rZvMvE0UEcLRLLJNUbcKQYEALnetRH1ki4/s200/tkam2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">STEPPENWOLF</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> presents its </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">6th annual First Look Repertory of New Work</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">through </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 14</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Three developmental productions and three free readings by emerging playwrights will take the Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago. All the details and video interviews with playwrights can be accessed via </span><a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/watchlisten/videos/detail.aspx?id=105"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">http://www.steppenwolf.org/watchlisten/videos/detail.aspx?id=105</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></b></span></span></span></b></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">We hear <b><i>"It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas"</i> </b>at<b> THEATRE AT THE CENTER</b>, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, where the musical based on the classic "Miracle on 34th Street" opens <b>Nov. 11,</b> running through <b>Dec. 19</b>. Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, at (800) 511-1552 and on the theater website at <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</a>. Parking at TATC is always free.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER'S THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES</b> presents the always magical tale, <b><i>"The Story of the Nutcracker,"</i></b> Nov. 29-Dec. 13, with, of course, the glorious Tchaikovsky score. Lunch packages are available. Show only tickets are $7 for children, $8.50 adults. See above for contact information.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>THEATRE-ON-THE-HILL, Town Center Building</b>, 375 W. Briarcliff, Bolingbrook, presents <b><i>"Amadeus," </i>Nov. 5-21</b>. General admission tickets, $15, $12 students, seniors, (630) 908-2538 and <a href="http://www.tothbolingbrook.com/">www.tothbolingbrook.com</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>TINLEY PARK PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATRE</b> brings Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical <b><i>"Brighton Beach Memoirs"</i></b> to the stage <b>Nov. 19-21</b> in its new home, the <b>McCarthy Theater</b>, 16801 S. 80th Ave. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students, (708) 342-4212.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aQ2Q2WlgmRwDd7JTAuxjx9fpLxLoRO7EpBXPrlztxITqG5zFSoA-gcRzqdMImVur4czf76NDVBJUBvjDe2XccqI19c0lyW-jk0JRK2WoO5EghNtygFQQtvyjNYhxDck_YNVmBUWPdIM/s1600/towle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aQ2Q2WlgmRwDd7JTAuxjx9fpLxLoRO7EpBXPrlztxITqG5zFSoA-gcRzqdMImVur4czf76NDVBJUBvjDe2XccqI19c0lyW-jk0JRK2WoO5EghNtygFQQtvyjNYhxDck_YNVmBUWPdIM/s320/towle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>TOWLE THEATER</b>, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, brings its eighth installment of its holiday tradition, <b><i>"A Fabulous 50s Christmas"</i></b> back to the stage, paying tribute to Perry Como, Andy Williams and many more, including mid-20th century commercials that will bring back memories or for the younger set, no doubt trigger lots of chuckles at the "olden days." The show runs from <b>Nov. 26-Dec.19</b>. Tickets are $15, paid in advance and non refundable, (219) 937-8780 and www.towletheater.org. Free well-lit, secured parking is just off Fayette Street and leads to back entrance of theater. Since you'll never guess who's in the photo, here goes -- Kristyn Estes (from left), Gina Vitucci, Michelle Gessert and Morgan Papesh.</span><br />
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</span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, Governors State University, University Park, packs a huge lineup of first-class entertainment into the next several weeks. At </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">8 p.m. Nov. 6, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Ailey II Dance Company</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, tickets $38-$53, students, $29; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">7 p.m.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 12, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">DRUMLine Live</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, tickets $39-$46; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">3 p.m. Nov. 13</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">"Ralph's World -- A Special Concert Event"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> starring Ralph Covert, tickets under $15. At </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">5 p.m. Dec. 11</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Salt Creek Ballet returns with </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">"The Nutcracker."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Salt Creek Ballet is one of Chicagoland's hidden treasures, an extraordinary company of brilliant young dancers. Tickets $25-$40 adults, $20-$35 16 and younger. All tickets for all events, as well as show details, are at </span><a href="http://www.centertickets.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.centertickets.net</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and at (708) 235-2222. Parking is always free.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>CIVIC BALLET OF CHICAGO</b> brings its production of <b><i>"The Nutcracker"</i></b> to Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, <b>Dec. 11, 12</b>. Tickets are $25, $12 children 12 and under. See tickets.elgin.edu or call (847) 622-0300 for tickets and info on Clara Christmas Parties.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Singer composer <b>Harry Brown</b> performs at <b>Beatniks</b> on Conkey, 418 Conkey St., Hammond, (219( 852-0848, at 8 p.m <b>Nov. 20</b>. Admission $10,</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwvVTB1HXW9HGxcTlQSAtfB_6szoEypmRRaBhy06yNInq7llng_9Vqn5ZQGNrACJadTLjqGJOofiD78mfEZcfacizRQVcLmlhkHiOFdnHOEoFF2BzSQki5y6d8akYLnyh-rqgv2iu5TA/s1600/carmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwvVTB1HXW9HGxcTlQSAtfB_6szoEypmRRaBhy06yNInq7llng_9Vqn5ZQGNrACJadTLjqGJOofiD78mfEZcfacizRQVcLmlhkHiOFdnHOEoFF2BzSQki5y6d8akYLnyh-rqgv2iu5TA/s320/carmon.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Maestro Carmon DeLeone opens his 25th anniversary year and final season with the award-winning </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">the weekend of </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 13-14</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> with </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"Manhattan Maestros."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Each of the four composers featured -- Anton Dvorak, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky -- conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and "left an indelible mark on this country's symphonic tradition...," the IPO release explains. Both concerts, <b>8 p.m. Nov. 13 </b>and <b>3 p.m. Nov. 14</b> at<b> Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</b>, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort (where Vollmer Road meets Harlem Avenue, turn west onto the high school's campus. Evening tickets are $30-$50, $15 students 18 and younger; Sunday matinee tickets, $25-$40, $15 students at (708) 481-7774 and </span><a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.ipomusic.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The <b>IPO</b> also presents <b>"Scrooge the Musical,"</b> <b>Dec. 18, 19</b> at <b>Lincoln-Way East Fine Arts Center</b>, 201 E. Colorado Ave., Frankfort; tickets $20-$40 at (708) 481-7774.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">MORAINE VALLEY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, presents a potpourri of entertainment during the next two months in the Dorothy Menker Theater. </span><i>"Second City: Fair and Unbalanced,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 7:30 p.m. </span>Nov. 13<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, tickets $20, $15 seniors, $10 students; </span><i>Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble Holiday Concert</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at 7:30 p.m. </span>Dec. 3,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> tickets $12, $10; </span>Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i>"Merry Christmas Music"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at 7:30 p.m. </span>Dec. 4,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> tickets same as concert; </span>Moraine Valley Concert Band, <i>"Christmas Music and More!"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 3 p.m. </span>Dec. 5<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, tickets same ; </span><i>Moraine Valley Percussion Ensemble Holiday Concert,</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 7:30 p.m. </span>Dec. 8<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, tickets free; </span>Theater for Young Audiences<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><i>"The One Man Christmas Carol,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 2 p.m. Dec. 12, tickets $8, $6 children; all tickets at (708) 974-5500 and <a href="http://www.morainevalley.edu/FPAC">www.morainevalley.edu/FPAC</a>. </span> </span></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">SOUTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">presents its fall concert, </span><i>"Landscapes & Seascapes,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at 8 p.m. </span>Nov. 13<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at </span>Trinity Christian College, Ozinga Auditorium<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Tickets are $15-$24, $20 seniors, $5 students, 12 and under free, (708) 802-0686 and www.southwestsymphony.com.</span></span></span></b><br />
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</span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">POTPOURRI OF GAL</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">LERIE</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">S AND MORE</span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span> </b></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times,serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">FLOATING WORLD GALLERY</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1925 N. Halsted St., Chicago, presents its newest gallery show, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">"Creating What Has Never Been,"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> an exhibition of Japanese post-war paintings and contemporary ceramics on display through </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 19</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">; gallery hours 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment, (312) 587-7800 and at </span><a href="mailto:artworks@floatingworld.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">artworks@floatingworld.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times,serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span> </span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times,serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, currently features Paul Andrew Wandless' </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">"Aesthetic Inquiry"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> exhibit, through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 11</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Opening at the gallery on <b>Nov. 15,</b> Marc-Anthony Polizzi exhibit, <b><i>"In Over My Head,"</i></b> runs through <b>Dec. 19</b>. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">TALL GRASS ARTS FALL FILM SERIES</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> presents the final film of the season on </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 14, "A Prophet."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> A discussion will follow. Tickets and information are with the gallery. Film will be screened at 6:30 p.m. at Marcus Theatre in Chicago Heights. More information with with the gallery at (708) 748-3377.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7cHBHhx7QahNaqMqyKziQbnlWo8BBe3h0HacqVCxkR2fqYOuEenBfUxBQCsNePP0mEjiDdcOTgms42Bk_HAqWnGGLLg4RVsKcpvFDGg7D0F2Tl6HvAOcRwONkssnbhBPJVvHPveoxZA/s1600/either:or.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline ! important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7cHBHhx7QahNaqMqyKziQbnlWo8BBe3h0HacqVCxkR2fqYOuEenBfUxBQCsNePP0mEjiDdcOTgms42Bk_HAqWnGGLLg4RVsKcpvFDGg7D0F2Tl6HvAOcRwONkssnbhBPJVvHPveoxZA/s200/either:or.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="137" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times,serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">UNION STREET GALLERY</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights gears up for another juried event, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"Either/OR"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 26</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. All the details for artists and visitors, including gallery hours, are at </span><a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.unionstreetgallery.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and at (708) 754-2601. Artwork details and artists will be in this spot as soon as they arrive.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
View the skies through some of the world's<br />
</span><br />
<i>"Great Observatories in 3D,"</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at</span> ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> This show takes you behind the scenes with some of the world's most incredible telescopes so you can see how new discoveries reach the human eye. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM (see article: <a href="http://downersgrovesun.suntimes.com/entertainment/2120987-421/shows-planetarium-adler-sky-dec.html">http://downersgrovesun.suntimes.com/entertainment/2120987-421/shows-planetarium-adler-sky-dec.html</a>), </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Joliet Junior College</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1215 Houbolt Road. The fall show season is in full swing with sky guy Art Maurer of Crete at the helm. Note that all shows are free. Sky shows at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">7:30 p.m. Tuesdays </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">are for the general audience: </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 9, "Skies of Winter"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov 23, "How to Buy a Telescope."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> .Meanwhile, shows at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">6:30 p.m. Thursdays </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">are for the younger set</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">: </span></span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nov. 4</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">"We Go to the Moon"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Dec. 2,</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">"Christmas Star."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Shows at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">2:30 p.m. Sundays</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> also are geared to the younger set: </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Dec. 19, "The Christmas Star."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Meanwhile use your GPS to find the place on the Joliet Junior Campus off Houbolt Road. If you need good directions, Art says you can e-mail him at </span><a href="mailto:amaurer@jjc.edu"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">amaurer@jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjk1DIUZZwHAuIWZHGVnC1dZxBjoljXcasJc4K3Ei44hiyEhNYf4qjO26dTTuLUvmZfrdR7mzJzig_KNci-S4HJM9gZArgfqCS0Ww6JpNpTGSuXNAcEZLHPB0OnlBR6FmAVkzxRG4GuA/s1600/chagall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjk1DIUZZwHAuIWZHGVnC1dZxBjoljXcasJc4K3Ei44hiyEhNYf4qjO26dTTuLUvmZfrdR7mzJzig_KNci-S4HJM9gZArgfqCS0Ww6JpNpTGSuXNAcEZLHPB0OnlBR6FmAVkzxRG4GuA/s200/chagall.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Chagall returns to<b> THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave. After five years of intensive research and conservation treatment, Marc Chagall's <b><i>"America Windows"</i></b> has returned, now as the centerpiece of a new presentation of public art in Chicago. Chagall (1887-1985) created the iconic stained works to commemorate the American Bicentennial and as a memorial to Mayor Richard J. Daley (1901-1976). Another Art Institute tradition returns at <b>10 a.m. Nov. 26</b>, the 19th annual <b><i>"Wreathing of the Lions"</i></b> on the museum's front steps. Aided by solar power, the wreaths will glow at night, adding to Chicago festive appearance during November and December. All the details you will need for a trip to the iconic Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. </span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">There's always lots of stuff going on at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">BROOKFIELD ZOO</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000, and that includes a <b><i>Thanksgiving Day Feast for the Animals</i></b> at noon Nov. 25 in the <b>Children's Zoo</b>. Kids will be able to assist zookeepers in feeding nutritious snacks to some of the creatures including goats, cows, horses and llamas. Guests get to watch the keepers feed some of the not-so-tame animals including hawks, bald eagle, woodchucks and raccoons. Check out information at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a> or <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society).</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span> </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1801 N. Clark, (312) 642-4600, presents a new ongoing look at </span><b>"Facing Freedom,"</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">an exhibit focusing on the power of and ongoing struggles for freedom in American history, a continually evolving story told with images, artifacts, interactive displays and much more. Details are at </span><a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.chicagohistory.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, brings to life </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">"Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services,"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> reveals the struggles of the 14 million African Americans who have served in the military on American shores, starting long before the American Revolution. All the details for a DuSable visit are at </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (773) 947-0600 and </span><a href="http://www.dusablemuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.dusablemuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSY1MRekY7QnExaUG1UyYkeHdHkpEuZKc8kTQ-DnFdOlgzBpQaDs9ckK2E7dkLXGUcwbqUo2a9SEWoxetfNnA-ScSkyK95Ut5gm7OQYMZ9JoXf_jshFj_8ozTozlEBHBItOXq-dTO6eg/s1600/soxtrophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSY1MRekY7QnExaUG1UyYkeHdHkpEuZKc8kTQ-DnFdOlgzBpQaDs9ckK2E7dkLXGUcwbqUo2a9SEWoxetfNnA-ScSkyK95Ut5gm7OQYMZ9JoXf_jshFj_8ozTozlEBHBItOXq-dTO6eg/s200/soxtrophy.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Where will you find a room completely covered in gold??</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> FIE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">LD MUSEUM</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, newest exhibit, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"GOLD,"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">continues through </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">March 6. </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Learn about gold's impact on the world as one of the rarest and most prized minerals. </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This extraordinary exhibit will leave visitors dazzled as they travel through galleries exploring gold around the world and precious gold objects including authentic Byzantine coins from the 11th century, the genuine Chicago White Sox World Series trophy at right -- and so much more. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Couples married for 50 years</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> -- with proof -- have a special day coming up at the museum on </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Dec. 4</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. All the golden anniversary day details are at </span><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> . All other museum details, include planning your visit, are at the details at </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and at (312) 922-9410. </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzXfpXRc-G-aQUqPQ1Cng63f93htYI3Eo5bmoYMTvXgYJVJPsgLpuyK4zkNR8u3PzJSM0R1Mt-PnrMcncYV4jJUu9v1C8OoZLSXTlnCeMSEjSXfOf0gk8gpGpQXPgUNmS6SixoyyNZoA/s1600/2600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzXfpXRc-G-aQUqPQ1Cng63f93htYI3Eo5bmoYMTvXgYJVJPsgLpuyK4zkNR8u3PzJSM0R1Mt-PnrMcncYV4jJUu9v1C8OoZLSXTlnCeMSEjSXfOf0gk8gpGpQXPgUNmS6SixoyyNZoA/s200/2600.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 220 E. Chicago Ave., continues its fall performance season at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12-13</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> with </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Stew and the Negro Problem</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Stew, the Tony Award-winning creator and star of the rock musical "Stange," performs with his collaborator Heidi Rodewalk (photo of both at left) and their Afro-Baroque band, the Negro Problem. Their eclectic concerts swing between rock show and cabaret theater with musical influences from funk to lounge to Tin Pan Alley and more. Tickets are $28 at (312) 397-4010 and </span><a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.mcachicago.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">; $10 student tickets subject to availability. Also an exhibit of works by Belgian contemporary artist </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Luc Tuymans</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> remains open through <b>Jan. 9</b>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The Muppets are in Chicago. Yes, </span><b>"Jim Henson's Fantastic World"</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> runs through Jan. <b>23 </b>at one of the world's most popular sites, Chicago's own <b>MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</b>, 57th and Lake Shore Drive, www.msichicago.org. Yes, you'll visit with Kermit the Frog, gaze at the glamorous Miss Piggy, see Bert and Ernie and many more favorite Muppets. In addition to the original characters, visitors will see Henson's art work, sketches as well as television and movie props and photos of Henson and his collaborators at work on some of the most lovable characters of all-time. Details on exhibit tickets are at the website above and at (773) 684-1414.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvr58SnWLbBSVlT05fiBa9epfLjNsPKzyd7bauhH_c1wTq5NUdFvBWX66Jr16WH0vBWIv8vh0NNgfS0Qmps1thdt-67-4ScWLgr_R8_E3SkxYZ1nKEjeW6P6hsnus-ml_C8gVcopz-tQ/s1600/dora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvr58SnWLbBSVlT05fiBa9epfLjNsPKzyd7bauhH_c1wTq5NUdFvBWX66Jr16WH0vBWIv8vh0NNgfS0Qmps1thdt-67-4ScWLgr_R8_E3SkxYZ1nKEjeW6P6hsnus-ml_C8gVcopz-tQ/s200/dora.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="138" /></span></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Go for Four at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, </span><a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Join in for </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">"Dora and Diego in their 3-D Adventure: Catch the Robot Butterfly"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> in 4-D and follow the high-speed adventure -- a mission to protect animals of the rainforest. Sounds exciting! There's always so much going on at Shedd you'll want to check out the website before planning your day. Or your night. Yes, you can see what goes bump in the night at Shedd during a night of frightful fun at on Oct. 29. Spooky Seas. You can spend the night or the evening only but this special night will be extraordinarily fun and fishy, either way. More details about this Halloween in the Shedd can be obtained by e-mailing </span><a href="mailto:families@sheddaquarium.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">families@sheddaquarium.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> or calling (312) 692-3206. Everything you need is at the aquarium website above and at (312) 939-2438.</span></span></div></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Dear Readers.</i> </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBXQlaig5To9hnbqddqPF4hu-5Brp18dF1O7JvVuLUpkq3NfAfxAbtLmqZPSV6cYovgNQdG1YkffxBN14VcyKtv6kAyosTTqf0aebFkwlhq9ucJcnmHQn-D4m5PHKA6N5Dx-dtUxmSW8/s1600/hensonkermit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBXQlaig5To9hnbqddqPF4hu-5Brp18dF1O7JvVuLUpkq3NfAfxAbtLmqZPSV6cYovgNQdG1YkffxBN14VcyKtv6kAyosTTqf0aebFkwlhq9ucJcnmHQn-D4m5PHKA6N5Dx-dtUxmSW8/s200/hensonkermit.jpg" width="200" /></i></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>We're baaacckk. Hopefully we can stay on a two-three week schedule from this point on. Loads of stuff going on, great exhibits including a look behind the world of Jim Henson and the Muppets and much more in "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" at Museum of Science and Industry. (Henson at right with Kermit the Frog).</i></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQoh7hCUkhQw2yK-3wOR-wZwpWoXEY1okpF1Y570rPJ7Fs-rVS_ehF4vbt3Ikt3mHNy1TqDYVgM9Ii6aRc_E2-KkgVZofSrFMRm3lsjgLM0MYUEbhXUUmYnlLDG4sNDNuSroXYBxylq0/s1600/ManhattanMaestros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQoh7hCUkhQw2yK-3wOR-wZwpWoXEY1okpF1Y570rPJ7Fs-rVS_ehF4vbt3Ikt3mHNy1TqDYVgM9Ii6aRc_E2-KkgVZofSrFMRm3lsjgLM0MYUEbhXUUmYnlLDG4sNDNuSroXYBxylq0/s200/ManhattanMaestros.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Also the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its 33rd season and Maestro Carmon DeLeone's final year as IPO conductor on the weekend of Nov. 13-14 with "Manhattan Maestros." </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>And don't forget, the Drama Group gets loose, "Footloose" next month on the Bloom Township High School stage for one weekend only. </i></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQoh7hCUkhQw2yK-3wOR-wZwpWoXEY1okpF1Y570rPJ7Fs-rVS_ehF4vbt3Ikt3mHNy1TqDYVgM9Ii6aRc_E2-KkgVZofSrFMRm3lsjgLM0MYUEbhXUUmYnlLDG4sNDNuSroXYBxylq0/s1600/ManhattanMaestros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i></i></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Tale a look. All the details are below and if you want to get out and sample more of the region's arts and entertainment, all you need to know (well almost all) is below.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Keep the press releases and comments flowing to myrasharon@comcast.net. Also, please advise me of any corrections.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Enjoy.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Myra</i></b></span></div></div></i></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i></i></b><br />
<b><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">THEATRE</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">THE BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 4520 N. Beacon, Chicago,</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">reprises its hugely successful </span><i>"The Other Cinderella"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> now through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Jan. 9</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Reviews over the years have been stellar. Time Out Chicago said, "It's a thorough charmer, a fairy tale with bite and irreverent wit" and the SunTimes called it "hilarious." Tickets are $45 at (773) 769-4451, <a href="http://www.blackensemble.org/">www.blackensemble.org</a> and Ticketmaster.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2L3CnD4BGoNMVvx1roEn_-p3ETnq4oQ34LiAct_hHQDLu4Uhtu9B907ga1uuoas-tKxSLBYK-St81U5IcLJl03gInchnWz-x2o5d5ZoQpKDMdpGCULA2cWIaINB6rjvfkrAdXk2ILhE/s1600/footloose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2L3CnD4BGoNMVvx1roEn_-p3ETnq4oQ34LiAct_hHQDLu4Uhtu9B907ga1uuoas-tKxSLBYK-St81U5IcLJl03gInchnWz-x2o5d5ZoQpKDMdpGCULA2cWIaINB6rjvfkrAdXk2ILhE/s200/footloose.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>THE DRAMA GROUP</b> will rock the Bloom High School Theater stage with what promises to be a blockbuster production of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; line-height: normal;">"Footloose"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> for one weekend only <b>Nov. 6-8. </b>Charlie Misovye<b> </b>directs and Niki Lakuza-McGeady choreographs.<b> </b>Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students at (708) 755-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org./">www.dramagroup.org</a>. These tix sell out fast so this is the time to buy. The high school is on 10th Street between Dixie Highway and Chicago Road, Chicago Heights. Parking is free. Adam Polomchek and Lauren Salagaj (photo) have lead roles.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">DRAMA GROUP DAYTIME CHILDREN'S THEATRE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> presents the beloved classic, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; line-height: normal;">"The Velveteen Rabbit,"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">Nov. 16-21</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> at the Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door. See above. Parking is free.</span></div></div></div></div></i></b></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XWyHRHFfQeuQbw3VuUQ3VOWxorp8mcUXzz70HDZm76uF9iYe9SY4YHA9EyeBiLib88WsvJJ18KWMTLgiHPd6-kPFfniBYT88n7AZA9_d5p9NRGrx1joMvGoG5x-XcPjhwGO8MohVmYE/s1600/sevenbrides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XWyHRHFfQeuQbw3VuUQ3VOWxorp8mcUXzz70HDZm76uF9iYe9SY4YHA9EyeBiLib88WsvJJ18KWMTLgiHPd6-kPFfniBYT88n7AZA9_d5p9NRGrx1joMvGoG5x-XcPjhwGO8MohVmYE/s200/sevenbrides.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>DRURY LANE THEATRE,</b> 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">presents a remounted version of the wacky story, <b><i>"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>through Dec. 19</b>. What happens when seven, uh, horny brothers up in the mountains of Oregon 1850 find seven young women in town? The young women find the newcomers quite attractive, more so than the local guys. </span></span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Well, the show definitely is family fare so don't worry about bringing the kids. The energetic and highly entertaining</span></span></i></b> production stars Steve Blanchard and Abby Mueller ((left) as well as many favorite Chicago-based actors, including multi-Jeff Award winning Renee Matthews as Mrs. Bixby, an absolute hoot, and Don Forston as Mr. Bixby. (Remind me to tell you a riotous Matthews/Forston story next time you see me.) Tickets are $31-$45 and lunch and dinner packages available. Students tickets for show only start at (630) 530-0111, <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a> and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>DRURY LANE CHILDREN'S THEATRE</b> presents the Christmas classic, <b><i>"A Christmas Carol,"</i></b> opening <b>Nov. 18 </b>and running through <b>Dec. 18</b>. Dinner with Santa on Dec. 15 followed by show and and breakfast buffet package on Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 are available. Show only tickets $12 at (630) 530-0111, Ticketmaster and <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>. Parking is free.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARTS CENTER</b>, 1700 Spartan Drive, presents a new musical, <b><i>"Under the Streetlamps,"</i></b> a retrospective of great hits from the 1950s and '60s woven into an intimate show by the Chicago cast of "Jersey Boys." The production will be staged <b>Nov. 13, 14</b>; tickets are $48 at (847) 622-0300 and at <a href="http://tickets.elgin.edu/">tickets.elgin.edu</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE </b>in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, continues its sparkling and innovative production of "</span><b><i>Chorus Line," <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">through Oct. 31</span>. </i></b>Tickets are $35-$48 at (847) 634-0200 and <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>. Parking is always free!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">River City meets Lincolnshire next month when Meredith Wilson's timeless musical, <b><i>"The Music Man,"</i></b> opens <b>Nov. 14</b> and runs through <b>Jan. 9</b>. Bernie Yvon stars as Harold Hill. "Music Man" opened on Broadway in 1957 and still sparkles more than 50 years later. Directed by Mark Lococo, the Marriott brings the this gem up close and personal as only Marriott's theater-in-the-round can." Tickets are $40-$48, discounts some days for seniors, students. Dinner packages available.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES</b> presents <b><i>"The Wizard of Oz"</i></b> from <b>Nov. 18-Dec. 30</b>. Tickets are $15, same locations as above.<br />
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</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC THEATER</b>, presents the timeless comedy <b><i>"Arsenic and Old Lace,"</i> Oct. 28-31</b> at the Dorothy Menker Theater, Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills. First staged in 1939, "Arsenic ..." evolved into a classic 1944 film starring Cary Grant. This play is a hoot. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students, (708) 974-5500. Parking is free.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> presents the award-winning <b><i>"Cabaret"</i></b> from <b>Nov. 12-21</b> at Oak View Center, 4624 W. 110th St. Tickets are $21, $20 seniors and children, (708) 857-2200. Parking is free.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV</b> brings down the house, well actually the Old Village Hall, 14413 Beacon, on </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Oct. 22</b> and <b>Nov. 19</b> and into 2011. Showtime -- 8 p.m. and material geared to audiences 16 and older. Tickets are $6 at (708) 403-7275 and <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">at www.orland-park.il.us</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNUSQ7450hXkPuYaCxAagwDVRqToEqKZf3pTHI3yIl0ugkyY8IQPls4mPXbJiPEYq7PJeBvDrkWGQE8M5ZLTC8-xgAuJOgzvJ69cJzMiSDw0gRDGuzXG1CHA-wRSzBunH9FhuW-oBbwk/s1600/pvp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNUSQ7450hXkPuYaCxAagwDVRqToEqKZf3pTHI3yIl0ugkyY8IQPls4mPXbJiPEYq7PJeBvDrkWGQE8M5ZLTC8-xgAuJOgzvJ69cJzMiSDw0gRDGuzXG1CHA-wRSzBunH9FhuW-oBbwk/s200/pvp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS</b> present <b><i>"She Loves Me"</i></b> from <b>Nov. 5-13</b> at Palos Park Recreation Center, 8910 W. 123rd St. The story focuses on two lonely hearts club members who exchange letters and, well, you'll have to see the show to find out what happens. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students at (877) 787-8197 and <a href="http://www.pvp.org/">www.pvp.org</a>. Parking is free. Brandon Scala (from left), Ken Evans and Sarah Callis are in the pink.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE</b>, home of <b>Noble Fool Theatricals </b>at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">kicks off the fall with<b> </b>award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger's who-dunnit, <b><i>"Red Herring,"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">through</span></span></i></b><b> </b><b>Oct. 24</b>. Tickets are $29-$39 at <a href="http://www.noblefool.org/">www.noblefool.org</a>. and at (630) 584-6342. Look for an all-new theater company name next year! </span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">An all-time favorite holiday classic, <b><i>"It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,"</i></b> will fill the stage from <b>Nov. 5-Dec. 26</b>. Rachel Rockwell directs. Tickets are $29.50-$39.50 and dinner packages are available. See above. Parking is free.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</b>, <b>STAGE 773</b>, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, continues the Stephen Sondheim classic musical, <b><i>"Sunday in the Park with George,"</i></b> through <b>Oct. 31</b>. Tickets are $38 with discounts for seniors, students and groups; (773) 327-5252 and at <a href="http://www.stage773.com/">www.stage773.com</a>. Incidentally, the musical was inspired by Georges Seurat's masterpiece, "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," a treasure owned and exhibited by Chicago's own Art Institute.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Opening <b>Nov. 19</b> and running through <b>Jan. 2</b>, the company reprises its holiday hit from last year,<b><i>"Miracle on 34th Street."</i></b> Tickets are $38 during November, $40 after that; discounts for students, seniors, groups. See information above. </span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZsyzpr7k_ULtGU0Ld2fhDIHrOuCPeu7Bjm97D8VgO35VoVkCbx56P9nGvf1iG67LkLXKdT_i4YgE_JnpeQ_tTbklreSdWBSmsY1QHBWQthgG8e4sLDJLvDuN4_6FZ_hwSin4sTpfYIk/s1600/lesenfants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">SPOTLIGHT THEATER </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">presents </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">"No Exit,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"> runs </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Oct. 23-30</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"> at Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University, 1 University Parkway in University Park. Tickets are $14 adults, $12 seniors and students at (708) 941-8294 and </span><a href="http://www.Spotlight-Theater.com./"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">www.Spotlight-Theater.com.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"> GSU parking is always free.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></b></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Laurie Metcalf,</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">back on her home stage at</span> STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(312) 335-1650<b><i>,</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> once again reveals her extraordinary talent with the stellar ensemble in playwright Lisa D'Amour's phenomenal and absolutely riotously brilliant play, </span><i>"Detroit,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> tied only symbolically to my hometown. After dealing with Roseanne on and off TV, a much more slender Metcalf and co-stars (see blog intro) in this star-studded cast romp through the unexpected. The show runs through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Nov. 7</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Tickets are $20-$70 at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a> and (312) 335-1650. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">MINI REVIEW AT END OF BLOG.</span></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">EXTENDED AGAIN, now to</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> Nov. 18</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> in the Upstairs Theatre, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> presents the blockbuster classic, Harper Lee's </span><i>"To Kill A Mockingbird."</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> "And now presenting" was unable to attend the press preview but critics gave the production soaring reviews. The very scarce tickets are $20; $15 for students by phone and box office only. </span></b></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">STEPPENWOLF</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> presents its </span><i>6th annual First Look Repertory of New Work</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 27-Nov. 14</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Three developmental productions and three free readings by emerging playwrights will take the Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago. All the details and video interviews with playwrights can be accessed via <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/watchlisten/videos/detail.aspx?id=105">http://www.steppenwolf.org/watchlisten/videos/detail.aspx?id=105</a>. </span></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">STRAY DOG THEATRE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">'s production of the Mary Shelley classic</span><i>"Frankenstein,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> runs </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 22-30</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at Veterans Memorial Middle School, 12320 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Tickets are $10 at (708) 841-7396.</span></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">We hear <b><i>"It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas"</i> </b>at<b> THEATRE AT THE CENTER</b>, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, where the musical based on the classic "Miracle on 34th Street" opens <b>Nov. 11,</b> running through <b>Dec. 19</b>. Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, at (800) 511-1552 and on the theater website at <a href="http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com/">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</a>. Parking at TATC is always free.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER'S THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES</b> presents the always magical tale, <b><i>"The Story of the Nutcracker,"</i></b> Nov. 29-Dec. 13, with, of course, the glorious Tchaikovsky score. Lunch packages are available. Show only tickets are $7 for children, $8.50 adults. See above for contact information.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaMvAzL8A0QXVZReOMqB0FrAu2w-K2ZNsk9EAqYamgIozof1IuSp5AcqmH2jbwQbXn6igUh__D28M-oraHWg5fl5URPlQ4Ek0iIWcIX9sa1GyloqmlIv196i54ijWthdV-pOUmLzhR10/s1600/wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaMvAzL8A0QXVZReOMqB0FrAu2w-K2ZNsk9EAqYamgIozof1IuSp5AcqmH2jbwQbXn6igUh__D28M-oraHWg5fl5URPlQ4Ek0iIWcIX9sa1GyloqmlIv196i54ijWthdV-pOUmLzhR10/s200/wings.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS</b>, 4384 Hampton Ave., </span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">presents </span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Noel Coward's <b><i>"Waiting in the Wings,"</i></b> <b>Oct. 21-31</b>. The Wings happens to be a retirement home for retired actresses, long ago stars. Well, jealousies still rage as teacups rattle with the arrival of Lotta Bainbridge who has had a 30-year running feud with rival May Davenport. Trouble, no doubt, will ensue. "I'm so pleased to be working on this hidden gem from the canon of Noel Coward," director Kurt Naebig said. The script "combines the humor of TV's 'The Golden Girls' with the intrigue of 'Desperate Housewives,'" he said. Sounds like fun! Tickets are $18-$20 at (708) 246-3380 and <a href="http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com/">www.theatrewesternsprings.com</a>. Free parking is available. Terry Harrold (from left), Marilyn Darnell and Jan Mahlstedt get into their roles in this Coward fare.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>TINLEY PARK PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATRE</b> brings Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical <b><i>"Brighton Beach Memoirs"</i></b> to the stage <b>Nov. 19-21</b> at McCarthy Theater, 16801 S. 80th Ave. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students, (708) 342-4212.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-weight: bold;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, Governors State University, University Park, packs a huge lineup of first-class entertainment into the next several weeks. At </span><span class="Apple-style-span">8 p.m. Nov. 6, Ailey II Dance Company</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, tickets $38-$53, students, $29; </span><span class="Apple-style-span">7 p.m.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Nov. 12, </span><i>DRUMLine Live</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, tickets $39-$46; </span><span class="Apple-style-span">3 p.m. Nov. 13</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><i>"Ralph's World -- A Special Concert Event"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> starring Ralph Covert, tickets under $15. At </span><span class="Apple-style-span">5 p.m. Dec. 11</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Salt Creek Ballet returns with </span><i>"The Nutcracker."</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Salt Creek Ballet is one of Chicagoland's hidden treasures, an extraordinary company of brilliant young dancers. Tickets $25-$40 adults, $20-$35 16 and younger. All tickets for all events, as well as show details, are at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a> and at (708) 235-2222. Parking is always free.</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwvVTB1HXW9HGxcTlQSAtfB_6szoEypmRRaBhy06yNInq7llng_9Vqn5ZQGNrACJadTLjqGJOofiD78mfEZcfacizRQVcLmlhkHiOFdnHOEoFF2BzSQki5y6d8akYLnyh-rqgv2iu5TA/s1600/carmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwvVTB1HXW9HGxcTlQSAtfB_6szoEypmRRaBhy06yNInq7llng_9Vqn5ZQGNrACJadTLjqGJOofiD78mfEZcfacizRQVcLmlhkHiOFdnHOEoFF2BzSQki5y6d8akYLnyh-rqgv2iu5TA/s320/carmon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Maestro Carmon DeLeone opens his 25th anniversary year and final season with the award-winning <b>Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra </b>the weekend of <b>Nov. 13-14</b> with <b><i>"Manhattan Maestros."</i></b> Each of the four composers featured -- Anton Dvorak, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky -- conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and "left an indelible mark on this country's symphonic tradition...," the IPO release explains. Both concerts, 8 p.m. Nov. 13 and 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort (where Vollmer Road meets Harlem Avenue, turn west onto the high school's campus. Evening tickets are $30-$50, $15 students 18 and younger; Sunday matinee tickets, $25-$40, $15 students at (708) 481-7774 and <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">SPERTUS INSTITUTE OF JEWISH STUDIES<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 610 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, presents a rare musical event, </span><i>"Music by Jewish Musicians at the Court of Henry VIII,"</i> 6 p.m. Oct. 28. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Admission is $18, $10 for members, $8 students. Details at <a href="http://www.spertus.edu/">www.spertus.edu</a> and at (312) 322-1773.</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">POTPOURRI OF GAL</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">LERIE</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">S AND MORE</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, continues the interactive exhibit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times;">"The Nomadic Studio" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">through </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">Nov. 21</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">. This exhibit event is a "collaborative workplace for DePaul and the surrounding community."Details at <a href="http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/">http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/</a> and at (773) 325-7506. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to 7 p.m. Friday, noon- 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">FLOATING WORLD GALLERY</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 1925 N. Halsted St., Chicago, presents its newest gallery show, </span><i>"Creating What Has Never Been,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> an exhibition of Japanese post-war paintings and contemporary ceramics on display through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Nov. 19</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">; gallery hours 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment, (312) 587-7800 and at <a href="mailto:artworks@floatingworld.com">artworks@floatingworld.com</a>. </span></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery</b>, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, currently features Paul Andrew Wandless' <b><i>"Aesthetic Inquiry"</i></b> exhibit, through <b>Nov. 11</b>. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>TALL GRASS ARTS FALL FILM SERIES</b> presents the final film of the season on <b>Nov. 14, <i>"A Prophet."</i></b> A discussion will follow each film. Tickets and information are with the gallery. Film will be screened at 6:30 p.m. at Marcus Theatre in Chicago Heights. More information with with the gallery at (708) 748-3377.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7cHBHhx7QahNaqMqyKziQbnlWo8BBe3h0HacqVCxkR2fqYOuEenBfUxBQCsNePP0mEjiDdcOTgms42Bk_HAqWnGGLLg4RVsKcpvFDGg7D0F2Tl6HvAOcRwONkssnbhBPJVvHPveoxZA/s1600/either:or.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7cHBHhx7QahNaqMqyKziQbnlWo8BBe3h0HacqVCxkR2fqYOuEenBfUxBQCsNePP0mEjiDdcOTgms42Bk_HAqWnGGLLg4RVsKcpvFDGg7D0F2Tl6HvAOcRwONkssnbhBPJVvHPveoxZA/s200/either:or.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="137" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights gears up for another juried event, <b><i>"Either/OR"</i></b> through <b>Nov. 26</b>. All the details for artists and visitors, including gallery hours, are at <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/">www.unionstreetgallery.org</a> and at (708) 754-2601. Artwork details and artists will be in this spot as soon as they arrive.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">View the skies through some of the world's </span><i>"Great Observatories in 3D,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at</span> ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> This show takes you behind the scenes with some of the world's most incredible telescopes so you can see how new discoveries reach the human eye. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road. The fall show season is in full swing with sky guy Art Maurer of Crete at the helm. Note that all shows are free. Sky shows at <b>7:30 p.m. Tuesdays </b>are for the general audience: <b>Nov. 9, <i>"Skies of Winter"</i></b> and <b>Nov 23, <i>"How to Buy a Telescope."</i></b> .Meanwhile, shows at <b>6:30 p.m. Thursdays <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">are for the younger set</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">: </span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Nov. 4</b>, <b><i>"We Go to the Moon"</i></b> and <b>Dec. 2,</b> <b><i>"Christmas Star."</i></b> Shows at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>2:30 p.m. Sundays</b> also are geared to the younger set: <b>Dec. 19, <i>"The Christmas Star."</i></b> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Meanwhile use your GPS to find the place on the Joliet Junior Campus off Houbolt Road. If you need good directions, Art says you can e-mail him at <a href="mailto:amaurer@jjc.edu">amaurer@jjc.edu</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjk1DIUZZwHAuIWZHGVnC1dZxBjoljXcasJc4K3Ei44hiyEhNYf4qjO26dTTuLUvmZfrdR7mzJzig_KNci-S4HJM9gZArgfqCS0Ww6JpNpTGSuXNAcEZLHPB0OnlBR6FmAVkzxRG4GuA/s1600/chagall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjk1DIUZZwHAuIWZHGVnC1dZxBjoljXcasJc4K3Ei44hiyEhNYf4qjO26dTTuLUvmZfrdR7mzJzig_KNci-S4HJM9gZArgfqCS0Ww6JpNpTGSuXNAcEZLHPB0OnlBR6FmAVkzxRG4GuA/s320/chagall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Chagall returns to<b> THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave. After five years of intensive research and conservation treatment, Marc Chagall's <b><i>"America Windows"</i></b> return to public view as the centerpiece of a new presentation of public art in Chicago. Chagall (1887-1985) created the iconic stained works to commemorate the American Bicentennial and as a memorial to Mayor Richard J. Daley (1901-1976). Another Art Institute tradition returns at <b>10 a.m. Nov. 26</b>, the 19th annual <b><i>"Wreathing of the Lions"</i></b> on the museum's front steps. Aided by solar power, the wreaths will glow at night, adding to Chicago festive appearance during November and December. All the details you will need for a trip to the iconic Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. </span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8cpsjgqwnmwjRUX-8qqSfTZzFX0-m8x9k6bbUmGSgMtMHRX3uU1qF-VUig5rKcKX3Gnjev67Ce9YCN8GsgIJQc-fJOCwimuGhS3GnSjTSqUkR5-UwP79TcuVFuTsBTRdqo8cFEAcZU/s1600/brkfieldtramterror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8cpsjgqwnmwjRUX-8qqSfTZzFX0-m8x9k6bbUmGSgMtMHRX3uU1qF-VUig5rKcKX3Gnjev67Ce9YCN8GsgIJQc-fJOCwimuGhS3GnSjTSqUkR5-UwP79TcuVFuTsBTRdqo8cFEAcZU/s200/brkfieldtramterror.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">There's always lots of stuff going on at <b>BROOKFIELD ZOO</b>, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000. zoo's <b><i>Creatures of the Night</i></b> events continue through Halloween, <b>Oct. 31</b>. The brave and daring can take a walk along the <b>"Trail of Terror"</b> or ride the <b>Tram of Terror</b> (one creepy scene at right) to see monsters and all sorts of gruesome creatures.<b> </b>All the info you need for a day or scary evening at Brookfied is at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</b>, 1801 N. Clark, (312) 642-4600, presents a new ongoing look at <b><i>"Facing Freedom,"</i></b> an exhibit focusing on the power of and ongoing struggles for freedom in American history, a continually evolving story told with images, artifacts, interactive displays and much more. Details are at <a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/">www.chicagohistory.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, brings to life </span><i>"Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> reveals the struggles of the 14 million African Americans who have served in the military on American shores, starting long before the American Revolution. All the details for a DuSable visit are at </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> (773) 947-0600 and <a href="http://www.dusablemuseum.org/">www.dusablemuseum.org</a>. </span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCYHnDBVIuoYON4Rcl_5O6DeNIUxgzOyYGlnQzmSMPOOTevT2cOe4t2wdPDwI-KX-8bD__HanyaVMlJqg8iW-3E0IRHsheHbhbTBV0DHYyheXFyBpaEQzTXtH2p0XhQTKawL8YwS6cqI/s1600/soxtrophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCYHnDBVIuoYON4Rcl_5O6DeNIUxgzOyYGlnQzmSMPOOTevT2cOe4t2wdPDwI-KX-8bD__HanyaVMlJqg8iW-3E0IRHsheHbhbTBV0DHYyheXFyBpaEQzTXtH2p0XhQTKawL8YwS6cqI/s200/soxtrophy.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Where will you find a room completely covered in gold??<b> FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, newest exhibit, <b><i>"GOLD," </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">continues through </span>March 6.<i> </i></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Learn about gold's impact on the world as one of the rarest and most prized minerals. </span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This extraordinary exhibit will leave visitors dazzled as they travel through galleries exploring gold around the world and precious gold objects including authentic Byzantine coins from the 11th century, the genuine Chicago White Sox World Series trophy at right -- and so much more. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Couples married for 50 years</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> -- with proof -- have a special day coming up at the museum on </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Dec. 4</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. All the golden anniversary day details are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035">http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035</a> . All other museum details, include planning your visit, are at the details at </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a> and at (312) 922-9410. </span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzXfpXRc-G-aQUqPQ1Cng63f93htYI3Eo5bmoYMTvXgYJVJPsgLpuyK4zkNR8u3PzJSM0R1Mt-PnrMcncYV4jJUu9v1C8OoZLSXTlnCeMSEjSXfOf0gk8gpGpQXPgUNmS6SixoyyNZoA/s1600/2600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzXfpXRc-G-aQUqPQ1Cng63f93htYI3Eo5bmoYMTvXgYJVJPsgLpuyK4zkNR8u3PzJSM0R1Mt-PnrMcncYV4jJUu9v1C8OoZLSXTlnCeMSEjSXfOf0gk8gpGpQXPgUNmS6SixoyyNZoA/s200/2600.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., continues its fall performance season at <b>7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12-13</b> with <b><i>Stew and the Negro Problem</i></b>. Stew, the Tony Award-winning creator and star of the rock musical "Stange," performs with his collaborator Heidi Rodewalk (photo of both at left) and their Afro-Baroque band, the Negro Problem. Their eclectic concerts swing between rock show and cabaret theater with musical influences from funk to lounge to Tin Pan Alley and more. Tickets are $28 at (312) 397-4010 and <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/">www.mcachicago.org</a>; $10 student tickets subject to availability. Also an exhibit of works by Belgian contemporary artist <b>Luc Tuymans</b> remains open through Jan. 9.</span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
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<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b><br />
<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b><br />
<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Muppets</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> are in Chicago. Yes, </span><i>"Jim Henson's Fantastic World"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> runs through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Jan. 23</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at one of the world's most popular sites, Chicago's own </span><span class="Apple-style-span">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 57th and Lake Shore Drive, <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a>. Yes, you'll visit with Kermit the Frog, gaze at the glamorous Miss Piggy, see Bert and Ernie and many more favorite Muppets. In addition to the original characters, visitors will see Henson's art work, sketches as well as television and movie props and photos of Henson and his collaborators at work on some of the most lovable characters of all-time. Details on exhibit tickets are at the website above and at (773) 684-1414.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b><br />
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<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b><br />
<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b><br />
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<i><div style="color: black; display: inline !important; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"> Steppenwolf: Backyard barbecues head out of control ... and raunchy</span></b><br />
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<i><div style="color: black; display: inline !important; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i></i><br />
<i><div style="color: black; display: inline !important; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;">Now playing at what has been billed as the nation's finest ensemble theater, Chicago's own Steppenwolf, is the riotous "Detroit," by brilliant playwright/perfornance artist Lisa D'Amour. Directed by company member Austin Pendleton, the all-star Steppenwolf cast including (see photo) Laurie Metcalf (on the ground, going clockwise), Kate Arrington, Ian Barford, Kevin Anderson and unseen, Robert Breuler, takes "Detroit" into and out of wild swings of mixed-up marriage action.</div></div></div></div></div></i></div></div></i></div></div></div></i></div></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMGwBUJUroUXmJ_vmWy6lEqGqVfP70Fl47l18lJ5BVUwBBQWKheELEBNXY9V4vbAjZ_w7Bc8SOGFCtNFZ2Gqzaie_AZKLeR91FoIj8WtJhXuD_BsGvAc8iUL49dAyigKFK3L93m47yKw/s1600/Detroit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMGwBUJUroUXmJ_vmWy6lEqGqVfP70Fl47l18lJ5BVUwBBQWKheELEBNXY9V4vbAjZ_w7Bc8SOGFCtNFZ2Gqzaie_AZKLeR91FoIj8WtJhXuD_BsGvAc8iUL49dAyigKFK3L93m47yKw/s320/Detroit.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Imagine an absolutely hysterical, and much shorter "Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolf?" set in the much trendier and tech-linked 21st century. </div></div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Not the leather-elbow-patch-on-tweed 1960s university types and their wives of "...Wolf," "Detroit" features a blue collar, middle-aged couple whi invite their no-collar, no ambition young neighbors who also have no furniture to the first of several wacky backyard barbecues.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> "Detroit" will have you laughing from the outset and ultimately realizing, 'Hey, these could be our neighbors and in some ways, they could be us, me."</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> The last line of the play, which I won't reveal, stands as one of the catchiest I've heard. It's one you'll remember and think about, possibly every time you welcome new folks into you life.</div></div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> The play symbolically represents Detroit's first post-war suburbs but could be anywhere, particularly in the Midwest. In short, the entire production dazzles. Show details below under Steppenwolf listing. Incidentally, parking in the Steppenwolf lot/structure just south of the theater is only $10, mega cheap for Old Town and for that matter, almost anywhere in the city.</div></div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>I am so sorry but somehow this blog file got corrupted. I have spent hours trying to fix it but will have to key it in again in an all-new blog posting over the next several days. Meanwhile, this is not spaced well, but every item is heading by all caps. I hope you find it interesting as this fall season kicks off with energy across the region.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Myra</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>TWO MINI REVIEWS BEFORE LISTINGS ...</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Backyard barbecues head out of control ... and raunchy</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Now playing at what has been billed as the nation's finest ensemble theater, Chicago's own Steppenwolf, is the riotous "Detroit," by brilliant playwright/perfornance artist Lisa D'Amour. Directed by company member Austin Pendleton, the all-star Steppenwolf cast including (see photo) Laurie Metcalf (on the ground, going clockwise), Kate Arrington, Ian Barford, Kevin Anderson and unseen, Robert Breuler, takes "Detroit" into and out of wild swings of mixed-up marriage action.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMGwBUJUroUXmJ_vmWy6lEqGqVfP70Fl47l18lJ5BVUwBBQWKheELEBNXY9V4vbAjZ_w7Bc8SOGFCtNFZ2Gqzaie_AZKLeR91FoIj8WtJhXuD_BsGvAc8iUL49dAyigKFK3L93m47yKw/s1600/Detroit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMGwBUJUroUXmJ_vmWy6lEqGqVfP70Fl47l18lJ5BVUwBBQWKheELEBNXY9V4vbAjZ_w7Bc8SOGFCtNFZ2Gqzaie_AZKLeR91FoIj8WtJhXuD_BsGvAc8iUL49dAyigKFK3L93m47yKw/s320/Detroit.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Imagine an absolutely hysterical, and much shorter "Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolf?" set in the much trendier and tech-linked 21st century. </div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Not the leather-elbow-patch-on-tweed 1960s university types and their wives of "...Wolf," "Detroit" features a blue collar, middle-aged couple whi invite their no-collar, no ambition young neighbors who also have no furniture to the first of several wacky backyard barbecues.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> "Detroit" will have you laughing from the outset and ultimately realizing, 'Hey, these could be our neighbors and in some ways, they could be us, me."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> The last line of the play, which I won't reveal, stands as one of the catchiest I've heard. It's one you'll remember and think about, possibly every time you welcome new folks into you life.</div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> The play symbolically represents Detroit's first post-war suburbs but could be anywhere, particularly in the Midwest. In short, the entire production dazzles. Show details below under Steppenwolf listing. Incidentally, parking in the Steppenwolf lot/structure just south of the theater is only $10, mega cheap for Old Town and for that matter, almost anywhere in the city.</div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">STABLES THEATRE OF ENGLAND, GUESTS OF DRAMA GROUP</span></b></div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Get out, William! You're barred!</span></span></b></span></div></div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Last week's Drama Group guests, a group of actors and support staff fro Stables Theatre of Hastings, England, presented Stables member Peter Mould's brilliantly hysterical tribute to The Bard, "Celebrating Shakespeare" for four glorious performances.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Spouting off everyday phrases from Willie and even telling Shakespeare jokes (maybe you can guess what happened to him at the pub), the four-person cast won the hearts and tickled the minds of hundreds of theater-goers. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn811C83Km5a390AzWeLRdSEO7IaUtW6pR_-mSOG2ByFPRckr5iYenxfT-qKSd8K9sp-PGkhIdEZ2Q8coRs7pVjWtxWPcO_Kqu0VwHfP3fCLucEmW0x2k3cey5FSre2GzGL5lOVM8dTE/s1600/dgbrits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn811C83Km5a390AzWeLRdSEO7IaUtW6pR_-mSOG2ByFPRckr5iYenxfT-qKSd8K9sp-PGkhIdEZ2Q8coRs7pVjWtxWPcO_Kqu0VwHfP3fCLucEmW0x2k3cey5FSre2GzGL5lOVM8dTE/s200/dgbrits.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> The second half was an abridged "Macbeth,"staged as a radio play with the actors' "behind-the-scenes" shenanigans and musician/sound effects specialist Steve Rivington sending the audience into raucous fits of hysterics. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> In addition to the Brits, including Susannah Mayor (at left), Mould and Ian Klemen, two DG regulars were cast in the juicy roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the only parts played straight. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Jeannie Rega-Markionni was the evil wife-turned-pyscho and Tony LaBriola took his wacked-out-king to the max and clearly relished his sword fight to the death with Macduff. As for the Weird Sisters ... I wouldn't even try to describe them. They were a hoot. If you missed The Stables performance, you might want to give serious thought to crying.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Note: The Drama Group and Stables have been involved in an extraordinary exchange program for more than 10 years. But that is a story in itself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>DEAR READERS --- THIS EDITION OF "And now presenting ..." goes long past this weekend, well into most of October. Commitments and my BIG high school reunion coming up have meant and will mean little blogging time, but I hope to have another edition out in a month. After that, my goal is to hop back on a every two-to-three week schedule.</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> For the last several months I have been meaning to thank Frann Carnivale-Sidlow, artistic director of the Orland Park Theatre Troupe and Improv group for her weekly theater updates that have contributed many listings to this blog. Incidentally, Frann is the woman to go to for the 411 on local auditions so leave a message for her at Orland Park Village Hall if you want to contact her.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iMoJZoV5Ftn_uLcoS5w5s7Xr1swyZiBIW40_oKsP3DmEh8LSCWEVVaEIcwvGs9SyDHQqhm-GW3DnwiAbTEeIS693ZlKjHmxDAgLSbrv4dZ1F5VG8kicCITfKTjF_zXlMyE-_m3uSGCo/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iMoJZoV5Ftn_uLcoS5w5s7Xr1swyZiBIW40_oKsP3DmEh8LSCWEVVaEIcwvGs9SyDHQqhm-GW3DnwiAbTEeIS693ZlKjHmxDAgLSbrv4dZ1F5VG8kicCITfKTjF_zXlMyE-_m3uSGCo/s200/images.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> Brief notes: One of my all-time get-me-stomping-and-screaming performers, Mojo (at right) and his Bayou Gypsies, make a special, previously unannounced benefit appearance on Oct. 16. If you've seen Mojo, I need not say more. If you haven't, get up and go and you will fly home on Mojo's Zydeco airlines. </i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> By the way, if your favorite theater or gallery in the blog, ask the people there to send me releases at myrasharon@comcast.net. This is a freebie, no charge to venues or anyone. We just want you to know what's happening .... and there is never a lack of excitement around here.</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> Also, I welcome -- no, I love your comments and suggestions and absolutely please send me any corrections immediately, about typos and more importantly, information.</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> Keep on passing the blog around. More and more people are reading it and letting me know, a great feeling for this this labor of love.</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i> Myra</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>WHAT FOLLOWS:</b></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Theater, Music and Dance, Potpourri of Galleries, Museums and Animals</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>CHICAGO DRAMATISTS</b>, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., presents the premiere production of playwright Steven Peterson's <b><i>"The Invasion of Skokie,"</i> through Oct. 11</b>. Almost every Chicagoan old enough to remember the episode cannot forget the neo-Nazis' successful 1978 Supreme Court fight to win the right to march in Skokie. The event touched off a firestorm of opposition across the country, especially in Skokie where an eclectic and sizable Jewish community, including many Holocaust survivors and children of survivors, had settled. "Invasion ..." is described as the story of a Jewish man, Morry Kaplan, who scrambles to locate a gun and confront the marchers. Mixing both comedy and drama, the story unfolds on a backyard patio on the infamous day of conflict. Tickets are $32; student tickets at $15 are available on Thursdays; (312) 633-0630 and <a href="http://www.chicagodramatists.org/">www.chicagodramatists.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>CURTAIN CALL COMMUNITY THEATRE</b> stages a dinner theater event, <b><i>"The Fatal Fifties Affair"</i></b> <b>Oct 16-23</b> at Jenny's Steakhouse, 20 Kansas St. Frankfort. Tickets are $35 for dinner and show, (815) 464-2685.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>DRAMA GROUP</b> will rock the Bloom High School Theater stage <b>Nov. 6-8 </b>with the <b><i>"Footloose."</i></b> Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students at (708) 755-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org./">www.dramagroup.org</a>. These tix sell out fast so this is the time to buy.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>DRURY LANE THEATRE,</b> 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace continues lights up the town through <b>Oct. 3</b> with a spectacular production of David Bell's <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"Hot Mikado."</span></i></b> This award-winning, clever and riotous take-off on the Gilbert and Sullivan classic will leave you laughing, exhilarated, stunned and reluctant to leave your seat until you've seen it again. Tickets are $31-$45, dinner packages available; special rates for seniors and students, (630) 530-0111 and Ticketmaster or visit <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Opening <b>Oct. 14</b> and going through <b>Dec. 19</b>, Drury Lane presents the wonderful, though like the times back then, not very politically correct in terms of women, period musical, <b><i>"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."</i></b> The all-star cast includes many of our favorite Chicagoland actors, including multi-Jeff ward winning Renee Matthews as Mrs. Bixby and Don Forston as Mr. Bixby. (Remind me to tell you a riotous Matthews/Forston story next time you see me.)</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARTS CENTER</b>, 1700 Spartan Drive, presents a new musical, <b><i>"Under the Streetlamps,"</i></b> a retrospective of great hits from the 1950s and '60s woven into an intimate show by the Chicago cast of "Jersey Boys." The production will be staged <b>Nov. 13, 14</b>; tickets are $48 at (847) 622-0300 and at <a href="http://tickets.elgin.edu/">tickets.elgin.edu</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATRE </b> presents the all-ages play about peer pressure and friendship, <b><i>"Three Hundred Dresses,"</i></b> based on the 1944 book of same title, on <b>Oct. 15, 16</b> at the park district Auditorium, 2010, Homewood. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 for children at (708) 957-0300.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</b>, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest, presents Eugene O'Neill's <b><i>"Anna Christie,"</i></b> its first production of the 35th season, from <b>Sept. 24-Oct. 10.</b> The plot revolves around the Swedish-born Anna who grew up in Minnesota with her mother's family and later goes to New York to reunite with her father, a barge captain who abandoned her as a child. Anna joins her father on his boat, and when she falls in love with a crew member, trouble erupts. Tori Buckley stars in the title role. Tickets are $20-$22, $1 discount for students and seniors; (708) 481-3510.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE </b>in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, continues its sparkling and innovative production of "</span><b><i>Chorus Line," </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">the</span></b> iconic Broadway narratives of dancers auditioning for a show. Don Snider, former Star Newspapers arts and entertainment editor, saw "Chorus Line" mid-month. "It is indeed, 'One Singular Sensation,'" he wrote. "'A Chorus Line,' the longest running American musical in Broadway history, continues its revival here through <b>Oct. 31</b>. Directed by Mark Lococo, the show brings the classic musical up close and personal as only Marriott's theater-in-the-round can. "Chorus Line" may be 35 years old but it is as relevant today as ever as the diverse cast of 17 dancers pour their hearts into 'auditioning' for a spot in a Broadway show. Their passionate pleas for a job, 'I Hope I Get It,' will resonate with people in these tough economic times. But for sheer entertainment, the curtain-closing 'One' number under the intimate stage's glittering lights and mirrors will leave you breathless. Choreographer Rachel Rockwell, incidentally, played Cassi a decade ago. Mara Davi (above), who starred in the Broadway revival, plays Cassie here. Tickets are $35-$48 at (847) 634-0200 and <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC THEATER</b>, presents <b><i>"Arsenic and Old Lace,"</i> Oct. 28-31</b> at the Dorothy Menker Theater, Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students, (708) 974-5500.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV</b> brings down the house, well actually the Old Village Hall, 14413 Beacon, on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Sept. 24, Oct. 22</b> and <b>Nov. 19</b> an into 2011. Showtimes 8 p.m. and material geared to audiences 16 and older. Tickets are $6 at (708) 403-7275 and <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">at www.orland-park.il.us</a></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE</b>, home of <b>Noble Fool Theatricals </b>at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">kicks off the fall with<b> </b>award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger's who-dunnit, <b><i>"Red Herring,"</i></b> <b>Sept. 2 - </b><b>Oct. 24</b>. Tickets are $29-$39 at www.noblefool.org. and at (630) 584-6342. Look for an all-new theater company name next year!</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</b>, <b>STAGE 773</b>, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, continues the Stephen Sondheim classic musical, <b><i>"Sunday in the Park with George,"</i></b> through <b>Oct. 31</b>. Tickets are $38 with discounts for seniors, students and groups; (773) 327-5252 and at <a href="http://www.stage773.com/">www.stage773.com</a>. Incidentally, the musical was inspired by Georges Seurat's masterpiece, "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," a treasure owned and exhibited by Chicago's own Art Institute.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZsyzpr7k_ULtGU0Ld2fhDIHrOuCPeu7Bjm97D8VgO35VoVkCbx56P9nGvf1iG67LkLXKdT_i4YgE_JnpeQ_tTbklreSdWBSmsY1QHBWQthgG8e4sLDJLvDuN4_6FZ_hwSin4sTpfYIk/s1600/lesenfants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">If you live in a condo or apartment, you might want to seriously think about keeping your window shades down or curtains closed just in case one of your neighbors is like the character in </span><i>"Obscura: A Voyeuristic Love Story"</i> through Oct. 23 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">at</span> RED TAPE THEATRE,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 621 W. Belmont, Chicago. The tantalizing description in the press release notes, "Behind the walls of an aging apartment building, the reclusive neighbors' lives are being monitored. Amidst the Orwellian atmosphere, Ned invents a story to win his neighbor's heart. But the arrival of a stranger threatens to unveil some dark secrets." Tickets are $25, $15 student and industry; <a href="http://www.redtapetheatre.org/">www.redtapetheatre.org</a> and at the box office.</span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZi7i2IGZNioHPiojnB1aie4KcctajLhi52aXpZdOTik3k3K8mHshgepBv3YHfpecyGmhHztkjT0HPomvwxM7Ef8BtDlbv0FmU93uaQULkUDF8khDOJ32NecxWP63zWsosIkgAWpbDs4/s1600/steelbeamfairways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZi7i2IGZNioHPiojnB1aie4KcctajLhi52aXpZdOTik3k3K8mHshgepBv3YHfpecyGmhHztkjT0HPomvwxM7Ef8BtDlbv0FmU93uaQULkUDF8khDOJ32NecxWP63zWsosIkgAWpbDs4/s200/steelbeamfairways.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span">STEEL BEAM THEATRE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, kicks off its 10th season with a return production of the musical </span><i>"Fairways,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> described as "an homage to both golf and musical theatre" and featuring sounds of rock, jazz, ballads and even rap. "Fairways" runs through Oct. 10. Tickets are $25, $23 seniors and students at (630) 587-8521 and at <a href="http://www.steelbeamtheatre.com/">www.steelbeamtheatre.com</a>. Erika Enigk Grotto, actor and improv performer, stars in the show. Photo: Dana Bone (from left), Diane Handler, Grotto and Mary Hobein. </span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b>SPOTLIGHT THEATER's next production</b>, <b><i>"No Exit,"</i></b> runs <b>Oct. 23-30</b> at Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University, 1 University Parkway in University Park. Tickets are $14 adults, $12 seniors and students at (708) 941-8294 and <a href="http://www.Spotlight-Theater.com./">www.Spotlight-Theater.com.</a></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></b></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Laurie Metcalf,</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">back on her home stage at</span> STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(312) 335-1650<b><i>,</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> is one of the stellar ensemble members in playwright Lisa D'Amour's phenomenal and absolutely riotously brilliant play, </span><i>"Detroit,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> tied only symbolically to my hometown. After dealing with Roseanne on and off TV, a much more slender Metcalf and co-stars (see blog intro) in this star-studded cast romp through the unexpected. The show runs through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Nov. 7</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Tickets are $20-$70 at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a> and (312) 335-1650.</span></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Opening </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 12, running to Nov. 12</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> in the Upstairs Theatre, Steppenwolf for Young Adults presents the blockbuster classic, Harper Lee's </span><i>"To Kill A Mockingbird."</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> I cannot overstate the power of this story, in print, on film and no doubt in the upcoming Steppenwolf production. Tickets are $20; $15 for students by phone and box office only. </span></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">STRAY DOG THEATRE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">'s production of the Mary Shelley classic</span><i>"Frankenstein,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> runs </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 22-30</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at Veterans Memorial Middle School, 12320 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Tickets are $10 at (708) 841-7396.</span></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER</b>, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, presents the very funny musical, <b><i>"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"</i></b> through <b>Oct. 10</b>. Based on the 1988 film about two con men on the French Riviera who wager which one of them can swindle $50,000 from a young heiress and send the other guy packing, the show is packed with fun and great performances, Don Snider says. "Veteran actors Paula Scrofano and Larry Adams were hoots in supporing roles." Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, <a href="http://www.tickets.com/">www.tickets.com</a> and at <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.theatreatthecenter.com</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>TAC's THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES</b> brings a childhood favorite, <b><i>"Jack and the Beanstalk,"</i></b> to the stage <b>Oct. 7-9</b>. Tickets are $8.50, $7 children. Same contact info as above.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS</b>, 4384 Hampton Ave. </span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">presents its first forum production of the 82nd season, <b><i>"Dinner with Friends"</i></b> directed Jim Wise. Performances run through <b>Oct. 3</b>. Tickets are $18-$20 at (708) 246-3380 and at <a href="http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com/">www.theatrewesternsprings.com</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The company's next mainstage production, Noel Coward's <b><i>"Waiting in the Wings,"</i></b> runs from <b>Oct. 21-31</b>. More on that next month.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>TINLEY PARK PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATRE</b> presents American playwright Neil Simon's sort of autobiographic <b><i>"Brighton Beach Memoirs"</i></b> <b>Oct. 15-16</b> at McCarthy Theater, 16801 S. 80th Ave. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students; (708) 342-4212.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmcFXXGIYU9YiNGZDjU6YRhOnsCzu3otwmKuckVMgwx86wAbSVNYd29skKaGf9wbWlJoAf9ZANXeyAX8JBqGAao0jz6vQQstPhl5dKg8_s1Tu7u1AjW_yyKbP0IFIsFKehbrinsTu2dY/s1600/towle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmcFXXGIYU9YiNGZDjU6YRhOnsCzu3otwmKuckVMgwx86wAbSVNYd29skKaGf9wbWlJoAf9ZANXeyAX8JBqGAao0jz6vQQstPhl5dKg8_s1Tu7u1AjW_yyKbP0IFIsFKehbrinsTu2dY/s200/towle.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>TOWLE THEATER</b>, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN, concludes its 2010 season with <b><i>"Hollywood Arms,"</i></b> based on a memoir by one of this country's most beloved performers, Carol Burnett. The show runs through <b>Oct. 3</b>. This autobiographical work focuses on three generations of women living on welfare in a one-room apartment one block off Hollywood Boulevard. Tickets are at (219) 937-8780 and <a href="http://www.towletheater.org/">www.towletheater.org</a>. Note: <i>Free well-lit, secured parking can be accessed off Fayette Avenue, steps from the allery entrance at the back of the theater</i>. Photo at left: Characters played by Payton Tinder (from left, Ruth Best and Jessica Figurski appear to have differences of opinion.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYQO99wYkFrZZtRnOOKSF4llLZAOJ9KOfdZkjr60RjIMqKCXrkyu7D2wheOYVsgmlR38aJbonNazJXgKf5bBHF1e7FZ8epoHGuJvfKz65Tady02KaZG5U2QJY4ehhoqfM0TU-Y5MNRwM/s1600/phil+vassar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYQO99wYkFrZZtRnOOKSF4llLZAOJ9KOfdZkjr60RjIMqKCXrkyu7D2wheOYVsgmlR38aJbonNazJXgKf5bBHF1e7FZ8epoHGuJvfKz65Tady02KaZG5U2QJY4ehhoqfM0TU-Y5MNRwM/s200/phil+vassar.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> kicks off its mainstage season at 8 p.m. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 16</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> with country star, </span><i>Phil Vassar</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> (at right) who rocks out the Governors State University stage. Free line dance lessons start at 6 p.m. so guess there will be dancin' in the aisles. Tickets are $35-$59 but all sorts of deals are available if you get them early or buy a series, (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP6_RZcekbAtq8xlbNN9eXm3yXguAmeIHIbh4-TJysPtdvfXM8YR2J-ymWMwI1zsaaV62PXKq8vTgMEcAI5-kAhuf8VrBMlnGraufjGsjXGuc0AgQiZN4dPhBDwZiZyc12_dUxqcSGv4/s1600/giordano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP6_RZcekbAtq8xlbNN9eXm3yXguAmeIHIbh4-TJysPtdvfXM8YR2J-ymWMwI1zsaaV62PXKq8vTgMEcAI5-kAhuf8VrBMlnGraufjGsjXGuc0AgQiZN4dPhBDwZiZyc12_dUxqcSGv4/s200/giordano.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Internationally acclaimed<b> GIORDANO JAZZ DANCE CHICAGO</b> presents three world premieres <b>Oct. 22-23</b> at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 205 Randolph St., Millennium Park (north end) in Chicago. These performances combined with company selections from its repertoire kick off the Giordano 2010-2011 season. Photo: Jarrett Kelly and Maeghan in "Give and Take." Tickets and more event and season details are at.<a href="http://giordanodance.org/company/">http://giordanodance.org/company/</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><b><i>MOJO AND THE BAYOU GYPSIES</i></b> bring the Bayou and Zydeco back to rock Chicagoland at <b>7:30 p.m. Oct. 16</b> at Evanston Masonic Temple, 1453 Maple Ave. Blues Legend Lonnie Brooks calls Mojo "Mister Zydeco." And that is not an exaggeration. Tickets start at $25 at <a href="http://rockthetemple.eventbrite.com/">http://rockthetemple.eventbrite.com/</a>. Check out Mojo's getyououtofyourseat sounds at <a href="http://www.redhotmojo.com/">www.redhotmojo.com</a>. See my comments and wild Mojo photo (yes, he looks like that onstage) in the blog intro.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">MORAINE VALLEY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills, presents the following musical events: Sept. 25, the </span><i>Perry Danos Show</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> reminiscent of Tony Bennett's style; Sept. 29, the </span><i>Claudia Quintet</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> featuring John Hollenbeck, contemporary music; Oct. 2, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Kevin Moore</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> prsents </span><i>"Score by Score: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">;"and on Oct 9 the Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers sing </span><i>"Festive Folk Songs and Spirited Spirituals."</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Tickets and other details are at <a href="http://www.morainvalley.edu/fpac">www.morainvalley.edu/fpac</a> and at (708) 974-5500.</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span">RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, announces a return engagement of Chicagoland's most popular retro rock show performers, the </span><i>Neverly Brothers (</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.theneverlybrothers.com/">www.theneverlybrothers.com</a>)</span><i> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">7:30 p.m., </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 16</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Tickets $24-$30 at (815) 356-9212 and at <a href="http://www.rauecenter.org/">www.rauecenter.org</a>.</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">POTPOURRI OF GAL</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">LERIE</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">S AND MORE</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Flossmoor's world-famous artist<b> Michael Cheney </b>unveils a breathtaking new collection,<b> "Urban Impressions," </b>from<b> 6-8 p.m. Sept. 25 </b>at<b> ATLAS GALLERIES</b>, 535 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 329-9330. Mike will be there to talk about his work. His colors and technique combine to capture the looks and emotions of the heartbeat of Chicago; <a href="http://www.mikecheney.com/">www.mikecheney.com</a> and <a href="http://www.atlasgalleries.com/">www.atlasgalleries.com</a>. The opening is, of course, open to the public. Those attending will get a free show poster and a chance to win an authentic Cheney print, embellished by the artist. Winner must be present at time of drawing.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, continues the interactive exhibit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times;">"The Nomadic Studio" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">through </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">Nov. 21</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">. This exhibit event is a "collaborative workplace for DePaul and the surrounding community."Details at <a href="http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/">http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/</a> and at (773) 325-7506. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to 7 p.m. Friday, noon- 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.</span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">FLOATING WORLD GALLERY</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 1925 N. Halsted St., Chicago, presents its newest gallery show, </span><i>"Creating What Has Never Been,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> an exhibition of Japanese post-war paintings and contemporary ceramics on display </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Sept. 24-Nov. 19</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">; gallery hours 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment, (312) 587-7800 and at <a href="mailto:artworks@floatingworld.com">artworks@floatingworld.com</a>. </span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">HYDE PARK ART CENTER</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., features </span><i>"Roger Brown: Calif: USA"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> an exhibit showcasing what is described as "rare artwork and collections of the famed Chicago imagist." The exhibit of works by the acclaimed graduate of the School of the Art Institute runs through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> and gallery admission is always free. For hours and other details: (773) 324-5520 and <a href="http://www.hydeparkart.org/">www.hydeparkart.org</a>. </span></b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery</b>, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills <a href="http://www.morainevalley.edu/fpac/Season/gallery.htm">http://www.morainevalley.edu/fpac/Season/gallery.htm</a> currently exhibits the Moraine Valley faculty <b><i>"New Work"</i></b> art <b>through Oct. 4</b>. Gallery is open 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and during most live performances in the Fine and Performing Arts Center.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>TALL GRASS ARTS FALL FILM SERIES</b> presents <b>Oct. 10, <i>"The Last Station"</i></b>; and on <b>Nov. 14, <i>"A Prophet."</i></b> A discussion will follow each film. Tickets and information are with the gallery. All films are shown at 6:30 p.m. at Marcus Theatre in Chicago Heights. More information with with the gallery at (708) 748-3377.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7cHBHhx7QahNaqMqyKziQbnlWo8BBe3h0HacqVCxkR2fqYOuEenBfUxBQCsNePP0mEjiDdcOTgms42Bk_HAqWnGGLLg4RVsKcpvFDGg7D0F2Tl6HvAOcRwONkssnbhBPJVvHPveoxZA/s1600/either:or.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7cHBHhx7QahNaqMqyKziQbnlWo8BBe3h0HacqVCxkR2fqYOuEenBfUxBQCsNePP0mEjiDdcOTgms42Bk_HAqWnGGLLg4RVsKcpvFDGg7D0F2Tl6HvAOcRwONkssnbhBPJVvHPveoxZA/s200/either:or.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="137" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights gears up for another jureid event, <b><i>"Either/OR"</i></b> from <b>Oct. 8 - Nov. 26</b>. All the details for artists and visitors, including gallery hours, are at <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/">www.unionstreetgallery.org</a> and at (708) 754-2601. Artwork details and artists will be in this spot as soon as they arrive.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tour the world's </span><i>"Great Observatories in 3D,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at</span> ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The newest sky show takes you behind the scenes with some of the world's most incredible telescopes so you can see how new discoveries reach the human eye. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road. The fall show season has launched with sky guy Art Maurer of Crete at the helm. Note that all shows are free. Sky shows at <b>7:30 p.m. Tuesdays </b>are for the general audience; coming up <b>Sept. 28 <i>"Our Solar System,"</i> </b>an advanced look; <b>Oct. 12, the <i>"Fermi Paradox."</i></b> Want some background on the compelling Fermi paradox? Head to <a href="http://www.fermisparadox.com/">http://www.fermisparadox.com/</a> . Meanwhile, shows at <b>6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays</b> are geared to the younger set. Coming up Thursday <b>Oct. 7, <i>"Our Solar System"</i></b><i> f</i>or young audiences, <b>Oct. 21, <i>"What's in the Sky?"</i></b> The next Sunday young folk show is <b>Dec. 19, <i>"The Christmas Star."</i></b> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Meanwhile use your GPS to find the place on the Joliet Junior Campus off Houbolt Road. If you need good directions, Art says you can e-mail him at <a href="mailto:amaurer@jjc.edu">amaurer@jjc.edu</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzb5TQZyTgYcftSczRdHxboKmcWJAL907oXAgjYJE4SyLc0lUQLAJiOxBkLWlhBlONdAeeJIgM-lIc-L05wTg1JLjhYEmOlf8_t640o4ejPlwTw28av-6-HRIeIsiqA4vJbXIe4DSReQ/s1600/artinstIncensario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzb5TQZyTgYcftSczRdHxboKmcWJAL907oXAgjYJE4SyLc0lUQLAJiOxBkLWlhBlONdAeeJIgM-lIc-L05wTg1JLjhYEmOlf8_t640o4ejPlwTw28av-6-HRIeIsiqA4vJbXIe4DSReQ/s320/artinstIncensario.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">All new!<b> THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave., Chicago, showcases 17 compelling major works of pre-Columbian art from Mexico in an all-new exhibit, <b><i>"Ballplayers, Gods and Rainmaker Kings: Masterpieces from Ancient Mexico," </i></b>now through <b>Jan. 2.</b> In addition,<b><i>"Looking after Louis Sullivan: Photographs, Drawings and Fragment,"</i></b> continues <b>through Dec. 12</b>, an extraordinary photographic examination of Sullivan's architectural legacy to Chicago as seen through the lenses of legendary photographers John Szarkowski, Aaron Siskind and Richard Nickel. All the details you will need for a trip to the iconic Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. Photo above: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Incensario Depicting Chicomecoatl, Mesica-Azteca, Tiahuac, Mexico Federal District, 1996; c. AD 1500. Earthenware and pigment. Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Mexico City, photograph by Michel Zabe. Courtesy Art Institute of Chicago.</span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8cpsjgqwnmwjRUX-8qqSfTZzFX0-m8x9k6bbUmGSgMtMHRX3uU1qF-VUig5rKcKX3Gnjev67Ce9YCN8GsgIJQc-fJOCwimuGhS3GnSjTSqUkR5-UwP79TcuVFuTsBTRdqo8cFEAcZU/s1600/brkfieldtramterror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8cpsjgqwnmwjRUX-8qqSfTZzFX0-m8x9k6bbUmGSgMtMHRX3uU1qF-VUig5rKcKX3Gnjev67Ce9YCN8GsgIJQc-fJOCwimuGhS3GnSjTSqUkR5-UwP79TcuVFuTsBTRdqo8cFEAcZU/s200/brkfieldtramterror.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">There's always lots of stuff going on at <b>BROOKFIELD ZOO</b>, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000. <b>Oct. 2, 3</b> is <b><i>Bear Awareness Weekend</i></b> focusing on "Bear-y Important Conservation Issues" and no doubt, safety measures for campers and hikers. Then the zoo's <b><i>Creatures of the Night</i></b> events begin just in time for Halloween and run on weekend evenings <b>Oct. 15-31</b>. The brave and daring can take a walk along the <b>"Trail of Terror"</b> or ride the <b>Tram of Terror</b> (one creepy scene at right) to see monsters and all sorts of gruesome creatures.<b> </b>All the info you need for a day or scary evening at Brookfied is at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a>.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</b>, 1801 N. Clark, (312) 642-4600, presents <b><i>"Facing Freedom,"</i></b> an exhibit focusing on freedom in American history, a continually evolving story told with images, artifacts, interactive displays and much more. Details are at <a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/">www.chicagohistory.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, features</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History," </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">opened earlier this year. It remains a permanent gallery and joins the others, all focused on the lives and stories of African Americans throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Where will you find a room completely covered in gold??<b> FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, unveils its next exhibit, <b><i>"GOLD," </i>Oct. 22 through March 6.<i> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This extraordinary event will leave visitors dazzled. </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Everyone knows the world-famous Field r</span></b>anks as one of Chicago's great treasures. And no one, but no one does dinos like Field. <b>Oct. 8</b> is family overnight spectacular, <b><i>"Dozin with the Dinos!"</i></b> At this family sleepover, young and the less young will have the chance to sneak up on exhibits (including the mummies) in the dark with flashlights. The event has family packages that start at $75 for non-members, $65 members. Standard overnight is $63 for non -members, $51 members. Get the scoop at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a> and at (312) 922-9410.</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg315lHi4aCrnEfrOnqNQ0GzORXNDyfpf3Iu5fDc8gKckdrs1QS_WDDoeuunUhIyQEEXfdZYw6OIh0r3fUPJpxIcA47VNpWNiZ7qy8Dq9vWSA606qpOOfO3VTD4sNWGbXgzSs1WAPItpE/s1600/timwallmci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Muppets</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> are in Chicago. Yes, </span><i>"Jim Henson's Fantastic World"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> runs through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Jan. 23</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at one of the world's most popular sites, Chicago's own </span><span class="Apple-style-span">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 57th and Lake Shore Drive, <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a>. Yes, you'll visit with Kermit the Frog, the glamorous Miss Piggy, Bert and Ernie and many more favorite Muppets. In addition to the original characters, visitors will see Henson's art work, sketches as well as television and movie props and photos of Henson and his collaborators at work on some of the most lovable characters of all-time. Details on exhibit tickets are at the website above and at (773) 684-1414.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b><br />
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<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, (312) 738-1503, is always free thanks to the generosity of its corporate sponsor and this Chicago treasure is packed with Mexican history as well as Mexican-U.S. history -- the people, the religion, the culture and so much more. One of my favorite items is the red pickup truck used by the late agricultural worker organizer, Cesar Chavez (1927-1993). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"Millas y Kilometros," </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">an</span></span></span></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> exhibit of works focused on themes and issues of significance to artists of Mexican descent working in the city of Chicago and state of Chiapas, runs </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">through Nov. 28</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">. The museum gift shop is beautiful. </span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Go for Four at </span>SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a> . Starting Oct. 8 join Dora and the Explorer in 4-D as you follow the high-speed adventure to protect animals of the rainforest in <b><i>"Dora and Diego's 4-DAdventure: Catch that Robot Butterfly."</i></b> Sounds exciting! And there's always so much going on at Shedd you'll want to check out the website before planning your day. Everything you need is at the site above and at (312) 939-2438.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-17350139459553428672010-08-20T09:48:00.000-07:002010-09-01T07:42:32.272-07:00Carpe weekend!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
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<b><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> ADDITION TO BLOG -- HAPPY SEPTEMBER 1. THE BRITISH ARE COMING!</o:p></div></i></b><br />
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<b><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">British theater troupe sets sail (OK, flies on jetliner) for Southland<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">More than a decade after two theater companies from two countries set out to explore a pan-Atlantic relationship, the dramatic adventure continues.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVfoLJRmsbjSGod1xObCLz0WjxzViIjAx3bCulWmEZb0T8_4DDeG1lYuIbTr0Ex1K7AfM5CjJ2P7xqrTdTACNLEi2X5V3YRfXsdVl0gUDuKe7fQgJGnK3jEBapC2jNY5ckfS7RdooALY/s1600/britspic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVfoLJRmsbjSGod1xObCLz0WjxzViIjAx3bCulWmEZb0T8_4DDeG1lYuIbTr0Ex1K7AfM5CjJ2P7xqrTdTACNLEi2X5V3YRfXsdVl0gUDuKe7fQgJGnK3jEBapC2jNY5ckfS7RdooALY/s200/britspic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">This September, Stables Theatre Company of East Sussex-Hastings, England, returns to perform in the Southland for the fourth time, guests of its sibling community troupe, the venerable Chicago Heights-based Drama Group. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">In 1999, the Drama Group kicked off the community theater exchange program with a production based on Illinoisan Edgar Lee Masters’ “Spoon River Anthology.” Directed by Tina Zagone, “Spoon River …” garnered rave reviews across the pond.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">The Southland actors have returned to Hastings three more times.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">Meanwhile, Stables players’ first visit to the South Suburbs as guests of the Drama Group was in 2000 when the British actors performed Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” to adoring Southland audiences.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">Stables players, due to arrive again next week, are traveling with a theatrical superstar. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">One William Shakespeare will join the Brits who temporarily take over the Drama Group’s Studio stage for four performances of “Celebrating Shakespeare,” an original production by longtime Stables actor Peter Mould. (See performance details below.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">Well actually, Mould did collaborate with the Bard on the imaginative potpourri of material from the 16<sup>th</sup> century playwright’s huge catalogue of gems. Celebrating …” features an abridged “Macbeth,” presented as a radio play complete with sounds effects. Another script element, titled “Anecdotage and Speechification” incorporates many Shakespearean lines, both tragic and comic.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">The production and performance delighted British reviewers earlier this year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">One theater critic celebrated “Celebrating …” noting, “The highlight of the evening was Mould’s tribute to Sir Henry Irving, reciting the ‘Now is the winter of our discontent’ speech from ‘Richard III.’ </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“Deliciously funny, laced with pregnant pauses and brilliant comic timing, the audience cheered it to the rafters.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">Meanwhile, that enthusiasm cannot match the buzz around the Drama Group.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“No one can do Shakespeare like the Brits,” said Zagone who has been involved on many levels with the exchange program since its inception.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“Everybody is so excited about this opportunity,” said Tony LaBriola, who also has been working on the unique theatrical alliance since it first began.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“I always want people to walk away from a performance proud of our community and our theater,” LaBriola said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“I also want them to be excited about live theater.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“Chicago area theater has a tremendous reputation and we should share in this out here in the South Suburbs.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">Zagone agreed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“I hope people will come out to meet and greet (the Brits) and get involved in workshops, avail themselves of the chance to do this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">In addition to the four “Celebrating Shakespeare” performances, Stables players – Mould, Ian Klemen, Steve Rivington and Susannah Mayor and company members traveling as support staff -- will present workshops for high school students and as well as a Shakespeare master class for local actors.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">“Not many people have these opportunities,” Zagone said.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">IF YOU GO – “CELEBRATING SHAKESPEARE” PERFORMANCE DETAILS</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">STUDIO THEATRE: 330 W. 202<sup>nd</sup> St., Chicago Heights</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">TIMES/DATES: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16-18; 2 p.m. Sept. 19</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">TICKETS: $18 and $17 for seniors/students</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">BOX OFFICE: (708) 755-3444</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">So the title of this blog edition is Carpe Weekend. No, not original but a clever creation of msnbc.com.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I know. I know. This blog update should have been out days ago, but the performance season always jumps into high gear this time of year, and every time I thought the blog was finished, more press releases arrived. </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Meanwhile, if you missed the SLATE production of "The Wedding Singer" at Center for Performing Arts at GSU, you missed one of the most dynamic community theater shows I've seen. On top of a talented cast, the script and songs are just a hoot!</span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUeH30HKqzy4tNVCHr6QYk_oswbHC8bjzDfAK4yzj2RiGBfHpdCftWTUyirAVRr8ykRJU3u59Ax9bOulfSUQuR4-7mI4gIDagA4FMOgag1dFegU_wDEzyp1PmXuMRXSTROw1ZdYc9GRc/s1600/pfartfair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; color: #3d85c6; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><i></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUeH30HKqzy4tNVCHr6QYk_oswbHC8bjzDfAK4yzj2RiGBfHpdCftWTUyirAVRr8ykRJU3u59Ax9bOulfSUQuR4-7mI4gIDagA4FMOgag1dFegU_wDEzyp1PmXuMRXSTROw1ZdYc9GRc/s1600/pfartfair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUeH30HKqzy4tNVCHr6QYk_oswbHC8bjzDfAK4yzj2RiGBfHpdCftWTUyirAVRr8ykRJU3u59Ax9bOulfSUQuR4-7mI4gIDagA4FMOgag1dFegU_wDEzyp1PmXuMRXSTROw1ZdYc9GRc/s200/pfartfair.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Coming up soon, the 55th annual Park Forest Art Fair, Sept. 18 and 19 in Downtown Park Forest. Check out the details of this summer spectacular at </span></i><a href="http://www.tallgrassarts.org/tall-grass-art-fair.html"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">http://www.tallgrassarts.org/tall-grass-art-fair.html</span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">On Sunday Aug. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes guests to a free open house at Lincoln-Way North High School. The afternoon will include a virtuoso solo piano performance by Kevin Cole of "Rhapsody in Blue." More details are at the orchestra's website </span></i><a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">www.ipomusic.org</span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">'Hot Mikado" at Drury Lane Oakbrook lives up to its title and indeed is one of the hottest productions of the year, a spectacle of performance, color, music, sets and sound you will not want to miss.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">And in case you have not heard, the British are coming next month and bringing William Shakespeare right to the South Suburbs. More on that in a week or so in a separate update. Meanwhile, ask your friends in Drama Group what this is all about.</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Want to see the gold trophy the White Sox won when they took the 2005 World Series? Check out the Field Museum listing.</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Have a great time during these last few weeks of summer!</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Keep the press releases coming as well as comments and certainly any corrections. My e-mail address is myrasharon@comcast.net.</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Carpe weekend.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Myra</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">Listings are as follows: theater, music and dance, art galleries, museums and animals and more.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">THEATRE</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> in <b>Spring Green, Wisconsin</b>, has set a second weekend, <b>Sept. 10-12, </b>for theater lovers in Illinois. Special theater packages can be purchased for two or more plays at a significant discount. Productions in repertory include Shakespeare's <b><i>"</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i>As You Like It"</i></b> and <b><i>"All's Well that Ends Well"</i></b> and Somerset Maugham's <b><i>"The Circle"</i></b> -- a few of several titles. The theater complex is at 5950 Golf Course Road. Those heading into southern and western parts of the state may want to take a side trip to APT. All the details are at www.<a href="http://americanplayers.org/">americanplayers.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>CHICAGO DRAMATISTS</b>, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., presents the premiere production of playwright Steven Peterson's <b><i>"The Invasion of Skokie,"</i> Sept. 2-Oct. 11</b>. Almost every Chicagoan old enough to remember the episode cannot forget the neo-Nazis' successful 1978 Supreme Court fight to win the right to march in Skokie. The event touched off a firestorm of opposition across the country, especially in Skokie where an eclectic and sizable Jewish community, including many Holocaust survivors and children of survivors, had settled. "Invasion ..." is described as the story of a Jewish man, Morry Kaplan, who scrambles to locate a gun and confront the marchers. Sylvia Kaplan meanwhile struggles to keep the peace and protect her husband. Daughter Debbie, meanwhile, is about to announce her plans to marry a non-Jew. Mixing both comedy and drama, the story unfolds on a backyard patio on the infamous day of conflict. Tickets are $32; student tickets at $15 are available on Thursdays; (312) 633-0630 and <a href="http://www.chicagodramatists.org/">www.chicagodramatists.org</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSWi2DSr-ifdNduSCXs1r2Soxl7MWHBsmBp9pRoGIs-Ij3o3GJ3cSJdg3RwQMyxizCwE7xAtIa0N3vOxZ4pqj3P1LuMkEyge7sVPfABstiLB_UVXHWp5RNCPRZKvpeWl0KfDeynEwtMc/s1600/41113_419178470372_117709935372_5302252_5247840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSWi2DSr-ifdNduSCXs1r2Soxl7MWHBsmBp9pRoGIs-Ij3o3GJ3cSJdg3RwQMyxizCwE7xAtIa0N3vOxZ4pqj3P1LuMkEyge7sVPfABstiLB_UVXHWp5RNCPRZKvpeWl0KfDeynEwtMc/s320/41113_419178470372_117709935372_5302252_5247840_n.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>DRURY LANE THEATRE,</b> 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace lights up the town through <b>Oct. 3</b> with a spectacular production of David Bell's <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"Hot Mikado."</span></i></b> This award-winning, clever and riotous take-off on the Gilbert and Sullivan classic will leave you laughing, exhilarated, stunned and reluctant to leave your seat until you've seen it again. The stellar cast, includes Ted Louis Levy as the powerful Mikado (pictured), Stephen Schellhardt as the love-struck KoKo and Aurelia Williams as one heckuva Katisha. The absolutely stunning Japanese themed set, exquisite costumes for women and men, awesome band, great sound and lighting all work together to showcase an extraordinarily talented cast. This is an absolute do not miss! Tickets are $31-$45, dinner packages available; special rates for seniors and students, (630) 530-0111 and Ticketmaster or visit <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARTS CENTER</b>, 1700 Spartan Drive, presents a new musical, <b><i>"Under the Streetlamps,"</i></b> a retrospective of great hits from the 1950s and '60s woven into an intimate show by the Chicago cast of "Jersey Boys." The production will be staged <b>Nov. 13, 14</b>; tickets are $48 at (847) 622-0300 and at <a href="http://tickets.elgin.edu/">tickets.elgin.edu</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ6w9PDiSyFopgIrdH0_RNZXqqXJ4LWjEr2PPMn_zf4_zJzKtmUaYH8ciKNNGzoumnZBpyCKcpg_drPJWfDmbmsRcgTvJUqXJg_TBKQo8AOJTRTnPxwT8sBDD7Rm3sltx8ji7KCMZ8X0/s1600/islandcast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ6w9PDiSyFopgIrdH0_RNZXqqXJ4LWjEr2PPMn_zf4_zJzKtmUaYH8ciKNNGzoumnZBpyCKcpg_drPJWfDmbmsRcgTvJUqXJg_TBKQo8AOJTRTnPxwT8sBDD7Rm3sltx8ji7KCMZ8X0/s200/islandcast.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE </b>in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, continues its 35th season with a summer fairy tale, a musical love story set in the Caribbean. Aptly titled, <b><i>"Once on this Island,"</i></b> the onetime Broadway production follows the story of a poor peasant girl who falls in love with an upper class gentleman. Their romance is treated with a calypso-flavored score and influence of the gods of love, earth, water and death. "Once ... Island" runs through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Tickets are $35-$48 and dinner packages are available; box office (847) 634-0200 and ticketmaster. More show details are at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>. Opening <b>Sept. 1, "A Chorus Line."</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences </b>gives new life to the beloved wooden puppet <b><i>"Pinocchio,"</i></b> composer/director/choreographer Marc Robin's musical production for all ages running through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Performances will be at 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. All tickets are $15 at the box office, (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</b> takes the stage at the <b>Orland Park Civic Center,</b> 14750 Ravinia Ave., with its next production, <b><i>"You Can't Beat the House," </i>Sept. 17-19</b>. Tickets are $13, $11 students and seniors, $9 age 12 and younger; (708) 403-7275 and <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">www.orland-park.il.us</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE</b>, home of <b>Noble Fool Theatricals </b>at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles in the Fox Valley invites you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> to the nuptials that close the summer stage season. <b><i>"Tony n' Tina's Wedding,"</i></b> at <b>7 p.m. Aug. 27</b>, and if you've never seen Tony and Tina get hitched before, you're missing one heckuva madcap interactive wedding that includes an Italian buffet style dinner and an evening of dancing and some very convincing characters who will never tell you whether they are cast members or guests like you. Here's to Tina and Tony ... again! Pheasant Run ticket prices vary depending on the act, but all tickets are at the box office, (630) 584-6342, <a href="http://www.noblefool.org/">www.noblefool.org</a> and Ticketmaster. Overnight theater packages at the resort are available. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>NOBLE FOOL </b>kicks off the fall with<b> </b>award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger's who-dunnit, <b><i>"Red Herring,"</i></b> <b>Sept. 2 - </b><b>Oct. 24</b>. Tickets are $29-$39.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</b>, <b>Stage 773</b>, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, brings the Stephen Sondheim classic musical, <b><i>"Sunday in the Park with George,"</i></b> to life <b>Sept. 10-Oct. 31</b>. Tickets are $38 with discounts for seniors, students and groups; (773) 327-5252 and at <a href="http://www.stage773.com/">www.stage773.com</a>. Incidentally, the musical was inspired by Georges Seurat's masterpiece, "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," a visual treasure owned and exhibited by Chicago's own Art Institute.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">If you live in a condo or apartment, you might want to seriously think about keeping your window shades down or curtains closed just in case one of your neighbors is like the character in </span><i>"Obscura: A Voyeuristic Love Story"</i> Sept. 23-Oct. 23 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">at</span> RED TAPE THEATRE,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 621 W. Belmont, Chicago. The tantalizing description in the press release notes, "Behind the walls of an aging apartment building, the reclusive neighbors' lives are being monitored. Amidst the Orwellian atmosphere, Ned invents a story to win his neighbor's heart. But the arrival of a stranger threatens to unveil some dark secrets." Tickets are $25, $15 student and industry; <a href="http://www.redtapetheatre.org/">www.redtapetheatre.org</a> and at the box office.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">STEEL BEAM THEATRE, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, kicks off its 10th season with a return production of the musical "Fairways," featuring sounds of rock, jazz, ballads and even rap. Tickets are $25, $23 seniors and students at (630) 587-8521 and at <a href="http://www.steelbeamtheatre.com/">www.steelbeamtheatre.com</a>.</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(312) 335-1650,<b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">continues</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> the Bruce Norris premiere, <b><i>"A Parallelogram,"</i></b> as the final production in the 2009-2010. The show runs through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Like those before it this season, this new play explores the theme of belief. Imagine you have the ability to backtrack through your life with a click of what would pass for a TV remote. Now take this one step further. In "Parallelogram" Bee and her future self sit around talking about events and possibilities on her timeline of life which goes backward and forward </span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">in this dark, funny world directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. Tickets are $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>. </span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Opening <b>Sept. 9, "Detroit,"</b> which I'm told in fact has nothing to do with my Michigan hometown. More in next blog update.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER</b>, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, presents the musical, <b><i>"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"</i></b> <b>Sept. 9-Oct. 10</b>. Based on the 1988 film about two con men on the French Riviera who wager which one of them can swindle $50,000 from a young heiress and send the other guy packing, the show is billed as an "uproarious musical masterpiece." Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, <a href="http://www.tickets.com/">www.tickets.com</a> and at <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.theatreatthecenter.com</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QScCmxA2GaGpVnvfqK-MgVMG-0ZncY8uFAaBhphiZb6J4U4M9_j0Xj38xhZY0erMzC_wQ6mNGaoUi5kSCgcZHfkfwBxl-B2YAYuxCFns7X3TEUMEB56BOFCFdIdRyreaR4zcYV1oMis/s1600/TWSsleuth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QScCmxA2GaGpVnvfqK-MgVMG-0ZncY8uFAaBhphiZb6J4U4M9_j0Xj38xhZY0erMzC_wQ6mNGaoUi5kSCgcZHfkfwBxl-B2YAYuxCFns7X3TEUMEB56BOFCFdIdRyreaR4zcYV1oMis/s200/TWSsleuth.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS</b>, 4384 Hampton Ave. opens its 82nd season <b>Sept. 10-19</b> with <b><i>"Sleuth,"</i> </b>a mystery stunner<b> </b>with a game-within-a-game killer twist. Pictured: Craig Mahlstedt (left) and Greg Maurer rehearse their roles prior prior to the season opener. Tickets are $18-$20 at (708) 246-3380 and at <a href="http://www.theatreatwesternsprings.com/">www.theatreatwesternsprings.com</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ_QSPXLmQ8MO3ztvOerz7B5dRspzUdbz3KT2rwKdc0TN2mMGGRL_VmvzjqV_Vu2HeXV7ahoFzBhzgFKPcPRI9jpmC2yCg1dAVvqdEHneranwyXcixFLyKACfC1yYSb1Jkb8VuO3muYQ/s1600/timohedshot" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ_QSPXLmQ8MO3ztvOerz7B5dRspzUdbz3KT2rwKdc0TN2mMGGRL_VmvzjqV_Vu2HeXV7ahoFzBhzgFKPcPRI9jpmC2yCg1dAVvqdEHneranwyXcixFLyKACfC1yYSb1Jkb8VuO3muYQ/s200/timohedshot" width="145" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">BEVERLY ARTS CENTER</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">, 2407 W. 111th St. (at Western Avenue), Chicago, presents</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"> <i>"Tim O'Malley's Super Fun Comedy Extravaganza II"</i> at 8 p.m. Sept. 24. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Tickets are $18, $15 for BAC members, (773) 445-3838 and through the BAC website at <a href="http://www.beverlyartcenter.org/calendar.php">http://www.beverlyartcenter.org/calendar.php</a>. O'Malley is at right.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">The <b>HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR PARK DISTRICT</b> ends the summer, kicks off the academic fall with "<b><i>H-F Music Fest,"</i></b> a free grassroots event from noon to <b>8 p.m. Aug. 28</b> at <b>Irwin Park</b>, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood. Full event details, including the mega band lineup, is at <a href="http://www.hfparks.com/Events/Event.aspx?Event_ID=210">http://www.hfparks.com/Events/Event.aspx?Event_ID=210</a>. The Irwin Bandshell will be divided so one band can perform while another sets up.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">At <b>8 p.m. Sept. 2</b> the<b> NEVERLY BROTHERS</b> bring their rock 'n' roll retro time trip to <b>Frankfort Fall Festival</b> Lion's Club Night, Beer Tent Stage at<b> 8 p.m. Sept. 2</b> at Kansas and White streets. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvR-QVrotUMoFOys7OQ0RumOAdxGK7H-jGlAR7oFZtaYHYvAlaRDmgG5iF_lZj5wj6xtaV-o7ME38IZqK8MDPMEjchtrZdVl-4M6Bt5HEsrPHbkLex1O8z1TnyIMfKNNwr3vrxI7TpoA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvR-QVrotUMoFOys7OQ0RumOAdxGK7H-jGlAR7oFZtaYHYvAlaRDmgG5iF_lZj5wj6xtaV-o7ME38IZqK8MDPMEjchtrZdVl-4M6Bt5HEsrPHbkLex1O8z1TnyIMfKNNwr3vrxI7TpoA/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">A jazz concert starring accomplished vocalist</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"> Ava Logan </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">(at right)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">will take place from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"> 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">at the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"> ORLAND PARK CULTURAL ARTS CENTER</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">, 14760 Park Lane. Tickets are $20 at the Frederick Owens Village Hall, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. More details are at (708) 403-6140. Check out Logan's website at <a href="http://www.avalogan.com/">www.avalogan.com</a>. Incidentally, the talented artist by night is a veterinarian by day. Check out her website and listen to her amazing voice. This vocalist has tons of talent.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Blue grass music livens up Tinley Park as <b><i>Special Consensus</i></b> heads to the <b>TINLEY PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY</b>, 7851 Timber Drive (just east of 80th Avenue, South of the Metra station) for a free concert at <b>7 p.m. Sept. 10</b>. Greg Cahill still headlines this phenomenal quartet! Concert is on library grounds and moves inside if it rains. More information is at (708) 532-0160. You don't need to be a resident of the village named as Best Place to Raise Your Kids by Money Magazine. For a full overview of library events, check out <a href="http://host6.evanced.info/tinleypark/evanced/eventcalendar.asp">http://host6.evanced.info/tinleypark/evanced/eventcalendar.asp </a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">POTPOURRI OF GAL</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">LERIE</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">S AND MORE</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvgBhsMBJqQVUKYtKjj6CTkdmz2_lqOq4RDa-LWVfcVTAkSVdxp72r0dt17UQH1bohlBNKeY9VcbdVqsq5lVU-58T7jXPuMrSsDmvFgSF_R_3n2CcCI6uh8QsubHYSiHLDTZpJaNFjhg/s1600/depaulian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvgBhsMBJqQVUKYtKjj6CTkdmz2_lqOq4RDa-LWVfcVTAkSVdxp72r0dt17UQH1bohlBNKeY9VcbdVqsq5lVU-58T7jXPuMrSsDmvFgSF_R_3n2CcCI6uh8QsubHYSiHLDTZpJaNFjhg/s200/depaulian.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, brings art to life with the interactive </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times;">"The Nomadic Studio"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> exhibit through </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">Nov. 21</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">. This exhibit event is a "collaborative workplace for DePaul and the surrounding community." Photo: Ian Bennett spray paints "Musical Chairs" at the Nomadic Studio. All the details are at <a href="http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/">http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/</a> and at (773) 325-7506. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to 7 p.m. Friday, noon- 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.</span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">HYDE PARK ART CENTER</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., features </span><i>"Roger Brown: Calif: USA"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> an exhibit showcasing what is described as "rare artwork and collections of the famed Chicago imagist." The exhibit of works by the acclaimed graduate of the School of the Art Institute runs through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> and gallery admission is always free. For hours and other details: (773) 324-5520 and <a href="http://www.hydeparkart.org/">www.hydeparkart.org</a>. </span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery</b>, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, continues the Tom Lundquist gallery show, <b><i>"Poissons de Chant,"</i></b> or the Singing Fish, through <b>Sept. 10</b> The exhibit is described as a series of "digitally modeled prints (that) illustrate the adventures of a mythical troupe of singing fish from Montreal." Gallery is free; details including hours are at <a href="http://www.morainevalley.edu/fpac/Season/gallery.htm">http://www.morainevalley.edu/fpac/Season/gallery.htm</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<b>Tall Grass Arts Fall Film Series</b> presents Sept. 12 "The Secret in Their Eyes"; Oct. 10, "The Last Station"; and on Nov. 14, "A Prophet." A discussion will follow each film. Tickets and information are with the gallery.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;">Who, what is the "object of your affection?" <b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, looks at affection in a juried show, <b><i>"Objects of Affection,"</i></b> <b>Aug. 27-Sept. 24</b>. The exhibit is dedicated to the "study, portrayal and artistic interpretation of arranged objects." Also running at the same time is <b><i>"The Artists' Mark,"</i></b> an exhibit highlighting distinctive mark-making processes by artists Richard Benoit, Akiko Matsuoka-Thorson and Gary Thomas. Opening artists reception for the two concurrent exhibits will be<b> 6-9 p.m. Sept. 10</b>. Those two exhibits are followed by the national juried event, <b><i>"Either/OR"</i></b> from <b>Oct. 8 - Nov. 26</b>. All the details for artists and visitors, including gallery hours, are at <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/">www.unionstreetgallery.org</a> and at (708) 754-2601. </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tour the world's </span><i>"Great Observatories in 3D,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at</span> ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The newest sky show takes you behind the scenes with some of the world's most incredible telescopes so you can see how new discoveries reach the human eye. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stars twinkle in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road, is ready to kick off its fall show season with sky guy Art Maurer of Crete. Shows at <b>7:30 p.m. Tuesdays </b>are for the general audience. Sky shows at <b>6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays</b> are geared to the younger set. All shows are free. The planetarium season begins on Tuesday <b>Sept. 14</b> with <b>"Skies of Autumn."</b> A version of the same show is on <b>Thursday Sept. 23</b>. Fall schedule has not yet been posted</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Meanwhile use your GPS to find the place on the Joliet Junior Campus off Houbolt Road. If you need good directions, Art says you can e-mail him at amaurer@jjc.edu.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzh2HyGOc1pE6hetPJxHJOChSMZ_UxdV-3FtudA1Lmm0F12Pt04BOYvHCvXNINOV1zx6fGsfPIc7dWyv_x1g2CaqAZlzhsyBywA-KcF3F2e6ZT7Mtf136wD6KmupJfdRsVYy0GxnQp6M/s1600/159852_1219896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzh2HyGOc1pE6hetPJxHJOChSMZ_UxdV-3FtudA1Lmm0F12Pt04BOYvHCvXNINOV1zx6fGsfPIc7dWyv_x1g2CaqAZlzhsyBywA-KcF3F2e6ZT7Mtf136wD6KmupJfdRsVYy0GxnQp6M/s200/159852_1219896.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Chicago history, architecture and photography fans will want to put this on their calendars!<b> ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave., Chicago, presents <b><i>"Looking after Louis Sullivan: Photographs, Drawings and Fragment,"</i></b> now <b>through Dec. 12</b>, an extraordinary photographic examination of Sullivan's architectural legacy to Chicago as seen through the lenses of legendary photographers John Szarkowski, Aaron Siskind and Richard Nickel. In addition to more than 60 photographic classics, the exhibit features 20 Sullivan drawings and sketches as well as terracotta and metal architectural fragments. The exhibit is included in general admission. All the details for a day at the Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. (Walker Warehouse, photo by Aaron Siskind, 1953; courtesy Art Institute.) Another blockbuster runs through <b>Oct. 3</b>, a huge --300 prints -- retrospective of photos by legendary photography giant, <b><i>"Henri Cartier Bresson: The Modern Century." </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All the information you need for an Art Institute day is at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">There's always lots of stuff going on at <b>BROOKFIELD ZOO</b>, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000, and on <b>Sept. 25, 26</b> features celebrate "Fiesta por Todas," a party for all featuring live music, dance, craft activities and animals from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.<b> </b>All the info you need for a day at Brookfied is at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</b>, 1801 N. Clark, (312) 642-4600, presents <b><i>"Facing Freedom,"</i></b> an exhibit focusing on freedom in American history, a continually evolving story told with images, artifacts, interactive displays and much more. Details are at <a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/">www.chicagohistory.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, presents </span><i>"Yanga Fest"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> from noon to 9 p.m. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Aug. 28, 29</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. The celebration with African American and Mexican performing artists is free and highlights the opening of a new exhibit, </span><i>"The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present."</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Learn who Yanga was and much more at what should be a fascinating exhibit. Another exhibit,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History," </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">opened earlier this year, joins the permanent galleries, all focused on the lives and stories of African Americans throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">It's solid gold.<b> FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, most certainly ranks as one of Chicago's great treasures and opening <b>Oct. 22</b>, a wondrous new exhibit, <b><i>"Gold,"</i></b> will leave visitors dazzled as well as informed. Learn about the properties of gold that continue to make it one of the world's most prized metals. And see gold objects you'll probably never see anywhere else, including a genuine Oscar statuette and an authentic Golden Globe We won't tell you whose awards these are, but you can find out when the show opens. Couples married in 1960 will be honored at a special Field Museum event on <b>Dec. 4</b> that celebrates the majesty of 50th wedding anniversaries. </span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Meanwhile, <b><i>"RoboSue: The T. rex Experience"</i></b> has been extended as has <b><i>"Waking the T. Rex 3D</i></b>." Wonder about the weather? Explore the science, history and impact of climate change on people around the world, living in many different environments, from atolls to massive continents and everything in between the museum's temporary exhibit, <b><i>"Climate Change,"</i></b> now through <b>Nov. 28</b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Of course, Field Museum packs in the treasures. You can 'shrink' to the size of a bug and explore the world beneath your feet in <b><i>Underground Adventure</i></b>. Visitors get a bug's-eye view of life below ground and come face-to-face with anamatronic creatures. Special for the little ones (and their parents and grandparents) -- the<b> Crown Family Playlab </b>is geared to the toddler and pre-school set. All the details for your visit are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>.</span><b></b><br />
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<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Chicago, jumps into fall with "a large-scale space adventure," Redmoon Theater's "The Astronaut's Birthday," from Sept. 9-26. Check out this youtube video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z55V433tQ4"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z55V433tQ4</a> for a peak at the production. Also, at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11, ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble) performs "Roots & Retrurn." Sculpture aficionados, remember</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i>"Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy," <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">runs only</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> <b>through Oct. 17</b>. Calder (1898-1976), an American sculptor, remains an icon of the art world. Sixty of Calder's works, along with 20 sculptures by contemporary artists, reveal the power of the master's influence. C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">heck out the MCA at </span><a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">www.mcachicago.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Wonder about cars of the future? Does your ink jet printer make edible cuisine? Probably not but your children and grandchildren could see this Trekkian replicator-like device. Check it out at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">"Fast Forward ... Inventing the future"</span></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">, 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive. Everything you will need for a visit to MSI is at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.msichicago.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">www.msichicago.org</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">.</span></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxWW9ELyo_fQvKdkkuYA4R7j5PJtihe_aY2ANFUHg7zE4oi0KMCIsdR8I4YrDA8dP51cCjzh21qAZySXNQP7rTy7gJ2ozNxtLlWpTX5Au0bcesLlYrMd_MtBNsJBZfsE1kbxbMkp0P00/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxWW9ELyo_fQvKdkkuYA4R7j5PJtihe_aY2ANFUHg7zE4oi0KMCIsdR8I4YrDA8dP51cCjzh21qAZySXNQP7rTy7gJ2ozNxtLlWpTX5Au0bcesLlYrMd_MtBNsJBZfsE1kbxbMkp0P00/s200/lunch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Bon appetit!</span> PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, wants you and school-age children to eat well so in conjunction with the start of the 2010-2011 academic year, the museum kicks off the all-new <b><i>"Nature's Lunchbox"</i></b> exhibit, opening <b>Aug. 26</b>. This multi-faceted gallery takes guests through the life cycle of foods, from farm to market and ultimately to the compost bin. There's lots more at the museum and every Thursday brings free admission. More details are at <a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264">http://www.naturemuseum.org</a> and (312) 558-1770.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Set sail for -- or with -- </span>SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a> as the world class aquarium heads into late summer and fall. There's still plenty of time to enjoy <b><i>"Jazzin' at the Shedd"</i></b> Wednesday evenings until <b>Sept. 1</b> and Shedd always brings excitement to the world of waterlife. See the dophins, whales, every kind of water creature you can imagine, many stranger than any imagined by science fiction. Before you go, check out the website to find out what you will want to do as there is no way you can do it all in one day! You can plan your visit at a special Shedd website for just that purpose: <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan_a_visit.html">http://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan_a_visit.html</a></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">*******************************</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-64136073114660290752010-07-30T12:15:00.000-07:002010-08-18T11:30:56.926-07:00Past, present, future on your block!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Dear Readers,</i></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZhwesb7jm_eBMi538y4kk60H7Z-UGzZgAEIje4E921RJ-esDhAzURkSvVDb7Qla5S0eCFCGre94HtMcgj7XKpOc79LTXp5US_RCcznYySjjES7hrwzFn0prP_kVyAVdrwERHslbLa_0/s1600/Arsenic+Aunts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZhwesb7jm_eBMi538y4kk60H7Z-UGzZgAEIje4E921RJ-esDhAzURkSvVDb7Qla5S0eCFCGre94HtMcgj7XKpOc79LTXp5US_RCcznYySjjES7hrwzFn0prP_kVyAVdrwERHslbLa_0/s200/Arsenic+Aunts.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Get your calendars and/or must-see lists for the coming weeks. The Drama Group in Chicago Heights presents the dark comedy, "Arsenic and Old Lace" at its Studio Theater (full listing below). Cast members include Karen Cassin (left) and Mary Ellen Fawk as Arsenic aunts. (Beware the glass of wine.)</i></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoFOci5fbte0RfRJeEXc6gADzrSZU5NIr1zFGBwfA0J5q22EBC_8xjFZ-WnkTB-iSRyJN5xJUvzzggF5TC-tM_OFOO5K3BCiCUegU-v8tYWW9qT-bf4DWfZibgs3pVOjTSdvwjIMTD3U/s1600/Max+QuinlanJoe+Tokarz-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoFOci5fbte0RfRJeEXc6gADzrSZU5NIr1zFGBwfA0J5q22EBC_8xjFZ-WnkTB-iSRyJN5xJUvzzggF5TC-tM_OFOO5K3BCiCUegU-v8tYWW9qT-bf4DWfZibgs3pVOjTSdvwjIMTD3U/s200/Max+QuinlanJoe+Tokarz-1.jpg" width="133" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Meanwhile Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana, continues its blockbuster production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" starring Max Quinlan as Jesus and Joe Tokarz as Judas. </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>If you are heading into the city, the Museum Campus venues, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, offer a virtually unlimited choice of amazing exhibits. </i></b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>In the Loop, the Art Institute, another of Chicago's world class destinations, has just opened what promises to be an amazing exhibit of photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004). </i></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZCCjbYbvMkcHus5b2PSBF_gLycWeoWdCfjVEMRr5H2AuklxJOlR45pbZcwF66R5NPA39I-A9zygF7BT51NNGj4zwCRMGGj49AC7YXG63IAoc8LrRM9t7a065uO_aGSUZBKWj23HOoTY/s1600/C-B,+Pamplona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZCCjbYbvMkcHus5b2PSBF_gLycWeoWdCfjVEMRr5H2AuklxJOlR45pbZcwF66R5NPA39I-A9zygF7BT51NNGj4zwCRMGGj49AC7YXG63IAoc8LrRM9t7a065uO_aGSUZBKWj23HOoTY/s200/C-B,+Pamplona.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>The image pictured here is San Fermines, Pamplona, Spain, 1952 (courtesy Art Institute of Chicago).</i></span></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Much much more below. Listings in order: theater, music and dance, art galleries and museums including animal venues.</span></i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>As always, please keep those releases coming into my e-mail at myrasharon@comcast.net. Please don't hesitate to send any errors that need correction and as always, I love your comments. </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Enjoy yourself,</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Myra</i></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> in <b>Spring Green, Wisconsin</b>, has set aside two weekends, <b>Aug. 20-22</b> and <b>Sept. 10-12</b> for theater lovers in Illinois. Special theater packages can be purchased for two or more plays at a significant discount. Productions in repertory include Shakespeare's <b><i>"</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i>As You Like It"</i></b> and <b><i>"All's Well that Ends Well"</i></b> and Somerset Maugham's <b><i>"The Circle"</i></b> -- a few of several titles. The theater complex is at 5950 Golf Course Road. Those heading into southern and western parts of the state may want to take a side trip to APT. All the details are at www.<a href="http://americanplayers.org/">americanplayers.org</a>.</span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Men, watch what you drink! The <b>DRAMA GROUP</b> gets itself into poison with a summer production of the what has been described as a "farcical black comedy," the 1939 old-lady-offs-male-visitors classic, <b><i>"Arsenic and Old Lace,"</i></b> <b>Aug. 6-15</b> at the <b>Studio Theatre</b>, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18 adults, $15 seniors and students. </span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER </b>371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents the award-winning musical <b><i>"Light in the Piazza,"</i></b> its annual Summerfest Musical through <b>Aug. 1</b>. David Boettcher directs with musical direction by Jonathan Billig. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for students, seniors 65 and older, (808) 481-3510.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><br />
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</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ6w9PDiSyFopgIrdH0_RNZXqqXJ4LWjEr2PPMn_zf4_zJzKtmUaYH8ciKNNGzoumnZBpyCKcpg_drPJWfDmbmsRcgTvJUqXJg_TBKQo8AOJTRTnPxwT8sBDD7Rm3sltx8ji7KCMZ8X0/s1600/islandcast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ6w9PDiSyFopgIrdH0_RNZXqqXJ4LWjEr2PPMn_zf4_zJzKtmUaYH8ciKNNGzoumnZBpyCKcpg_drPJWfDmbmsRcgTvJUqXJg_TBKQo8AOJTRTnPxwT8sBDD7Rm3sltx8ji7KCMZ8X0/s200/islandcast.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE </b>in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, continues its 35th season with a summer fairy tale, a musical love story set in the Caribbean Islands. Aptly titled, <b><i>"Once on this Island,"</i></b> the onetime Broadway production follows the story of a poor peasant girl who falls in love with an upper class gentleman. Their romance is treated with a calypso-flavored score and influence of the gods of love, earth, water and death. "Once ... Island" runs through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Tickets are $35-$48 and dinner packages are available; box office (847) 634-0200 and ticketmaster. More show details are at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>. Opening <b>Sept. 1, "A Chorus Line."</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences </b>gives new life to the beloved wooden puppet <b><i>"Pinocchio,"</i></b> composer/director/choreographer Marc Robin's musical production for all ages running through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Performances will be at 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. All tickets are $15 at the box office, (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> asks <b><i>"Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?"</i></b> <b>Aug. 6-</b> <b>15</b> at <b>Oak View Center</b>, 110th Street and Kilpatrick. Tickets are $21 at (708) 857-2200. You don't have to be Catholic to love the humor in the musical based on the 1970s book by Chicago Southside native John R. Powers. </span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZsyzpr7k_ULtGU0Ld2fhDIHrOuCPeu7Bjm97D8VgO35VoVkCbx56P9nGvf1iG67LkLXKdT_i4YgE_JnpeQ_tTbklreSdWBSmsY1QHBWQthgG8e4sLDJLvDuN4_6FZ_hwSin4sTpfYIk/s1600/lesenfants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZsyzpr7k_ULtGU0Ld2fhDIHrOuCPeu7Bjm97D8VgO35VoVkCbx56P9nGvf1iG67LkLXKdT_i4YgE_JnpeQ_tTbklreSdWBSmsY1QHBWQthgG8e4sLDJLvDuN4_6FZ_hwSin4sTpfYIk/s200/lesenfants.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">RED TAPE THEATRE,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 621 W. Belmont, Chicago, presents Les Enfants Terrible in</span> <i>"Prom Night,"</i> through Aug. 14. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tickets are $20, $15 student and industry, <a href="http://www.redtapetheatre.org/">www.redtapetheatre.org</a>. Red Tape is an experimental theater and my guess is this production certainly is not going to reflect any prom night in your life or mine. The website is tantalizing but alas, I will not be able to attend this production. If you're interested in the unusual, check out the website to find out more. And if you do go, please e-mail me your comments! No idea what the photo is all about but the characters are Les Enfant Terrible.</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyNUnQ7LILo_m3K2gN_TyMNZr8_5Cwal2I4gAOe_nsV4dHObb_Mw6I2rKWKnKdjCDmdmLmMHtbTnKOFr-UrmQHpfoiymb-fr0Op4-UPNddo3b_NNTVeIPntOLkN3Sbrf8DBLdY7aML0k/s1600/WS+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyNUnQ7LILo_m3K2gN_TyMNZr8_5Cwal2I4gAOe_nsV4dHObb_Mw6I2rKWKnKdjCDmdmLmMHtbTnKOFr-UrmQHpfoiymb-fr0Op4-UPNddo3b_NNTVeIPntOLkN3Sbrf8DBLdY7aML0k/s320/WS+1.JPG" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><b>SLATE THEATRE</b> presents the musical comedy, <b><i>"The Wedding Singer,"</i></b> based on the movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The show runs through <b>Aug. 7</b> at <b>Center for Performing Arts</b>, Governors State University. Tickets are $18 and $21 at (708) 234-2222. SLATE hotline is (708) 235-2824. Pictured" Bill Kilderis (from left), Anne Litchfield, Fidel Calderon, Jonathan Schaffer and Andrew Calderon.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><b>STAR PRODUCTIONS,</b> a regional theater production, presents <b><i>"Annie,"</i></b> <b>July 31 - Aug. 8</b>. at <b>Star Plaza Theatre</b>, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrilville, Indiana. John Boss plays Daddy Warbucks in this all-time favorite musical. Tickets are $20-$25 at Star Plaza box office and Ticketmaster outlets.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(312) 335-1650,<b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">debuts a new play by Bruce Norris, <b><i>"A Parallelogram,"</i></b> as the final production in the 2009-2010 season. Like those before it this season, this new play explores the theme of belief. Bee is a young woman who believes she has the uncanny ability to see the future and perhaps even more. "With a click of the television remote, we loop through time in this dark, funny world premiere,,," directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. "Parallelograms" opens July 1 and runs through Aug. 29. Tickets are are $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>. Photo: Steppenwolf ensemble member Kate Arrington (left) and Marylouise Burke chat away and play cards in "Parallelogram.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">If you've never seen <b><i>"Jesus Christ Superstar,"</i></b> you're missing out. And if you have seen it before, chances are you'll want to do so again. <b>THEATRE AT THE CENTER,</b> 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, brings this musical to life through <b>Aug. 8</b>. You don't have to be Christian to get into the spirit of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice groundbreaking collaboration, first produced on Broadway in 1971. This musical was the Webber/Rice team's first production and it's become a classic blockbuster. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The dynamic Stacey Flaster directs and choreographs and Bill Underwood always shines as musical director. The always dynamic Larry Adams portrays Pontius Pilate, and Max Quinlan, an outstanding performer who has appeared on numerous regional stages, stars as Jesus Christ. Joe Tokarz is brilliant Judas and Jackie Gessert has a featured role in the ensemble. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tickets are $36 to $40 at (219) 836-3255, at <a href="http://www.tickets.com/">www.tickets.com</a> or <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.theatreatthecenter.com</a> and at (800) 511-1552.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></span></i></b></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">COUNTRY CLUB HILLS THEATER</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">, 4116 W. 183rd St., (708) 799-8183, continues its lineup of R&B:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> July 31 Roy Ayers with Maysa </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">opening;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> Aug. 7 Manhattans </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> Ray Goodman & Brown & Blue Magic; Aug. 14 David Sanborn </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">George Duke opening. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Alas, the Aug. 28 Smoky Robinson concert already has sold out. All the details and tickets are at </span><a href="http://www.countryclubhillstheater.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">www.countryclubhillstheater.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</b> and <b>Ravisloe Country Club</b>, 18231 S. Park Ave. Homewood, link up to present a summer chamber music series to the Southland. The final event in the summer chamber concert series will take place in the Ravisloe courtyard at <b>7:30 p.m. Aug. 13. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> "By George," features the</span> Chicago Classic Brass </b>performing an eclectic program of music by, of course, Georges: Handel, Bizet, Harrison, Cohan and Lucas. Tickets are $20 each and can be ordered at the IPO (708) 481-7774 and at <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5xXoyi1dp08N0IX1-fAHu8l0FPTygM0-pC3o5VKxWbKMSj_cJ9y3vPSU_08_stLv1Kp3lwlrwC_lmq9ZnpTxkvxege5wOQdUKSiCxuBrcyu2wGaASkk7cZhnZ5X-bXwSLamnLXip_YE/s1600/laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5xXoyi1dp08N0IX1-fAHu8l0FPTygM0-pC3o5VKxWbKMSj_cJ9y3vPSU_08_stLv1Kp3lwlrwC_lmq9ZnpTxkvxege5wOQdUKSiCxuBrcyu2wGaASkk7cZhnZ5X-bXwSLamnLXip_YE/s200/laura.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hits of Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Bing Crosby and other legends are brought back to the stage by Laura Freeman and Rob Dorn in<i> </i><b><i>"The Judy Garland Duets,"</i> 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at WILMETTE THEATRE</b>, 1122 Central Ave. and <b>3 p.m. Aug. 22 the METROPOLIS THEATER</b>, 111 Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Details and ticket information are at <a href="http://www.laurafreeman.com/">www.laurafreemansings.com</a>.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe89EKTVguU3ARNHd4Ses6awD96teZmEPIWHF-yoDghgRXbcu3Wd1uEIPhKvPWPT6aFv3-cO1zJ2xH6koO5yDbnKLZSEvfRusexN4OVkpXHjy8QkRfP-EHzT1Ft6GPO4dIFgHvvJ1qws/s1600/Neverly+Brothers+-+Rockabilly+%26+Briish+Invasion+collage+poster+size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe89EKTVguU3ARNHd4Ses6awD96teZmEPIWHF-yoDghgRXbcu3Wd1uEIPhKvPWPT6aFv3-cO1zJ2xH6koO5yDbnKLZSEvfRusexN4OVkpXHjy8QkRfP-EHzT1Ft6GPO4dIFgHvvJ1qws/s200/Neverly+Brothers+-+Rockabilly+%26+Briish+Invasion+collage+poster+size.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The South Suburbs'<b> NEVERLY BROTHERS</b> take you on a rock and roll ride of a lifetime at a series of concerts coming up soon. The trio "packs a punch with a unique amalgamation of Rockabilly and British Invasion rock," a Chicago Tribune reviewer wrote. Upcoming concerts: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <b>6 p.m. Aug. 6</b>, <b>Crestwood Fest</b>, Caesar Park (141st Street and S. Kenton Avenue); </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>8 p.m. Aug. 7, Pheasant Run Mainstage</b> Theater, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, tickets at (630) 584-6352;<b> 3 p.m.-6p.m. Aug. 15, Prairie Days Summer Fest,</b> Outdoor Concert, <b>Anunciation Byzantine Catholic Church</b>, 14610 S. Will-Cook Road, Homer Glen. Check out the band at <a href="http://www.theneverlybrothers.com/">www.theneverlybrothers.com</a>. Photo, top row, Kegham Giragosian on drums, Kevin Giragosian on guitar and Craig Gigstad on bass).</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There's music in the plaza, as in <b>ZABROCKI PLAZA</b> on Oak Park Avenue just north of the Metra station, Tinley Park. A series of free summer concerts from 7-10 p.m. -- bring your chairs and blankets for the final three concerts of the summer; <b>Heartless (rock) on July 31;</b> <b>The Walk-ins (rock) on Aug. 7; </b><b>King Snakes (blues) on Aug. 14</b>. Check out the details and more village activities at <a href="http://www.tinleypark.org/">www.tinleypark.org</a>.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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</b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b>ATLAS GALLERIES, </b>535 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 329-9330, presents </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times;">Mario Jung, One Man, One Masterful Collection</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">, opening noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 1; <a href="http://www.atlasgalleries.com/">www.atlasgalleries.com</a>.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvgBhsMBJqQVUKYtKjj6CTkdmz2_lqOq4RDa-LWVfcVTAkSVdxp72r0dt17UQH1bohlBNKeY9VcbdVqsq5lVU-58T7jXPuMrSsDmvFgSF_R_3n2CcCI6uh8QsubHYSiHLDTZpJaNFjhg/s1600/depaulian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvgBhsMBJqQVUKYtKjj6CTkdmz2_lqOq4RDa-LWVfcVTAkSVdxp72r0dt17UQH1bohlBNKeY9VcbdVqsq5lVU-58T7jXPuMrSsDmvFgSF_R_3n2CcCI6uh8QsubHYSiHLDTZpJaNFjhg/s200/depaulian.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, brings art to life with the interactive </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times;">"The Nomadic Studio"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> exhibit through </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">Nov. 21</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">. This exhibit event is a "collaborative workplace for DePaul and the surrounding community." Photo: Ian Bennett spray paints "Musical Chairs" at the Nomadic Studio. All the details are at <a href="http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/">http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/</a> and at (773) 325-7506. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to 7 p.m. Friday, noon- 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Hyde Park Art Center</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., features </span><i>"Roger Brown: Calif: USA"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> an exhibit showcasing what is described as "rare artwork and collections of the famed Chicago imagist." The exhibit of works by the acclaimed graduate of the School of the Art Institute runs through </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Oct. 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> and gallery admission is always free. For hours and other details: (773) 324-5520 and <a href="http://www.hydeparkart.org/">www.hydeparkart.org</a>. </span></b></span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;">Who, what is the "object of your affection?" <b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, looks at affection in a juried show, <b><i>"Objects of Affection,"</i></b> <b>Aug. 27-Sept. 24</b>. The exhibit is dedicated to the "study, portrayal and artistic interpretation of arranged objects." That show is followed by another national juried event, <b><i>"Either/OR"</i></b> from <b>Oct. 8 - Nov. 26</b>. All the details for artists and visitors, including gallery hours, are at <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/">www.unionstreetgallery.org</a> and at (708) 754-2601. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">How are each of you linked to the stars? Yes the ones in the sky! Find out at</span> ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The newest sky show in the Definiti Theatre will answer the question about you and stars as</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> <b>Whoopi Goldberg</b> narrates the spectacular <b><i>"Journey to the Stars." </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">See how stars are born and how they die and where our sun fits into the big universe</span><i>. </i></b>Show schedules and everything else you need for a day at Adler can be found at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stars twinkle in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">urther information is at (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and search Trackman. Ask for Art the sky guy. Shows resume in late summer.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzh2HyGOc1pE6hetPJxHJOChSMZ_UxdV-3FtudA1Lmm0F12Pt04BOYvHCvXNINOV1zx6fGsfPIc7dWyv_x1g2CaqAZlzhsyBywA-KcF3F2e6ZT7Mtf136wD6KmupJfdRsVYy0GxnQp6M/s1600/159852_1219896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzh2HyGOc1pE6hetPJxHJOChSMZ_UxdV-3FtudA1Lmm0F12Pt04BOYvHCvXNINOV1zx6fGsfPIc7dWyv_x1g2CaqAZlzhsyBywA-KcF3F2e6ZT7Mtf136wD6KmupJfdRsVYy0GxnQp6M/s200/159852_1219896.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Chicago history, architecture and photography fans will want to put this on their calendars!<b> ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave., Chicago, presents <b><i>"Looking after Louis Sullivan: Photographs, Drawings and Fragment,"</i></b> an extraordinary photographic examination of Sullivan's architectural legacy to Chicago as seen through the lenses of legendary photographers John Szarkowski, Aaron Siskind and Richard Nickel. In addition to more than 60 photographic classics, the exhibit features 20 Sullivan drawings and sketches as well as terracotta and metal architectural fragments. The exhibit is included in general admission. All the details for a day at the Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. (Walker Warehouse, photo by Aaron Siskind, 1953; courtesy Art Institute.) Another blockbuster opens on <b>July 25</b>, a huge --300 prints -- retrospective of photos by legendary photography giant, <b><i>"Henri Cartier Bresson: The Modern Century." </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All the information you need for an Art Institute day is at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP9Tr7molNJWCxsUTKo3xbmhpHQeXGdKV6WkaNUUCAY6Qz0PPHTM8_8KaZorrCNTaZ5ZQ75QREMg6KInVQMih1JU9X2EWqTsD7H1_FO2rVsf0FKie9pI-LPr8khwyOGAabcNOGT85XKQ/s1600/41HFvmgbmHL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP9Tr7molNJWCxsUTKo3xbmhpHQeXGdKV6WkaNUUCAY6Qz0PPHTM8_8KaZorrCNTaZ5ZQ75QREMg6KInVQMih1JU9X2EWqTsD7H1_FO2rVsf0FKie9pI-LPr8khwyOGAabcNOGT85XKQ/s200/41HFvmgbmHL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">ATTENTION SOX FANS! There's always lots of stuff going on at <b>BROOKFIELD ZOO</b> , 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000, and on <b>Aug. 12, Chicago White Sox</b> players will be on hand from <b>11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.</b> to sign autographs for visitors. Find out who will be there on the Chicago Zoological Society website, <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a>, before the event. Also, if you're at the zoo, look up in the trees and you might see one of the Golden Lion Tamarins, small monkeys that were set free on zoo grounds so they could learn to hunt insects and get around on their own. The tiny primates have radio collars so the animal program staffers can keep tabs on them and take them back home if they get lost. All the info you need for a day at Brookfied is at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</b>, 1801 N. Clark, (312) 642-4600, comes to Millennium Park Aug. 16-22 in the city's <b><i>Family Fun Tent</i></b>. Each day features new activities for kids of all ages. At the museum itself, <b><i>"Facing Freedom"</i></b> has joined the roster of main exhibits. Details are at <a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/">www.chicagohistory.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, presents what should be a fascinating look at one movement in that battle against racism:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The exhibit joins permanent galleries, all focused on the lives and stories of African Americans throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Wonder about the weather? Explore the science, history and impact of climate change on people around the world, living in many different environments, from atolls to massive continents and everything in between the museum's temporary exhibit, <b><i>"Climate Change,"</i></b> now through <b>Nov. 28</b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Of course, Field Museum packs in the treasures. You can 'shrink' to the size of a bug and explore the world beneath your feet in <b><i>Underground Adventure</i></b>. Visitors get a bug's-eye view of life below ground and come face-to-face with anamatronic creatures. Special for the little ones (and their parents and grandparents) -- the<b> Crown Family Playlab </b>is geared to the toddler and pre-school set. All the details for your visit are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>.</span><br />
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<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Chicago, continues its</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> blockbuster exhibit, </span><i>"Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> <b>through Oct. 17</b>. Calder (1898-1976), an American sculptor, remains an icon of the art world. Sixty of Calder's works, along with 20 sculptures by contemporary artists, reveal the power of the master's influence. Also, from </span>Aug. 7-29, Carrie Gundersdorf<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> explores images from outer space in her abstract color pencil drawings. For a special Boul Mich type evening, check out the MCA's First Fridays. The 411 for a visit to the MCA is at </span><a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">www.mcachicago.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, (312) 738-1503, just opened </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">"Millas y Kilometros,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"> an exhibit of works focused on themes and issues of significance to artists of Mexican descent working in the city of Chicago and state of Chiapas; through Nov. 28. The museum is always free and has an awesome gift shop. </span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Set sail for -- or with -- </span>SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a> as the world class aquarium blows into summer. <b><i>Tall Ship Windy</i></b>, a four-mast schooner, will sail on Aug. 14 with young people and on Aug. 21 with families for two-hour voyages on Lake Michigan. Shedd members and other visitors can sign up now at (312) 692-3206. There's still plenty of time to enjoy <b><i>"Jazzin' at the Shedd"</i></b> Wednesday evenings until Sept. 1.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">*******************************</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-78814138547513795502010-07-11T08:21:00.000-07:002010-07-30T09:49:50.677-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Dear Readers, </i></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzA12KqFyXklkRCwsoPKdSwdZK5htomsTz5_KlrsWeJquAqE6D3HBDGklP0qPVmmArzgmchZCG_tRI4G6qqYjqPWMR-TyFxfV3jVMbhM2dnynnIBdzyq9JkuaRYaSghRSBlnQhwV6PW4/s1600/tamarins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzA12KqFyXklkRCwsoPKdSwdZK5htomsTz5_KlrsWeJquAqE6D3HBDGklP0qPVmmArzgmchZCG_tRI4G6qqYjqPWMR-TyFxfV3jVMbhM2dnynnIBdzyq9JkuaRYaSghRSBlnQhwV6PW4/s320/tamarins.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Where do I begin. Summer is packed with arts and entertainment. Looking for a short and enthralling musical? Check out "Once on this Island" at Marriott, reviewed below. A bit closer to the South Suburbs, Towle Theatre in Hammond hits the stage with the Broadway blockbuster 'Rent" through July 25. Some nights are sold out already so check out the listing below and order tickets if this grabs you. </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>For the kids, several theaters have children's productions in progress, museums always fill youngsters with wonder and there's never a dull day at Brookfield Zoo where Golden Lion Tamarins, small primates, roam freely up in the trees, just like Diabo (left) and Delilah in the photo. </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>After my review below of the Marriott production, listings begin with theater, then music, art galleries and then museums and such, including the zoo and Shedd Aquarium.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Please continue to send me your listings and comments -- myrasharon@comcast.net. I love to hear from you -- even if it's a correction!</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Enjoy the summer</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>. Remember, you can find our link, and much more about the Southland and Southwest Subs at </i></b></span><a href="http://www.SouthlandSavvy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>www.SouthlandSavvy.com</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i> and </i></b></span><a href="http://www.YourSWGuide.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>www.YourSWGuide.com</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>.</i></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Marriott magic lives in spellbinding "Once on this Island"</span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">By Myra Eder</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire was my cruise ship to the Caribbean last week, transporting me to a magical unnamed island in the Antilles where sounds and sights blend in a captivating landscape. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">With its Calyspo-flavored score, sumptuously colorful costumes and stunning choreography, the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical "Once on this Island" (full cast photo below) cuts through disbelief and brings a romantic fairytale to life through Aug. 29.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnFBbShuxJBBv_-CFTMEqYlAcvxUO58PHrX1nA4n_eM1AdceiBFEWnqsFwCbstKOHPR_qw81GiJHZsXeHUX1VDPI69hEMeZmhlU96YaYaSKKKPUH7qqGZGzBroIAOYmmkDL01dOhqG_Q/s1600/islandcast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnFBbShuxJBBv_-CFTMEqYlAcvxUO58PHrX1nA4n_eM1AdceiBFEWnqsFwCbstKOHPR_qw81GiJHZsXeHUX1VDPI69hEMeZmhlU96YaYaSKKKPUH7qqGZGzBroIAOYmmkDL01dOhqG_Q/s400/islandcast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">The exotic villagers, who also are the storytellers, open with the lively and captivating "We Dance," a musical garland that welcomes the audience onto the island and into the story.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Alas, a violent storm swamps the village and when it's over, a little orphan (an adorable, very talented Nya) rests safely in a tree. The villagers bring her in as one of their own and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Mama Euralie (Joslyn Jones) and Tonton Julian (Michael James Leslie) raise the child, named Ti Moune. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Over time, as Ti Moune grows up (now played by Chasten Harmon), she loves her way into the hearts of all as she romances life.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Once again, a tremendous tempest hits the island, but this time a car crash leaves a young man, Daniel Beauxhomme, severely injured near the village. Ti Moune finds him and tends to his wounds until his people take him back to their town on the other side of the island where wealth, status and deeply-rooted class structure rule.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Ti Moune is convinced only she can heal Daniel and further, she believes the fates have brought them together. Against her parents advice, Ti Moune leaves her village and travels alone across the island to be with Daniel whom she nurses back to health.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">The two become lovers, and Ti Moune lives each day exhilarated by love and her belief in a future with Daniel.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Throughout the story, the four island gods -- Love, Earth, Water and Death try to manipulate the couple, their lives and their ultimate paths. Villagers had cautioned Ti Moune about the gods but she has taken no notice of any influence they have had on her life.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">To reveal the ending would spoil the enchanting beauty and passion of this tale, but I will say the gods do not act in vain.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Though not memorable, the island-flavored score fits the story perfectly. On press night, the all-out</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> production number, "Mama Will Provide," sung by Asaka (a dynamite Melody Betts) brought the audience together in wild applause and hoots of approval about half-way through the 90-minute, no intermission production.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Marriott has done it again. The extraordinary performances, enhanced by rich stage chemistry, cast a dreamlike spell that lasts until the actors have left the stage and house lights are back on. You are not likely to see this show produced anywhere else in the near future in spite of successes on and off Broadway. Perhaps this show simply requires such strong talent that it's simply too big a challenge for most regional theaters. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">The box office at Marriott Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, can be reached at (847) 634-0200. Further ticket information in listings below.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">THEATRE</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdIFkxCmuJZuN1BFSA3E9nNVy-6_oclOhfSK2jmFUEN7DNl9pOxiQ5FD4h8gJLDUjhGmf6gKRewibS7FRZHyvnaIlFYeqPnGLysdvkVNTaBuVfMzyTFbmvGDhr-uc5LoXSAdhzKe97dA/s1600/timheadshot" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdIFkxCmuJZuN1BFSA3E9nNVy-6_oclOhfSK2jmFUEN7DNl9pOxiQ5FD4h8gJLDUjhGmf6gKRewibS7FRZHyvnaIlFYeqPnGLysdvkVNTaBuVfMzyTFbmvGDhr-uc5LoXSAdhzKe97dA/s200/timheadshot" width="145" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The <b>BEVERLY ARTS CENTER</b>, 111th Street and Western Avenue (Southeast corner) presents -- are you ready -- <b><i>"Tim O'Malley's Super Fun Comedy Extravaganza" </i></b>at 8 p.m.<b> July 22</b>. Second City alum O'Malley ("Godshow") plans a laugh-till-you-hurt program. Tickets are $18, $15 for BAC members, <a href="http://www.ticketweb.com/">www.ticketweb.com</a>. O'Malley is pictured at right.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The <b>DRAMA GROUP</b> gets itself into poison with a summer production of the what has been described as a "farcical black comedy," the 1939 old-lady-offs-male-visitors play, <b><i>"Arsenic and Old Lace,"</i></b> <b>Aug. 6-15</b> at the <b>Studio Theatre</b>, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18 adults, $15 seniors and students.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4OH-Ej9UNiMygPPQoXvGgu2I7bBC0ng4J2vNKTlQNKHz_pmWNA_e8r521GNuRehyphenhyphenIa-sjiSEr5MvJkHB5VrrsASj1f08gtGBsTa0ZeD0Hne02s9SSlNkDVVf2Zd8wl7IWTqMCC3Ii-I/s1600/sugardrury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4OH-Ej9UNiMygPPQoXvGgu2I7bBC0ng4J2vNKTlQNKHz_pmWNA_e8r521GNuRehyphenhyphenIa-sjiSEr5MvJkHB5VrrsASj1f08gtGBsTa0ZeD0Hne02s9SSlNkDVVf2Zd8wl7IWTqMCC3Ii-I/s200/sugardrury.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>DRURY LANE THEATRE OAKBROOK TERRACE, </b>100 Drury Lane, sweetens the summer season through <b>Aug. 1</b> with <b><i>"Sugar,"</i></b> billed as a sexy and exhilarating musical comedy (Rod Thomas and Jennifer Knox at left). Set in the Prohibition era and based on the Oscar-winning 1959 film, "Some Like It Hot," "Sugar" opened on Broadway in 1972, ran for 505 performances and garnered four Tony nominations. Tickets are $31-$45, as low as $27 for seniors at matinee performances. Lunch and dinner theater packages available in advance for all theater-goers. Reservations are at (630) 530-0111 and Ticketmaster. More information at <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>, </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER </b>371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents the musical <b><i>"Light in the Piazza,"</i></b> its annual Summerfest Musical, <b>July 23-Aug. 1</b>. David Boettcher directs with musical direction by Jonathan Billig. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for students, seniors 65 and older, (808) 481-3510.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE </b>in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, continues its 35th season with a summer fairy tale, a musical love story set in the Caribbean Islands. Aptly titled, <b><i>"Once on this Island,"</i></b> the onetime Broadway production follows the story of a poor peasant girl who falls in love with an upper class gentleman. Their romance is treated with a calypso-flavored score and influence of the gods of love, earth, water and death. "Once ... Island" runs through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Tickets are $35-$48 and dinner packages are available; box office (847) 634-0200 and ticketmaster. More show details are at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>. SEE REVIEW AT START OF BLOG.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences </b>gives new life to the beloved wooden puppet <b><i>"Pinocchio"</i></b> with composer/director/choreographer Marc Robin's musical production for all ages, opening <b>July 15 </b>and running through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Performances will be at 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. All tickets are $15 at the box office, (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>NEW LINCOLN THEATRE</b> presents the wacky Charles Grippo political sex comedy, <b><i>"Sex Marks the Spot"</i></b> at the <b>Theatre Building Chicago</b>, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago. Show runs through <b>July 25</b>. Tickets are $26 (773) 327-5252 and Ticketmaster.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>99TH STREET SUMMER THEATER</b> returns with its second summer production, <b><i>"Anything Goes,"</i> July 22-24</b>. All shows start at 8 p.m. are at <b>Mother McAuley High School Auditorium</b>, 3737 W. 99th St (of course), Chicago. Tickets are $16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 children at (773) 881-6512 and at <a href="http://www.mothermcauley.org/">www.mothermcauley.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> asks <b><i>"Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?"</i></b> through <b>July</b> <b>15</b> at <b>Oak View Center</b>, 110th Street and Kilpatrick. Tickets are $21 at (708) 857-2200. You don't have to be Catholic to find the humor in the musical based on the 1970s book by Chicago Southside native John R. Powers. </span><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Aye, Matey. <b>OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP</b>, which presents theatrical productions throughout the year to raise funds for various causes, continues in Gilbert and Sullivan territory with the riotous <b><i>"Pirates of Penzance" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">through</span></i> July 18 </b>at <b>Alan B. Shepard High School Fine Arts Center</b>, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights. The wacky story finds a nursemaid, a wannabe pirate and of course, a beautiful young lass all caught up in a totally crazy plot with a fantastic musical score. Tickets are $20, $18 seniors and kids 12 and under. More information on the theater <a href="http://www.markkorres.com/onag/default.htm">website</a> and via e-mail at <a href="mailto:info@openingnightartsgroup.org">info@openingnightartsgroup.org</a> or at (708) 579-1630, extension 0 and leave a message.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">OK. You've been watching all the CSI shows and probably NCIS too. Now it's your turn to help solve a mystery (or maybe be the bad guy) as <b>ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</b> presents the interactive, audience participation and no doubt bloody entertaintaining <b><i>"Til Death Do US Part Murder Mystery Comedy"</i></b> <b>July 30, 31</b> at <b>Orland Park Civic Center</b>, 14750 Ravinia Drive. Tickets are $25 for the cocktail and hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m. and showtime at 8 p.m. Reservations and information are at (708) 403-7275 and at <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">www.orland-park.il.us</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDIwgzwC92gm1DDdGojkntyFJptkGsgd91TtPHCSphTmZcRWvLzYJ6NwQc9AB3_i8XfaPloFOrOHzM59s75E2J9guJ88qaO1vbOSu9_9WjtDbfS7KxktpT0Rpzd7m35C2YJZR7zrcPeo/s1600/dennynoblefool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDIwgzwC92gm1DDdGojkntyFJptkGsgd91TtPHCSphTmZcRWvLzYJ6NwQc9AB3_i8XfaPloFOrOHzM59s75E2J9guJ88qaO1vbOSu9_9WjtDbfS7KxktpT0Rpzd7m35C2YJZR7zrcPeo/s200/dennynoblefool.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE</b>, home of Noble Fool Theatricals, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles in the Fox Valley presents a summer filled with a mix of theater and musical performances by national and local touring acts.<b><i> Denny Diamond: Neil Diamond Tribute <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(photo at left)</span></i></b> at <b>8 p.m.</b> <b>July 17</b> is followed by Noble Fool Youth Ensemble production of <b><i>"Wizard of Oz," <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">matinee performances,</span> </i></b> <b>July 23-Aug. 8</b>. There's more in store. At <b><i>8 p.m. Aug. 7</i></b>, the stage will rock with the <b><i>Neverly Brothers</i></b> retro R 'n' R extravaganza (see Neverlys in music listings below). From <b>Aug. 13-15</b>, <b><i>"Defending the Caveman"</i></b> comes to the stage followed at <b>8 p.m. Aug. 21</b> with the <b><i>Hot Rocks </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">tribute to the Rolling Stones.</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">You're all invited to the nuptials that close the summer stage season. <b><i>"Tony n' Tina's Wedding"</i></b> returns at <b>7 p.m. Aug. 27</b>, and if you've never seen Tony and Tina get hitched before, you're missing one heckuva madcap interactive wedding that includes an Italian buffet style dinner and an evening of dancing and some very convincing characters who will never tell you whether they are cast members or guests like you. Here's to Tina and Tony ... again! Pheasant Run ticket prices vary depending on the act, but all tickets are at the box office, (630) 584-6342 and Ticketmaster. Overnight theater packages at the resort are available.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">RED TAPE THEATRE,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 621 W. Belmont, Chicago, presents Les Enfants Terrible in</span> <i>"Prom Night,"</i> July 15-Aug. 14. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tickets are $20, $15 student and industry, <a href="http://www.redtapetheatre.org/">www.redtapetheatre.org</a>. Red Tape is an experimental theater and my guess is this production certainly is not going to reflect any prom night in your life or mine. The website is tantalizing but alas, I will not be able to attend this production. If you're interested in the unusual, check out the website to find out more. And if you do go, please e-mail me your comments!</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><b>SLATE THEATRE</b> presents the musical comedy, <b><i>"The Wedding Singer,"</i></b> based on the movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The show runs from <b>July 31-Aug.7</b> at <b>Center for Performing Arts</b>, Governors State University. Tickets are $18 and $21 at (708) 234-2222. SLATE hotline is (708) 235-2824.</span><br />
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</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgF81oCjtSsaXgVM6or6WWFggJfcvjk9mUpD5PWOfogRGpALsBPkO8xhNSwuu8cWuPTs1zx_toCZMTl6_s8G0gd3ZXHWmyDnoJlMbJmZCV4Pr1FkG6KyXrTwGFxebjJm78l8rxMtTtR8/s1600/parallel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgF81oCjtSsaXgVM6or6WWFggJfcvjk9mUpD5PWOfogRGpALsBPkO8xhNSwuu8cWuPTs1zx_toCZMTl6_s8G0gd3ZXHWmyDnoJlMbJmZCV4Pr1FkG6KyXrTwGFxebjJm78l8rxMtTtR8/s320/parallel.jpg" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(312) 335-1650,<b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">debuts a new play by Bruce Norris, <b><i>"A Parallelogram,"</i></b> as the final production in the 2009-2010 season. Like those before it this season, this new play explores the theme of belief. Bee is a young woman who believes she has the uncanny ability to see the future and perhaps even more. "With a click of the television remote, we loop through time in this dark, funny world premiere,,," directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. "Parallelograms" opens July 1 and runs through Aug. 29. Tickets are are $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>. Photo: Steppenwolf ensemble member Kate Arrington (left) and Marylouise Burke chat away and play cards in "Parallelogram."</span></span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGag9HrUJAapRr26igWh5bMwrBIvcYBw6CCq43fTCDzp5oAEMZ-eFpaQw0CujTVnN8Yh5TRNcRBkROzS1Z8Xy1G8fAsI4PgmaCBq33M64CnJhtY6sVMOJjZQaHb55OMYOEv309kmvlw4/s1600/larrymaxjesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGag9HrUJAapRr26igWh5bMwrBIvcYBw6CCq43fTCDzp5oAEMZ-eFpaQw0CujTVnN8Yh5TRNcRBkROzS1Z8Xy1G8fAsI4PgmaCBq33M64CnJhtY6sVMOJjZQaHb55OMYOEv309kmvlw4/s320/larrymaxjesus.jpg" width="214" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">If you have never seen <b><i>"Jesus Christ Supestar,"</i></b> you're missing out. And if you have seen it before, chances are you'll want to do so again. <b>Theatre at the Center,</b> 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, brings this musical to life through <b>Aug. 8</b>. You don't have to be Christian to get into the spirit of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice groundbreaking collaboration, first produced on Broadway in 1971. This musical was the Webber/Rice team's first production and it's become a classic blockbuster. The dynamic Stacey Flaster directs and choreographs and Bill Underwood always shines as musical director. Larry Adams (left), one of my favorite regional actors, portrays Pontius Pilate, and Max Quinlan, an outstanding performer who has appeared on numerous regional stages, stars as Jesus Christ. Joe Tokarz portrays Judas and Jackie Gessert has a featured role in the ensemble. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tickets are $36 to $40 at (219) 836-3255, at <a href="http://www.tickets.com/">www.tickets.com</a> or <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.theatreatthecenter.com</a> and at (800) 511-1552.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWExoaihx9HlZfSm2lj_QfPlWLsuHpKxDFK8LWCeXRjF9L1g1h1-y-uMSxuQoLkywUWJ6MZUZy0YP2TiX1CCR90IlHyuPXCw72v4UU5M60H2B3AS3-PE9TzThah2lWwTwEgZo5eIkAbsU/s1600/rent5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWExoaihx9HlZfSm2lj_QfPlWLsuHpKxDFK8LWCeXRjF9L1g1h1-y-uMSxuQoLkywUWJ6MZUZy0YP2TiX1CCR90IlHyuPXCw72v4UU5M60H2B3AS3-PE9TzThah2lWwTwEgZo5eIkAbsU/s320/rent5.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>TOWLE THEATER</b>, 2025 Hohman Ave., Hammond, Indiana, brings the Broadway blockbuster <b><i>"Rent"</i></b> to the Southland stage (OK, Northwest Indiana stage) <b>through July 25</b>. The story is loosely based on the opera "La Boheme" and follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York's East Village. All performances except one will be in the company's home theater. The production hits the road for a special <b>Aug. 14</b> performance at <b>Star Plaza Theatre</b>, just off Interstate 65 at Route 30, Merrillville. Tickets for that show are at the Star Plaza box office and Ticketmaster. All tickets at home theater are $15 at (219) 937-8780 and <a href="http://www.towletheater.org/">www.towletheater.org</a>. "Rent" production photo features Kristyana Burgos (from left), Shawn A. Smith, Antoinette Alessio, Reneisha Jenkins and Aaron Itczak.</span><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FERMILAB ARTS SERIES</b> at Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Lab) in Batavia continues its summer lineup in <b>Ramsey Auditorium </b>with Chicago folk trio <b><i>Sons of the Never Wrong</i></b> at <b>8 p.m. July 24</b>. Tickets are $15, $8 for ages 18 and younger. Singer/songwriter <b><i>Claudia Schmidt </i></b>performs at <b>8 p.m. Aug. 14</b>. Tickets are $14/$7. Tickets can be ordered at the box office (630) 840-ARTS (2787). The auditorium is in the back of Wilson Hall, the iconic curved main building at Fermilab. and we have always found the auditorium's acoustics to be terrific. The seats are raked and the stage is easily visible everywhere. BTW: all seats general admission. Both Pine Street and Batavia Road entrances are open for the arts series. Check out sketch map/directions to Fermilab here <a href="http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml">http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKBrJWxQa2j5NhPXaoh1uSmLA2K2KP-1jC6EnfEn36bITZOjCTPvNodg9GGJIbJq9wM0e6FsZtU7HOyEy8Kkpwm1tWmNDjlSG-Ihw8HYRZcHvWGFyF-i09SfBFzgKdt0jQRUmGgBnkHE/s1600/harrybrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKBrJWxQa2j5NhPXaoh1uSmLA2K2KP-1jC6EnfEn36bITZOjCTPvNodg9GGJIbJq9wM0e6FsZtU7HOyEy8Kkpwm1tWmNDjlSG-Ihw8HYRZcHvWGFyF-i09SfBFzgKdt0jQRUmGgBnkHE/s200/harrybrown.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>HARRY BROWN</b>, well known in the Southland for his visual and musical arts, opens for Al Rose & the Transcendos at <b>8 p.m. July 26</b> at <b>Uncommon Ground</b>, 1401 W. Devon Ave., Chicago. Brown will perform songs from "The Right Amount of Friendly," his new CD and other original numbers. Check out Harry's music at <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com.cd/harrybrown.">www.cdbaby.com.cd/harrybrown.</a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</b> and <b>Ravisloe Country Club</b>, 18231 S. Park Ave. Homewood, link up to present a summer chamber music series to the Southland. The second and third chamber concerts, which will take place in the Ravisloe courtyard, are scheduled for <b>7:30 p.m. July 29</b> featuring <b>Suite Strings</b> and the <b>IPO Chamber Orchestra</b> and <b>7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">for music "By George," with the</span> Chicago Classic Brass. </b>Tickets are $20 each and can be ordered at the IPO (708) 481-7774 and at <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe89EKTVguU3ARNHd4Ses6awD96teZmEPIWHF-yoDghgRXbcu3Wd1uEIPhKvPWPT6aFv3-cO1zJ2xH6koO5yDbnKLZSEvfRusexN4OVkpXHjy8QkRfP-EHzT1Ft6GPO4dIFgHvvJ1qws/s1600/Neverly+Brothers+-+Rockabilly+%26+Briish+Invasion+collage+poster+size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe89EKTVguU3ARNHd4Ses6awD96teZmEPIWHF-yoDghgRXbcu3Wd1uEIPhKvPWPT6aFv3-cO1zJ2xH6koO5yDbnKLZSEvfRusexN4OVkpXHjy8QkRfP-EHzT1Ft6GPO4dIFgHvvJ1qws/s200/Neverly+Brothers+-+Rockabilly+%26+Briish+Invasion+collage+poster+size.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The South Suburbs'<b> NEVERLY BROTHERS</b> take you on a rock and roll ride of a lifetime at a series of concerts coming up soon. The trio "packs a punch with a unique amalgamation of Rockabilly and British Invasion rock," a Chicago Tribune reviewer wrote. I've seen these guys over and over, and if you don't walk away from an NB concert with a huge smile on your face, you should check your temperature when you get home! Upcoming concerts: <b>7 p.m. July 14</b>, Downtown stage at Prospect and Park avenues, <b>Clarendon Hills</b>; <b>5:30 p.m. July 18</b> on the Gazebo Stage, Lake and Courtland streets, <b>Mundelein</b>; <b>8 p.m. Aug. 7, Pheasant Run Mainstage</b> Theater, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, tickets at (630) 584-6352. Check out the band at <a href="http://www.theneverlybrothers.com/">www.theneverlybrothers.com</a>. Photo, top row, Kegham Giragosian on drums, Kevin Giragosian on guitar and Craig Gigstad on bass)</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There's music in the plaza, as in <b>ZABROCKI PLAZA</b> on Oak Park Avenue just north of the Metra station, Tinley Park. A series of free summer concerts from 7-10 p.m. -- bring your chairs and blankets -- is now underway. The rest of the summer lineup includes <b>4-Cast </b><b>(1980s music) </b>on<b> July 24</b>; <b>Heartless (rock) on July 31;</b> <b>The Walk-ins (rock) on Aug. 7; </b><b>King Snakes (blues) on Aug. 14</b>. Check out the details and more village activities at <a href="http://www.tinleypark.org/">www.tinleypark.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;">POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b> - </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b>ATLAS GALLERIES, </b>535 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 329-9330, presents </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times;">New Artist Show</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">6-8 p.m. July 16</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">. Guests will have the opportunity to watch J. Scott Nicol, one of the five featured artists, as he paints live at Atlas during the opening. More information is at the phone number above and at <a href="http://www.atlasgalleries.com/">www.atlasgalleries.com</a>. The show is free and open to the public.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY </b>at<b> Prairie State College,</b> 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, presents<b> </b><b><i>"Synergy, Works by Union Street Artists,"</i></b><b> </b>continues through<b> July 29. </b>This potpourri of works in various media includes pieces by a number of acclaimed artists including Renee Klyczek Nordstrom and Marikay Peter Witlock. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and by appointment, (708) 709-3636.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr7Gy-Y9hlxFPBh6TE5Wq4SaK0bPLJKuKustzEp7L6_2_ae4NN3lPZ8blYohAdPiNOm1BU8FxUaHfPN4BjfaR1-S3ufk6tLo9FYdckpogDTTQMXWFmScAeJvEDJh2ydXcqV9M-PxJvuY/s1600/tallgrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr7Gy-Y9hlxFPBh6TE5Wq4SaK0bPLJKuKustzEp7L6_2_ae4NN3lPZ8blYohAdPiNOm1BU8FxUaHfPN4BjfaR1-S3ufk6tLo9FYdckpogDTTQMXWFmScAeJvEDJh2ydXcqV9M-PxJvuY/s200/tallgrass.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY</b>, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, (708) 748-3377, presents <b>"Fabulously Focused," </b>an exhibit of works in many media by juried artists from throughout Illinois, including many longtime Tall Grass artists and several new artists, including Marvin Wiltgen, Joe Pankowski and Michael Weiss of Park Forest, Patricia Wiseman of Burbank, Colin Thomas of Homewood, Ann Goldsmith of Olympia Fields and Debra Parker-Sawyer of Mokena. Other new artists hail from Chicago, Maywood and Algonquin. The exhibit continues through the summer and admission is always free. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Tall Grass artists and others from across the midwest are gearing up for the 55th Annual Park Forest Art Fair, Sept. 18, 19 in Downtown Park Forest. More information is with the gallery and on the website <a href="http://www.tallgrassarts.org/">www.tallgrassarts.org</a></span><br />
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</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2H61a4lS0LCUwaYdeXYIGlcm1ysMRrX7GRiHANFXT3NoqM6K_pWKa_oBXfXmyQVVV-kSBd2_TEEuSj_l1Otuo0KkJUNFrpBYupcmz74VUYpf-wmVTlGLzxN6ouVLLh7s_MCPVS66eHQ/s1600/unionpomar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2H61a4lS0LCUwaYdeXYIGlcm1ysMRrX7GRiHANFXT3NoqM6K_pWKa_oBXfXmyQVVV-kSBd2_TEEuSj_l1Otuo0KkJUNFrpBYupcmz74VUYpf-wmVTlGLzxN6ouVLLh7s_MCPVS66eHQ/s200/unionpomar.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, presents a <b>Nina Weiss</b> exhibit, <i><b>"Not Far Off,"</b></i> Landscapes inspired by forests and fields, through <b>July 31</b>. At the same time, the gallery features the black and white photography of <b>John Spomar III, <i>"The Past and the Promise."</i></b> There is no charge to visit the gallery. More information including gallery hours are at <a href="http://www.UnionStreetGallery.org/">www.UnionStreetGallery.org</a>. (Spomar image at right.)</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">How are each of you linked to the stars? Yes the ones in the sky! Find out at</span> ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The newest sky show in the Definiti Theatre will answer the question about you and stars as</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> <b>Whoopi Goldberg</b> narrates the spectacular <b><i>"Journey to the Stars." </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">See how stars are born and how they die and where our sun fits into the big universe</span><i>. </i></b>Show schedules and everything else you need for a day at Adler can be found at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stars twinkle in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">urther information is at (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and search Trackman. Ask for Art the sky guy. Shows resume in late summer.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzh2HyGOc1pE6hetPJxHJOChSMZ_UxdV-3FtudA1Lmm0F12Pt04BOYvHCvXNINOV1zx6fGsfPIc7dWyv_x1g2CaqAZlzhsyBywA-KcF3F2e6ZT7Mtf136wD6KmupJfdRsVYy0GxnQp6M/s1600/159852_1219896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzh2HyGOc1pE6hetPJxHJOChSMZ_UxdV-3FtudA1Lmm0F12Pt04BOYvHCvXNINOV1zx6fGsfPIc7dWyv_x1g2CaqAZlzhsyBywA-KcF3F2e6ZT7Mtf136wD6KmupJfdRsVYy0GxnQp6M/s200/159852_1219896.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Chicago history, architecture and photography fans will want to put this on their calendars!<b> ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave., Chicago, presents <b><i>"Looking after Louis Sullivan: Photographs, Drawings and Fragment,"</i></b> an extraordinary photographic examination of Sullivan's architectural legacy to Chicago as seen through the lenses of legendary photographers John Szarkowski, Aaron Siskind and Richard Nickel. In addition to more than 60 photographic classics, the exhibit features 20 Sullivan drawings and sketches as well as terracotta and metal architectural fragments. The exhibit is included in general admission. All the details for a day at the Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. (Walker Warehouse, photo by Aaron Siskind, 1953; courtesy Art Institute.) Another blockbuster opens on <b>July 25</b>, a huge --300 prints -- retrospective of photos by legendary photography giant, <b><i>"Henri Cartier Bresson: The Modern Century." </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All the information you need for an Art Institute day is at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">There's always lots of stuff going on at <b>Brookfield Zoo</b> , 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000. If you're there, look up in the trees and you might see one of the Golden Lion Tamarins, small monkeys (photo at top of blog), who were set free on zoo grounds so they could learn to hunt insects and get around on their own. The tiny primates have radio collars so the animal program staffers can keep tabs on them and take them back home if they get lost. All the info you need for a day at Brookfied is at <a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/">www.brookfieldzoo.org</a>.</span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, presents what should be a fascinating look at one movement in that battle against racism:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The exhibit joins permanent galleries, all focused on the lives and stories of African Americans throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Chicagoland's favorite T. rex, <b>Sue</b>, has been with the museum for 10 years and in celebration, the museum has installed <b><i>RoboSUE: The T. rex Experience. </i></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">An all-new 3-D movie, <b><i>"Waking the T. rex: The Story of SUE,"</i></b> takes visitors into another prehistoric adventure. <b>SEE SUE REVIEW, IMAGES AT END OF BLOG. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Of course, Field Museum packs in the treasures. You can 'shrink' to the size of a bug and explore the world beneath your feet in Underground Adventure. Visitors get a bug's-eye view of life below ground and come face-to-face with anamatronic creatures. Special for the little ones (and their parents and grandparents) -- the<b> Crown Family Playlab </b>is geared to the toddler and pre-school set. All the details for your visit are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Chicago, continues its</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> blockbuster exhibit, </span><i>"Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> <b>through Oct. 17</b>. Calder (1898-1976), an American sculptor, remains an icon of the art world. Sixty of Calder's works, along with 20 sculptures by contemporary artists, reveal the power of the master's influence. Also, from </span>Aug. 7-29, Carrie Gundersdorf<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> explores images from outer space in her abstract color pencil drawings. For a special Boul Mich type evening, check out the MCA's First Fridays. The 411 for a visit to the MCA is at </span><a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">www.mcachicago.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Pictured at left, Calder's "Sky Boat (floatiing)"; </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">courtesy Museum of Contemporary Art.</span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></b></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></b></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJE0kf2uxO9MSL99ja1jesuVGq-9N5n2M6bsf2OjZwOqJKw2EvBTSdKRyrcuBO2pt5zoQFmT-pFn09-oiBN2SNSuMPuRqIOAsFuAqFaJuoY1Y7nxOgzQnpc8Sxie09JybB7X2MbkoCAc/s1600/submarine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJE0kf2uxO9MSL99ja1jesuVGq-9N5n2M6bsf2OjZwOqJKw2EvBTSdKRyrcuBO2pt5zoQFmT-pFn09-oiBN2SNSuMPuRqIOAsFuAqFaJuoY1Y7nxOgzQnpc8Sxie09JybB7X2MbkoCAc/s200/submarine2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</b>, 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive, features an extraordinary and legendary exhibit of the only German submarine captured in World War II. The <b><i>U-505 Submarine</i></b>, in its entirety, brings to life many of the stories of World War II including the incredible capture of the killer German U-boat. A hall filled with multi-media exhibits about the war and the full story behind the sub's capture lead into the giant hall built to hold the ship. Everything you will need for a visit to MSI is at <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a>. MSI photo by Scott Brownell.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, in conjunction with the Consulate of Mexico, presents <b><i>"Sanctuary: Flight of the Majestic Monarchs"</i></b> as seen through the eyes of award-winning Mexican artists. "Weighing no more than a gram, the Monarch recognizes no borders or human divides on its 2,500-mile flight from Canada, through the midwest United States before it finally finds sanctuary in the warm fir forests and beautiful mountains of Michoacan, Mexico," museum press notes indicate. A full list of activities, in addition to the exhibit details, can be found at <a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264">http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Set sail for -- or with -- </span>SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a> as the world class aquarium blows into summer. <b><i>Tall Ship Windy</i></b>, a four-mast schooner, will sail on Aug. 14 with young people and on Aug. 21 with families for two-hour voyages on Lake Michigan. Shedd members and other visitors can sign up now at (312) 692-3206. Slots will fill quickly so those who want to join this rare opportunity might want to get on board now! Meanwhile, Penguin Encounters -- yes, close encounters -- continue along with all the other spectacular opportunities at Shedd. And you probably will be interested in this tidbit -- Shedd is aiding in the catastrophic oil gushing rescue of and rehabilitation of sea creatures, big and small. I could only find a little bit of information about Shedd's participation but will pursue this for the next blog. Meanwhile, check out Ben Bradley's report at <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7540608">http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7540608</a> .</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">*******************************</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> A DINO NAMED SUE</span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Step into the past and journey to Earth's prehistoric lands of the dinosaurs. In 2010, there's only one place on the planet where visitors can experience life-like close encounters with the giant creatures that roamed the planet more than 65 million ago years. Of course, that one location is the world famous <b>Field Museum,</b> 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive on the Chicago Museum Campus. </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">SUE, the magnificent and largest complete T. rex ever discovered, greets all visitors in the grand hall. And yes, most of Sue is authentic. There are areas where the skeleton has been filled in but the only major feature that is not genuine is Sue's skull, but it's an exact replica of the original one. Sue's real skull is on display in the museum but it's too heavy for display on the skeleton.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JiIBHIWEyZJkRC14WnCgbdWc1xEUT4KH1njx50KZokuoPoPsIM5O3N5YcOXT_CHHOsrHECzV62ljz-OaOQXw_4SSTGxeBqgOkJR0-5_nl0Brtlh02yrGtOn8n5pwDH_x2JWy2wcPRTg/s1600/10.+Triceratops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JiIBHIWEyZJkRC14WnCgbdWc1xEUT4KH1njx50KZokuoPoPsIM5O3N5YcOXT_CHHOsrHECzV62ljz-OaOQXw_4SSTGxeBqgOkJR0-5_nl0Brtlh02yrGtOn8n5pwDH_x2JWy2wcPRTg/s200/10.+Triceratops.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> This year, Sue and the museum celebrate 10 years of togetherness. Just steps from Sue's real skeleton, <b><i>"RoboSUE: The T. rex Experience"</i></b> breathes life into fearsome prehistoric creatures with fantastic 21st century technology. A robotic T. rex is only one aspect of this ancient jungle. Triceratops (at left) with its horned fan spread across its skull and the terrifying, lightning fast velociraptors will react to visitors in their field of vision. </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b><i>"Waking T. rex: The Story of SUE,"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(photo below)</span></span></i></b> feels like a time machine from which you can chronicle what Sue's life and death may have been like as well as see how the fossilized skeleton was discovered in South Dakota.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">This 3D film leaps far beyond the technology employed in the 1993 movie blockbuster, "Jurassic Park" and brings the Mesozoic era, 250 million years ago to 65 million years ago, right into the 21st century. </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-z9KJmBlKZpmYAhahLp0BgytjxQUytEt7Gtcfjos29VAaJ-u2QXs2_WPfaKYUPNWdnAa_oZVy3ZPGgx4drld2chjuqGTeo0BaYOIEh1KIUGSxenW4wIqyG7syHXrmeUHk9UXSjQ70Qs/s1600/sueroar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-z9KJmBlKZpmYAhahLp0BgytjxQUytEt7Gtcfjos29VAaJ-u2QXs2_WPfaKYUPNWdnAa_oZVy3ZPGgx4drld2chjuqGTeo0BaYOIEh1KIUGSxenW4wIqyG7syHXrmeUHk9UXSjQ70Qs/s200/sueroar.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">The museum has many programs scheduled to coincide with the Field/Sue 10th anniversary celebration. All the details about Sue's celebration, "RoboSUE" and "Waking T. rex," as well as everything you need for a visit to Field Museum, are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-32512891476042378632010-06-23T19:10:00.000-07:002010-06-24T19:30:28.435-07:00'Sugar,' poison, Pink Houses, 'Tommy,' right here!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Dear Readers,</i></b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Drury Lane Oakbrook sweetens the summer with "Sugar," a musical version of the 1959 comedy film "Some Like It Hot." Then the Drama Group adds some poison to close out the summer with the dark comedy, "Arsenic and Old Lace." Meanwhile, art galleries continue to showcase professional artists from Illinois and across the country. </i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Irwin Park, Homewood, and Zabrocki Plaza in Tinley Park are just two of the venues ready to rock through the summer, and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will present three chamber music concerts in coordination with Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood (yes, the concerts are open to all with tickets).</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Theatre-in-the-Hill presents a rarely seen anymore rock classic, The Who's "Tommy."</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Your world class museums and the wondrous Brookfield Zoo launch new exhibits and feature a never-ending list of activities for aficionados of all ages.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>So when company shows up at your doorstep, invited or otherwise, there's no reason to sit home and entertain when all the fun and fascination you could possibly imagine are right at your fingertips here in "And now presenting ..." </i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Keep the information and comments flowing in to me at myrasharon@comcast.net. And definitely let me know if you see any info errors.</i></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>See you again soon. And don't forget, you can find our link, and much more about the Southland and Southwest Subs at </i></b></span><a href="http://www.SouthlandSavvy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>www.SouthlandSavvy.com</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i> and </i></b></span><a href="http://www.YourSWGuide.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>www.YourSWGuide.com</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>.</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">THEATRE</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The <b>BEVERLY ARTS CENTER</b>, 111th Street and Western Avenue (Southeast corner) presents -- are you ready -- <b><i>"Tim O'Malley's Super Fun Comedy Extravaganza" </i></b>at 8 p.m.<b> July 22</b>. Second City alum O'Malley ("Godshow") plans a laugh-till-you-hurt program. Tickets are $18, $15 for BAC members, <a href="http://www.ticketweb.com/">www.ticketweb.com</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The <b>DRAMA GROUP</b> gets itself into poison with a summer production of the what has been described as a "farcical black comedy," the 1939 old-lady-offs-male-visitors play, <b><i>"Arsenic and Old Lace,"</i></b> <b>Aug. 6-15</b> at the <b>Studio Theatre</b>, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18 adults, $15 seniors and students.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4OH-Ej9UNiMygPPQoXvGgu2I7bBC0ng4J2vNKTlQNKHz_pmWNA_e8r521GNuRehyphenhyphenIa-sjiSEr5MvJkHB5VrrsASj1f08gtGBsTa0ZeD0Hne02s9SSlNkDVVf2Zd8wl7IWTqMCC3Ii-I/s1600/sugardrury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4OH-Ej9UNiMygPPQoXvGgu2I7bBC0ng4J2vNKTlQNKHz_pmWNA_e8r521GNuRehyphenhyphenIa-sjiSEr5MvJkHB5VrrsASj1f08gtGBsTa0ZeD0Hne02s9SSlNkDVVf2Zd8wl7IWTqMCC3Ii-I/s200/sugardrury.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>DRURY LANE THEATRE OAKBROOK TERRACE, </b>100 Drury Lane, sweetens the summer season through <b>Aug. 1</b> with <b><i>"Sugar,"</i></b> billed as a sexy and exhilarating musical comedy (Rod Thomas and Jennifer Knox at left). Set in the Prohibition era and based on the Oscar-winning 1959 film, "Some Like It Hot," "Sugar" opened on Broadway in 1972, ran for 505 performances and garnered four Tony nominations. Tickets are $31-$45, as low as $27 for seniors at matinee performances. Lunch and dinner theater packages available in advance for all theater-goers. Reservations are at (630) 530-0111 and Ticketmaster. More information at <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>, </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</b> presents its annual free, outdoor Shakespeare in the Park production <b>June 25-27</b> on the <b>Village Green in Downtown Park Forest</b>. This year's production, the tragedy of <b><i>"Romeo and Juliet,"</i></b> will begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Come early, bring a picnic supper and enjoy a great night of free classic theater. In case of inclement weather, the production will move into Illinois Theatre Center, just steps away from the Village Green. More information at (708) 481-3510.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE </b>in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, continues its 35th season with a summer fairy tale, a musical love story set in the Caribbean Islands. Aptly titled, <b><i>"Once on this Island,"</i></b> the onetime Broadway production follows the story of a poor peasant girl who falls in love with an upper class gentleman. Their romance is treated with a calypso-flavored score and influence of the gods of love, earth, water and death. "Once ... Island" opens <b>July 7</b> and runs through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Tickets are $35-$48 and dinner packages are available; box office (847) 634-0200 and ticketmaster. More show details are at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences </b>gives new life to the beloved wooden puppet <b><i>"Pinocchio"</i></b> with composer/director/choreographer Marc Robin's musical production for all ages, opening <b>July 15 </b>and running through <b>Aug. 29</b>. Performances will be at 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. All tickets are $15 at the box office, (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>NEW LINCOLN THEATRE</b> presents the wacky Charles Grippo political sex comedy, <b><i>"Sex Marks the Spot"</i></b> at the <b>Theatre Building Chicago</b>, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago. Show runs through <b>July 25</b>. Tickets are $26 (773) 327-5252 and Ticketmaster.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>99TH STREET SUMMER THEATER</b> returns with two musical classics, <b><i>"Kiss Me Kate"</i></b> on <b>July 8-10</b> followed by <b><i>"Anything Goes,"</i> July 22-24</b>. All shows start at 8 p.m. are at <b>Mother McAuley High School Auditorium</b>, 3737 W. 99th St (of course), Chicago. Tickets are $16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 children at (773) 881-6512 and at <a href="http://www.mothermcauley.org/">www.mothermcauley.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> asks <b><i>"Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?"</i></b> from <b>Aug. 6-15</b> at <b>Oak View Center</b>, 110th Street and Kilpatrick. Tickets are $21 at (708) 857-2200. You don't have to be Catholic to find the humor in the musical based on the 1970s book by Chicago Southside native John R. Powers. Oak Lawn tickets sell out fast and now would be a great time to reserve yours!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Aye, Matey. <b>OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP</b>, which presents theatrical productions throughout the year to raise funds for various causes, heads into Gilbert and Sullivan territory with the riotous <b><i>"Pirates of Penzance"</i> July 10, 11 and 16-18 </b>at <b>Alan B. Shepard High School Fine Arts Center</b>, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights. The wacky story finds a nursemaid, a wannabe pirate and of course, a beautiful young lass all caught up in a totally crazy plot with a fantastic G&S musical score. Tickets are $20, $18 seniors and kids 12 and under. More information on the theater <a href="http://www.markkorres.com/onag/default.htm">website</a> and via e-mail at <a href="mailto:info@openingnightartsgroup.org">info@openingnightartsgroup.org</a> or at (708) 579-1630, extension 0 and leave a message.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">OK. You've been watching all the CSI shows and probably NCIS too. Now it's your turn to help solve a mystery (or maybe be the bad guy) as <b>ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</b> presents the interactive, audience participation and no doubt bloody entertaintaining <b><i>"Til Death Do US Part Murder Mystery Comedy"</i></b> <b>July 30, 31</b> at <b>Orland Park Civic Center</b>, 14750 Ravinia Drive. Tickets are $25 for the cocktail and hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m. and showtime at 8 p.m. Reservations and information are at (708) 403-7275 and at <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">www.orland-park.il.us</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDIwgzwC92gm1DDdGojkntyFJptkGsgd91TtPHCSphTmZcRWvLzYJ6NwQc9AB3_i8XfaPloFOrOHzM59s75E2J9guJ88qaO1vbOSu9_9WjtDbfS7KxktpT0Rpzd7m35C2YJZR7zrcPeo/s1600/dennynoblefool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDIwgzwC92gm1DDdGojkntyFJptkGsgd91TtPHCSphTmZcRWvLzYJ6NwQc9AB3_i8XfaPloFOrOHzM59s75E2J9guJ88qaO1vbOSu9_9WjtDbfS7KxktpT0Rpzd7m35C2YJZR7zrcPeo/s320/dennynoblefool.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE</b>, home of Noble Fool Theatricals, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles in the Fox Valley presents a summer filled with national and local touring acts starting with <b><i>"The Wonder Bread Years,"</i> July 9-11</b>, a show that reportedly has tickled Jerry Seinfeld's funny bone.<b><i> Denny Diamond: Neil Diamond Tribute <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(photo at left)</span></i></b> on <b>July 17</b> is followed by Noble Fool Youth Ensemble production of <b><i>"Wizard of Oz,"</i></b> <b>July 23-Aug. 8</b>. There's more in store so watch this spot in "And now presenting ..." For more details and the full summer lineup go to <a href="http://www.noblefool.org/">www.noblefool.org</a>. Lock in your tickets now for Aug. 7 and the <b><i>Neverly Brothers</i></b>, the Southland's own nationally acclaimed trio that musically bridges the gap between 1950s rock and '60s British Invasion. The Neverly Brothers take the audience on a "retro-sonic joyride from Memphis to Liverpool and back!" the Pheasant Run press release states. Ticket prices vary by show and are available at the box office, (630) 584-6342 and ticketmaster outlets.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumFqgWlRb-U8U51e_1guCz0Fylk3yPmsmNGraIpmIIge2ori-Q_mtZx983bd3x9y9GWk0jzw0NuhEekynMnUWdNbsO9jS2o_NIZNmyvWyA62SLTqAKN-edlyVLp4ct9b1zNCr9GsLujU/s1600/boss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumFqgWlRb-U8U51e_1guCz0Fylk3yPmsmNGraIpmIIge2ori-Q_mtZx983bd3x9y9GWk0jzw0NuhEekynMnUWdNbsO9jS2o_NIZNmyvWyA62SLTqAKN-edlyVLp4ct9b1zNCr9GsLujU/s200/boss.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>SKOKIE THEATRE, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave., </b>presents the final performance of<b> <i>"The Stops,"</i> </b>at<b> 8 p.m. June 26. </b>The musical brings different views on religion and sexual preferences, including cross dressing, together in harmony in story form. Southland actor John B. Boss (at right) will perform the role of Ginny in the closing performance, a role he has been understudying the entire run. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, (847) 677-7761. More information is at <a href="http://www.threecatproductions.com/">www.threecatproductions.com</a>.</span><br />
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</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(312) 335-1650,<b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">debuts a new play by Bruce Norris, <b><i>"A Parallelogram,"</i></b> as the final production in the 2009-2010 season. Like those before it this season, this new play explores the theme of belief. Bee is a young woman who believes she has the uncanny ability to see the future and perhaps even more. "With a click of the television remote, we loop through time in this dark, funny world premiere,,," directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. "Parallelograms" opens July 1 and runs through Aug. 29. Tickets are are $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>TOWLE THEATER</b>, 2505 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN, brings the Broadway blockbuster <b><i>"Rent"</i></b> to the Southland stage (OK, Northwest Indiana stage) <b>July 9-25</b>. All tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780 and at <a href="http://www.towletheater.org/">www.towletheater.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHudqud5mQ07rm6t2cs9qQacQvIJDCYBKI7npFwc-HaeDY4lBXzE9mvpyrWAU1dyA9QJUcV_HeKHCpqLYiAn84J7s_hHLFfFgNH_C4unFBiprE3ZUv3EMVEhkV9hkEARpp2hyphenhyphenLd5KcxIw/s1600/ph-bw-band-pic-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHudqud5mQ07rm6t2cs9qQacQvIJDCYBKI7npFwc-HaeDY4lBXzE9mvpyrWAU1dyA9QJUcV_HeKHCpqLYiAn84J7s_hHLFfFgNH_C4unFBiprE3ZUv3EMVEhkV9hkEARpp2hyphenhyphenLd5KcxIw/s200/ph-bw-band-pic-sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">"<b><i>Starry Nights,</i></b>" the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual summer concert series at <b>IRWIN PARK</b>, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood, are rocking the town. O</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">n <b>June 25 </b><b><i>Elevation</i></b> performs U2 and <b>Pink Houses</b> (at right) plays John Cougar Mellencamp on <b>July 23</b>. Check out preview videos of the bands at <a href="http://www.hfparks.com/">www.hfparks.com</a>. Advance tickets on sale now -- $7 adult, $5 child at Park District offices and (708) 957-0300. Bad weather location -- Marian High School Auditorium. Info will be on park district website before afternoon, day of concert.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FERMILAB ARTS SERIES</b> at Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Lab) in Batavia continues its summer lineup in <b>Ramsey Auditorium </b>with Chicago folk trio <b><i>Sons of the Never Wrong</i></b> at <b>8 p.m. July 24</b>. Tickets are $15, $8 for ages 18 and younger. Singer/songwriter <b><i>Claudia Schmidt </i></b>performs at <b>8 p.m. Aug. 14</b>. Tickets are $14/$7. Tickets can be ordered at the box office (630) 840-ARTS (2787). The auditorium is in the back of Wilson Hall, the iconic curved main building at Fermilab and we have always found the acoustics to be terrific. The seats are raked and stage is easily visible everywhere. BTW: all seats general admission. Both Pine Street and Batavia Road entrances are open for the arts series. Check out sketch map/directions to Fermilab here <a href="http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml">http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</b> and <b>Ravisloe Country Club</b>, 18231 S. Park Ave. Homewood, link up to present a summer chamber music series to the Southland. The first chamber event begins at <b>7:30 p.m. July 10</b> and will take place inside the club. Tickets are $25 and capacity for this inaugural event is 120. The following two chamber concerts are scheduled for <b>7:30 p.m. July 29</b> and <b>7:30 p.m. Aug. 13</b>. Tickets for the second and third music evenings, which will take place in the Ravisloe courtyard, are $20 each. Tickets can be ordered at the IPO (708) 481-7774 and at <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org</a>.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Km8KSP3Dwz2FTJD2pQ1bU4I0CfYzovmnU06YwgC-6-6M_AWL6i0qtUcBlgtJCQF_V-BTcLaeNQqxZ_ZXw__enJA-U4hopsPxvVLoBuhbQJN4Z0NqppFjrxDN8P4RpFvBQLYP4_I3-GY/s1600/bernieglim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Km8KSP3Dwz2FTJD2pQ1bU4I0CfYzovmnU06YwgC-6-6M_AWL6i0qtUcBlgtJCQF_V-BTcLaeNQqxZ_ZXw__enJA-U4hopsPxvVLoBuhbQJN4Z0NqppFjrxDN8P4RpFvBQLYP4_I3-GY/s200/bernieglim.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There's music in the plaza, as in <b>ZABROCKI PLAZA</b> on Oak Park Avenue just north of the Metra station, Tinley Park. A series of free summer concerts from 7-10 p.m. -- bring your chairs and blankets -- is now underway. The rest of the summer lineup includes <b>Bernie Glim and Country Roads </b>(right)<b> on July 10</b>; <b>4-Cast </b><b>(1980s music) </b>on<b> July 24</b>; <b>Heartless (rock) on July 31;</b> <b>The Walk-ins (rock) on Aug. 7; </b><b>King Snakes (blues) on Aug. 14</b>. Check it out at www.tinleypark.org.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;">POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b> - Well, just one this time but it has two shows.</b></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY </b>at<b> Prairie State College,</b> 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, presents<b> </b><b><i>"Synergy, Works by Union Street Artists,"</i></b><b> </b>continues through<b> July 29. </b>This potpourri of works in various media includes pieces by a number of acclaimed artists including Renee Klyczek Nordstrom and Marikay Peter Witlock. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and by appointment, (708) 709-3636.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY</b>, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, (708) 748-3377, presents <b>"Fabulously Focused," </b>an exhibit of works by juried artists from throughout Illinois, including many longtime Tall Grass artists. The exhibit opens with an artists reception, 5-7 p.m. July 9 and continues through the summer. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.</span><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2H61a4lS0LCUwaYdeXYIGlcm1ysMRrX7GRiHANFXT3NoqM6K_pWKa_oBXfXmyQVVV-kSBd2_TEEuSj_l1Otuo0KkJUNFrpBYupcmz74VUYpf-wmVTlGLzxN6ouVLLh7s_MCPVS66eHQ/s1600/unionpomar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2H61a4lS0LCUwaYdeXYIGlcm1ysMRrX7GRiHANFXT3NoqM6K_pWKa_oBXfXmyQVVV-kSBd2_TEEuSj_l1Otuo0KkJUNFrpBYupcmz74VUYpf-wmVTlGLzxN6ouVLLh7s_MCPVS66eHQ/s200/unionpomar.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, presents a <b>Nina Weiss</b> exhibit, <i><b>"Not Far Off,"</b></i> Landscapes inspired by forests and fields, through <b>July 31</b>. At the same time, the gallery features the black and white photography of <b>John Spomar III, <i>"The Past and the Promise."</i></b> Both artists will be honored at a reception from 6-9 p.m. <b>July 9</b>. There is never a charge at Union Street. More information including gallery hours are at <a href="http://www.UnionStreetGallery.org/">www.UnionStreetGallery.org</a>. (Spomar image at right.)</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">How are each of you linked to the stars? Yes the ones in the sky! Find out at</span> ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The newest sky show in the Definiti Theatre will answer the question about you and stars as</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> <b>Whoopi Goldberg</b> narrates the spectacular <b><i>"Journey to the Stars." </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">See how stars are born and how they die and where our sun fits into the big universe</span><i>. </i></b>Show schedules and everything else you need for a day at Adler can be found at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stars twinkle in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">urther information is at (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and search Trackman. Ask for Art the sky guy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzh2HyGOc1pE6hetPJxHJOChSMZ_UxdV-3FtudA1Lmm0F12Pt04BOYvHCvXNINOV1zx6fGsfPIc7dWyv_x1g2CaqAZlzhsyBywA-KcF3F2e6ZT7Mtf136wD6KmupJfdRsVYy0GxnQp6M/s1600/159852_1219896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzh2HyGOc1pE6hetPJxHJOChSMZ_UxdV-3FtudA1Lmm0F12Pt04BOYvHCvXNINOV1zx6fGsfPIc7dWyv_x1g2CaqAZlzhsyBywA-KcF3F2e6ZT7Mtf136wD6KmupJfdRsVYy0GxnQp6M/s200/159852_1219896.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Chicago history, architecture and photography fans will want to put this on their calendars!<b> ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave., presents <b><i>"Looking after Louis Sullivan: Photographs, Drawings and Fragment,"</i></b> an extraordinary photographic examination of Sullivan's architectural legacy to Chicago as seen through the lenses of legendary photographers John Szarkowski, Aaron Siskind and Richard Nickel. In addition to more than 60 photographic classics, the exhibit features 20 Sullivan drawings and sketches as well as terracotta and metal architectural fragments. The exhibit is included in general admission. All the details for a day at the Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. (Walker Warehouse, photo by Aaron Siskind, 1953; courtesy Art Institute.)</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Corky Turtle is gearing up for Social Security and Medicare. Purchased in a dime store in 1945 and donated to <b>Brookfield Zoo</b> 35 years ago, Corky celebrates its 65th birthday on <b>July 10 </b>and you're invited to the party at the zoo, located off <b>First Avenue </b>between <b>Interstates 55 and 290</b>. The fun begins at 11 a.m. with a slow-paced <b>Turtle Parade</b> that ends in the <b>Hamill Family Play Zoo</b> where all sorts of turtle games, crafts and more will keep the small fry busy. And of course, there will be lots of information about turtles and other hard-shelled reptiles. Find out more at <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society) and click on Brookfield Zoo. </span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, presents what should be a fascinating look at one movement in that battle against racism:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The exhibit joins permanent galleries focused on different eras of blacks throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Guess who is having a birthday? The world's largest and most complete T. rex, <b>Sue</b>, has been with the museum for 10 year and a two-fer birthday bash is going on. There's more: <b><i>RoboSUE: The T. rex Experience</i></b> takes visitors back to prehistoric times with robotic dinosaurs that can actually track human guests and follow them with their eyes. Watch yourself on the video screen and see just how these robotic wonders -- T. Rex and Triceratops see <b><i>you</i></b>. </span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">An all-new 3-D movie, <b><i>"Waking the T. rex: The Story of SUE,"</i></b> takes visitors into another prehistoric adventure. You'll watch dinosaurs hunt their prey and fight to the death for food as you stand by looking at a day in the life of Sue, nearly 70 million years ago. <b>SEE SUE REVIEW, IMAGES AT END OF BLOG.</b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Of course, Field Museum packs in the treasures. Other world-class exhibits include <b>The Ancient Americas</b>, the <b>Evolving Planet</b>, <b>Grainger Hall of Gems</b> and Inside <b>Ancient Egypt</b>, rooms that explore the exotic mysteries of the pharaohs, mummies, royal tombs and extraordinary ancient artifacts of Kingdom of the Nile. The little ones (and their parents and grandparents) will love the<b> Crown Family Playlab</b>! All the details for your visit are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV63KOV4CnHp12deqm0IvIQXrwfm_WP8wG-BW2Ev5YxRSV_FGUu3o-xbSu0f_JTjUwYMdXbybTvm5UZXeWQwy-jPHAgbtZcaCKZB_vNlF1fDLm5P41qgcLJQG9InLyhRPRcMFXRpCFTaY/s1600/calderskyboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV63KOV4CnHp12deqm0IvIQXrwfm_WP8wG-BW2Ev5YxRSV_FGUu3o-xbSu0f_JTjUwYMdXbybTvm5UZXeWQwy-jPHAgbtZcaCKZB_vNlF1fDLm5P41qgcLJQG9InLyhRPRcMFXRpCFTaY/s200/calderskyboat.jpg" width="148" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., hits the summer running with what promises to be a blockbuster exhibit, <b><i>"Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy,"</i></b> <b>June 26-Oct. 17</b>. Calder (1898-1976), an American sculptor, remains an icon of the art world. Sixty of Calder's works, along with 20 sculptures by contemporary artists, reveal the power of the master's influence. The 411 for a visit to the MCA is at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/">www.mcachicago.org</a>. Pictured at left, "Sky Boat (floatiing)"; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">courtesy Museum of Contemporary Art.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJE0kf2uxO9MSL99ja1jesuVGq-9N5n2M6bsf2OjZwOqJKw2EvBTSdKRyrcuBO2pt5zoQFmT-pFn09-oiBN2SNSuMPuRqIOAsFuAqFaJuoY1Y7nxOgzQnpc8Sxie09JybB7X2MbkoCAc/s1600/submarine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJE0kf2uxO9MSL99ja1jesuVGq-9N5n2M6bsf2OjZwOqJKw2EvBTSdKRyrcuBO2pt5zoQFmT-pFn09-oiBN2SNSuMPuRqIOAsFuAqFaJuoY1Y7nxOgzQnpc8Sxie09JybB7X2MbkoCAc/s200/submarine2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</b>, 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive, features an extraordinary and legendary exhibit of the only German submarine captured in World War II. The <b><i>U-505 Submarine</i></b>, in its entirety, brings to life many of the stories of World War II including the incredible capture of the killer German U-boat. A hall filled with multi-media exhibits about the war and the full story behind the sub's capture lead into the giant hall built to hold the ship. Everything you will need for a visit to MSI is at <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a>. MSI photo by Scott Brownell.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, in conjunction with the Consulate of Mexico, presents <b><i>"Sanctuary: Flight of the Majestic Monarchs"</i></b> as seen through the eyes of award-winning Mexican artists. "Weighing no more than a gram, the Monarch recognizes no borders or human divides on its 2,500-mile flight from Canada, through the midwest United States before it finally finds sanctuary in the warm fir forests and beautiful mountains of Michoacan, Mexico," museum press notes indicate. A full list of activities, in addition to the exhibit details, can be found at <a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264">http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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In 2010, there's only one place on the planet where visitors can experience life-like close encounters with the giant creatures that roamed the planet more than 65 million ago years. Of course, that one location is the world famous <b>Field Museum,</b> 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive on the Chicago Museum Campus. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">SUE, the magnificent and largest complete T. rex ever discovered, greets all visitors in the grand hall. And yes, most of Sue is authentic. There are areas where the skeleton has been filled in but the only major feature that is not genuine is Sue's skull, but it's an exact replica of the original one. Sue's real skull is on display in the museum but it's too heavy for display on the skeleton.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JiIBHIWEyZJkRC14WnCgbdWc1xEUT4KH1njx50KZokuoPoPsIM5O3N5YcOXT_CHHOsrHECzV62ljz-OaOQXw_4SSTGxeBqgOkJR0-5_nl0Brtlh02yrGtOn8n5pwDH_x2JWy2wcPRTg/s1600/10.+Triceratops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JiIBHIWEyZJkRC14WnCgbdWc1xEUT4KH1njx50KZokuoPoPsIM5O3N5YcOXT_CHHOsrHECzV62ljz-OaOQXw_4SSTGxeBqgOkJR0-5_nl0Brtlh02yrGtOn8n5pwDH_x2JWy2wcPRTg/s200/10.+Triceratops.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> This year, Sue and the museum celebrate 10 years of togetherness. Just steps from Sue's real skeleton, <b><i>"RoboSUE: The T. rex Experience"</i></b> breathes life into fearsome prehistoric creatures with fantastic 21st century technology. A robotic T. rex is only one aspect of this ancient jungle. Triceratops (at left) with its horned fan spread across its skull and the terrifying, lightning fast velociraptors will react to visitors in their field of vision. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b><i>"Waking T. rex: The Story of SUE,"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(photo below)</span></span></i></b> feels like a time machine from which you can chronicle what Sue's life and death may have been like as well as see how the fossilized skeleton was discovered in South Dakota.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">This 3D film leaps far beyond the technology employed in the 1993 movie blockbuster, "Jurassic Park" and brings the Mesozoic era, 250 million years ago to 65 million years ago, right into the 21st century. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-z9KJmBlKZpmYAhahLp0BgytjxQUytEt7Gtcfjos29VAaJ-u2QXs2_WPfaKYUPNWdnAa_oZVy3ZPGgx4drld2chjuqGTeo0BaYOIEh1KIUGSxenW4wIqyG7syHXrmeUHk9UXSjQ70Qs/s1600/sueroar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-z9KJmBlKZpmYAhahLp0BgytjxQUytEt7Gtcfjos29VAaJ-u2QXs2_WPfaKYUPNWdnAa_oZVy3ZPGgx4drld2chjuqGTeo0BaYOIEh1KIUGSxenW4wIqyG7syHXrmeUHk9UXSjQ70Qs/s200/sueroar.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">The museum has many programs scheduled to coincide with the Field/Sue 10th anniversary celebration. All the details about Sue's celebration, "RoboSUE" and "Waking T. rex," as well as everything you need for a visit to Field Museum, are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-70875420889880176122010-06-11T11:42:00.000-07:002010-06-22T21:01:45.089-07:00Dash around the dinosaurs!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>A Dino Named Sue</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Step into the past and journey to Earth's prehistoric lands of the dinosaurs. In 2010, there's only one place on the planet where visitors can experience life-like close encounters with the giant creatures that roamed the planet more 65 million ago years. Of course, that one location is the world famous <b>Field Museum,</b> 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive on the Chicago Museum Campus. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">SUE, the magnificent and largest complete T. rex ever discovered, greets all visitors in the grand hall. And yes, most of Sue is authentic. There are areas where the skeleton has been filled in but the only major feature that is not genuine is Sue's skull, but it's an exact replica of the original one. Sue's real skull is on display in the museum but it's too heavy for display on the skeleton.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JiIBHIWEyZJkRC14WnCgbdWc1xEUT4KH1njx50KZokuoPoPsIM5O3N5YcOXT_CHHOsrHECzV62ljz-OaOQXw_4SSTGxeBqgOkJR0-5_nl0Brtlh02yrGtOn8n5pwDH_x2JWy2wcPRTg/s1600/10.+Triceratops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JiIBHIWEyZJkRC14WnCgbdWc1xEUT4KH1njx50KZokuoPoPsIM5O3N5YcOXT_CHHOsrHECzV62ljz-OaOQXw_4SSTGxeBqgOkJR0-5_nl0Brtlh02yrGtOn8n5pwDH_x2JWy2wcPRTg/s200/10.+Triceratops.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> This year, Sue and the museum celebrate 10 years of togetherness. Just steps from Sue's real skeleton, <b><i>"RoboSUE: The T. rex Experience"</i></b> breathes life into fearsome prehistoric creatures with fantastic 21st century technology. A robotic T. rex is only one aspect of this ancient jungle. Triceratops (at left) with its horned fan spread across its skull and the terrifying, lightning fast velociraptors will react to visitors in their field of vision. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b><i>"Waking T. rex: The Story of SUE,"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(photo below)</span></span></i></b> feels like a time machine from which you can chronicle what Sue's life and death may have been like as well as see how the fossilized skeleton was discovered in South Dakota.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">This 3D film leaps far beyond the technology employed in the 1993 movie blockbuster, "Jurassic Park" and brings the Mesozoic era, 250 million years ago to 65 million years ago, right into the 21st century. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-z9KJmBlKZpmYAhahLp0BgytjxQUytEt7Gtcfjos29VAaJ-u2QXs2_WPfaKYUPNWdnAa_oZVy3ZPGgx4drld2chjuqGTeo0BaYOIEh1KIUGSxenW4wIqyG7syHXrmeUHk9UXSjQ70Qs/s1600/sueroar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-z9KJmBlKZpmYAhahLp0BgytjxQUytEt7Gtcfjos29VAaJ-u2QXs2_WPfaKYUPNWdnAa_oZVy3ZPGgx4drld2chjuqGTeo0BaYOIEh1KIUGSxenW4wIqyG7syHXrmeUHk9UXSjQ70Qs/s200/sueroar.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">The museum has many programs scheduled to coincide with the Field/Sue 10th anniversary celebration. All the details about Sue's celebration, "RoboSUE" and "Waking T. rex," as well as everything you need for a visit to Field Museum, are at </span><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">American history takes a turn for wacky thanks to the Drama Group's production of .... well look below under the DG listing. The play (my alternate title: Moe, Larry and Curly discover fun in American history) really does have a long title, a lot of water and three wild and crazy guys.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX-mnVQa_mSL2tgh1A2sXX3eyImqkmzlxOfh1rsOSvGsmXNmkklJffcaPxTmNJTLOTMppu6qaLHfp3fal_6pT2-1zINO2zbGWCwA0ytIXHpZfJWcDTgiOES3iQRpp8SPuGcmJ81ITn_8/s1600/windy22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX-mnVQa_mSL2tgh1A2sXX3eyImqkmzlxOfh1rsOSvGsmXNmkklJffcaPxTmNJTLOTMppu6qaLHfp3fal_6pT2-1zINO2zbGWCwA0ytIXHpZfJWcDTgiOES3iQRpp8SPuGcmJ81ITn_8/s320/windy22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Have you ever wanted to head out onto the lake in one of the majestic Tall Ships that visit Chicago every few years? Now you have a chance to ride on the Tall Ship Windy (at right). Check out the Shedd Aquarium listing, last item in the blog. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The blog below begins with theater, followed by music, dance and art and finally museums. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">If you know of any theater group or venue not listed, please e-mail me that information along with a contact person for the group or venue.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And do pulleze keep those terrific press releases zipping into my e-mail box at <a href="mailto:myrasharon@comcast.net">myrasharon@comcast.net</a>. Don't hesitate to send me any corrections or silly typos you catch. And be sure, I always love your comments and suggestions.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Summer is here so take advantage of the myriad treasures out there.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Myra</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The <b>BEVERLY ARTS CENTER</b>, 111th Street and Western Avenue (Southeast corner) presents -- are you ready -- <b><i>"Tim O'Malley's Super Fun Comedy Extravaganza" </i></b>at 8 p.m.<b> July 22</b>. Second City alum O'Malley ("Godshow") plans a laugh-till-you-hurt program. Tickets are $18, $15 for BAC members, <a href="http://www.ticketweb.com/">www.ticketweb.com</a>.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvPmAnf-5tNfOo2Bs_qUhp512gLeoH6qxOi0mjoz_9NWWz8znWuRop7DFedoeEiIx3Os6nTA3gzs53jKrq9ApAxOaMBMCGGeM-aldbEw7ZbQG9t5piGsd6pudedZVKpgQ0OUa1xtxPQo/s1600/historyuse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvPmAnf-5tNfOo2Bs_qUhp512gLeoH6qxOi0mjoz_9NWWz8znWuRop7DFedoeEiIx3Os6nTA3gzs53jKrq9ApAxOaMBMCGGeM-aldbEw7ZbQG9t5piGsd6pudedZVKpgQ0OUa1xtxPQo/s200/historyuse.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">It's wacky, nutty, totally irreverent and extraordinarily wet! The <b>DRAMA GROUP presents</b> <b><i>"The Complete History of America, Abridged,"</i></b> indeed a "hysterical historical" look at 600 years life on this continent in 6000 seconds (100 minutes) and the significance of the phrase "Grow a penis." If the world is getting you down and you need a new outlook on Western Civ, this show will set your head on right. Or wrong. Kelly Padden directs Matt Morales (top right), Tyler McMahon (center) and Brian Giblin in "Complete History ..." The show runs through <b>June 20</b> at the <b>Drama Group Studio</b>, 330W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students; (708) 755-3444 and at <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>DRURY LANE THEATRE OAKBROOK TERRACE, </b>100 Drury Lane, sweetens the summer season through <b>Aug. 1</b> with <b><i>"Sugar,"</i></b> billed as a sexy and exhilarating musical comedy. Set in the Prohibition era and based on the Oscar-winning 1959 film, "Some Like It Hot," "Sugar" opened on Broadway in 1972, ran for 505 performances and garnered four Tony nominations. If you have not heard of the show, that's because it's rarely seen. But if Drury Lane is staging it, my bet is that it's as much a winner in 2010 as it was nearly 40 years ago. Tickets are $31-$45, as low as $27 for seniors at matinee performances. Lunch and dinner theater packages available in advance for all theater-goers. Reservations are at (630) 530-0111 and Ticketmaster. More information at <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>, </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</b> presents its annual free, outdoor Shakespeare in the Park production <b>June 25-27</b> on the <b>Village Green in Downtown Park Forest</b>. This year's production, the tragedy of <b><i>"Romeo and Juliet,"</i></b> will begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Come early, bring a picnic supper and enjoy a great night of free classic theater. If case of inclement weather, the production will move into Illinois Theatre Center, just steps away from the Village Green. More information at (708) 481-3510.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE,</b> 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, keeps the audience awake and involved with the 2006 blockbuster Broadway show, <b><i>"The Drowsy Chaperone,"</i></b> through <b>June 27</b>. Imagine this: You slide your favorite stage musical CD into the player and the era and actors magically burst into life. The brilliant Marc Robin creates his own magic as director and choreographer of "... Chaperone," a musical within a musical comedy featuring an all-star cast including Chicago favorites Paula Scrofano, John Reeger and James Harms. Tickets are $35 to $48 at (847) 634-0200 and all Ticketmaster outlets. The 411 on the show is at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>NEW LINCOLN THEATRE</b> presents the wacky Charles Grippo political sex comedy, <b><i>"Sex Marks the Spot"</i></b> at the <b>Theatre Building Chicago</b>, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago. Show runs through <b>July 25</b>. Tickets are $26 (773) 327-5252 and Ticketmaster.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>99TH STREET SUMMER THEATER</b> returns with two musical classics, <b><i>"Kiss Me Kate"</i></b> on <b>July 8-10</b> followed by <b><i>"Anything Goes,"</i> July 22-24</b>. All shows start at 8 p.m. are at <b>Mother McAuley High School Auditorium</b>, 3737 W. 99th St (of course), Chicago. Tickets are $16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 children at (773) 881-6512 and at <a href="http://www.mothermcauley.org/">www.mothermcauley.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">This is the closing weeked for the<b> OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> production of the musical story of Gypsy Rose Lee with Kim Brines as Mama Rose and Connie Johnson as Gypsy. <b><i>"Gypsy," <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">runs through </span></span></i>June 13</b> at <b>Oak View Center</b>, 110th Street and Kilpatrick, Oak Lawn. Tickets are $21, $20 seniors, (708) 857-2200. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Aye, Matey. <b>OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP</b>, which presents theatrical productions throughout the year to raise funds for various causes, heads into Gilbert and Sullivan territory with the riotous <b><i>"Pirates of Penzance"</i> July 10, 11 and 16-18 </b>at <b>Alan B. Shepard High School Fine Arts Center</b>, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights. The wacky story finds a nursemaid, a wannabe pirate and of course, a beautiful young lass all caught up in a totally crazy plot with a fantastic G&S musical score. Tickets are $20, $18 seniors and kids 12 and under. More information on the theater <a href="http://www.markkorres.com/onag/default.htm">website</a> and via e-mail at <a href="mailto:info@openingnightartsgroup.org">info@openingnightartsgroup.org</a> or at (708) 579-1630, extension 0 and leave a message.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">OK. You've been watching all the CSI shows and probably NCIS too. Now it's your turn to help solve a mystery (or maybe be the bad guy) as <b>ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</b> presents the interactive, audience participation and no doubt bloody entertaintaining <b><i>"Til Death Do US Part Murder Mystery Comedy"</i></b> <b>July 30, 31</b> at <b>Orland Park Civic Center</b>, 14750 Ravinia Drive. Tickets are $25 for the cocktail and hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m. and showtime at 8 p.m. Reservations and information are at (708) 403-7275 and at <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">www.orland-park.il.us</a>.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4zxRrMkfFYa1NGbIjK0G3FYZ2KqZTDiUHwUJ3Dlmq9kXSlj1QGojLG9mvbiwHfafWbO8SOWy6LSVp1mRFgPo02wFMyJHti2kd3KC4gK77Eaty9RKmx4tXbE_dOqZuPWnhYWl1BqU0Fo/s1600/iguana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4zxRrMkfFYa1NGbIjK0G3FYZ2KqZTDiUHwUJ3Dlmq9kXSlj1QGojLG9mvbiwHfafWbO8SOWy6LSVp1mRFgPo02wFMyJHti2kd3KC4gK77Eaty9RKmx4tXbE_dOqZuPWnhYWl1BqU0Fo/s200/iguana.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>SPOTLIGHT THEATRE</b> kicks off the summer with the 1961 Tennessee Williams classic, <b>"The Night of the Iguana," June 11, 12 and 18, 19</b> at <b>Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University</b>, University Park. Enter a defrocked minister-turned-tour director who is on the verge of emotional collapse at a tour stop in Mexico. The plot ratchets up to sizzling under the Mexican sun in the words of the legendary playwright in what many critics view as the last title in his stellar bibliography. Tickets are $14, $12 seniors and students at (708) 941-8294 and <a href="http://www.spotlight-theater.com./">www.spotlight-theater.com.</a> The cast features Susan O'Byrne (from left), Jeff Gamlin and Lisa Marcanio.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(312) 335-1650, <b><i>"An Evening with David Sedaris</i></b>," best-selling author and NPR humorist, in the upstairs theater through <b>June 13</b>. All tickets are $35.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>THEATER-ON-THE-HILL, </b><b>Bolingbrook Performing Arts Stage</b>, 375 W. Briarcliff, brings the legendary Pete Townshend and the Who 1960s rock opera <b><i>"Tommy"</i></b> to life <b>June 25-July 18</b>. You've always wanted to see this production performed live on stage and now you'll have your chance. "Tommy" feaures one of my former Star Newspaper colleagues, Erika Enigk Grotto. Tickets are on sale now, $14, $11 seniors and students, at (630) 908-2563 or by e-mail to <a href="mailto:theatreonthehill@yahoo.com">theatreonthehill@yahoo.com</a>. Check out the show's blog at <a href="http://tommyonthehill.blogspot.com/">http://tommyonthehill.blogspot.com/</a> and read what's going on behind the curtain and in the minds and lives of actors as they gear up for opening night!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>TOWLE THEATER</b>, 2505 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN, brings the Broadway blockbuster <b><i>"Rent"</i></b> to the Southland stage (OK, Northwest Indiana stage) <b>July 9-25</b>. All tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780 and at <a href="http://www.towletheater.org/">www.towletheater.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>ARMENIAN DANCE COMPANY OF CHICAGO </b>performs at <b>7:30</b> p.m. <b>June 26</b> at <b>Auditorium Theatre</b>, <b>Northeastern Illinois University</b>, 5500 N. Saint Louis Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $30 at (847) 830-3881 or at (773) 844-0138.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>FERMILAB ART SERIES </b>takes the physics of sound to the max with<b> <i>Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues</i> </b>at<b> 8 p.m. June 26. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The Chamber Blues music experience takes lucky audiences into a phenomenal fusion of gritty Chicago blues and classical sounds. Siegel's extraordinary musical talent spans across the performance and composing spectrum and Chamber blues brings it all together with a chamber music size combo. Tickets are $20, $10 18 and under. Info on the art series and other events, as well as tickets, are <a href="http://www.FNAL.GOV/CULTURE">www.FNAL.GOV/CULTURE</a> and (630) 840-2787. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Ramsey Auditorium in Wilson Hall</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> is at the back of the iconic structure in Batavia. A map sketch is at <a href="http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml">http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml</a>. The iconic Wilson Hall is visible from Kirk Road, an extension of Farnsworth, as you travel north off I-88. FYI -- Corky closes out the </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Chicago Blues Fest June 15</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Petrillo Music Shell</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Get ready to rock as "<b><i>Starry Nights,</i></b>" the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual summer concert series at <b>IRWIN PARK</b>, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood, continues o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">n <b>June 25 as </b><b><i>Elevation</i></b> performs U2 and <b>Pink Houses</b> plays John Cougar Mellencamp on <b>July 23</b>. Check out preview videos of the bands at <a href="http://www.hfparks.com/">www.hfparks.com</a>. Advance tickets on sale now -- $7 adult, $5 child at Park District offices and (708) 957-0300. Bad weather location -- Marian High School Auditorium. Info will be on park district website before afternoon, day of concert.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe89EKTVguU3ARNHd4Ses6awD96teZmEPIWHF-yoDghgRXbcu3Wd1uEIPhKvPWPT6aFv3-cO1zJ2xH6koO5yDbnKLZSEvfRusexN4OVkpXHjy8QkRfP-EHzT1Ft6GPO4dIFgHvvJ1qws/s1600/Neverly+Brothers+-+Rockabilly+%26+Briish+Invasion+collage+poster+size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe89EKTVguU3ARNHd4Ses6awD96teZmEPIWHF-yoDghgRXbcu3Wd1uEIPhKvPWPT6aFv3-cO1zJ2xH6koO5yDbnKLZSEvfRusexN4OVkpXHjy8QkRfP-EHzT1Ft6GPO4dIFgHvvJ1qws/s200/Neverly+Brothers+-+Rockabilly+%26+Briish+Invasion+collage+poster+size.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>NEVERLY BROTHERS</b> take you on a rock and roll ride of a lifetime at a series of concerts coming up soon. So listen up (OK, read up). at <b>6:30 p.m. June 14</b> the trio will shake up Lockport at <b>Central Square</b> at the Cruisin Lockport Car Show. That show is followed by the Nevs California Tour but they are back for a <b>7 p.m. June 24</b> show at <b>Main Square</b>, Route 6 (Ridge Road) and Fifth Street in Highland, IN. More concerts: <b>8:30 p.m. June 26</b> at<b> Raue Center for the Arts</b>, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, tickets are (815) 356-9212 and at <a href="http://www.rauecenter.org/">www.rauecenter.org</a> and at <b>5 p.m. June 27</b> at <b>Geneva Commons Summer Concerts</b>, 602 Commons Drive, Geneva, IL. If you've never heard the Nevs, or if you want the complete schedule, check the website: <a href="http://www.theneverlybrothers.com/">www.theneverlybrothers.com</a>. Photo, top row, Kegham Giragosian on drums, Kevin Giragosian on guitar and Craig Gigstad on bass.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;">POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b> - Well, just one this time but it has two shows.</b></span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, presents a <b>Nina Weiss</b> exhibit, <i><b>"Not Far Off,"</b></i> Landscapes inspired by forests and fields, through <b>July 31</b>. At the same time, the gallery features the black and white photography of <b>John Spomar III, <i>"The Past and the Promise."</i></b> Both artists will be honored at a reception from 6-9 p.m. <b>July 9</b>. There is never a charge at Union Street. More information including gallery hours are at <a href="http://www.UnionStreetGallery.org/">www.UnionStreetGallery.org</a>.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">How are you and the stars, yes the ones in the sky, connected? Find out at</span> ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The newest sky show in the Definiti Theatre will answer the question about you and stars as</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> <b>Whoopi Goldberg</b> narrates the spectacular <b><i>"Journey to the Stars." </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">See how stars are born and how they die and where our sun fits into the big universe</span><i>. </i></b>Show schedules and everything else you need for a day at Adler can be found at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOgdx5Hh1gOwDYEKN3PuO-ym72bbYka0WkzJCbDGEg1WCgyNgX4effdeXeUSg6uKG2mSeo2J95OBKSvz2DjBl4Nl5YMSQOgQs7StQKD-w49ryr1SELMAEtyuW1e7S7hUkAr-NvjLoEYs/s1600/joyce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOgdx5Hh1gOwDYEKN3PuO-ym72bbYka0WkzJCbDGEg1WCgyNgX4effdeXeUSg6uKG2mSeo2J95OBKSvz2DjBl4Nl5YMSQOgQs7StQKD-w49ryr1SELMAEtyuW1e7S7hUkAr-NvjLoEYs/s320/joyce.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Elephant lovers, listen up. A huge elephant celebration is on schedule <b>June 19</b> at <b>Brookfield Zoo </b>in support of <b>Joyce</b>, a 27-year-old African elephant (pictured at right). At 1 p.m. a parade starts at the <b>Hamill Family Play Zoo</b> entrance and goes all the way to the outdoor pachyderm habitat where a short program and all sorts of fun stuff take place. The Play Zoo is open and free to all until 1 p.m. and those already there will be able to enjoy the zoo free for the rest of the day. Zoo volunteers will hand out free plastic elephant trunks as long as the supply lasts so guests can wear the trunks in the parade! More details are at <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society). The site is a treat for kids and all animal lovers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stars twinkle in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">urther information is at (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and search Trackman. Ask for Art the sky guy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Matisse has gone to video <a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/exhibitions/Matisse/resource/981">right here</a> for the <b>ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave. Alas,<b> <i>"Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917"</i></b> is in its final days and closes <b>June 20</b>. This is an extraordinary show and best of all, covered by general admission. Everything you need to know for a day at the Art Institute is at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>. Opening <b>June 19</b>, <b><i>"Looking after Louis Sullivan: Photographs, Drawings and Fragment"</i></b> promises aa extraordinary photographic examination of Sullivan's architectural legacy to Chicago. All the details for a day at the Art Institute are at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, presents what should be a fascinating look at one movement in that battle against racism:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The exhibit joins permanent galleries focused on different eras of blacks throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Guess who is having a birthday? The world's largest and most complete T. rex, <b>Sue</b>, has been with the museum for 10 year and a two-fer birthday bash is going on. Actually, it's a three-fer. For the next three weeks, Sue will be wandering around the main hall greeting guests and showing off her amazing fossilized skeleton which happens to be one of my favorite Field treasures.</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There's more: <b><i>RoboSUE: The T. rex Experience</i></b> takes visitors back to prehistoric times with robotic dinosaurs that can actually track human guests and follow them with their eyes. Watch yourself on the video screen and see just how these robotic wonders -- T. Rex and Triceratops see <b><i>you</i></b>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">An all-new 3-D movie, <b><i>"Waking the T. rex: The Story of SUE,"</i></b> takes visitors into another prehistoric adventure. You'll watch dinosaurs hunt their prey and fight to the death for food as you stand by looking at a day in the life of Sue, nearly 70 million years ago. Check it all out at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV63KOV4CnHp12deqm0IvIQXrwfm_WP8wG-BW2Ev5YxRSV_FGUu3o-xbSu0f_JTjUwYMdXbybTvm5UZXeWQwy-jPHAgbtZcaCKZB_vNlF1fDLm5P41qgcLJQG9InLyhRPRcMFXRpCFTaY/s1600/calderskyboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV63KOV4CnHp12deqm0IvIQXrwfm_WP8wG-BW2Ev5YxRSV_FGUu3o-xbSu0f_JTjUwYMdXbybTvm5UZXeWQwy-jPHAgbtZcaCKZB_vNlF1fDLm5P41qgcLJQG9InLyhRPRcMFXRpCFTaY/s200/calderskyboat.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., hits the summer running with what promises to be a blockbuster exhibit, <b><i>"Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy,"</i></b> <b>June 26-Oct. 17</b>. Calder (1898-1976), an American sculptor, remains an icon of the art world. Sixty of Calder's works, along 20 sculptures by contemporary artists, reveal the power of the master's influence. The 411 for a visit to the MCA is at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/">www.mcachicago.org</a>. Pictured at left, "Sky Boat (floatiing)."</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJE0kf2uxO9MSL99ja1jesuVGq-9N5n2M6bsf2OjZwOqJKw2EvBTSdKRyrcuBO2pt5zoQFmT-pFn09-oiBN2SNSuMPuRqIOAsFuAqFaJuoY1Y7nxOgzQnpc8Sxie09JybB7X2MbkoCAc/s1600/submarine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJE0kf2uxO9MSL99ja1jesuVGq-9N5n2M6bsf2OjZwOqJKw2EvBTSdKRyrcuBO2pt5zoQFmT-pFn09-oiBN2SNSuMPuRqIOAsFuAqFaJuoY1Y7nxOgzQnpc8Sxie09JybB7X2MbkoCAc/s200/submarine2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</b>, 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive, features an extraordinary and legendary exhibit of the only German submarine captured in World War II. The <b><i>U-505 Submarine</i></b>, in its entirety, brings to life many of the stories of World War II including the incredible capture of the killer German U-boat. A hall filled with multi-media exhibits about the war and the full story behind the sub's capture lead into the giant hall built to hold the ship. Everything you will need for a visit to MSI is at <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a>. MSI photo by Scott Brownell.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, in conjunction with the Consulate of Mexico, presents <b><i>"Sanctuary: Flight of the Majestic Monarchs"</i></b> as seen through the eyes of award-winning Mexican artists. "Weighing no more than a gram, the Monarch recognizes no borders or human divides on its 2,500-flight from Canada, through the midwest United States before it finally finds sanctuary in the warm fir forests and beautiful mountains of Michoacan, Mexico," museum press notes indicate. A full list of activities, in addition to the exhibit details, can be found at <a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264">http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Set sail for -- or with -- </span>SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a> as the world class aquarium blows into summer. <b><i>Tall Ship Windy</i></b>, a four-mast schooner, will sail on Aug. 14 with young people and on Aug. 21 with families for two-hour voyages on Lake Michigan. Shedd members and other visitors can sign up now at (312) 692-3206. Slots will fill quickly so those who want to join this rare opportunity might want to get on board now! Meanwhile, Penguin Encounters -- yes, close encounters -- continue along with all the other spectacular opportunities at Shedd. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Times; font-style: italic;"></span></b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; 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font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></b></span></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-71569841851406801982010-05-26T22:10:00.000-07:002010-06-09T10:30:42.583-07:00Holiday weekend update on arts and entertaiment!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Here's a pre-holiday look at what's going on.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVEi7pR3V0kBewwx8DzjNNR4PHMLUd3O62PDuEgVvfAIOZ5Kx7hLc5XuPanZa9q73JMoElwf4MYQ5eRzpx9Zw-PPKIOwS84Qbm33u2YjjHgTrImTDj33oUHYBu_4Z7XQJpA3kQZVkA2o/s1600/u505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVEi7pR3V0kBewwx8DzjNNR4PHMLUd3O62PDuEgVvfAIOZ5Kx7hLc5XuPanZa9q73JMoElwf4MYQ5eRzpx9Zw-PPKIOwS84Qbm33u2YjjHgTrImTDj33oUHYBu_4Z7XQJpA3kQZVkA2o/s320/u505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hard to believe this weekend is the Memorial Day observance. If you are looking for something special to do to honor the fallen, consider the Museum of Science and Industry and the one-of-a-kind, the only U-boat ever captured, U-505 Exhibit. Step into history in a multimedia hall of experiences before turning the corner to see the submarine in its own gargantuan home. See the details in museum listings below. Photo at right is from the actual capture and more are on view in the exhibit.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-z9KJmBlKZpmYAhahLp0BgytjxQUytEt7Gtcfjos29VAaJ-u2QXs2_WPfaKYUPNWdnAa_oZVy3ZPGgx4drld2chjuqGTeo0BaYOIEh1KIUGSxenW4wIqyG7syHXrmeUHk9UXSjQ70Qs/s1600/sueroar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-z9KJmBlKZpmYAhahLp0BgytjxQUytEt7Gtcfjos29VAaJ-u2QXs2_WPfaKYUPNWdnAa_oZVy3ZPGgx4drld2chjuqGTeo0BaYOIEh1KIUGSxenW4wIqyG7syHXrmeUHk9UXSjQ70Qs/s320/sueroar.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Or if dinosaurs rule in your home, then a trip to the Museum Campus for a visit to Field Museum and its all-new extraordinary 3D film and robotic dinos in honor of T. rex Sue's 10th anniversary year with the Field. Also, special appearances by Sue Hendrickson, the woman who discovered the Tyrannosaurus rex in South Dakota, will take place this Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Times and other details are at the museum's website in the museum listings.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Oh, if you go there in the next three weeks, you probably will be greeted by a large and personable T. rex. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">More about the T. rex extravaganza in the next blog.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Several plays are running now (more are set to open the following weekend), so there's more than enough to do for the three-day observance.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Listings below begin with plays and are followed by music and dance, art galleries and museums. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Please keep those press releases zipping into my e-mail box at myrasharon@comcast.net. And don't hesitate to send me any corrections, information-wise or silly typos. I always love your comments as well and have applied many of your suggestions to this work-in-progress.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">See you again soon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i>Myra</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The <b>DRAMA GROUP</b>, fresh off the big stage, moves right into its next show, <b><i>"The Complete History of America, Abridged,"</i></b> described as a "hysterical historical" look at 600 years life on this continent. The production runs <b>June 11-20</b> at the <b>Drama Group Studio</b>, 330W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students; (708) 755-3444 and at <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a>.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE,</b> 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, keeps the audience awake and involved with the 2006 blockbuster Broadway show, <b><i>"The Drowsy Chaperone,"</i></b> through <b>June 27</b>. Imagine this: You slide your favorite stage musical CD into the player and the era and actors magically burst into life. The brilliant Marc Robin creates his own magic as director and choreographer of "... Chaperone," a musical within a musical comedy featuring an all-star cast including Chicago favorites Paula Scrofano, John Reeger and James Harms. Tickets are $35 to $48 at (847) 634-0200 and all Ticketmaster outlets. The 411 on the show is at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS, </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theatre, 4051 E. Main St., St Charles,</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> tackles the tough words (OK, the easy ones too) as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" </span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">buzzes through St. Charles through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">June 13</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, and if you have not seen this riotous ode to adolescents and spelling bees, it's worth the trip. (I-355 extension dramatically reduces the drive time to St. Charles.) Tickets are $29 and $39 at (630) 584-6342 and Ticketmaster. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy054UBF3hhyphenhyphenf9qUaGcyQAm0pEUdZkAhNMiQjwiClSH6DxBJoaWUPOOZCC4Bk47Q63YZG9Thvql7nm8QJesrvVZy5hQ9gQZ0fUdSBFR8Fe7iBA9KgG6g-5c0Epxpgw84S8ZbhE0zcF6mc/s1600/gypsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy054UBF3hhyphenhyphenf9qUaGcyQAm0pEUdZkAhNMiQjwiClSH6DxBJoaWUPOOZCC4Bk47Q63YZG9Thvql7nm8QJesrvVZy5hQ9gQZ0fUdSBFR8Fe7iBA9KgG6g-5c0Epxpgw84S8ZbhE0zcF6mc/s200/gypsy.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> presents the musical story of Gypsy Rose Lee with Kim Brines as Mama Rose and Connie Johnson as Gypsy (photo). The phenomenal<b><i>"Gypsy," <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">runs</span></span></i> June 4-June 13</b> at <b>Oak View Center</b>, 110th Street and Kilpatrick, Oak Lawn. Tickets are $21, $20 seniors, (708) 857-2200. Oak Lawn is known for its awesome musical productions and tickets sell out fast! This should be a blockbuster.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcnIjs9rOAEDcAK35SeCsrbr9_q09AjxbwGXz0nW-lUq9pCD0ffvnORU2lYC_ycBecCu0PkrQ2jZfPXuwVZzojZCsMjV_6NN_TZaFIFmEKNVW5SK46vVMIrt48bEcdGepQ5y53IXa5gA/s1600/intowoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcnIjs9rOAEDcAK35SeCsrbr9_q09AjxbwGXz0nW-lUq9pCD0ffvnORU2lYC_ycBecCu0PkrQ2jZfPXuwVZzojZCsMjV_6NN_TZaFIFmEKNVW5SK46vVMIrt48bEcdGepQ5y53IXa5gA/s200/intowoods.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</b>, <b>Theatre Building of Chicago</b>, 1224 W. Belmont, continues its awesome production of Stephen Sondheim's <b><i>"Into the Woods"</i></b> through <b>May 30</b>. This show is much more than a musical; think experience. If you have never seen "...Woods" and you like Sondheim, you're in for a magical treat. If you have seen it, here's your chance to once again experience what has become a stage classic. Tickets are $38, $32 students and seniors and available at the box office and by phone at (773) 327-5252 and all Ticketmaster outlets. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">“Into the Woods” is often laugh-out-loud. Still, the production of the Sondheim classic captures the powerful elements in the story as each character meets challenges and lessons symbolic of life’s journey. The show is packed with creative uses of multi-media. Rachel Quinn (left in photo) is a phenomenal Cinderella and Jeny Wasilewski (right) takes on the Red Riding Hood role with panache. Other stand-out performances are Scott Sumerak as the naïve and starry-eyed Jack; William Travis Taylor as the charming and hilarious Cinderella’s Prince; and Rapunzel’s Prince, Cameron Brune. Comment by <i>Sarah Gross</i></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>SPOTLIGHT THEATRE</b> kicks off the summer with the Tennessee Williams classic, <b>"The Night of the Iguana," June 11, 12 and 18, 19</b> at <b>Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University</b>, University Park. Tickets are $14, $12 seniors and students at (708) 941-8294 and <a href="http://www.spotlight-theater.com./">www.spotlight-theater.com.</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago explores the theme of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">belief</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> with the extraordinary production of Samuel Beckett's </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Endgame"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> directed by award-winning ensemble member, Frank Galati. The show runs through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">June 6</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Nobel prize-winning playwright Beckett's play is described as an absurd comic masterpiece. Ensemble member William Petersen of "CSI" fame gives a riveting performance. Tickets are $20-$53 for previews, $20-$77 for regular run, (312) 335-1650. <b>SEE REVIEW BELOW!</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i>"An Evening with David Sedaris</i></b>," best-selling author and NPR humorist, stops at the upstairs theater <b>June 8-13</b>. All tickets are $35.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>THEATER-ON-THE-HILL, </b><b>Bolingbrook Performing Arts Stage</b>, 375 W. Briarcliff, brings the Pete Townshend and the Who 1960s rock opera <b><i>"Tommy"</i></b> to life <b>June 25-July 18</b>. The show feaures one of my former Star Newspaper colleagues, Erika Enigk Grotto. Tickets are on sale now, $14, $11 seniors and students, at (630) 908-2563 or by e-mail to theatreonthehill@yahoo.com. Want to know what an actor experiences from auditions to showtime, then check out the show's blog at <a href="http://tommyonthehill.blogspot.com/">http://tommyonthehill.blogspot.com/</a>.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS</b> presents an all-female version of the riotous Neil Simon play, <b><i>"The Odd Couple" </i></b>at <b>8 p.m. June 2 </b>at a special location, <b>McCord Gallery</b>, 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park. Tickets are $30 at (708) 671-0646 and (708) 448-8138. This is a fundraiser for the gallery and it should be a blast.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>ARMENIAN DANCE COMPANY OF CHICAGO </b>performs at <b>7:30</b> p.m. <b>June 26</b> at <b>Auditorium Theatre</b>, <b>Northeastern Illinois University</b>, 5500 N. Saint Louis Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $30 at (847) 830-3881 or at (773) 844-0138.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>FERMILAB ART SERIES </b>takes the physics of sound to the max with<b> <i>Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues</i> </b>at<b> 8 p.m. June 26. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The Chamber Blues music experience takes lucky audiences into a phenomenal fusion of gritty Chicago blues and classical sounds. Siegel's extraordinary musical talent spans across the performance and composing spectrum and Chamber blues brings it all together with a chamber music size combo. Tickets are $20, $10 18 and under. Info on the art series and other events, as well as tickets, are <a href="http://www.FNAL.GOV/CULTURE">www.FNAL.GOV/CULTURE</a> and (630) 840-2787. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Ramsey Auditorium in Wilson Hall</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> is at the back of the iconic structure in Batavia. A map sketch is at <a href="http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml">http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml</a>. The iconic Wilson Hall is visible from Kirk Road, an extension of Farnsworth, as you travel north off I-88.</span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw6Xf3KHnCQDAWm6QtqGelTqc8gG57ZwIyhkS425rXnY7w9HdtjjtRulFOrg-44GhxxQfGGkVnYZgaegZD2WNMKkWWotw_5G_pltm_m1aRTyXpQR7vTgL5iyQ48XhNRG-tStiraLtugM/s1600/hfpianoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw6Xf3KHnCQDAWm6QtqGelTqc8gG57ZwIyhkS425rXnY7w9HdtjjtRulFOrg-44GhxxQfGGkVnYZgaegZD2WNMKkWWotw_5G_pltm_m1aRTyXpQR7vTgL5iyQ48XhNRG-tStiraLtugM/s320/hfpianoman.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Get ready to rock as "<b><i>Starry Nights,</i></b>" the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual summer concert series at <b>IRWIN PARK</b>, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood, kicks off </span><span class="Apple-style-span">June 11.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Headline act <b><i>Piano Man</i></b> (right photo) recreates the sounds of two pop rock legends, Billy Joel and Elton John. Check these guys out at <a href="http://www.pianomanusa.net/">www.pianomanusa.net</a>. This is much more than a stand-at-the-mike-and-sing performance with full costumes, set design and props. But be sure, the great hits will be there. On <b>June 25 </b><b><i>Elevation</i></b> performs U2 and <b>Pink Houses</b> plays John Cougar Mellencamp on <b>July 23</b>. Check out preview videos of the bands at www.hfparks.com. Advance tickets on sale now -- $7 adult, $5 child at Park District offices and (708) 957-0300. </span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;">POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b> - Well, just one press release came in this time.</b></span></span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, presents a Nina Weiss exhibit, <i><b>"Not Far Off,"</b></i> Landscapes inspired by forests and fields, from <b>June 11-July 31</b>. An opening reception for Weiss will be from <b>6-9 p.m. June 11</b> and <b>July 9</b>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Whoopi Goldberg narrates the latest show, a spectacular <b><i>"Journey to the Stars."</i> </b>Show schedules and everything else you need for a day at Adler can be found at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stars twinkle in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. The <b>6:30 p.m. Thursday</b> shows are geared to the younger set. Coming up on </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>June 10</b></span></span>, "What's in the Sky."</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> The <b>7:30 p.m. Tuesday</b> series for the junior high and older set presents </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i>"The Season Sky: Summer Sky" </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">on</span> June 10<i>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">These are the final sky shows till fall! </span></span></i></b>F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">urther information is at (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and search Trackman. Ask for Art the sky guy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Matisse has gone to video <a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/exhibitions/Matisse/resource/981">right here</a>. OK, that's a stretch, but the <b>ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b>, 111. S. MIchigan Ave.,<b> </b>continues the<b> "Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917"</b> exhibit through <b>June 20</b>. This is an extraordinary show and best of all, covered by general admission. Everything you need to know for a day at the Art Institute is at <a href="http://www.artic.edu/">www.artic.edu</a>.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18u8uIP5KGr3OuWgdgH1ZMRlp-BmAAgnp1IYSDs5i5yM_2w3lVqLKBwDfK974DwOAHx7ZcL9DBaiVTItLJe7OqzLBY0tvWVugSPWjl36S8dJGDuMa3fmCYocIfJskybJzgJoGrPCnY0k/s1600/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18u8uIP5KGr3OuWgdgH1ZMRlp-BmAAgnp1IYSDs5i5yM_2w3lVqLKBwDfK974DwOAHx7ZcL9DBaiVTItLJe7OqzLBY0tvWVugSPWjl36S8dJGDuMa3fmCYocIfJskybJzgJoGrPCnY0k/s200/bear.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BROOKFIELD ZOO<b>, </b></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">300 Golf Road, between Interstates 55 and 290, debuts the </span><i>"Great Bear Wilderness"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> now open</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. This state-of-the-art exhibit features polar bears, even grizzly bears along with Mexican gray wolves, bald eagles, bison and even a raven.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> An underwater viewing area allows visits to stay dry, of course, while observing polar bears swimming. Get the scoop and event details for Brookfield at <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, presents what should be a fascinating look at one movement in that battle against racism:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The exhibit joins permanent galleries focused on different eras of blacks throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Guess who is having a birthday? The world's largest and most complete T. rex, <b>Sue</b>, has been with the museum for 10 year and a two-fer birthday bash is going on. Actually, it's a three-fer. For the next three weeks, Sue will be wandering around the main hall greeting guests and showing off her amazing fossilized skeleton which happens to be one of my favorite Field treasures.</span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There's more: <b><i>RoboSUE: The T. rex Experience</i></b> takes visitors back to prehistoric times with robotic dinosaurs that can actually track human guests and follow them with their eyes. Watch yourself on the video screen and see just how these robotic wonders -- T. Rex and Triceratops see <b><i>you</i></b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">An all-new 3-D movie, <b><i>"Waking the T. rex: The Story of SUE,"</i></b> takes visitors into another prehistoric adventure. You'll watch dinosaurs hunt their prey and fight to the death for food as you stand by looking at a day in the life of Sue, nearly 70 million years ago. Check it all out at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., presents an exhibit of more than 100 original works by <b><i>Steve Krakow.</i></b> On June 4, the museum begins its <b><i>First Fridays</i></b> summer experience with a blowout evening of food, music by Chicago's celebrated punk marching band Mucca Pazza along with six DJs around the place and much more, including a "carnival-inspired" menu! Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door and $50 for VIP access (not sure what that includes) at (312) 397-4010 and at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/">www.mcachicago.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJE0kf2uxO9MSL99ja1jesuVGq-9N5n2M6bsf2OjZwOqJKw2EvBTSdKRyrcuBO2pt5zoQFmT-pFn09-oiBN2SNSuMPuRqIOAsFuAqFaJuoY1Y7nxOgzQnpc8Sxie09JybB7X2MbkoCAc/s1600/submarine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJE0kf2uxO9MSL99ja1jesuVGq-9N5n2M6bsf2OjZwOqJKw2EvBTSdKRyrcuBO2pt5zoQFmT-pFn09-oiBN2SNSuMPuRqIOAsFuAqFaJuoY1Y7nxOgzQnpc8Sxie09JybB7X2MbkoCAc/s320/submarine2.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</b>, 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive, has a perfect exhibit for those who wish to honor the memories of soldiers who paid the ultimate price while fighting for their country. The <b><i>U-505 Submarine</i></b>, in its entirety, brings to life many of the stories of World War II including the incredible capture of the killer German U-boat. A hall filled with multi-media exhibits about the war and the full story behind the sub's capture lead into the giant hall built to hold the ship. Everything you will need for a visit to MSI is at <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a>. MSI photo by Scott Brownell.</span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, in conjunction with the Consulate of Mexico, presents <b><i>"Sanctuary: Flight of the Majestic Monarchs"</i></b> as seen through the eyes of award-winning Mexican artists. "Weighing no more than a gram, the Monarch recognizes no borders or human divides on its 2,500-flight from Canada, through the midwest United States before it finally finds sanctuary in the warm fir forests and beautiful mountains of Michoacan, Mexico," museum press notes indicate. A full list of activities, in addition to the exhibit details, can be found at <a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264">http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=264</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Visitors to</span> SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, will have longer hours for visiting over the holiday weekend, <b>open till 8 p.m. May 28-30</b>. And you can now see the four-month old baby beluga in the <b>Oceanarium </b>as well as sign up for a close encounter with a penguin. <b><i>"Penguin Encounters"</i></b> begis June 7 and spots will fill up! All the details you need to plan a day at Shedd are at <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Times; font-style: italic;"></span></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span><br />
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</i></span></span></div></div></b></span></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-89538814684018848652010-05-12T17:10:00.000-07:002010-05-12T17:56:34.208-07:00IPO ends season with Huffman, Grossman ... Sue celebrates 10th<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Dear Readers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Hope you find something to do. LOL. You cannot possibly sit home all May when you see what's happening around the metro area. </span></i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3A_DUoYVSyLKVeEW5g6yjIJeXK_uxagvt5E3SgH3CmQCqF87rU0ndSjqEUQxU3j1GLF1PbNLyHkT64APKCxKJQNZXXIxHykRU3AJF4OiZ9Bi5se7KC7YgSrRShopRbDLXCOx44KU13U/s1600/Hill,+Jon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3A_DUoYVSyLKVeEW5g6yjIJeXK_uxagvt5E3SgH3CmQCqF87rU0ndSjqEUQxU3j1GLF1PbNLyHkT64APKCxKJQNZXXIxHykRU3AJF4OiZ9Bi5se7KC7YgSrRShopRbDLXCOx44KU13U/s200/Hill,+Jon.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Steppenwolf announced that company member Jon Michael Hill (at right) has garnered a 2010 Tony Award nomination for best featured actor in a play -- "Superior Donuts" by company member Tracy Letts. We have seen Hill in several productions, including "... Donuts" and his performances are stellar.</span></i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Meanwhile, I am working on a new template for the blog but have just begun so you probably will see lots of white space on the right. In any case, let me know what you think about the new format and the more monochromatic typeface.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Please keep the e-mail press releases coming and also e-mail me with corrections and comments. Have a great month. See you at the end of May or beginning of June.</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The <b>DRAMA GROUP</b>, fresh off the big stage, moves right into its next show, <b><i>"The Complete History of America, Abridged,"</i></b> described as a "hysterical historical" look at 600 years life on this continent. The production runs <b>June 11-20</b> at the <b>Drama Group Studio</b>, 330W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students; (708) 755-3444 and at <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DR</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">URY LANE OAKBROOK TERRACE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">100 Drury Lane, presents the powerful musical </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Ragtime,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> with the theater's largest cast ever. The show continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">May 23</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Tickets are $31-$45 and dinner packages can be purchased, (630) 530-0111, all Ticketmaster outlets and at </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span><br />
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</b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE,</b> 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, keeps the audience awake and involved with the 2006 blockbuster Broadway show, <b><i>"The Drowsy Chaperone,"</i></b> through <b>June 27</b>. Imagine this: You slide your favorite stage musical CD into the player and the era and actors magically burst into life. The brilliant Marc Robin creates his own magic as director and choreographer of "... Chaperone," a musical within a musical comedy featuring an all-star cast including Chicago favorites Paula Scrofano, John Reeger and James Harms. Tickets are $35 to $48 at (847) 634-0200 and all Ticketmaster outlets. The 411 on the show is at <a href="http://www.MarriottTheatre.com/">www.MarriottTheatre.com</a>.</span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS, </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theatre, 4051 E. Main St., St Charles,</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> tackles the tough words (OK, the easy ones too) as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" </span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">buzzes through St. Charles through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">June 13</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, and if you have not seen this riotous ode to adolescents and spelling bees, it's worth the trip. (I-355 extension dramatically reduces the drive time to St. Charles.) Tickets are $29 and $39 at (630) 584-6342 and Ticketmaster. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> presents the musical story of Gypsy Rose Lee, <b><i>"Gypsy,"</i> June 4-June 13</b> at <b>Oak View Center</b>, 110th Street and Kilpatrick, Oak Lawn. Tickets are $21, $20 seniors, (708) 857-2200.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcnIjs9rOAEDcAK35SeCsrbr9_q09AjxbwGXz0nW-lUq9pCD0ffvnORU2lYC_ycBecCu0PkrQ2jZfPXuwVZzojZCsMjV_6NN_TZaFIFmEKNVW5SK46vVMIrt48bEcdGepQ5y53IXa5gA/s1600/intowoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcnIjs9rOAEDcAK35SeCsrbr9_q09AjxbwGXz0nW-lUq9pCD0ffvnORU2lYC_ycBecCu0PkrQ2jZfPXuwVZzojZCsMjV_6NN_TZaFIFmEKNVW5SK46vVMIrt48bEcdGepQ5y53IXa5gA/s200/intowoods.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</b>, <b>Theatre Building of Chicago</b>, 1224 W. Belmont, continues its awesome production of Stephen Sondheim's <b><i>"Into the Woods"</i></b> through <b>May 30</b>. This show is much more than a musical; think experience. If you have never seen "...Woods" and you like Sondheim, you're in for a magical treat. If you have seen it, here's your chance to once again experience what has become a stage classic. Tickets are $38, $32 students and seniors and available at the box office and by phone at (773) 327-5252 and all Ticketmaster outlets. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">“Into the Woods” is often laugh-out-loud. Still, the production of the Sondheim classic captures the powerful elements in the story as each character meets challenges and lessons symbolic of life’s journey. The show is packed with creative uses of multi-media. Rachel Quinn (left in photo) is a phenomenal Cinderella and Jeny Wasilewski (right) takes on the Red Riding Hood role with panache. Other stand-out performances are Scott Sumerak as the naïve and starry-eyed Jack; William Travis Taylor as the charming and hilarious Cinderella’s Prince; and Rapunzel’s Prince, Cameron Brune. <i>Sarah Gross</i></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PROVISION THEATER COMPANY</b>, 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, presents the world premiere run of <b><i>"The Hiding Place,"</i></b> based on the autobiography of Corrie ten Boom whose family joined the World War II Resistance to battle the Nazis and do what they could to undermine Hitler's "final solution." The production runs weekends <b>through May 23</b>; tickets are $25, $28 at (866) 811-4111 and <a href="http://www.provisiontheatre.org/">www.provisiontheatre.org</a>.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>SPOTLIGHT THEATRE</b> kicks off the summer with the Tennessee Williams classic, <b>"The Night of the Iguana," June 11, 12 and 18, 19</b> at <b>Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University</b>, University Park. Tickets are $14, $12 seniors and students at (708) 941-8294 and <a href="http://www.spotlight-theater.com./">www.spotlight-theater.com.</a></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago explores the theme of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">belief</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> with the extraordinary production of Samuel Beckett's </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Endgame"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> directed by award-winning ensemble member, Frank Galati. The show runs through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">June 6</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Nobel prize-winning playwright Beckett's play is described as an absurd comic masterpiece. Ensemble member William Petersen of "CSI" fame gives a riveting performance. Tickets are $20-$53 for previews, $20-$77 for regular run, (312) 335-1650. <b>SEE REVIEW BELOW!</b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Meanwhile Tarell Alvin McCraney's brilliant triptych, <b><i>The Brother/Sister Plays,"</i></b> continues in the Steppenwolf upstairs through <b>May 23</b>. Sarah Gross' March review of the entire trilogy is at the end of the blog. Gross said the three one-act dramas are phenomenal, in the 'do not miss' category' for serious theater-goers. <b>SEE REVIEW BELOW!</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i>"An Evening with David Sedaris</i></b>," best-selling author and NPR humorist, stops at the upstairs theater <b>June 8-13</b>. All tickets are $35.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>THEATER-ON-THE-HILL, </b><b>Bolingbrook Performing Arts Stage</b>, 375 W. Briarcliff, brings the Pete Townshend and the Who 1960s rock opera <b><i>"Tommy"</i></b> to life <b>June 25-July 18</b>. The show feaures one of my former Star Newspaper colleagues, Erika Enigk Grotto. Tickets are $14, $11 seniors and students, at (630) 908-2563 or by e-mail to theatreonthehill@yahoo.com.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>TOWLE THEATRE</b>, 505 Fayette St., Hammond, IN, continues its production of the romantic comedy <b><i>"Kissing"</i></b> through the weekend of <b>May 23</b>. Tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780 and at www.towletheater.org.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>ARMENIAN DANCE COMPANY OF CHICAGO </b>performs at <b>7:30</b> p.m. <b>June 26</b> at <b>Auditorium Theatre</b>, <b>Northeastern Illinois University</b>, 5500 N. Saint Louis Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $30 at (847) 830-3881 or at (773) 844-0138.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW-JwkLxx_BPbfaoC07yb7-wK1u0AYFyQqHUCFQBAS6bCz7hc2sK-yv9WtyiSOI9foRrOFKjyzGnupgFjvKkiXkkNIAHAaScP2e7uSsgpt3mOni3_-Pu9YbsGrNkE7bbhLanvmGe3gsY/s1600/Glenn+Miller+Orchestra+-+Larry+O%27Brien+Headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW-JwkLxx_BPbfaoC07yb7-wK1u0AYFyQqHUCFQBAS6bCz7hc2sK-yv9WtyiSOI9foRrOFKjyzGnupgFjvKkiXkkNIAHAaScP2e7uSsgpt3mOni3_-Pu9YbsGrNkE7bbhLanvmGe3gsY/s320/Glenn+Miller+Orchestra+-+Larry+O%27Brien+Headshot.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Make way for the "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and travel back in time to hear the inimitable sounds of the official </span><i>Glenn Miller Orchestra</i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">performing its Big Band hits and other favorites of the 1940s at</span> 3 p.m. May 15 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">at</span> CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">at Governors State University, University Park. Tickets are $23-$43 at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a> and at (708) 235-2222. Larry O'Brien (left) of South Bend, IN, conducts the orchestra.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>FERMILAB ART SERIES </b>takes the physics of sound to the max with<b> <i>Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues</i> </b>at<b> 8 p.m. June 26. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The Chamber Blues music experience takes lucky audiences into a phenomenal fusion of gritty Chicago blues and classical sounds. Siegel's extraordinary musical talent spans across the performance and composing spectrum and Chamber blues brings it all together with a chamber music size combo. Tickets are $20, $10 18 and under. Info on the art series and other events, as well as tickets, are <a href="http://www.FNAL.GOV/CULTURE">www.FNAL.GOV/CULTURE</a> and (630) 840-2787. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Ramsey Auditorium in Wilson Hall</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> is at the back of the iconic structure in Batavia. A map sketch is at <a href="http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml">http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/fermi_directions.shtml</a>. The iconic Wilson Hall is visible from Kirk Road, an extension of Farnsworth, as you travel north off I-88.</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Closing out its 32nd annual season, the <b>ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</b> presents <b><i>"Two Worlds, Old and New"</i></b> at <b>8 p.m. May 22</b> at <b>Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</b>, 19900 S. Harlem Ave. (turn west off Harlem where Vollmer Road goes east), Frankfort. The program features the masterful talents of Concertmaster Hal Grossman (pictured at right) and Assistant Concertmaster Elizabeth Huffman performing Bach's Concerto for Two Violins which premiered in 1731. The program also includes Symphony No. 9 in E minor from Dvorak's From the New World. Poulenc's Two Marches and an Interlude round out the program. Tickets are $30-$50 at (708) 481-7774 and, if any are left, at the box office before the performance.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">"<b><i>Starry Nights,</i></b>" the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual summer concert series at <b>IRWIN PARK</b>, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood, kicks off </span><span class="Apple-style-span">June 11</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> as <b><i>Piano Man</i></b> recreates the sounds of Billy Joel and Elton John. On <b>June 25 </b><b><i>Elevation</i></b> performs U2 and <b>Pink Houses</b> plays John Cougar Mellencamp on <b>July 23</b>. Check out preview videos of the bands at www.hfparks.com. Tickets on sale now; a$7 adult, $5 child at Park District offices and (708) 957-0300. </span></span><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;">POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES</span></i></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">at Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights features creative works by 12 graduating students, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">on display through </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">May 20</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">. Information is at (708) 709-3636</span></span></span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b> UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, continues its exhibit <b><i>"Pairs,"</i></b> through <b>May 14</b>. This exhibit focuses on pairs of related works by each participating artist. Pairs are displayed as 'partners,' inviting comparisons of subject, style, size and color. Other events, including classes with professional artists, fundraisers a variety of special happenings and all the info you need for a visit to the gallery are at <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/">www.unionstreetgallery.org</a> and at (708) 754-2601. Gallery admission is free.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span><br />
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</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Kids will fly a shuttle, explore a new planet, spend time in extra-terrestrial housing in an all-new permanent exhibit, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Planet Explorers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This wondrous hands-on, climb in, launch into space exploration will entice the kid in everyone. I admit, I wanted to fly the shuttle but instead climbed in and out of the off-world living quarters. This astronomically exciting 'space park' is free with general admission. While you are up on the third floor, don't forget to check out <b><i>Shoot for the Moon</i></b>, a two-gallery look at the history of pre-shuttle spaceflight with loads of memorabilia, videos and more, all anchored with the authentic <b>Gemini 12</b> spacecraft that carried astronauts Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin on a 59-orbit, 2.5 million km. journey in space in November 1966. Everything you need to know for a trip down there is at </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.adlerplanetarium.org</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stars twinkle in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. The <b>6:30 p.m. Thursday</b> shows are geared to the younger set. Coming up on </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>May 13</b></span></span>, "Comets and Asteroids."</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> The <b>7:30 p.m. Tuesday</b> series is for the junior high and older set. Coming up <b>May </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>18</b>, <b><i>"The Search for Intelligent Life."</i></b> F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">urther information is at (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and search Trackman. Ask for Art the sky guy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Matisse has gone to video. OK, that's a stretch, but the <b>ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</b> has created this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/visitor_info/podcasts/video/matisse">video</a> preview</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">A Matisse blockbuster continues at the</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: </span></b></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The world-class <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;">art museum</span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, </span></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">111 S. Michigan Ave., looks at an extraordinary period in the life of Henri Matisse (1869-1954) in an original exhibit created by the Art Institute with the Museum of Modern Art in New York. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Matisse </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">runs through </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">June 20</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">is included in general admission</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">! Also open, two new exhibitions on architecture and design in Galleries 283-285. All the information you'll need for an Art Institute visit are at </span></span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.artic.edu</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BROOKFIELD ZOO<b>, </b></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">300 Golf Road, between Interstates 55 and 290, debuts the </span><i>"Great Bear Wilderness"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> now open</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. This state-of-the-art exhibit features polar bears, even grizzly bears along with Mexican gray wolves, bald eagles, bison and even a raven.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> An underwater viewing area allows visits to stay dry, of course, while observing polar bears swimming. Get the scoop and event details for Brookfield at <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, presents what should be a fascinating look at one movement in that battle against racism:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The exhibit joins permanent galleries focused on different eras of blacks throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Guess who is having a birthday? Yes, T. rex Sue naturally is millions of years old, but she celebrates her 10th anniversary at Field Museum with a package of exciting prehistoric adventures <b>May 26-Sept. 6</b>. A film production. <b><i>"Waking the T. rex 3-D; The story of Sue"</i></b> will take visitors on an amazing Sue adventure. And <b><i>"RoboSue: The T. rex Experience" </i></b>will feature a robotic Sue that will almost interact with visitors -- safely of course. And for the serious Sue fans, on <b>May 29-May 31, Sue Hendrickson,</b> who discovered the archeological wonder, will be at the Field to talk about her adventures, answer questions and sign autographs. The spectacular Sue doings will require special tickets. Meanwhile </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> a 7,500-square-foot exhibit, continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sept. 4</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and will thrill even the most jaded Ice Age fan. Star of this exhibit is a 40,000-year-old baby mammoth. At adulthood, the huge animals weighed as much as eight tons with tusks that could reach 16 feet in length. Alas, these cousins of elephants died out, but fortunately left a huge fossil record. Museum visitors will discover answers to many questions including how the prehistoric creatures balanced their tusks, how much they ate and how elephants 'talk' to each other. Special all-access tickets will be required for the Sue spectacular. Details of Hendrickson's talks are at (312) 665-7100. Information about Field Museum is at </span><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., presents an exhibit of more than 100 original works by <b><i>Steve Krakow.</i></b> More than 100 original 'info strips" are on display. Additionally, four concerts will take place in May with musicians featured in Krakow's strips. which run every other week in the Chicago Reader newspaper. The exhibit runs from <b>through </b><b>May</b> <b>30.</b> On June 1 the MCA kicks off its summer <b><i>Tuesdays on the Terrace</i></b> with a fabulous jazz artist lineup. Also mark your calendar for <b>June 26</b> when <b><i>Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art</i></b> debuts. Calder will continue through <i>Oct. 17</i>. All the exhibit details and jazz on the terrace details, as well as any info you need to plan an MCA visit are at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org./">www.mcachicago.org.</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW8vsDfkC_3QgjhDkD2ywz13a3l_d2BvnemcRyUhi5BeDeSrwdGQGradMVUImrKCryE9BTrfkf0eTVU_5TD4PMhlCYfKYc6zD6vPQavMMgkyqZLphrd18gJW7YJi0L-0l0fHhvu8QvKI/s1600/u505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW8vsDfkC_3QgjhDkD2ywz13a3l_d2BvnemcRyUhi5BeDeSrwdGQGradMVUImrKCryE9BTrfkf0eTVU_5TD4PMhlCYfKYc6zD6vPQavMMgkyqZLphrd18gJW7YJi0L-0l0fHhvu8QvKI/s320/u505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">If you have not been there in years, the legendary <b>U-505</b> Submarine is an extraordinary exhibit anchored by the only German U-boat captured and brought to the United States. Surrounded by compelling galleries, photos and even film footage of the capture, this is a one-of-a-kind experience and it's only at the </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. This thrilling adventure takes you where few have ever gone before. Then check out the phenomena of storms, such as lightning (at right), one of the many high tech looks at Mother Nature in </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Science Storms,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> the recently opened, two-level, 26,000 square feet permanent exhibit included with general admission. A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ll the details and everything you need to plan a day at MSI are at </span><a href="http://www.msichicago.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.msichicago.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, continues its series of free nature films with the <b>May 27</b> showing of <b><i>"On the Wings of the Monarch," </i></b>a documentary that follows host Libby Graham on an amazing journey into the life of the monarch butterfly. All the information you need for a Notebaert Nature Museum visit are at <a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org./">www.naturemuseum.org.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Visitors to</span> SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, can now see the four-month old baby beluga in the Oceanarium. Also, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Happy Feet -D Experience"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> is playing in the renovated theater. Visitors will travel to Antarctica and meet a lively cast of penguin characters in this magical 12-minute, 4-D family feature. Check out all the details and events as well as plan your trip to the world-famous Shedd Aquarium at </span><a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><i><b>STEPPENWOLF'S 'ENDGAME' A PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE</b></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><i><b>By Myra Eder</b></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b> </b></span>Beckett baffles.</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTXSvGppkndvxPRrSmgzA98D8AQ_TQLtYggtov90QSby-7b0TmjraA2wJoiFL7D7yyMXGGHnlszIX5UFOv1wY3-NqOhbJ4EV-XaqTaOmTJgpWAkBjkIA7NyPRMx9V_a6cPElal1VYsa0/s1600/petersen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTXSvGppkndvxPRrSmgzA98D8AQ_TQLtYggtov90QSby-7b0TmjraA2wJoiFL7D7yyMXGGHnlszIX5UFOv1wY3-NqOhbJ4EV-XaqTaOmTJgpWAkBjkIA7NyPRMx9V_a6cPElal1VYsa0/s200/petersen.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">After more than two weeks of thinking and perusing literary commentary, I finally have a small grip on Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The star-studded Steppenwolf Theatre production, which opened earlier this month and runs through June 6 (ticket information in listing below), absolutely mesmerized me, pried my brain open and continues to intrigues me.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This one-act play, which premiered in 1957, takes the viewer into a realm beyond theater of the absurd.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Watching “Endgame,” I think, parallels what one might encounter stepping into Salvador Dali painting come to life. The surreal experience, a dreamlike, perhaps nightmarish journey would not make sense at first. The dreamer would have to return often to understand the Dali plane of existence.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">So too with “Endgame.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> The brilliant four-person Steppenwolf Company cast, as well as director Frank Galati give life and coherence to Beckett’s bizarre script. Indeed, one does not have to be a Beckett scholar, or for that matter have any familiarity with the late legendary playwright to realize the skill and insight this play demands.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Powerful stage chemistry adds another layer of genius to "Endgame."</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The power in Steppenwolf’s production is such that Beckett’s intent becomes secondary as the audience experiences another reality that unfolds in “Endgame.”</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">William Petersen (pictured) portrays Hamm, a blind man, king of his abode, who sits on his throne-on-wheels in the center of a small room because he cannot stand up. Hamm’s lame manservant Clov (Ian Barford) goes back and forth, in and out of the little room as he begrudgingly responds to his master’s every demand. Theirs is an alien codependence.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Clov, for some unexplained reason, cannot sit down.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Meanwhile, Hamm’s aged and apparently legless parents, Nagg (Francis Guinan) and Nell (Martha Lavey), each live in a covered ashcan, discarded by their son and by life.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Their pathetic existence deteriorates as the play moves forward, without any obvious impact on their son.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> At first, most audience members would find little, if anything, in common with Beckett’s characters. But in fact, if each person were to break down his or her life into a few basic, unrelated episodes, similarities to the onstage actions probably would emerge. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">“Endgame” ultimately is very human if not humane.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Beckett’s dialogue reveals, in Galati’s words, a “world broken apart, dismantled of the rational thought charged through the first half of the (post war) 20</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> century.” It was this postwar state of mind that critics see as a key force in Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” as well as “Endgame.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> In Steppenwolf artistic director Lavey’s compelling interview with Galati in the program, she asks how he would want an audience to experience “Endgame.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Galati replies, “With open arms. Not afraid of the dark …. I think a great work of art asks us to step into it and accept its wisdom, its vision of truth.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> As an aside, Petersen is an extraordinary talent. While “CSI” no doubt pays very well, Petersen belongs onstage where he can breathe life into complex characters created by the brilliant playwrights of every age. His dazzling performance in Steppenwolf's "Dublin Carol" late last year was my first opportunity to see him outside his Gil Grissom TV character. Petersen commands the stage and slips into his roles with convincing authority. He does not act. He is that character of the moment.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> A final note: I urge anyone who is not a Beckett scholar to read the program before the curtain goes up. I regret not having done so as the “Endgame” experience would have been even richer with the knowledge gained from Lavey’s Galati interview as well as artistic apprentice Rebecca Stevens’ analysis of the play and playwright in historical context.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div></i></b></span></b></span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div></b></span></b></span></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-62262822607169539962010-04-29T20:24:00.000-07:002010-05-05T17:03:02.055-07:00Angels, dinos, trombones and more!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Dear Readers,<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUXpux8ybHlFeSx3Hdk_tgXQ9A1geVIBEVXqTV89NUIcH0RHpqMdCgfgx4QlGmLvvx-_rKlNdaT6mG_eg7c5ovMNk1pVGUJqCOEUhjLu7a5vFbnJE_pbeUrC93DDVxPKUh41pQh1S0pI/s1600/angels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUXpux8ybHlFeSx3Hdk_tgXQ9A1geVIBEVXqTV89NUIcH0RHpqMdCgfgx4QlGmLvvx-_rKlNdaT6mG_eg7c5ovMNk1pVGUJqCOEUhjLu7a5vFbnJE_pbeUrC93DDVxPKUh41pQh1S0pI/s320/angels.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't miss this weekend's Drama Group production of "City of Angels" at Bloom High School. It should be a blockbuster show and runs this weekend only. More details are in the listing. A number of Southland theatrical offerings cover the 'something for everyone' spectrum. Gil Oliva (left), a fantastic actor who often works behind the scenes, starred in the production. Joe Clair (at desk) also starred.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6mABiGuOZt-HeCTY3nXzG_dedBPAppH7wOeWh_m6GxQ5hpZIl5m2Cr8lQRl-DNetbean-Dm4d2TmDRqz37LFhYNjNLvsJGkDCLbYT5S69-GxYo0IJszwIR2xeycCA6Ez_P1DOOMFFXk/s1600/suealive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6mABiGuOZt-HeCTY3nXzG_dedBPAppH7wOeWh_m6GxQ5hpZIl5m2Cr8lQRl-DNetbean-Dm4d2TmDRqz37LFhYNjNLvsJGkDCLbYT5S69-GxYo0IJszwIR2xeycCA6Ez_P1DOOMFFXk/s200/suealive.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> You'll want to plan a trip to Shedd Aquarium with kids or grandkids or nieces and nephews to see the four-month-old baby Beluga. The beautiful baby boy will be delighting fans in a special view area in the Oceanarium. And while you are thinking about museums, Field goes back in time, by millions of years, as it celebrates the world's most famous T. rex's 10th anniversary at the museum. That would be Sue. Dino-size events and exhibits begin in May. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Skim the blog. You will notice I do not record hits to this website since I know you are reading this and passing the link along. So many people have told me their arts and entertainment experiences have expanded with the introduction of "And now presenting..." </div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend and see you again soon. Please, as always, send press releases, comments and any corrections to me at myrasharon@comcast.net.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Myra</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">**********************</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><i><b>STEPPENWOLF'S 'ENDGAME' A PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><i><b>By Myra Eder</b></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Beckett baffles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTXSvGppkndvxPRrSmgzA98D8AQ_TQLtYggtov90QSby-7b0TmjraA2wJoiFL7D7yyMXGGHnlszIX5UFOv1wY3-NqOhbJ4EV-XaqTaOmTJgpWAkBjkIA7NyPRMx9V_a6cPElal1VYsa0/s1600/petersen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTXSvGppkndvxPRrSmgzA98D8AQ_TQLtYggtov90QSby-7b0TmjraA2wJoiFL7D7yyMXGGHnlszIX5UFOv1wY3-NqOhbJ4EV-XaqTaOmTJgpWAkBjkIA7NyPRMx9V_a6cPElal1VYsa0/s200/petersen.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">After more than two weeks of thinking and perusing literary commentary, I finally have a small grip on Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The star-studded Steppenwolf Theatre production, which opened earlier this month and runs through June 6 (ticket information in listing below), absolutely mesmerized me, pried my brain open and continues to intrigues me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This one-act play, which premiered in 1957, takes the viewer into a realm beyond theater of the absurd. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Watching “Endgame,” I think, parallels what one might encounter stepping into Salvador Dali painting come to life. The surreal experience, a dreamlike, perhaps nightmarish journey would not make sense at first. The dreamer would have to return often to understand the Dali plane of existence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">So too with “Endgame.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The brilliant four-person Steppenwolf Company cast, as well as director Frank Galati give life and coherence to Beckett’s bizarre script. Indeed, one does not have to be a Beckett scholar, or for that matter have any familiarity with the late legendary playwright to realize the skill and insight this play demands. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Powerful stage chemistry adds another layer of genius to "Endgame."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The power in Steppenwolf’s production is such that Beckett’s intent becomes secondary as the audience experiences another reality that unfolds in “Endgame.”</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> William Petersen (pictured) portrays Hamm, a blind man, king of his abode, who sits on his throne-on-wheels in the center of a small room. Hamm’s lame manservant Clov (Ian Barford) goes back and forth, in and out of the little room as he begrudgingly responds to his master’s every demand. Theirs is an alien codependence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Clov, for some unexplained reason, cannot sit down. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Meanwhile, Hamm’s aged and apparently legless parents, Nagg (Francis Guinan) and Nell (Martha Lavey), each live in a covered ashcan, discarded by their son and by life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Their pathetic existence deteriorates as the play moves forward, without any obvious impact on their son.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> At first, most audience members would find little, if anything, in common with Beckett’s characters. But in fact, if each person were to break down his or her life into a few basic, unrelated episodes, similarities to the onstage actions probably would emerge. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">“Endgame” ultimately is very human if not humane.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Beckett’s dialogue reveals, in Galati’s words, a “world broken apart, dismantled of the rational thought charged through the first half of the (post war) 20</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> century.” It was this postwar state of mind that critics see as a key force in Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” as well as “Endgame.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">In Steppenwolf artistic director Lavey’s compelling interview with Galati in the program, she asks how he would want an audience to experience “Endgame.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Galati replies, “With open arms. Not afraid of the dark …. I think a great work of art asks us to step into it and accept its wisdom, its vision of truth.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> As an aside, Petersen is an extraordinary talent. While “CSI” no doubt pays very well, Petersen belongs onstage where he can breathe life into complex characters created by the brilliant playwrights of every age. His dazzling performance in Steppenwolf's "Dublin Carol" late last year was my first opportunity to see him outside his Gil Grissom TV character. Petersen commands the stage and slips into his roles with convincing authority. He does not act. He is that character of the moment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> A final note: I urge anyone who is not a Beckett scholar to read the program before the curtain goes up. I regret not having done so as the “Endgame” experience would have been even richer with the knowledge gained from Lavey’s Galati interview as well as artistic apprentice Rebecca Stevens’ analysis of the play and playwright in historical context.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">THEATER</span></i></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BEVERLY THEATRE GUILD</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> stages one of the most thrilling-twists-at-the-end mysteries ever to hit the stage, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Deathrap,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 30-May 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Baer Theater</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St., Chicago. Tickets, $20 each, as well as showtimes and more are at (773) 284-8497 and </span><a href="http://www.beverlytheareguild.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.beverlytheareguild.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DR</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">URY LANE OAKBROOK TERRACE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">100 Drury Lane, presents the powerful musical </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Ragtime,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> with the theater's largest cast ever. The show continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">May 23</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Tickets are $31-$45 and dinner packages can be purchased, (630) 530-0111, all Ticketmaster outlets and at </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">SEE REVIEW BELOW.</span></b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> presents the musical story of Gypsy Rose Lee, <b><i>"Gypsy,"</i> June 4-June 13</b> at Oak View Center, 110th Street and Kilpatrick, Oak Lawn. Tickets are $21, $20 seniors, (708) 857-2200.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzwUkCQ9QDMkYRwCwA783tOPxTeny13mlQpDMwf9el1GeNWL7dAaXNia0U2xntVtsI3bI0H4lKeW2oNVV2ahpqr3KztI8a1wmP7Vr-L6NsHsMoEMBsCJ6O2AtdVkLsZJLR2-i2xC_RL0/s1600/musicman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzwUkCQ9QDMkYRwCwA783tOPxTeny13mlQpDMwf9el1GeNWL7dAaXNia0U2xntVtsI3bI0H4lKeW2oNVV2ahpqr3KztI8a1wmP7Vr-L6NsHsMoEMBsCJ6O2AtdVkLsZJLR2-i2xC_RL0/s200/musicman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> travels to River City, Iowa, onstage of course, for one of America's favorite musicals, Meredith Willson's </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Music Man"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 30-May 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Carl Sandburg High School Performing Arts Center</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 13600 LaGrange Road, Orland Park. Kristina Wilson and Bob Stewart star as Marian Paroo and Harold Hill (photo at right). Tickets are $18 adults, $16 seniors and students, $14 children 12 and under, (708) 403-7275 and </span><a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.orland-park.il.us</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and click on Recreation and Parks/Programs/Theatre. </span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></b></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVQ9OZ7gqqSt_SMYPKJ-jL2KM5Wq7TxvA4pmyQp7m71sLMk5IOYqdrJxTlui8SgiXPf2wrlVb0VskHhYQPyvC7tmwzpFG7PcRjflgzcMqKhxO1jqjaRLwmXVFmxXat7H7VHOrtEs_dsw/s1600/pvp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVQ9OZ7gqqSt_SMYPKJ-jL2KM5Wq7TxvA4pmyQp7m71sLMk5IOYqdrJxTlui8SgiXPf2wrlVb0VskHhYQPyvC7tmwzpFG7PcRjflgzcMqKhxO1jqjaRLwmXVFmxXat7H7VHOrtEs_dsw/s200/pvp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">present</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Enchanted April,"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> April 30-May 8, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">weekends only, at</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Palos Park Recreation Center</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 8901 W. 123rd St., Palos Park. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors, students at (877) 787-8497 and </span><a href="http://www.pvp.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.pvp.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Sarah Lowrence (pictured) and Bruce Fredrick strike less-than-pleased poses during rehearsal. Of course, I don't think they are irritated with each other but their characters certainly look irritated.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PROVISION THEATER COMPANY</b>, 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, presents the world premiere run of <b><i>"The Hiding Place,"</i></b> based on the autobiography of Corrie ten Boom whose family joined the World War II Resistance to battle the Nazis and do what they could to undermine Hitler's "final solution." The production runs weekends <b>through May 23</b>; tickets are $25, $28 at (866) 811-4111 and <a href="http://www.provisiontheatre.org/">www.provisiontheatre.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>SPOTLIGHT THEATRE</b> kicks off the summer with the Tennessee Williams classic, <b>"The Night of the Iguana," June 11, 12 and 18, 19</b> at <b>Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University</b>, University Park. Tickets are $14, $12 seniors and students at (708) 941-8294 and <a href="http://www.spotlight-theater.com./">www.spotlight-theater.com.</a></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago explores the theme of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">belief</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> with the extraordinary production of Samuel Beckett's </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Endgame"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> directed by award-winning ensemble member, Frank Galati. The show runs continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">June 6</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Nobel prize-winning playwright Beckett's play is described as an absurd comic masterpiece. Ensemble member William Petersen of "CSI" fame gives a riveting performance. Tickets are $20-$53 for previews, $20-$77 for regular run, (312) 335-1650. <b>SEE REVIEW ABOVE!</b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Meanwhile Tarell Alvin McCraney's brilliant triptych, <b><i>The Brother/Sister Plays,"</i></b> continues in the Steppenwolf upstairs through <b>May 23</b>. Sarah Gross' March review of the entire trilogy is at the end of the blog. Gross said the three one-act dramas are phenomenal, in the 'do not miss' category' for serious theater-goers. <b>SEE REVIEW BELOW!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i>"An Evening with David Sedaris</i></b>," best-selling author and NPR humorist, stops at the upstairs theater June 8-13. All tickets are $35.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">THEATRE AT THE CENTER</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, takes its onstage vows with the Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt musical, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"I Do! I Do!"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> an intimate (in the bedroom), nostalgic (as years go by) look at a couple's marriage through 50 years -- the good times, the not-so-good, the terrific and the really tough times. The show opened on Broadway in 1966 and has become a classic treasure in musical theater. The two-person production, featuring Chicago-based stage stars Bernie Yvon and Heidi Kettenring, continues</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">May 23</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Tickets are at (219) 836-3255 and </span><a href="http://www.tickets.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.tickets.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and </span><a href="http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>PRODUCTIONS FOR THE YOUNGER SET</b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">presents the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia production, </span><i>"The</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">through</span> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">May 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at </span>Field Museum<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Tickets are $35 adults, $25 children 12 and under and includes post show museum admission, (773) 227-0180, ext. 15 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org./"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.</span></span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span></b></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_cECzFwKASsvGeSdpcAc9yAflkZXcfrgl5G4vP8pqy5h_sX2fSZEP3nvf0KjRaH5cgbee_Nbda722Zhyk0LbJOCeZXpA2mbLQIO3xsAkH8NmxJvwNlw0Vstvfv8zwggHxf86DVq2LUA/s1600/Hal+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_cECzFwKASsvGeSdpcAc9yAflkZXcfrgl5G4vP8pqy5h_sX2fSZEP3nvf0KjRaH5cgbee_Nbda722Zhyk0LbJOCeZXpA2mbLQIO3xsAkH8NmxJvwNlw0Vstvfv8zwggHxf86DVq2LUA/s320/Hal+LR.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Closing out its 32nd annual season, the <b>ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</b> presents <b><i>"Two Worlds, Old and New"</i></b> at <b>8 p.m. May 22</b> at <b>Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</b>, 19900 S. Harlem Ave. (turn west off Harlem where Vollmer Road goes east), Frankfort. The program features the masterful talents of Concertmaster Hal Grossman (pictured at right) and Assistant Concertmaster Elizabeth Huffman performing Bach's Concerto for Two Violins which premiered in 1731. The program also includes Symphony No. 9 in E minor from Dvorak's From the New World. Poulenc's Two Marches and an Interlude round out the program. Tickets are $30-$50 at (708) 481-7774 and, if any are left, at the box office before the performance.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DRURY LANE OAKBROOK, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, presents the legendary <b><i>Bobby Vinton</i></b> in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> three concerts after Mother's Day weekend, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">May 10 and 11</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tickets are $45-$55 with discounts for subscribers. Vinton's live shows leave nothing undone as he sings his greatest hits, 'Roses Are Red, My Love,' ''There, I've Said It Again,' 'Blue on Blue' and 'My Melody of Love,' the song that brought him the honorary title, the Polish Prince -- and many more chart toppers. Now in his 70s, Vinton remains the consummate stage performer. Tickets are at (630) 530-5203, </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and Ticketmaster.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">at Governors State University, University Park, presents <b><i>"Whose Live Anyway"</i></b> at 8 p.m. <b>April 30</b>. Based on the 1980s television series, "Whose Line Is It Anyway," the stage production features the same stars, Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis. Tickets are $45 to $56 at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">"<b><i>Starry Nights</i></b>" at Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual summer concert series at <b>IRWIN PARK</b>, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood, kicks off </span><span class="Apple-style-span">June 11</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> as <b><i>Piano Man</i></b> recreates the sounds of Billy Joel and Elton John. On <b>June 25 </b><b><i>Elevation</i></b> performs U2 and <b>Pink Houses</b> plays John Cougar Mellencamp on <b>July 23</b>. Tickets on sale May 3 are $7 adult, $5 child at (708) 957-0300.</span></span><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><i>Dance International!</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> fills the stage at </span>8 p.m. May 8<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at </span>OZINGA AUDITORIUM,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Trinity Christian College, 5501 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Tickets are $19-$24, $15-$19 seniors and $5 students; under 12 free, (708) 802-0686 and at <a href="http://www.southwestsymphony.com/">www.southwestsymphony.com</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: bold;">CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">at Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, will feature creative works by 12 graduating students, opening with an artists reception at </span>noon, May 5<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. The artworks will remain on display through </span>May 20<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Information is at (708) 709-3636.</span></span><br />
<b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>UNION STREET GALLERY</b>, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, continues its exhibit <b><i>"Pairs,"</i></b> through <b>May 14</b>. This exhibit focuses on pairs of related works by each participating artist. Pairs are displayed as 'partners,' inviting comparisons of subject, style, size and color. Other events, including classes with professional artists, fundraisers a variety of special happenings and all the info you need for a visit to the gallery are at <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/">www.unionstreetgallery.org</a> and at (708) 754-2601. Gallery admission is free.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></b><br />
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</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (312) 922-7827 (STAR). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The first planetarium in the western world packs in a universe of information, exhibits, extraordinary shows. Kids will fly a shuttle, explore a new planet, spend time in extra terrestrial housing in an all-new permanent exhibit, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Planet Explorers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This wondrous hands-on, climb in, launch into space exploration will entice the kid in everyone. I admit, I wanted to fly the shuttle but instead climbed in and out of the off-world living quarters. This astronomically exciting 'space park' is free with general admission. While you are up on the third floor, don't forget to check out <b><i>Shoot for the Moon</i></b>, a two-gallery look at the history of pre-shuttle spaceflight with loads of memorabilia, videos and more, all anchored with the authentic Gemini 12 spacecraft that carried astronauts Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin on a 59-orbit, 2.5 million km. journey in space in November 1966. Everything you need to know for a trip down there is at </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.adlerplanetarium.org</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Yes, Alice, there is a planetarium in Will County. The stars shine often in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. The <b>6:30 p.m. Thursday</b> shows are geared to the younger set. Coming up on <b>April 29</b> </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Are There Aliens?" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">and on <b>May 13</b></span></span>, "Comets and Asteroids."</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> The <b>7:30 p.m. Tuesday</b> series is for the junior high and older set. Coming up <b>May 4</b>, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Seasonal Skies: May."</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and on <b>May 18</b>, <b><i>"The Search for Intelligent Life."</i></b> F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">urther information is at (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and search Trackman. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PLEASE NOTE:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Astronomer Art wants to assure everyone that the world will NOT end on Dec. 21, 2012.</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">A Matisse blockbuster continues at the</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: </span></b></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The world-class <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;">art museum</span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, </span></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">111 S. Michigan Ave., looks at an extraordinary period in the life of Henri Matisse (1869-1954) in an original exhibit created by the Art Institute with the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Check out this Art Institute </span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/visitor_info/podcasts/video/matisse"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">video</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> for </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Time frame in the artist's career generatedthe iconic "Bathers by the River" in the Art Institute collection. The exhibit </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">runs through </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">June 20</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">is included in general admission</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">! All the information you'll need for an Art Institute visit are at </span></span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">www.artic.edu</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BROOKFIELD ZOO<b>, </b></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">300 Golf Road, between Interstates 55 and 290, debuts the </span><i>"Great Bear Wilderness"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> on </span><span class="Apple-style-span">May 8</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> All the information you need for a day at Brookfield is at <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, presents what should be a fascinating look at one movement in that battle against racism:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The exhibit joins permanent galleries focused on different eras of blacks throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600. </span></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>FIE</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Guess who is having a birthday? Yes, T. rex Sue naturally is millions of years old, but she celebrates her 10th anniversary at Field Museum with a package of exciting prehistoric adventures <b>May 26-Sept. 6</b>. A film production. <b><i>"Waking the T. rex 3-D; The story of Sue"</i></b> will take visitors on an amazing Sue adventure. And <b><i>"RoboSue: The T. rex Experience" </i></b>will feature robotic Sue, a robotic dino that will almost interact with visitors -- safely of course. And for the serious Sue fans, on <b>May 29-May 31, Sue Hendrickson,</b> who discovered the archeological wonder, will be at the Field to talk about her adventures, answer questions and sign autographs. The spectacular Sue doings will require special tickets. Meanwhile </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> a 7,500-square-foot exhibit, continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sept. 4</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and will thrill even the most jaded Ice Age fan. Star of this exhibit is a 40,000-year-old baby mammoth. At adulthood, the huge animals weighed as much as eight tons with tusks that could reach 16 feet in length. Alas, these cousins of elephants died out, but fortunately left a huge fossil record. Museum visitors will discover answers to many qustions including how the prehistoric creatures balanced their tusks, how much they ate and how elephants 'talk' to each other. Special all-access tickets will be required for the Sue spectacular. Details of Hendrickson's talks are at (312) 665-7100. Information about Field Museum is at </span><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</b>, 220 E. Chicago Ave., presents an exhibit of works by <b><i>Steve Krakow</i></b>, also known at "Plastic Crimewave." More than 100 original 'info strips" are on display. Additionally, four concerts will take place in May with musicians featured in Krakow's strips. which run every other week in the Chicago Reader newspaper. The exhibit runs from <b>May 7-30</b> and Krakow will discuss his work at an Artist's Talk at <b>6 p.m. May 11</b>. Also mark your calendar for <b>June 26</b> when <b><i>Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art</i></b> debuts. Calder will continue through <i>Oct. 17</i>. All the exhibit details and info you need to plan an MCA visit are at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org./">www.mcachicago.org.</a></span><br />
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</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, continues its series of free nature films with the May 6 and 27 showings of "On the Wings of the Monarch," a documentary that follows host Libby Graham on an amazing journey into the life of the monarch butterfly. All the information you need for a Notebaert Nature Museum visit are at <a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org./">www.naturemuseum.org.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Visitors to</span> SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, can now see the four-month old baby beluga in the Oceanarium. Also, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Happy Feet -D Experience"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> is playing in the renovated theater. Visitors will travel to Antarctica and meet a lively cast of penguin characters in this magical 12-minute, 4-D family feature. Check out all the details and events as well as plan your trip to the world-famous Shedd Aquarium at </span><a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">***************************</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">‘Ragtime’ soars through Drury Lane</span></span> </b></span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8__zcgY1TgwDTVK93OMDsEl3LeUmdPAD5blOXDUZeoQ4ZY2sVoZbJDyH4vRjJR2g1bAmdeWz_6bZkk6dJu-2RHIgnHEVw9Y652zixZ8ivUW1W7B1hXohrRRslttiLVlNT3_JC4X1IqZc/s1600/Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8__zcgY1TgwDTVK93OMDsEl3LeUmdPAD5blOXDUZeoQ4ZY2sVoZbJDyH4vRjJR2g1bAmdeWz_6bZkk6dJu-2RHIgnHEVw9Y652zixZ8ivUW1W7B1hXohrRRslttiLVlNT3_JC4X1IqZc/s320/Q.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He is Q. His presence completely fills the house with a tangible energy, a positive force that gains strength throughout the evening.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Q would be phenomenal actor Quentin Earl Darrington (pictured above) whose bravura Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Drury Lane Theatre’s “Ragtime” stunned the Oakbrook Terrace house for nearly three hours on opening night.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In fact, the entire cast in the theater’s lavish production keeps a tight grip on the audience with riveting performances.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Loosely based on the E.L. Doctorow novel of the same name, “Ragtime” weaves together three stories and three families -- upscale white New Yorkers, a trio of African Americans and Latvian immigrants, a father and daughter, who have arrived in New York with nothing but hope. The unlikely paths of all cross in early 20</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> century America with profound impacts on the lives of all.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Ragtime” celebrates life while it reveals the inequities, cruelty and northern style lynchings blacks dealt with every day.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cory Goodrich’s dazzling performance of the upscale Mother was touching, humane and strong, and Larry Adams as the baffled, confused Father, whose lifestyle and mores remained stuck in the 19</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> century, was brilliant.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Mark David Kaplan, Max Quinlan and Valisia LeKae as the Immigrant, Mother’s Younger Brother and Sarah, respectively, were phenomenal and their performances kept the house energy high and stage chemistry hot.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This was the third “Ragtime” production I had seen over the years, and the only one that had a grip on me throughout the night.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The superb cast under Rachel Rockwell’s direction and Roberta Duchak’s music direction came together in a “Ragtime” that thrilled the audience from the moment it began. Every musical number garnered a huge round of hoots and applause, and when the cast began taking its bows, virtually everyone jumped up immediately to join in the thundering standing ovation.</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If this show and its actors do not capture Jeff Awards, I cannot imagine what will. </span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The show continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">May 23</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. Tickets are $31-$45 and dinner packages can be purchased, (630) 530-0111, all Ticketmaster outlets and at </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. <i></i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Powerful Brot</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">her/S</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">ister Plays' extended through May 23</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic;">Review by Sarah Gross </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMtv0Vla5fNCm8lmc4b1cZZNq_J6q009YDcgG4vb4ySZwyyo7HXIedfpZfjizfsPgzYc37LYuNLKcgDgxxXONR7-L7oHFrIR7EThx6Vf2gb8v1IJJfcllee7oaQUfLqfCtwS7_1U5dTk/s1600/tarell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMtv0Vla5fNCm8lmc4b1cZZNq_J6q009YDcgG4vb4ySZwyyo7HXIedfpZfjizfsPgzYc37LYuNLKcgDgxxXONR7-L7oHFrIR7EThx6Vf2gb8v1IJJfcllee7oaQUfLqfCtwS7_1U5dTk/s320/tarell.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tarell Alvin McCraney’s triptych “The Brother/Sister Plays,” running through May 23 at The Steppenwolf Theatre, seamlessly melds elements of theater with storytelling, poetry, and music (playwright photo at right). McCraney’s talent and accomplishment belie his 29 years. His writing is contemporary and timeless, as fresh and raw as it is mythic and tragic.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The full-length “In the Red and Brown Water” is performed in rotation with a double bill of one-act plays, “The Brothers Size” and “Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet.” The plays share characters and setting; they complement each other but stand alone. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All three plays are set in a poor African-American housing project in the south. An extraordinarily talented ensemble cast brings the setting and characters to life under the poignant, spare direction of Steppenwolf member Tina Landau.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Speaking their own stage directions, the characters turn to the audience with words that reveal or create a scene. These directions range from the simple, “Enter - the boys” and “Exit Shongo,” to the descriptive and poetic, “Oya, sitting on the front porch, humming, then crying.” This storytelling-like technique draws the audience into an intimate relationship with the actors and characters.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The first segment of the trilogy, “In the Red and Brown Water,” tells the tragic story of Oya (Alana Arenas), a young woman forced to choose between an athletic scholarship and staying home to care for her mother. As the story unfolds, she also struggles with the pain of unrequited love and the grief of discovering her infertility. Oya’s journey is both eased and complicated by the colorful cast of characters in her community.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> “In the Red and Brown Water” employs an ancient technique, the Greek chorus, whose haunting chants accentuate the dialogue. Music also sets the scene in a stirring rendition of the gospel song “Down By The Riverside,” which marks the passing of one of the characters.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">“The Brothers Size,” performed by a cast of three, captures the kinship of brotherhood as Ogun Size (K. Todd Freeman) attempts to rebuild a relationship with younger brother Oshoosi (Phillip James Brannon), who was just released from prison. When the brothers break into song and dance for a spontaneous rendition of Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” their playful intimacy makes this scene one of the trilogy’s highlights.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In the final play, “Marcus: Or the Secret of Sweet,” teenaged Marcus struggles to come to terms with his homosexuality. Like Oya, Marcus finds both support and conflict in his community.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">“Theatre is one of the rare opportunities where we are all together taking a leap of faith to believe something…to pretend for a moment that this is happening," said playwright McCraney in a post-show talk.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Steppenwolf’s production of “The Brother/Sister Plays” invites you to take this leap of faith with an ensemble of immense talent.</span></span></div></div></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></b></span></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-37790769383776008152010-04-16T12:44:00.000-07:002010-04-29T18:22:43.506-07:00Storms, bats, musical theater keep metro area moving!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQdAYg-Ic6c2VGPY-1IR2aDCn_0Vvuj38xC5mSMlhe1M6xKQ2LgEK0_4ytUdZQqGZMHE4B-2oKSvXRruGnlQHGf6X4zIa-P0Qz2-exdZ9B9jHIG6h8DQMNASh3p3_IlLuAwCH2iDsmC4/s1600/bat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQdAYg-Ic6c2VGPY-1IR2aDCn_0Vvuj38xC5mSMlhe1M6xKQ2LgEK0_4ytUdZQqGZMHE4B-2oKSvXRruGnlQHGf6X4zIa-P0Qz2-exdZ9B9jHIG6h8DQMNASh3p3_IlLuAwCH2iDsmC4/s320/bat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Dear Readers,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">No, It's not Twilight and I can assure you the bat pictured at left is not going to turn into a handsome, sexually steamy romantic vampire when the sun goes down.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">But the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum will go batty during what promises to be an extraordinary and all-free evening April 21. The Mexican Free-tailed Bat (pictured) Although my intention was to release a full April-May blog this weekend, that won't happen until next weekend. In the meantime, I am sending this interim that covers what is going now through next weekend. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Opening this weekend at Illinois Theatre Center, the musical comedy crime-thriller "No Way to Treat a Lady" should be tons of good talent and great fun. Theatre at Western Springs presents "Cadillac" and the bedroom musical "I Do, I Do" takes a married couple through from honeymoon to late in life, with all scenes in the bedroom at Theatre at the Center in Munster. No, this is definitely NOT adult rated so not to worry about bringing young adults or anyone who would be uncomfortable with X-rated material. Matisse is at Art Institute of Chicago and what should be a compelling historical look at "The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History," opens April 23 at DuSable Theatre right near the University of Chicago campus. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Style-wise, a couple of readers commented that the blog might be easier on the eyes if it were more monochromatic in easy-to-read colors, so that is what we are trying. Would love to know your thoughts -- whether you like it better or not as well as the rainbow blog.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Please keep those comments, press releases and newsletters coming to myrasharon@comcast.net and remember you also can link to us at two new informational and newsy websites, </span><a href="http://www.SouthlandSavvy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">www.SouthlandSavvy.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"> and www.YourSWGuide.com. AND if you run across anything that needs correcting -- date, time, phone number or even spelling or typo, also please inform me. Hope you have a great weekend and I expect to have much more for you in a little more than a week. Oh, don't forget, parking at virtually all the suburban theaters is free and easily accessed! (note: Mexican-Free-tailed Bat photo courtesy Merlin B. Tuttle, Bat Conservation Institute)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">See you again ... real soon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Myra</i></span><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">THEATER</span></i></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BEVERLY HILLS UNIVERSITY CLUB </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">presents the beloved musical, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Oliver,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 23-25</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Oak View Center</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Tickets are $21 adults, $19 seniors, students at (630) 202-3753.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BEVERLY THEATRE GUILD</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> stages one of the most thrilling-twists-at-the-end mysteries ever to hit the stage, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Deathrap,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 30-May 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Baer Theater</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St., Chicago. Tickets, $20 each, as well as showtimes and more are at (773) 284-8497 and </span><a href="http://www.beverlytheareguild.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.beverlytheareguild.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </b></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DRAMA GROUP </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">presents the musical</span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"City of Angels"</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 30-May 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at the </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bloom High School Theatre</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, Dixie Highway at Chicago Road, Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18 adults, $17 students and seniors, (708) 755-3444 and at </span><a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.dramagroup.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Set in Hollywood in the late 1940s, the musical is a tapestry of two plots, a musical comedy and a detective story. This should be a phenomenal show.</span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </b></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DR</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">URY LANE OAKBROOK TERRACE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">100 Drury Lane, presents the powerful musical </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Ragtime,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> with the theater's largest cast ever. The show continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">May 23</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Tickets are $31-$45 and dinner packages can be purchased, (630) 530-0111, all Ticketmaster outlets and at </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">SEE REVIEW BELOW.</span></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">GAELIC PARK PLAYERS</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Chicago Gaelic Park</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 6119 w. 147th St., Oak Forest, continue their run of Hugh Leonard's bedroom farce, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Patrick Pearse Motel," </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">on weekends through </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 25</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Tickets are $12 at (708) 687-9323 and at www.gaelicparkplayers.org; dinner packages available with advance reservations only.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItimr9Yt5Qhtu9arALLl4DhLZGdYM32mOCL545g3tBBAlmVPWi6T5O8N3vlxbbBLPZNIcGAQ4LwEUBEZKVmpRhoZdcaCAy9mwaKKSjUHX1VOZqfuMyH7s_mRYXnm4l04XkhLHy-QaMX4/s1600/itc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItimr9Yt5Qhtu9arALLl4DhLZGdYM32mOCL545g3tBBAlmVPWi6T5O8N3vlxbbBLPZNIcGAQ4LwEUBEZKVmpRhoZdcaCAy9mwaKKSjUHX1VOZqfuMyH7s_mRYXnm4l04XkhLHy-QaMX4/s200/itc.jpg" width="150" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, closes its mainstage season with </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"No Way to Treat A Lady,:</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 16-May 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. "No Way ..." is billed as a "slightly twisted musical comedy" about a publicity crazed actor-turned-serial-killer. David Boettcher directs. Tickets are $19-$21 at (708) 481-3510. Joe Lehman and Debra Criche Mell (pictured at right) are among the featured actors starring in the production.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">MARRIOTT THEATRE</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, opens the 2010 season with the beloved musical, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Fiddler on the Roof," </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">through </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 25</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The production</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> stars Chicagoland theater favorite, Ross Lehman, and is directed by David H. Bell. The season's complete lineup and ticket information are at </span><a href="http://www.hfparks.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.MarriottTheatre.com </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">and at (847) 634-0200. Incidentally, Greg 'The Fire' Hirts, fidder with Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies, plays the title role of the fiddler.</span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </b></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS, </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theatre, 4051 E. Main St., St Charles,</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> tackles the tough words (OK, the easy ones too) starting </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 22</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> when </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" </span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">buzzes through St. Charles. The run lasts through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">June 13</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, and if you have not seen this riotous ode to adolescents and spelling bees, it's worth the trip. (I-355 extension dramatically reduces the drive time to St. Charles.) Tickets are $29 and $39 at (630) 584-6342 and Ticketmaster. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> travels to River City, Iowa, onstage of course, for one of America's favorite musicals, Meredith Willson's </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Music Man"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 30-May 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Carl Sandburg High School Performing Arts Center</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 13600 LaGrange Road, Orland Park. Tickets are $18 adults, $16 seniors and students, $14 children 12 and under, (708) 403-7275 and </span><a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.orland-park.il.us</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and click on Recreation and Parks/Programs/Theatre. </span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>PROVISION THEATER COMPANY</b>, 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, presents the world premiere run of <b><i>"The Hiding Place,"</i></b> based on the autobiography of Corrie ten Boom whose family joined the World War II Resistance to battle the Nazis and do what they could to undermine Hitler's "final solution." The production runs weekends <b>through May 23</b>; tickets are $25, $28 at (866) 811-4111 and <a href="http://www.provisiontheatre.org/">www.provisiontheatre.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_k07-EfuxCLsHZ4pyyJXVwfolvshg2wy7Rt0t2rAPGraTSz5QgB19Ek8EqhKtc79uIjVwAFN1TfnVMkoEbqM9sPpXJQZLYHFu-O1rqlTPk_lnI1zhNMdMCXvuOG0Vb7UQtiCYdXHZAo/s1600/petersen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_k07-EfuxCLsHZ4pyyJXVwfolvshg2wy7Rt0t2rAPGraTSz5QgB19Ek8EqhKtc79uIjVwAFN1TfnVMkoEbqM9sPpXJQZLYHFu-O1rqlTPk_lnI1zhNMdMCXvuOG0Vb7UQtiCYdXHZAo/s200/petersen.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago explores the theme of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">belief</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> with the extraordinary production of Samuel Beckett's </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Endgame"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> directed by the award-winning ensemble member, Frank Galati. The show runs continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">June 6</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Nobel prize-winning playwright Beckett's play is described as an absurd comic masterpiece that follows Hamm (ensemble member William Petersen of "CSI" fame, pictured at left), a blind man who cannot stand. His servant, Clov (ensemble member Ian Barford), cannot sit and the two pass their days by a sea that may or may not exist. Ensemble members Martha Lavey and Francis Guinan also star in the production. Tickets are $20-$53 for previews, $20-$77 for regular run, (312) 335-1650. <b>NOTE: Look for "Endgame" review in next blog.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Meanwhile the extraordinary trilogy, <b><i>"The Brother/Sister Plays"</i></b> by Tarell Alvin McCraney, continues in the Steppenwolf upstairs through <b>May 23</b>. Sarah Gross reviewed the entire trilogy and her review from earlier this year is at the end of the blog. Gross said the three one-act dramas are phenomenal, in the 'do not miss' category' for serious theater-goers. <b>SEE REVIEW BELOW!</b></span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">THEATRE AT THE CENTER</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, takes its onstage vows with the Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt musical, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"I Do! I Do!"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> an intimate (in the bedroom), nostalgic (as years go by) look at a couple's marriage through 50 years -- the good times, the not-so-good, the terrific and the really tough times. The show opened on Broadway in 1966 and has become a classic treasure in musical theater. The two-person production, featuring Chicago-based stage stars Bernie Yvon and Heidi Kettenring, opens </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 22</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and goes through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">May 23</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Tickets are at (219) 836-3255 and </span><a href="http://www.tickets.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.tickets.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and </span><a href="http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS</b>, 4384 Hampton Ave., cruises along in <b><i>"Cadillac,"</i></b> <b>through April 25</b>. Directed by Steppenwolf Theatre's Rick Snyder, the play, which opened to rave reviews in 2008, takes an inside look at a car dealership, the forces that drive it, the sales staff that propels it and the customers who keep it going. Tickets are $18-$20 at (708) 246-3380 and at <a href="http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com/">www.theatrewesternsprings.com</a>.</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">PRODUCTIONS FOR THE YOUNGER SET</span></i></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">presents the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia production, </span><i>"The</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">through</span> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">May 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at </span>Field Museum<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Tickets are $35 adults, $25 children 12 and under and includes post show museum admission, (773) 227-0180, ext. 15 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org./"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.</span></span></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org./"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE OF LINCOLNSHIRE</b> presents Marc Robin's original musical classic, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b>"Sleeping Beauty" </b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b>through April 25</b>. Tickets are $15 at </span><a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">www.marriotttheatre.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">. and at (847) 634-0200.</span></span><br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;">TOWLE THEATRE<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, Indiana, presents Shelley Crosby's original musical adaptation of Roger Bradfield's children's book, </span><i>"Pickle Chiffon Pie,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. </span>April 17<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, tickets $8. A special 9 a.m. performance includes breakfast with the cast; tickets $15 at (219) 937-8780 and at <a href="http://www.towletheatre.org/">www.towletheatre.org</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE</span><br />
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<b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DRURY LANE OAKBROOK, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, presents the legendary <b><i>Bobby Vinton</i></b> in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> three concerts on Mother's Day weekend, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">May 10 and 11</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tickets are $45-$55 with discounts for subscribers. Vinton's live shows leave nothing undone as he sings his greatest hits, 'Roses Are Red, My Love,' ''There, I've Said It Again,' 'Blue on Blue' and 'My Melody of Love,' the song that brought him the honorary title, the Polish Prince -- and many more chart toppers. Now in his 70s, Vinton remains the consummate stage performer. Tickets are at (630) 530-5203, </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and Ticketmaster.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">at Governors State University, University Park, presents <b><i>"Whose Live Anyway"</i></b> at 8 p.m. <b>April 30</b>. Based on the 1980s television series, "Whose Line Is It Anyway," the stage production features the same stars, Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis. Tickets are $45 to $56 at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">FRIENDS OF THE ILLINOIS PHIILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> present five stellar musical-stars-in-the-making from the South Suburbs in the second annual </span><i>"Rising Stars Showcase"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at 4:30 p.m. </span>April 25<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at </span>Prairie State College Auditorium<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $10 at the IPO, (708) 481-7774. The extraordinary young performers include Robin Lawler on violin, Vincent Meklis on violin, Sonia Mantell on cello, Timothy Jones and euponium (small tuba) and Jacqui Michuda, vocalist</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">"<b><i>Starry Nights</i></b>" at I Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's annual summer concert series at <b>IRWIN PARK</b>, Highland Avenue and Ridge Road, Homewood, kicks off June 11 as <b><i>Piano Man</i></b> recreates the sounds of Billy Joel and Elton John. On <b>June 26</b> <b><i>Elevation</i></b> performs U2 and <b>Pink Houses</b> plays John Cougar Mellencamp on <b>July 23</b>. Tickets on sale May 3 are $7 adult, $5 child at (708) 057-0300.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>WILMETTE THEATRE</b>, 1122 Central Ave., presents <b>Laura Freeman as Doris Day</b>, America's perpetual virgin, who reportedly turned 88 on April 3. While Day no longer tours, Freeman brings the legendary actress/singer to life on stage </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">at 7:30 p.m.</span> April 19</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> in a show that has garnered rave reviews. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tickets are $20, $15 students and seniors; </span><a href="http://www.wilmettetheatre.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.wilmettetheatre.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">POTPOURRI OF VISUAL ARTS</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>A Matisse blockbuster has arrived at the</b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The world-class </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Art Institute, </span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> 111 S. Michigan Ave., looks at an extraordinary period in the life of Henri Matisse (1869-1954) in an original exhibit, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> an extraordinary examination of this time frame in the artist's career, a period that included the development of the iconic "Bathers by the River" in the Art Institute collection. The exhibit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">runs through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">June 20</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">is included in general admission</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">! All the information you'll need for an Art Institute visit are at </span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.artic.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </b></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></b></span></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, on </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 23</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">opens what promises to be a compelling look at </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The exhibit joins permanent galleries focuses on different eras of blacks throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus),</span> (312) 922-7827 (STAR). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The first planetarium in the western world packs in a universe of information, exhibits, extraordinary shows and now, an all-new exhibit, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i>Planet Explorers</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, hands-on, climb in take off for a new planet and modern day space exploration, all right at Adler Planetarium. This extraordinary exhibit, that we will detail after experiencing it ourselves, is free with general admission and geared to families with young children. But from what I read and have heard about, parents and other adults will want to join in the astronomical fun</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. Everything you need for a trip to Adler is at </span><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.adlerplanetarium.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </b></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Yes, Alice, there is a planetarium in Will County. The stars shine often in Joliet at the intimate </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Joliet Junior College</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. The 6:30 p.m. Thursday shows are geared to the younger set. Coming up on April 15, </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Spring Skies for Kids."</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> The 7:30 p.m. Tuesday series is for the junior high and older set. Coming up April 20, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Wonders in the Sky."</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">urther information is at (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and search Trackman. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PLEASE NOTE:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Astronomer Art wants to assure everyone that the world will NOT end on Dec. 21, 2012.</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BROOKFIELD ZOO</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">goes Ape in Ape-ril for </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ape Awareness Month</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> with special activities every weekend. The zoo is at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 3300 Golf Road, between Interstates 55 and 290. All the information you need for a day at Brookfield is at www.czs.org (Chicago Zoological Society).</span></span></span></div></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">FIELD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> a new 7,500-square-foot exhibit, continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sept. 4</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and will thrill even the most jaded Ice Age fan. Star of this exhibit is a 40,000-year-old baby mammoth. At adulthood, the huge animals weighed as much as eight tons with tusks that could reach 16 feet in length. Alas, these cousins of elephants died out, but fortunately left a huge fossil record. Museum visitors will discover answers to many qustions including how the prehistoric creatures balanced their tusks, how much they ate and how elephants 'talk' to each other. Special tickets will be required. Information about Field Museum is at </span><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4YVHEQksHTEpJ-eXOoAmJDcErjMi_jeA9LmWIffm21-H1LoYrTzpbA0HzoFnhow-ZXAO7gTHVcTa_a-0tzvhvlza6KYrZewI8_qKa-t9GPZJiU3nyA1iX8fvN9E6ABFgmJ1efj-OTGs/s1600/msilightning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4YVHEQksHTEpJ-eXOoAmJDcErjMi_jeA9LmWIffm21-H1LoYrTzpbA0HzoFnhow-ZXAO7gTHVcTa_a-0tzvhvlza6KYrZewI8_qKa-t9GPZJiU3nyA1iX8fvN9E6ABFgmJ1efj-OTGs/s320/msilightning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Face the storms, including a giant 40-foot swirling vortex of air as you explore the dynamics of a tornado at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The power of lightning (at left) is only one of many powerful storms explored in </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Science Storms,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> the just-opened two-level, 26,000 square feet permanent exhibit included with general admission. Also, now playing in the Omnimax theatre, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Hubble"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Ultimate Wave Tahiti."</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> All the details and everything you need to plan a day at MSI are at </span><a href="http://www.msichicago.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.msichicago.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">There will be absolutely no charge to go batty from </span>5:30-8:30 p.m. April 21<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> as</span> PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, presents <b><i>Bat Mat Rob Mies</i></b>, director of Organization for Bat Conservation, who will bring LIVE BATS and discuss the importance to this region of these strange mammals who navigate with their own type of bat radar, echolocation. Before Mies' presentation, filmmaker <b><i>Dave McGowan</i></b> will take guests on a rare underground journey through Southern Indiana's most fascinating caves with his documentary, <b><i>"Caves: Life Beneath the Forest.</i></b>" Bats, blind fish, cave millipedes are only a few of the intriguing organisms in the film. McGowan will be present to talk about his experiences making the film and there will be a Q and A period. The entire evening is free to anyone interested and there is no museum charge as it all takes place after museum hours.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> All the details and other information are on the Notebaert website, </span><a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.naturemuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and at (773) 755-5100. Put your cursor on Education Resources and a drop down window will appear with a link to the film series. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, brings </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Happy Feet -D Experience"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> to its newly renovated theater. Visitors will travel to Antarctica and meet a lively cast of penguin characters in this magical 12-minute, 4-D family feature. Check out all the details and events as well as plan your trip to the world-famous Shedd Aquarium at </span><a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">*************************** </span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Powerful ‘Ragtime’ soars through Drury Lane</span></span> </b></span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8__zcgY1TgwDTVK93OMDsEl3LeUmdPAD5blOXDUZeoQ4ZY2sVoZbJDyH4vRjJR2g1bAmdeWz_6bZkk6dJu-2RHIgnHEVw9Y652zixZ8ivUW1W7B1hXohrRRslttiLVlNT3_JC4X1IqZc/s1600/Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8__zcgY1TgwDTVK93OMDsEl3LeUmdPAD5blOXDUZeoQ4ZY2sVoZbJDyH4vRjJR2g1bAmdeWz_6bZkk6dJu-2RHIgnHEVw9Y652zixZ8ivUW1W7B1hXohrRRslttiLVlNT3_JC4X1IqZc/s320/Q.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He is Q. His presence completely fills the house with a tangible energy, a positive force that gains strength throughout the evening.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Q would be phenomenal actor Quentin Earl Darrington (pictured above) whose bravura Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Drury Lane Theatre’s “Ragtime” stunned the Oakbrook Terrace house for nearly three hours on opening night.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In fact, the entire cast in the theater’s lavish production keeps a tight grip on the audience with riveting performances.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Loosely based on the E.L. Doctorow novel of the same name, “Ragtime” weaves together three stories and three families -- upscale white New Yorkers, a trio of African Americans and Latvian immigrants, a father and daughter, who have arrived in New York with nothing but hope. The unlikely paths of all cross in early 20</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> century America with profound impacts on the lives of all.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Ragtime” celebrates life while it reveals the inequities, cruelty and northern style lynchings blacks dealt with every day.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cory Goodrich’s dazzling performance of the upscale Mother was touching, humane and strong, and Larry Adams as the baffled, confused Father, whose lifestyle and mores remained stuck in the 19</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> century, was brilliant.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Mark David Kaplan, Max Quinlan and Valisia LeKae as the Immigrant, Mother’s Younger Brother and Sarah, respectively, were phenomenal and their performances kept the house energy high and stage chemistry hot.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This was the third “Ragtime” production I had seen over the years, and the only one that had a grip on me throughout the night.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The superb cast under Rachel Rockwell’s direction and Roberta Duchak’s music direction came together in a “Ragtime” that thrilled the audience from the moment it began. Every musical number garnered a huge round of hoots and applause, and when the cast began taking its bows, virtually everyone jumped up immediately to join in the thundering standing ovation.</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If this show and its actors do not capture Jeff Awards, I cannot imagine what will. </span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The show continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">May 23</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. Tickets are $31-$45 and dinner packages can be purchased, (630) 530-0111, all Ticketmaster outlets and at </span><a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. <i></i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><i>***************************** </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Extraordinary 'Brother/Sister Plays' trilogy exended through May 23</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Review by Sarah Gross </i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJosq9JyLiVCTzqtIkgFaAAckrYyoeO-zARBrMmnxMMjzPo8yVrSvjpvDHB0bDkCOGoJAfmiIJ9CCAi6hThCml4Po7qzeZNa92tPQeuXU7wQGlcrKy9y33Eqy_S5E9ke_4ibnGHDxJQE/s1600/tarell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJosq9JyLiVCTzqtIkgFaAAckrYyoeO-zARBrMmnxMMjzPo8yVrSvjpvDHB0bDkCOGoJAfmiIJ9CCAi6hThCml4Po7qzeZNa92tPQeuXU7wQGlcrKy9y33Eqy_S5E9ke_4ibnGHDxJQE/s320/tarell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tarell Alvin McCraney’s (McCraney photo at right) triptych “The Brother/Sister Plays,” running through May 23 at The Steppenwolf Theatre, seamlessly melds elements of theater with storytelling, poetry, and music. McCraney’s talent and accomplishment belie his 29 years. His writing is contemporary and timeless, as fresh and raw as it is mythic and tragic.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The full-length “In the Red and Brown Water” is performed in rotation with a double bill of one-act plays, “The Brothers Size” and “Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet.” The plays share characters and setting; they complement each other but stand alone. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All three plays are set in a poor African-American housing project in the south. An extraordinarily talented ensemble cast brings the setting and characters to life under the poignant, spare direction of Steppenwolf member Tina Landau.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Speaking their own stage directions, the characters turn to the audience with words that reveal or create a scene. These directions range from the simple, “Enter - the boys” and “Exit Shongo,” to the descriptive and poetic, “Oya, sitting on the front porch, humming, then crying.” This storytelling-like technique draws the audience into an intimate relationship with the actors and characters.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The first segment of the trilogy, “In the Red and Brown Water,” tells the tragic story of Oya (Alana Arenas), a young woman forced to choose between an athletic scholarship and staying home to care for her mother. As the story unfolds, she also struggles with the pain of unrequited love and the grief of discovering her infertility. Oya’s journey is both eased and complicated by the colorful cast of characters in her community.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> “In the Red and Brown Water” employs an ancient technique, the Greek chorus, whose haunting chants accentuate the dialogue. Music also sets the scene in a stirring rendition of the gospel song “Down By The Riverside,” which marks the passing of one of the characters.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">“The Brothers Size,” performed by a cast of three, captures the kinship of brotherhood as Ogun Size (K. Todd Freeman) attempts to rebuild a relationship with younger brother Oshoosi (Phillip James Brannon), who was just released from prison. When the brothers break into song and dance for a spontaneous rendition of Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” their playful intimacy makes this scene one of the trilogy’s highlights.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In the final play, “Marcus: Or the Secret of Sweet,” teenaged Marcus struggles to come to terms with his homosexuality. Like Oya, Marcus finds both support and conflict in his community.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">“Theatre is one of the rare opportunities where we are all together taking a leap of faith to believe something…to pretend for a moment that this is happening," said playwright McCraney in a post-show talk.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Steppenwolf’s production of “The Brother/Sister Plays” invites you to take this leap of faith with an ensemble of immense talent.</span></span></div></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>****************** </b></span></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-13629131625462124682010-03-09T07:35:00.000-08:002010-03-16T17:02:52.835-07:00Spring sends phenomenal arts and entertainment your way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6RZSi9EYcVLzewEOY1HAQNkJxKQHoPvSAOP_B1WHNn6TDvFYu7iZaOrfocFa-qXsP54P-0C_mG_gRmc7N9nT9u8cgjcfYptIUPfDhh2zIOfrxei3ZZ1HHe97qe-eb65WbG8r2ICquTc/s1600-h/bobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6RZSi9EYcVLzewEOY1HAQNkJxKQHoPvSAOP_B1WHNn6TDvFYu7iZaOrfocFa-qXsP54P-0C_mG_gRmc7N9nT9u8cgjcfYptIUPfDhh2zIOfrxei3ZZ1HHe97qe-eb65WbG8r2ICquTc/s320/bobby.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZGYR6soBYndK3JmOc9bWjQ3sUKDMwl1SoIw16uwAKmIfc427ulGjQx6JL_k5vjefRHBjq2b1I5SZ_WHxJLz7cgcyTlq73uXC64y-bBTWyQcQc07jwx_PASIrj2dIO2z5cVZwM-O03bo/s1600-h/itcmarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZGYR6soBYndK3JmOc9bWjQ3sUKDMwl1SoIw16uwAKmIfc427ulGjQx6JL_k5vjefRHBjq2b1I5SZ_WHxJLz7cgcyTlq73uXC64y-bBTWyQcQc07jwx_PASIrj2dIO2z5cVZwM-O03bo/s200/itcmarch.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6Q1QrfGfJA-rIo1n7jmeWxy_kYl_Jt0bn078JvDi14XPUJA-ec1lg4cL9vPplLgBNMcsFh1NmnoEMYxh_f6f8UOcLy1KZczT2UxNY8BPex_OFcehRzlDq91pq7DtA9TVcyLwKHnhoyc/s1600-h/oaklawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6Q1QrfGfJA-rIo1n7jmeWxy_kYl_Jt0bn078JvDi14XPUJA-ec1lg4cL9vPplLgBNMcsFh1NmnoEMYxh_f6f8UOcLy1KZczT2UxNY8BPex_OFcehRzlDq91pq7DtA9TVcyLwKHnhoyc/s200/oaklawn.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1Qudh-oylKGJKwzsB5YlJxARSXA7CNgw4ec21xKiIpnWomm1wlwM4Pj4Sxk7Tw_1t4p2sAb7m4nVWVo5rppRg4SHFsK0mAKo3QaotCc5y955V6pUSutVTIKXZFBCXGtzK36xtmqT1ik/s1600-h/Matisse,+Bathers+by+a+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1Qudh-oylKGJKwzsB5YlJxARSXA7CNgw4ec21xKiIpnWomm1wlwM4Pj4Sxk7Tw_1t4p2sAb7m4nVWVo5rppRg4SHFsK0mAKo3QaotCc5y955V6pUSutVTIKXZFBCXGtzK36xtmqT1ik/s320/Matisse,+Bathers+by+a+River.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>PHOTO CAPTIONS: Bobby Vinton visits the suburbs this spring and brings his hits with him; Bathers by a River" by Henri Matisse anchors Art Insitute of Chicago's upcoming Matisse exhibit; (top right) Bill Bannon and Allison Moody in Illinois Theatre Center's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers"; Paul Nirchi (left) and Rick Rapp in Oak Lawn Park District Theatre's "Curtains."</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Dear Readers, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Have a blast in the burbs. Tons to do in every category so I won't waste words repeating any of it. Reminder that "And now presenting ..." has been picked up by two regional websites, <a href="http://www.SouthlandSavvy.com/">www.SouthlandSavvy.com</a> and <a href="http://www.YourSWGuide.com/">www.YourSWGuide.com</a>. Please check these out. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> And if you find any errors in the blog, or omissions of releases submitted, please e-mail me ASAP at myrasharon@comcast.net</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Thank you for your continuing encourgement vis-a-vis this blog. I always love to read your comments. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Myra</span></i><br />
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<b><i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>BLOG ADDITIONS AS OF FRIDAY, MARCH 12...</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>CHECK THESE OUT!!!</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">"Mozart Light and Dark" will fill the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center with a glorious program starting at 8 p.m. this Saturday, March 13.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Under the direction of guest conductor Victor Yampolsky, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Mozart's Symphony No. 38 in D Major, (K504) "Prague" and on the other side of the musical spectrum, Mozart's "Requiem Mass in D Minor" (K 626). Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived from 1756-1791. </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Guest vocalists the South Suburban Chorale, under the direction of Al Jackson will join the orchestra with soloists soprano Samantha Barnes, mezz-soprano Lindsey Poling, tenor Grand Knox and bass Keven Keys. </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lincoln-Way North is located at 19900 S. Harlem Ave. in Frankfort (turn west off Harlem at the Vollmer Road light). </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tickits are $30-50 for adults, $15 for students 18 and under; (708) 481-7774. More information at</b></span></span></span></div><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT717" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.ipomusic.com/" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.ipomusic.com</a></span>.<br />
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</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Atlas Galleries, 535 N. Michigan Ave., presents the Art of Jimi Hendrix and original paintings by Grace Slick, lead singer of legendary 1960s rockers Jefferson Airplane (which changed its name over the years), in a show from 6-8 p.m. March 19. More than 14 estate sign ltd. edition prints, including song manuscripts and more, will be on exhibit. Scott Hann, publisher and curator of the exhibit, will make a special appearance. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The show is free and open to collectors and anyone interested in seeing these works; (312) 329-9330 and (800) 423-7635. More details are at <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT718" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.atlasgalleries.com/" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.atlasgalleries.com</a></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: darkblue;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 800;">THEATER REVIEWS ... ALL THE LISTINGS FOLLOW REVIEWS</span><br />
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</span></span></div></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i> ‘Red, hot lover Barney wants to get hot </i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><i> </i></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Review by Myra Eder</span></i></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Barney Cash wants action. Not the wrestling kind on television but rather the steamy passion of an illicit romance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> As Neil Simon’s “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” opens at Illinois Theatre Center, the very married seafood restaurant owner Barney (Bill Bannon) scurries about his mother’s modest and temporarily empty New York City apartment. The “red, hot lover” has invited Elaine Navazio (Allison Moody), a hot dish he net at his seafood restaurant, to spend the afternoon with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> The clandestine afternoon turns out very different from any encounter Barney could have imagined. In fact, the very meticulous restaurateur, always worried about his fishy smelling fingers, subsequently spends an afternoon with semi-paranoid hooked-on-pot actress-wannabe Bobbi Michelle (Shelley Crawford) and the fortyish angst-ridden family friend Jeanette Fisher (Kristie Berger).</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Directed by veteran thespian Etel Billig, the very funny “Red, Hot Lovers” continues at Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, through March 21. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">With the absolutely perfect and superb cast of four under Billig’s always on-target direction, the romantic interludes Barney arranges, the hoped-for few hours of extramarital feverish and unrestrained sex, take him into realms of emotion he could not have imagined. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Does the sex happen? If I answered that, the words ‘spoiler alert’ would jump off the page.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> In typical Simon fashion, the comedy evolves with smart humor and always the unexpected. The script demands hard work from every actor. Bannon is onstage for the entire play and does not miss a beat, and the women explore their characters to the max. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">“Lovers” is perfect for the Illinois Theatre Center stage and simply never disappoints. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Tickets are $19-$21 at (708) 481-3510 and at the door.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> And your best spelling bee word would be ….</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><i> Review by Myra Eder</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i> </i> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Back in fifth grade, I went down in the class spelling bee on the word ‘scissors.’ I was reinstated due to my nonstop crying and then missed the correct coarse/coarse in the all-school bee.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">All that came back as I laughed it up at in the audience at “The 25<sup>th</sup> Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Towle Theatre, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The show has only one more four-day run, March 11-14.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Adolescence perhaps ranks as the toughest time of early life. It incorporates the wonder and fear of first romances, passionately hoped-for acceptance by classmates, dramatic changes to the body and flirting with sexuality, which often leaves young men too embarrassed to stand up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Combine all that with bizarre words (think crepuscule), examples of use that will have you laughing out loud, loads of clever songs and you’re off to Putnam County’s Spelling Bee. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Six astronomically competitive students remain in the lineup, including one named Leaf Coneybear (a perfectly dorky Shawn A. Smith); Logainne Shwartzandgrubenniere (Katie Taylor) whose last name is a combination of her two dads’ sir names; and William Barfee, pronounced <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">barfay </i>(a riotous Vasily Deris) who writes words out on the floor with his big toe before he says the letters. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> One strange vice principal (a perfectly deadpan Bill Danko), who reads the always bizarre words, and a former spelling bee champ now successful business woman (Jeannie Rega-Markionnni whose soprano voice alone is worth the price of the ticket) lead the bee.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Then there’s Mitch Mahoney (Kevin Bellamy) on a work-release program. Hid job is to hand the losers juice boxes after they leave the stage.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Chip Tolentino (Zachary Gipson), Marcy Park (Nicole Dixon) and Olive Ostrowsky (Danna Pantzke) round out the list of competitors.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> The across-the-board superb performances along with absolutely on-target direction by Jeff Casey combine for a fantastic production that captures every nuance. A terrific musical also depends on stage chemistry and this production has it all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">BEVERLY HILLS UNIVERSITY CLUB</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> presents the musical, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Oliver,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">April 23-25</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Oak View Center</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn. Tickets are $21 adults, $19 seniors, students. More info TBA.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">BEVERLY THEATRE GUILD</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> presents one of the most thrilling mysteries ever to hit the stage, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"Deathrap,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">April 30-May 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Baer Theater</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> at Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St., Chicago. More info at (773) 284-8497 and </span><a href="http://www.beverlytheareguild.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">www.beverlytheareguild.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGO DRAMATISTS <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">present Arlene Malinowski performing an autobiographical one-woman show, </span><i>"Aiming for Sainthood,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> for </span>hearing impaired and deaf audiences<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, </span>7:30 p.m. March 25-27<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at the </span>Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. "As the hearing daughter of devoutly Catholic deaf parents, Malinowski learns to navigate the cross-cultural maze of the medical world and the deaf world when, as an adult, she returns home to care for her mother who is battling cancer," the press release explains. "Malinowski tells her story through sign language and voice, using both deaf and storytelling techniques." Richard Perez directs. Tickets are $10 at (312) 742-8497 and at <a href="http://www.millenniumpark.org/">www.millenniumpark.org</a>. All performances are signed for the deaf and hearing impaired.</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">DRAMA GROUP </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">presents the musical</span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">"City of Angels"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">April 30-May 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> at the </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Bloom High School Theatre</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">, Dixie Highway at Chicago Road, Chicago Heights. Tickets are $18 adults, $17 students and seniors, (708) 755-3444 and at <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a>. Set in Hollywood in the late 1940s, the musical is a tapestry of two plots, a musical comedy and a detective story. This should be a phenomenal show.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b>DR</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b>URY LANE OAKBROOK TERRACE</b>, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">100 Drury Lane, presents the powerful musical, <b><i>"Ragtime,"</i></b> with the theater's largest cast ever. The show runs <b>March 18-May 23</b>. Tickets are $31-$45 and dinner packages can be purchased, (630) 530-0111, all Ticketmaster outlets and at <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents American humorist Neil Simon's </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"Last of the Red Hot Lovers"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">March 21</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">. Tickets are $19 and $21 at (708) 481-3510 and at the door. SEE REVIEW ABOVE.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">MARRIOTT THEATRE</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, opens the 2010 season with the beloved musical, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"Fiddler on the Roof,"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">which first opened in New York in 1964. Yes, that long ago. It continues</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">through </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">April 25 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> stars Chicagoland theater favorite, Ross Lehman; directed by David H. Bell. The season's complete lineup and ticket information are at </span><a href="http://www.hfparks.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">www.MarriottTheatre.com </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and at (847) 634-0200. </span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b>NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS </b>(I love that name) presents one of Chicago's most versatile and talented actors, Renee Matthews, in Tom Dudzick's hilarious and touching family comedy, <b><i>"Over the Tavern"</i></b> just extended through<b> April 3</b>. stage is the <b>Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater. REVIEW from last blog post at the end of this one. </b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">For one day only, Noble Fool presents the perfect St. Patrick's Day production at <b>8 p.m. March 13</b>, the Irish comedy<b><i> "Flanagan's Wake"</i></b> on the 320-seat Pheasant Run stage. All tickets are $29; see above for tickets and information contacts.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE</b> presents the musical murder mystery and simply tons of fun show within a show, <i><b>"Curtains,"</b></i> <b>March 12-21</b> at <b>Oak View Center</b>, 4625 W. 110th Street. Tickets are $21 adults, $20 seniors and children, (708) 857-2200.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</b> travels to River City, Iowa, sort of, for one of America's favorite musicals, <b><i>"The Music Man"</i></b> <b>April 30-May 2</b> at <b>Carl Sandburg High School Performing Arts Center</b>, 13600 LaGrange Road, Orland Park. Tickets are $18 adults, $16 seniors and students, $14 children 12 and under, (708) 403-7275 and <a href="http://www.orland-park.il.us/">www.orland-park.il.us</a> and click on Recreation and Parks/Programs/Theatre. </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> presents, yes, improv at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">8 p.m. March 26 </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Old Village Hall</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">, 14413 S. Beacon Ave. Tickets are $6 at locations above and at the door.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago explores the theme of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">belief</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> with Samuel Beckett's </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">"Endgame"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> directed by the award-winning ensemble member, Frank Galati. The show runs from </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">April 1-June 6</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">. Tickets are $20-$53 for previews, $20-$77 for regular run, (312) 335-1650.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SHHHH! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">THEATRE AT THE CENTER</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, presents </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"Noises Off,"</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> to kick off the theater's 20th anniversary season. This was the debut show for the new theater in the summer of 1991. "Noises Off," described as described as a riotous farce, stars two Chicagoland favorites, Marilyn Bogetich and the inimitable Dale Benson whose comic timing is the stuff of legend. The show runs through</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> March 21</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">. Tickets are $20 - $40 at (800) 511-3255 and at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com/">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com/"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">SPELLCHECK NOT ALLOWED INSIDE AS</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> TOWLE THEATER</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN. presents the musical comedy, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">through</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> March 11</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. We have inside info that veteran Drama Group actor/member Jeannie Rega-Markionni is in the cast! Tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;">SEE REVIEW ABOVE. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;">PRODUCTIONS FOR THE YOUNGER SET</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">Chicago Children's Theatre presents Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's <i>"The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites"</i> April 8-May 2 at Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Tickets are $35 adults, $25 children 12 and under and includes post show museum admission, (773) 227-0180, ext. 15 and at <a href="http://www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org./">www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.</a></span></div></div><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Marriott (Lincolnshire) Theatre for Young Audiences presents Marc Robin's musical classic, <i>"Sleeping Beauty"</i> through April 25. Tickets are $15 at </span><a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">www.marriotttheatre.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">. and at (847) 634-0200.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Noble Fool Theatricals Youth Ensemble presents </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Beauty and the Beast"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> March 20-April 3 at Pheasant Run Mainstage, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 children 12 and under. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Theatre at the Center Theatre for Young Audiences, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN. presents <i>'The Diary of Anne Frank"</i> March 15-20. Tickets are $8.50 adults, $7 children. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MUSIC AND DANCE</span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">BOBBY VINTON<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, the legendary singer/songwriter whose 1960s love songs topped the charts over and over, will perform a total of three concerts, </span>May 10 and 11<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, at </span>Drury Lane Oakbrook<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets are $45-$55 with discounts for subscribers. Vinton's live shows leave nothing undone as he sings his greatest hits, 'Roses Are Red, My Love,' 'Blue Velvet,' 'There, I've Said It Again,' 'Blue on Blue' and 'My Melody of Love,' the song that brought him the honorary title, the Polish Prince. And those are just a few of his hits. Vinton, now in his 70s, has not let age stop him. He's been performing live for more than 50 years and is the consummate entertainer. Tickets are at (630) 530-5203, <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</a> and Ticketmaster.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">New York's acclaimed </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> celebrates the 20th anniversary of artistic director Judith Jamison with performances from </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">March 24-28</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Tickets are $30-$85 at (800) 962-2787 and at all Ticketmaster outlets. More information about the performances is at </span></span><a href="http://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">www.auditoriumtheatre.org</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">BALLET FOLKLORICO de MEXICO de Amalia Hernandez, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">an extraordinary company that brings every flavor of dance to the stage, will perform at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">7:30 p.m. March 13</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">3 p.m. March 14</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Auditorium Theatre</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Tickets are $30-$55 at the theater box office, Ticketmaster options and online at </span><a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">.</span></span></div></div></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">at Governors State University, University Park, has a star-studded bill of entertainment this month. At <b>4 p.m. March 14</b> Neil Berg <b><i>"100 Years of Broadway"</i></b> presents a full lineup of entertainers who will revive many of the great hits of Broadway. Ticket are $26. Then at <b>7 p.m. March 20</b>, the multi-Grammy winning Los Lobos rock band headlines <b><i>"Centerpalooza."</i></b> Chicago band Mojo Daddies and Bloomington, IL-based Backyard Fire Tire also perform. Tickets to this rock-filled night are $25 to $56 at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The </span><b><span style="color: blue;">ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> features guest conductor Victor Yampolsky in a musical program centered on one of the world's most brilliant composers. <b><i>"Mozart Light and Dark"</i></b> begins at </span><b><span style="color: blue;">8 p.m. March 13</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> at </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. </span><span style="color: blue;"> The South Suburban Chorale, along with soprano Samantha Barnes, mezzosoprano Lindsey Poling, tenor Grant Knox and bass Keven Keyes also will add demanding vocals during the all-Mozart event. Tickets are $30-$50 and $15 students at (708) 481-7774 and <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org</a>.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">The Southland's own rock and rockabilly experience stars, the </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">NEVERLY BROTHERS</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">, headline the </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">6:30-9:30 p.m. March 17</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> St. Paddy's Day party at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Northwoods, Coyote Run Golf Club</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor, (708) 957-5600. Then doors open at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">4:30 p.m. March 28</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> for the NEVERLY BROTHERS </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Retro Rock 'n' Roll Dinner Party</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Senese's Winery</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">, 10345 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Reservations are required and tickets are $42 at (708) 499-2969.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">POTPOURRI OF VISUAL ARTS</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The legendary world-class</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Art Institute of Chicago</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">,</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> 111 S. Michigan Ave., looks at an extraordinary period in the life of Henri Matisse (1869-1954) in an original exhibit, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917."</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> What promises to be an extraordinary examination of this time frame in Matisse's career, a period that included his development of the iconic "Bathers by the River" in the Art Institute collection, opens </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">March 20</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> and runs through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">June 20</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">. Best of all, it's included in general admission! All the information you'll need for an Art Institute visit are at </span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">www.artic.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">. The Art Institute has a membership special going in advance of the Matisse blockbuster.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">, 220 E. Chicago Ave., </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">continues its performance season and will present </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"Young Jean Lee's Theatre Company: The Shipment"</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">March 26-28</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">. The MCA bills Young Jean Lee as "one of the boldest voices in contemporary theater. Go to </span><a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">www.mcachicago.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> and click on performances for a full schedule of performance art, productions you will not see anywhere else in Chicago. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">SPERTUS MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">, 610 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago,(312) 322-1700, explores creative expansions of the Jewish experience in </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Ground Level Projects,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">March 10-June 27</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> in the glass-enclosed street-level gallery visible from the outside of the exquisite new building. There is no charge to see the current "Installation no.6' by Jan Tichy, a video installation with 200 paper objects, adhesive, sand bags and sound. Information about the museum the entire institution is at </span><a href="http://www.spertus.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">www.spertus.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> has gone jazzy with its current invitational, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"Something Jazzy"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> now through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">April 11</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">. The exhibit showcases artists whose works interpret the spirit of jazz. The gallery is at 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, (708) 748-3377; gallery hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and admission is always free; </span><a href="http://www.tallgrassarts.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">www.tallgrassarts.org.</span></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">UNION STREET GALLERY</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601 features </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">"Image Attitude Impression, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">a national juried art exhibit, opens with an artist reception from </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">6-9 p.m. March 12. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">The show ends with a closing reception from</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> 6-9 p.m. April 9. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">The gallery is open noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 6-9 p.m. second Friday of each month. Gallery admission is free as are receptions. More information is at </span><a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">www.unionstreetgallery.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">VOGT VISUAL ARTS CENTER</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">, 174th Street and half block east of Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, (708) 614-6503 or (708) 309-4371, features its </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Annual Photography Exhibit</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">March 31</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">. Gallery information including hours at </span><a href="http://www.tinleyparkdistrict.org/Parks-Facilities/Vogt-Visual-Arts-Center.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">http://www.tinleyparkdistrict.org/Parks-Facilities/Vogt-Visual-Arts-Center.htm</span></a></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. (at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-7827 (STAR). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The first planetarium in the western world packs in a universe of information, exhibits, extraordinary shows and a multimedia, interactive history of the Apollo program in </span><i>"Shoot for the Moon," <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">a phenomenal permanent exhibit</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> on the third floor, included in general admission. A huge bronze sculpture of Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell welcomes visitors to this double gallery filled with treasures, including the fully-restored Gemini 12 space capsule Lovell and Buzz Armstrong took around the world -- 59 orbits -- for more than three days in 1966. Everything you need for a trip to Adler is at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Stars shine in Joliet, especially one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets,</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> Joliet Junior College's </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Trackman Planetarium</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. Thursday shows are geared to the younger set. Tuesday series is for the junior high and adult set. Coming up --</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Thursday</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> (younger set) at</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">6:30 p.m.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> March 18</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">, "Out Solar System." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Coming up for </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">the older crowd at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> Feb. 23, </span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">"Sun-Earth-Moon"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> and at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> March 9</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">,</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> "The Seasonal Sky: Skies of March."</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">All shows are free so all you have to do is show up. As an added treat, Art the Planetarium Guy is there to answer all your questions. For directions and further information, (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> and search Trackman. PLEASE NOTE: Astronomer Art assures wants to assure everyone that the world will NOT end on Dec. 21, 2012.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">FIELD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> a new 7,500-square-foot continues through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Sept. 4</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> and will thrill even the most jaded Ice Age fan. Star of this exhibit is a 40,000-year-old baby mammoth. At adulthood, the huge animals weighed as much as eight tons with tusks that could reach 16 feet in length. Alas, these cousins of elephants died out, but fortunately left a huge fossil record. Museum visitors will discover answers to many qustions including how the prehistoric creatures balanced their tusks, how much they ate and how elephants 'talk' to each other. Special tickets will be required. Information about Field Museum is at </span><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">. </span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">BTW: Can anyone tell me the difference between mammoths and mastodons? I always thought they were interchangable names but I guess not. If no one can tell me, I hope the exhibit will make the distinction clear.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, launches an </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Nature's Lens Film Series</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> that looks at the pressing environmental issues impacting our fragile planet. The full film schedule is on the Notebaert website, </span><a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">www.naturemuseum.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> and at (773) 755-5100. Put your cursor on Education Resources and a drop down window will appear with a link to the film series. Next film, "Human Footprint." Screenings are free with museum admission.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> *****<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Noble Fool's 'Over the Tavern' brims with laughter, love</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><i>Review by Myra Eder</i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Pure and simple. Noble Fool’s production of Tom Dudzick’s “Over the Tavern” ranks as one of the three funniest productions I have seen in my nearly 30 years of reviewing theater. While “Tavern” is not a musical, the other two are and I will reveal them at the end of this mini-review.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The setting is the Pazinski home, an apartment over their tavern where the Polish American Catholic parents, Chet (Scott Cummins) and Ellen Stacy Stoltz), struggle to keep their marriage alive while dealing with the lives, loves and woes of their four teenage children during the 1950s.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The story focuses on middle schooler Rudy (a phenomenal Gabriel Harder) and his unending questions about Catholicism, in fact about religion itself. He drives the already driven Sister Clarissa (the always extraordinary Renee Matthews) beyond her limits of tolerance with perpetual challenges to church teachings. When “S’ter,” who always carries her trusty ruler and clicker, asks Rudy why God put man on earth, the boy’s answers vary from “I’ve been wondering that myself,” to something akin to “Beats me!” Not quite catechism.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> In fact, 12-year-old Rudy announces he’s going to look at all the world religions before deciding on one. During this phase, he wears a yarmulke (Jewish men’s skullcap) and greets Sister with “Shalom” triggering an audience laugh riot.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Amid all this, Annie (Katrina Syrris) experiences mid-teen female angst, Eddie (Alex Adams) plays with the legal system and developmentally disabled Georgie (a wonderful performance by Daniel Velisek) takes it all in.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> This hilarious, heartwarming and ultimately poignant human comedy, with John Gawlik's spot-on direction, runs through March 29. Noble Fool productions are staged on the Pheasant Run Mainstage, 4051 E. Main St. in St. Charles. Tickets are $29-$30 at the Pheasant Run Box Office, (630) 584-6342 and all Ticketmaster outlets; dinner packages available.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Oh, the other two comedies that knocked me out of my seat – Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in “The Producers” and Tim Curry, David Hyde-Pierce and Sara Rodriguez in “Spamalot.” Noble Fool is in good company. Or maybe it's the other way around.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> ####</span></span></div></div></b></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">End of this post </span></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-59262663179042068242010-02-21T20:56:00.000-08:002010-02-26T16:25:19.784-08:00Piggy day, adult plays, mammoths, mastodons and more! Whew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6HG0ttr0Q0Yqtj8DXAddjUgaPUFcJQ4gMQ0oD70D16ruWMJJRwVspnM6GPy94_MyZ-oMAxU5-R-LUu_pSTfj_yA10ETlJBoh9oBe0E05vFbJxVBhFiX21nyJL7q_2s922vvNYtlqXOc/s1600-h/renee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6HG0ttr0Q0Yqtj8DXAddjUgaPUFcJQ4gMQ0oD70D16ruWMJJRwVspnM6GPy94_MyZ-oMAxU5-R-LUu_pSTfj_yA10ETlJBoh9oBe0E05vFbJxVBhFiX21nyJL7q_2s922vvNYtlqXOc/s200/renee.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsWDZ7Xfw8mLnsv2vtIafGhJ_N0_R3jbb34NFKt46-n4CR-yH665jGLVSPbxBeQLkQ3dc2sS3Sq3x0rlLOVr9GGZIEkh0_BlRAtyY_wjLTkbkc87DEkAa6DOiADLTW04CEVj-qtt_5vY/s1600-h/brosis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsWDZ7Xfw8mLnsv2vtIafGhJ_N0_R3jbb34NFKt46-n4CR-yH665jGLVSPbxBeQLkQ3dc2sS3Sq3x0rlLOVr9GGZIEkh0_BlRAtyY_wjLTkbkc87DEkAa6DOiADLTW04CEVj-qtt_5vY/s320/brosis.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Photos, clockwise from upper left: </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Renee Matthews and Gabriel Harder in Noble Fool's "Over the Tavern" -- Review below; </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ora Jones, Alana Arenas and K. Todd Freeman in Steppenwolf's "The Brother/Sister Plays" -- Review below; </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Dale Benson and Marilyn Bogetich in Theatre at the Center, "Noises Off"; </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Len Wcislo (left) and Anna Meyers Caccitolo in Palos Village Players' "Leading Ladies; </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Nicole Dixon (back, left) and Shawn Smith and Katie Taylor (front, left( Zachary Gipson, Jeannie Rega Markionni and Vasily Denis in Towle Theatre;s "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."</i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">HOT OFF THE PRESSES (OK, LAPTOPS). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Two professional regional and very informative websites have picked up "And now presenting ...." That is, you can now link to this blog from this site, of course, and also from www.YourSWGuide.com and www.SouthlandSavvy.com. These terrific new sites provide a wealth of information about the Southland. Check them out while you're online. And if you have out-of-town company on the way, tell them these websites can give them great ideas of the proverbial stuff-to-do in the Southland and entire region. Myra -- Feb. 26, 2010.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Dear Dear Readers,</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">So much to write about in Chicagoland and my attempt to put out a new blog every two weeks has gone with my wind. I am still striving for close to every three weeks with mini-updates in between as needed.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A couple of special arts events include the Chicago Dramatists production of a one-woman work for the deaf and hearing impaired:: "Aiming for Sainthood." All performances will, of course, be signed as well as spoken. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">For those who are seeking avant-garde performance art, the Museum of Contemporary Art has a very full and eclectic series of productions continuing through spring.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Meabwhile, two reviews precede the extensive listings: Sarah's compelling look at Steppenwolf's phenomenal and powerful "The Brother/Sister Plays" and my brief review of Noble Fool's riotous "Over the Tavern" at Pheasant Run.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Get out there, now, and do something new! Remember, parking at most of these places is </span>free<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> (not the museums) and even Steppenwolf Theatre's parking structure, immediately south of the theater building, is bigtime cheap -- less than $10. Compare that to Loop and River North parking fees. You'll save million$ in parking charges at regional theaters. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">As always, please send any comments and corrections to myrasharon@comcast.net. And FYI, "And now presenting ..." has been contacted by a marketing firm and most likely will be linked to a professional regional site in the near future. I'll let you know when and where. But nothing will change at my end. This will remain my labor of love, free listings and free to look at any time. Keep those press releases coming.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Thanks for your ongoing support.</span></span><br />
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<div>Have a great weekend. Or if you don't get this till Monday, then hope you <b>had </b>a great weekend.</div><div><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Myra</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">McCraney’s “The Brother/Sister Plays” soar at Steppenwolf</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Review by Sarah Gross </i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tarell Alvin McCraney’s triptych “The Brother/Sister Plays,” running through May 23 at The Steppenwolf Theatre, seamlessly melds elements of theater with storytelling, poetry, and music. McCraney’s talent and accomplishment belie his 29 years. His writing is contemporary and timeless, as fresh and raw as it is mythic and tragic.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The full-length “In the Red and Brown Water” is performed in rotation with a double bill of one-act plays, “The Brothers Size” and “Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet.” The plays share characters and setting; they complement each other but stand alone. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All three plays are set in a poor African-American housing project in the south. An extraordinarily talented ensemble cast brings the setting and characters to life under the poignant, spare direction of Steppenwolf member Tina Landau.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Speaking their own stage directions, the characters turn to the audience with words that reveal or create a scene. These directions range from the simple, “Enter - the boys” and “Exit Shongo,” to the descriptive and poetic, “Oya, sitting on the front porch, humming, then crying.” This storytelling-like technique draws the audience into an intimate relationship with the actors and characters. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The first segment of the trilogy, “In the Red and Brown Water,” tells the tragic story of Oya (Alana Arenas), a young woman forced to choose between an athletic scholarship and staying home to care for her mother. As the story unfolds, she also struggles with the pain of unrequited love and the grief of discovering her infertility. Oya’s journey is both eased and complicated by the colorful cast of characters in her community. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> “In the Red and Brown Water” employs an ancient technique, the Greek chorus, whose haunting chants accentuate the dialogue. Music also sets the scene in a stirring rendition of the gospel song “Down By The Riverside,” which marks the passing of one of the characters.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">“The Brothers Size,” performed by a cast of three, captures the kinship of brotherhood as Ogun Size (K. Todd Freeman) attempts to rebuild a relationship with younger brother Oshoosi (Phillip James Brannon), who was just released from prison. When the brothers break into song and dance for a spontaneous rendition of Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” their playful intimacy makes this scene one of the trilogy’s highlights.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In the final play, “Marcus: Or the Secret of Sweet,” teenaged Marcus struggles to come to terms with his homosexuality. Like Oya, Marcus finds both support and conflict in his community.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">“Theatre is one of the rare opportunities where we are all together taking a leap of faith to believe something…to pretend for a moment that this is happening," said playwright McCraney in a post-show talk. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Steppenwolf’s production of “The Brother/Sister Plays” invites you to take this leap of faith with an ensemble of immense talent. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.; Tickets $20-$70 at www.steppenwolf.org or 312-335-1650.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> ##### </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Noble Fool's 'Over the Tavern' brims with laughter, love</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Pure and simple. Noble Fool’s production of Tom Dudzick’s “Over the Tavern” ranks as one of the three funniest productions I have seen in my nearly 30 years of reviewing theater. While “Tavern” is not a musical, the other two are and I will reveal them at the end of this mini-review.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The setting is the Pazinski home, an apartment over their tavern where the Polish American Catholic parents, Chet (Scott Cummins) and Ellen Stacy Stoltz), struggle to keep their marriage alive while dealing with the lives, loves and woes of their four teenage children during the 1950s.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The story focuses on middle schooler Rudy (a phenomenal Gabriel Harder) and his unending questions about Catholicism, in fact about religion itself. He drives the already driven Sister Clarissa (the always extraordinary Renee Matthews) beyond her limits of tolerance with perpetual challenges to church teachings. When “S’ter,” who always carries her trusty ruler and clicker, asks Rudy why God put man on earth, the boy’s answers vary from “I’ve been wondering that myself,” to something akin to “Beats me!” Not quite catechism. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> In fact, 12-year-old Rudy announces he’s going to look at all the world religions before deciding on one. During this phase, he wears a yarmulke (Jewish men’s skullcap) and greets Sister with “Shalom” triggering an audience laugh riot.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Amid all this, Annie (Katrina Syrris) experiences mid-teen female angst, Eddie (Alex Adams) plays with the legal system and developmentally disabled Georgie (a wonderful performance by Daniel Velisek) takes it all in.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> This hilarious, heartwarming and ultimately poignant human comedy, with John Gawlik's spot-on direction, runs through March 29. Noble Fool productions are staged on the Pheasant Run Mainstage, 4051 E. Main St. in St. Charles. Tickets are $29-$30 at the Pheasant Run Box Office, (630) 584-6342 and all Ticketmaster outlets; dinner packages available.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Oh, the other two comedies that knocked me out of my seat – Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in “The Producers” and Tim Curry, David Hyde-Pierce and Sara Rodriguez in “Spamalot.” Noble Fool is in good company. Or maybe it's the other way around.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> ####</span></span></div></b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>THEATRE </i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">CHICAGO DRAMATISTS <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">present Arlene Malinowski performing an autobiographical one-woman show, </span><i>"Aiming for Sainthood,"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> for </span>hearing impaired and deaf audiences<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, </span>7:30 p.m. March 25-27<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at the </span>Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. "As the hearing daughter of devoutly Catholic deaf parents, Malinowski learns to navigate the cross-cultural maze of the medical world and the deaf world when, as an adult, she returns home to care for her mother who is battling cancer," the press release explains. "Malinowski tells her story through sign language and voice, using both deaf and storytelling techniques." Richard Perez directs. Tickets are $10 at (312) 742-8497 and at <a href="http://www.millenniumpark.org/">www.millenniumpark.org</a>. All performances are signed for the deaf and hearing impaired.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">DR</span><span style="color: red;">URY LANE OAKBROOK TERRACE, </span></b><span style="color: red;">100 Drury Lane, closes out the 2009-2010 season with the Ziegfield girl classic, </span><b><span style="color: red;"><i>"Funny Girl</i></span></b><span style="color: red;"><i>,"</i> </span><b><span style="color: red;">through March 7, </span></b><span style="color: red;">starring Sara Shepard, directed by Gary Griffin and William Osetek. Show only tickets $29-$38 (discount for students, seniors); dinner packages available, (630) 530-0111 and <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com./">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">MARRIOTT THEATRE</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, opens the 2010 season with the beloved musical, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"Fiddler on the Roof,"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">which first opened in New York in 1964. Yes, that long ago. It continues</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">through </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">April 25 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> stars Chicagoland theater favorite, Ross Lehman; directed by David H. Bell. The season's complete lineup and ticket information are at </span><a href="http://www.hfparks.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">www.MarriottTheatre.com </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and at (847) 634-0200. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b>NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS </b>(I love that name) presents one of Chicago's most versatile and talented actors, Renee Matthews, in Tom Dudzick's hilarious and touching family comedy, <b><i>"Over the Tavern"</i></b> through<b> March 28</b>. stage is the <b>Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater. REVIEW AT TOP OF BLOG.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">For one day only, Noble Fool presents the perfect St. Patrick's Day production at <b>8 p.m. March 13</b>, the Irish comedy<b><i> "Flanagan's Wake"</i></b> on the 320-seat Pheasant Run stage. All tickets are $29; see above for tickets and information contacts.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> bring their </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">"Leading Ladies"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> to the stage through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Feb. 27</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Little Theater of Palos South Middle School</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">, 131st Street and 82nd Avenue, Palos Park. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students; (708) 787-2010 and at </span><a href="http://www.pvp.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">www.pvp.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">. Details at link above.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SHHHH! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">THEATRE AT THE CENTER</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, presents </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"Noises Off,"</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> to kick off the theater's 20th anniversary season. This was the debut show for the new theater in the summer of 1991. "Noises Off," described as described as a riotous farce, stars two Chicagoland favorites, Marilyn Bogetich and the inimitable Dale Benson whose comic timing is the stuff of legend. The show runs through</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> March 21</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">. Tickets are $20 - $40 at (800) 511-3255 and at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com/">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com/"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">SPELLCHECK NOT ALLOWED INSIDE AS</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> TOWLE THEATER</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN. presents the musical comedy, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span>Feb. 26 - March 11</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">. We have inside info that veteran Drama Group actor/member Jeannie Rega-Markionni is in the cast! Tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">PRODUCTIONS FOR THE YOUNGER SET</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University presents <i>"If You Give A Pic A Pancake & Other Story Books"</i> at 11 a.m. March 6. Tickets are $10.50 at www.centertickets.net and at (708) 235-2222.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Chicago Children's Theatre presents <i>"The Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites"</i> April 8-May 2 at Field Museum. Tickets information is at (773) 227-0180, ext. 15 and at <a href="http://www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org./">www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Marriott (Lincolnshire) Theatre for Young Audiences presents Marc Robin's musical classic, "Sleeping Beauty" March 3-April 25. Tickets are $15 at </span><a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">www.marriotttheatre.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">. and at (847) 634-0200.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">BALLET FOLKLORICO de MEXICO de Amalia Hernandez, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">an extraordinary company that brings every flavor of dance to the stage, will perform at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">7:30 p.m. March 13</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">3 p.m. March 14</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Auditorium Theatre</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Tickets are $30-$55 at the theater box office, Ticketmaster options and online at </span><a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">.</span></span></div></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">at Governors State University, University Park, continues its <b><i>Cabaret at the Center </i></b>series at <b>8 p.m. Feb. 27</b> with <b>Rachael Price </b>singing classic hits by legends of yesterday including Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee, to mention a few. Enjoy the intimate 1940s-style cabaret club right on the <i>Center stage</i>, with table seating for 250. Tickets are $37 at (708) 235-2222 and at www.centertickets.net. Full cash bar and snacks available for purchase.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><span style="color: blue;">The </span><b><span style="color: blue;">ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> features guest conductor Victor Yampolsky in a musical program centered on one of the world's most brilliant composers. "Mozart Light and Dark" begins at </span><b><span style="color: blue;">8 p.m. March 13</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> at </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. </span><span style="color: blue;"> The South Suburban Chorale, along with soprano Samantha Barnes, mezzosoprano Lindsey Poling, tenor Grant Knox and bass Keven Keyes also will add demanding vocals during the all-Mozart event. Tickets are $30-$50 and $15 students at (708) 481-7774 and <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="color: blue;">JONATHAN BUTLER<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, jazz and gospel artist, brings his talents to a free one-man show at </span>10:30 a.m. Feb. 28<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> at </span>Christ Universal Temple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, 11901 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">POTPOURRI OF VISUAL ARTS</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM</span></b><span style="color: #444444;">, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, features </span><b><span style="color: #444444;">"The Breathing Factory," </span></b><span style="color: #444444;">an exhibition of photographs and videos by Mark Curran running through </span><b><span style="color: #444444;">March 19</span></b><span style="color: #444444;">. Gallery hours and more information are at (773) 325-7506 and at <a href="http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite</a></span><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b></b></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 220 E. Chicago Ave., </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">continues its performance season and will present </span><i>"Young Jean Lee's Theatre Company: The Shipment"</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>March 26-28<span style="font-weight: normal;">. The MCA bills Young Jean Lee as "one of the boldest voices in contemporary theater. Go to <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/">www.mcachicago.org</a> and click on performances for a full schedule of performance art, productions you will not see anywhere else in Chicago. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> has gone jazzy with its current invitational, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"Something Jazzy"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> now through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">April 11</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">. The exhibit showcases artists whose works interpret the spirit of jazz. The gallery is at 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, (708) 748-3377; gallery hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and admission is always free; </span><a href="http://www.tallgrassarts.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">www.tallgrassarts.org.</span></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">UNION STREET GALLERY</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601, focuses on photography through </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"> Feb. 26 </span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">with </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">"<i>The Positive Image,"</i></span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"> a juried exhibit of regional contemporary photography. The gallery is open from 12 - 4 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday, <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">www.unionstreetgallery.org</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. (at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-7827 (STAR). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The first planetarium in the western world packs in a universe of information, exhibits, extraordinary shows and a multimedia, interactive history of the Apollo program in </span><i>"Shoot for the Moon," <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">a phenomenal permanent exhibit</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> on the third floor, included in general admission. A huge bronze sculpture of Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell welcomes visitors to this double gallery filled with treasures, including the fully-restored Gemini 12 space capsule Lovell and Buzz Armstrong took around the world -- 59 orbits -- for more than three days in 1966. Everything you need for a trip to Adler is at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #351c75;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Stars shine in Joliet, especially one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets,</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> Joliet Junior College's </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Trackman Planetarium</span></span><span style="color: #351c75;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium). If you have not made the trip, you're missing a real treat. Thursday shows are geared to the younger set. Tuesday series is for the junior high and adult set. Coming up -- 6:30 p.m. </span><b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Thursday</span> March 4, "</span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We Go to the Moon</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;">" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">and</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">6:30 p.m.</span> March 18</span>, "Out Solar System." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Coming up for </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #351c75;">the older crowd at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday<b> Feb. 23, </b></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;">"Sun-Earth-Moon"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> and at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday<b> March 9</b>,</span></span> "The Seasonal Sky: Skies of March."</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All shows are free so all you have to do is show up. As an added treat, Art the Planetarium Guy is there to answer all your questions. For directions and further information, (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #351c75;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span style="color: #351c75;"> and search Trackman.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: 800;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">The</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Art Institute of Chicago</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">,</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> 111 S. Michigan Ave., looks at an extraordinary period in the life of Henri Matisse (1869-1954) in an original exhibit, </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">"Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917."</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> What promises to be an extraordinary examination of this time frame in Matisse's career, a period that included his development of the iconic "Bathers by the River" in the Art Institute collection, opens </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">March 20</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> and runs through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">June 20</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">. Best of all, it's included in general admission! All the information you'll need for an Art Institute visit are at </span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">www.artic.edu</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">. The Art Institute has a membership special going in advance of the Matisse blockbuster.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>BROOKFIELD ZOO</b>, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, is getting pig-headed. No not that way. Rather the zoo folk are getting ready for <b>March 6, <i>National Pig Day</i></b>. As the press release states, "Pig lovers of all ages will be in hog heaven." At 1 p.m., visitors will be treated to a pig </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">pork</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">formance followed by a rousing rendition of "Happy Pig Day" to some of Brookfield's favorite piggies. A full afternoon of pig extravaganzas will delight pig-lovers of all ages. More information is at <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a> (Chicago Zoological Society) and at (708) 688-8000.</span><br />
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</span></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">FIELD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">"Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age,"</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"> a new 7,500-square-foot exhibit opens March 5 and runs through Sept. 4 and will thrill even the most jaded Ice Age fan. The huge animals weighed as much as eight tons with tusks that could reach 16 feet in length. Alas, these cousins of elephants died out, but fortunately left a huge fossil record. More details in later blo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">g. Special tickets will be required. Information about Field Museum is at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">BTW: Can anyone tell me the difference between mammoths and mastodons? I always thought they were interchangable names but I guess not. If no one can tell me, I hope the exhibit will make the distinction clear.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></div><div><b>PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM</b>, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, launches an <b><i>Environmental View Film Series</i></b> that looks at the pressing environmental issues impacting our fragile planet. The full film schedule is on the Notebaert website, <a href="http://www.naturemuseum.org/">www.naturemuseum.org</a> and at (773) 755-5100. Put your cursor on Education Resources and a drop down window will appear with a link to the film series. Next film, "Human Footprint." Screenings are free with museum admission.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">End of Feb. 21 post </span></span></span></span></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-35557969094090875462010-02-11T20:30:00.000-08:002010-02-11T20:30:29.487-08:00Mini gem-filled blog update<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Dear Readers,</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Several mostly Southland treasures this weekend and one next weekend have induced me to write an interim blog update so you do not miss out on some terrific entertainment gems.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Packed in between the listings in this mini blog is a review of Illinois Theatre Center's current production.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>But don't stop reading after the review. Check out the music events that follow.</b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">And don't forget to hug someone who needs a hug this Sunday, Valentine's Day. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Full blog will be out next week.</b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYnqZ3HPG3jMx88eODOTSjLoVBzw6AYyumXmBbFlhE5-x-16EKcxghcsZoAQwevDyz9h5__-bNI7aFru6yIdxr53ss2irWPx5d5a4O949bY87bnwviT0qyH6_pvwcEMjcDWXqSPb5bus/s1600-h/Jazz+Fest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYnqZ3HPG3jMx88eODOTSjLoVBzw6AYyumXmBbFlhE5-x-16EKcxghcsZoAQwevDyz9h5__-bNI7aFru6yIdxr53ss2irWPx5d5a4O949bY87bnwviT0qyH6_pvwcEMjcDWXqSPb5bus/s320/Jazz+Fest2.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72Ncv537SDKmth-GiDWPZva8pBOob4JjBp1YfX0wFSrC7HdwoPG0ASl2u4Ir_stYamerfDDCJ8TIRy8VYn97_47RYUQf15JF3Kd5B1ZFnV4xdg2z5hVfkzvT-XtpBF9hR52YL1iOWjas/s1600-h/itcpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72Ncv537SDKmth-GiDWPZva8pBOob4JjBp1YfX0wFSrC7HdwoPG0ASl2u4Ir_stYamerfDDCJ8TIRy8VYn97_47RYUQf15JF3Kd5B1ZFnV4xdg2z5hVfkzvT-XtpBF9hR52YL1iOWjas/s200/itcpic.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>PHOTOS: At left Kona Burks (from left), Makeba Pace and Vallea Woodbury perform in "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" at Illinois Theatre Center, reviewed below. Orbert Davis on Trumpet and Ed Petersen on sax return to join the rest of the Jazzmasterss Jam at the Prairie State College Jazzfest.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><br />
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</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">THEATER</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">THE DRAMA GROUP</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">'s production of the</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> 1941 Tennessee Williams gem, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"The Glass Menagerie"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">continues through this weekend only</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> at the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Studio Theatre</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $17-$18 at (708) 755-3444 and </span><a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">www.dramagroup.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">. </span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</b>'s compelling production, <b><i>“Crumbs from the Table of Joy,”</i></b> continues through Sunday, Feb. 14 and then closes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">"Crumbs...," powerful drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, tracks the upheavals and humor in the African American Crump family when two new women enter the picture, clearly to stay. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">In the months following his wife’s death, Godfrey Crump (Ethan Henry) has dedicated himself to the teachings of Father Divine, an evangelist preacher. Meanwhile Crump is doing his best to raise and understand his two adolescent daughters, Ernestine (a phenomenal Vallea Woodbury), who also guides the audience through the play, and Ermina (Kona N. Burks).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">As the audience meets the family, the girls’ quiet lives with their father are about to end. Lily Ann Green (Makeba Pace), the flamboyant and most uninvited sister of the deceased woman, moves in to take care of her nieces. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Lily, who claims she promised her sister she would look out for the daughters, also attempts to move in on her brother-in-law. Her wild lifestyle fascinates and confuses the sisters who struggle to find some sense in both their father’s and aunt’s lifestyles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">However, Godfrey disrupts the already complicated family when he marries a white woman, Gerte (Amanda-Claire Lowe) after a secret whirlwind courtship of mere days. Everyone struggles for comfort and a way to eliminate, or at least abate the tension in this drama of very realistic people. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Perhaps symbolic of the significance of even minor changes, the family name is only one letter off the first word in the title.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">And although race is an obvious factor in “Crumbs…,” the script reflects the universality, the ubiquity of family struggles everywhere amid upheaval.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Powerful performances by the entire cast in the intimate theater left me feeling as though I were that proverbial fly on the wall, perpetually buzzing around the Crump household to take in all that was happening. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Artistic director Etel Billig’s directing is spot on, as always. This production gem is a must for anyone who loves primo theater. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">ITC is located at 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $19-$21, (708) 481-3510 and at the door.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b></b></span></span></div><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MUSIC AND DANCE</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">ENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">at Governors State University, University celebrates Valentine's Day weekend with <b><i>John Mueller's Winter Dance Party</i></b>, the official tribute band for Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper rocks the Center at <b>8 p.m. Feb. 13</b>. We've seen this show and it's awesome. Holly (Mueller), Valens (Ray Anthony) and the Big Bopper (Jay Richardson, son of the Big Bopper) recreate the music of the '50s, before the "day the music died." Tickets are $22 - $42 at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span></span></span></div></b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><span style="color: red;"><b>JAZZ CLUB CRAWL</b> returns for a <b><i>Valentine's Day Sweetheart Club Crawl</i></b> special starting at <b>8 p.m. Feb. 13</b> in Matteson with additional pickup at 8:45 p.m. in Hyde Park. Travel by luxury tour bus to jazz clubs, sipping champagne and munching on goodies throughout the evening, $65. All the details are at <a href="http://www.chicagojazzclubcrawl.com/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">www.chicagojazzclubcrawl.com</a> and at (866) 717-8687.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">M</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">OJO AT THE MAC: <span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The phenomenal Zydeco and magic of </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">return to the </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">McAninch Center</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> at College of DuPage, Fawell and Park Blvds., Glen Ellyn, at <b>8 p.m.</b> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feb. 13</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">. Tickets are $30, $28 seniors, (630) 942-4000 and at </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.cod.edu/artscntr/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">www.cod.edu/artscntr/</a>. This show will take you out of your seats and into the stratosphere of good feelings.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>JAZZIN' ON THE PRAIRIE</b>. OK. We made that name up but hopefully it got your attention. The always phenomenal <b><i>Prairie State College "Jazzfest</i></b>," the premier jazz festival in the Southland, returns starting at <b>7:30 p.m. Feb. 19</b> at the college, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $12, $8 students and seniors, available in advance at the PSC business office and also at the door the night of the concert, (708) 709-3500. The extraordinary event opens with stellar students who have spent the previous two days in music clinics with the Jazzmasters Jam members -- the legendary Orbert Davis on trumpet, New Orleans sax master Ed Petersen, Larry Gray on standup bass, Dana Hall on drums and PSC's own Valerie Nicholson, Jazzfest founder and organizer, on the ivories. Will the Jazzmasters close out with "Caravan" this year?? This event is mandatory for all jazz fans. </span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br />
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<!--EndFragment--> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-37664106098815106672010-01-28T14:58:00.000-08:002010-01-28T18:05:22.957-08:00Tevye set to return, February free month at Art Institute and more<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"></span><br />
<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgMOQZvyeKaVVC1_pId30izBIFPHcKxXcNkI4fdJ_sjzJ9WPxYB7T3MVo-eydahUCn2cydcRDSNHGGRiR9SH6bbptbUx7_0RUCRxZueQLfAyBAxFadAvLGG_8OkQCYYSvwwaIdKbtRaA/s1600-h/tumbleweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgMOQZvyeKaVVC1_pId30izBIFPHcKxXcNkI4fdJ_sjzJ9WPxYB7T3MVo-eydahUCn2cydcRDSNHGGRiR9SH6bbptbUx7_0RUCRxZueQLfAyBAxFadAvLGG_8OkQCYYSvwwaIdKbtRaA/s200/tumbleweed.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BiCtuoZk-Xs214G1POHXrTodKCgHppT68m0Y__qHrtyMjp8fGfR2-jCd52tbvuNXvJSrLcrcSf0rDqN-CoaSzUWnR4wDycdFizvLWpLaw29aSN3g0AETCKH_ZPjuiako2gsgt3_cot0/s1600-h/sam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BiCtuoZk-Xs214G1POHXrTodKCgHppT68m0Y__qHrtyMjp8fGfR2-jCd52tbvuNXvJSrLcrcSf0rDqN-CoaSzUWnR4wDycdFizvLWpLaw29aSN3g0AETCKH_ZPjuiako2gsgt3_cot0/s200/sam2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCq42NFSee-JFmHeSDALobtwhHAQqgj-gvhD-_TxHD06xrsERE7mc_u8y8WYOk7I8V3a9Z2lMeA7mp3X7LEUcVPF6C4qf-OhAkPsuCTh6w_9eD9XbE9HAEimz9uJv97NL68GOz0VR0C8/s1600-h/itcpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCq42NFSee-JFmHeSDALobtwhHAQqgj-gvhD-_TxHD06xrsERE7mc_u8y8WYOk7I8V3a9Z2lMeA7mp3X7LEUcVPF6C4qf-OhAkPsuCTh6w_9eD9XbE9HAEimz9uJv97NL68GOz0VR0C8/s200/itcpic.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QYy5f56qTfHYBv5sPS-g-IylQfu5u8fl0MSOecxze9ILfql5iuPKqbhFkOaH-odZDBH0BpRDj5n-8G4Vu7rtVyf3fKv2udEIlUPqs4zwIFAVa6jcGzG_ItW9WHeSdr3wrG7zyu5AyJA/s1600-h/renee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QYy5f56qTfHYBv5sPS-g-IylQfu5u8fl0MSOecxze9ILfql5iuPKqbhFkOaH-odZDBH0BpRDj5n-8G4Vu7rtVyf3fKv2udEIlUPqs4zwIFAVa6jcGzG_ItW9WHeSdr3wrG7zyu5AyJA/s200/renee.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Dear Readers, </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Here we are, and it' almost, can you believe, February 2010. Tunbleweed (upper left) and associate Cloudy (not pictured) will take center stage at 10:30 a.m. on Groundhog Day at Brookfield Zoo. The Spotlight Theater's production of the Woody Allen comedy, 'Play It Again, Sam' (upper right) features Nicole Fleming and Randy Trull. Illinois Theatre Center presents Kona N. Burks (lower left on the left), Makeba Pace and Vallea W. Woodbury in 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy,' and Noble Fool Theatre presents Renee Matthews and Gabriel Harder in 'Over the Tavern.' In other arts news, the Art Institute of Chicago has set February as a FREE month. And as always, the Southland and indeed Chicagoland arts and entertainment scene never stops!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Please continue to e-mail any corrections and comments to me at myrasharon@comcast.net and keep those press releases coming. PLEASE if you are sending any photos, be sure to ID the people in them.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Have a great, short month!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><i>Myra</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">THEATER</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">THE DRAMA GROUP </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">talent</span></span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">tackles an American classic, the 1941 Tennessee Williams gem, </span></span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>"The Glass Menagerie"</i> </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span>Feb. 4-14</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> at the </span></span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Studio Theatre</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $17-$18 at (708) 755-3444 and </span><a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">www.dramagroup.org</span></a></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">DR</span><span style="color: red;">URY LANE OAKBROOK TERRACE, </span></b><span style="color: red;">100 Drury Lane, closes out the 2009-2010 season with the Ziegfield girl musical, </span><b><span style="color: red;"><i>"Funny Girl</i></span></b><span style="color: red;"><i>,"</i> now</span><b><span style="color: red;"> through March 7, </span></b><span style="color: red;">starring Sara Shepard, directed by Gary Griffin and William Osetek. Show only tickets $29-$38 (discount for students, seniors); dinner packages available, (630) 530-0111 and <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>IDEA PLACE</b> presents a repertory of four campy, gender-bending plays by drag theater legend <b><i>Charles Busch </i></b>("The Tale of the Allergists Wife"), including the long-running <b><i>"Vampire Lesbians of Sodom."</i></b> The other plays are <b><i>"Sleeping Beauty or Coma: Theodora She-Bitch of Byzantium" </i></b>and <b><i>"Pardon My Inquisition or Kiss the the Blood off My Castanets."</i></b> All productions will be presented at <b>Mary's Attic</b> (above Hamburger Mary's), 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $12 at (800) 838-3006. Schedule and further information: <a href="http://www.buschfest.com./">www.buschfest.com.</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</b>, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents Lynn Nottage's <b><i>"Crumbs from the Table of Joy"</i></b> <b>Jan. 29 - Feb. 14</b> in the theater's annual tribute to Black History Month. The New York Post said of this work, "Imagine a pairing between Tennessee Williams and Lorraine Hansberry, a glass menagerie in the sun, a small window into the past ..." Tickets are $19 - $21 at (708) 481-3510 and at the door.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;">MARRIOTT THEATRE</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;">, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, opens the 2010 season with </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>"Fiddler on the Roof,"</i> Feb. 17- April 25</span></b><span style="color: #38761d;">, starring Ross Lehman, directed by David H. Bell. The season's complete lineup and ticket information are at </span><a href="http://www.hfparks.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #38761d;">www.MarriottTheatre.com </span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">and at (847) 634-0200. Now playing through Feb. 14, "My Fair Lady." </span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>NOBLE FOOL THEATRICALS </b>(I love that name) presents one of Chicago's most versatile and talented actors, Renee Matthews, in Tom Dudzick's hilarious and touching family comedy, <b><i>"Over the Tavern"</i></b> from <b>Feb. 12 - March 28</b>. The play is set in 1959 in Buffalo, NY. Polish Catholic Chet and Ellen live above their tavern with their four teenagers. Need I say more? Well, actually I will say more when I review the show next month. The production stage is the <b>Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater</b>, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. Tickets are $29 and $39 at (630) 584-6342 and at Ticketmaster. Dinner packages available.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS</span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> bring their </span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Leading Ladies"</span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> to the stage </span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Feb. 19 - 27</span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> at </span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Little Theater of Palos South Middle School</span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">, 131st Street and 82nd Avenue, Palos Park. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students; (708) 787-2010 and at </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.pvp.org/">www.pvp.org</a></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #783f04;">SPOTLIGHT THEATRE</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> shines the light on </span></span><span style="color: #783f04;">"<i>Play It Again, Sam,"</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> the Woody Allen comedy that will warm up your winter nights </span></span><span style="color: #783f04;">Jan. 29 - Feb.6</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> at Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University, University Park. Tickets are $14, $12 students and seniors, (708) 941-8294 and <a href="http://www.spotlight-theater.com/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">www.spotlight-theater.com</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY</b>, 1650 N. Halsted St., presents <b><i>"The Brother/Sister Plays: In the Red and Brown Water, The Brothers Size and Marcus, Or the Secret of Sweet."</i></b><i> </i>The trio of ensemble dramas by Tarell Alvin McCraney, performed in repertory in the upper theater through<b> May 23</b>, take the audience to the bayou for dramas of love, sexuality and coming-of-age influenced by lively Afro-Caribbean folklore." Tickets are $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.steppenwolf.org.</a> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Meanwhile, the David Mamet classic, </span>"American Buffalo,"<span style="font-weight: normal;"> continues through </span>Feb. 14 <span style="font-weight: normal;">in the downstairs theater.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">SHHHH! </span>THEATRE AT THE CENTER<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, presents </span><i>"Noises Off,"</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> to kick off the theater's 20th anniversary season since the theater opened with that production in the summer of 1991. The show, which stars two Chicagoland favorites, Marilyn Bogetich and the inimitable Dale Benson. runs from </span>Feb. 19 - March 21<span style="font-weight: normal;">. Tickets are $20 - $40 at (800) 511-3255 and at <a href="http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com/">www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple;">TOWLE THEATER<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN. presents </span><i>"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>Feb. 26 - March 11<span style="font-weight: normal;">. We have inside info that the Southland's own Jeannie Rega-Markionni is in the cast! Tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780.<br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MUSIC AND DANCE</span></span></div></b></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">at Governors State University, University Park, opens its <b><i>Cabaret at the Center</i></b> series at <b>8 p.m. Jan. 30</b> with Harmonious Wail. Enjoy the intimate 1940s-style cabaret club on the Center stage, with table seating for 250. Full cash bar and snacks available for purchase. Then just in time for Valentine's Day, <b><i>John Mueller's Winter Dance Party</i></b>, the official tribute band for Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper rocks the Center at <b>8 p.m. Feb. 13</b>. We've seen this show and it's awesome. Holly (Mueller), Valens (Ray Anthony) and the Big Bopper (Jay Richardson, son of the Big Bopper) recreate the music of the '50s, before the "day the music died." Tickets are $22 - $42 at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span><span style="color: blue;">The </span><b><span style="color: blue;">ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> looks to the works of Richard Wagner and Johannes Brahms for, "Romantic Rivals," an </span><b><span style="color: blue;">8 p.m. Jan. 30</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> concert at </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. Tickets are at (708) 481-7774 and at </span><a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">www.ipomusic.org</span></a><span style="color: blue;">.</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>JAZZ CLUB CRAWL</b> returns for a <b><i>Valentine's Day Sweetheart Club Crawl</i></b> special starting at <b>8 p.m. Feb. 13</b> in Matteson with additional pickup at 8:45 p.m. in Hyde Park. Travel by luxury tour bus to jazz clubs, sipping champagne and munching on goodies throughout the evening, $65. All the details are at <a href="http://www.chicagojazzclubcrawl.com/">www.chicagojazzclubcrawl.com</a> and at (866) 717-8687.</span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">M</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">OJO AT THE MAC: <span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The phenomenal Zydeco and magic of </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">return to the </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">McAninch Center</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> at College of DuPage, Fawell and Park Blvds., Glen Ellyn, at <b>8 p.m.</b> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feb. 13</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">. Tickets are $30, $28 seniors, and are close to being sold out so order yours now, (630) 942-4000 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.cod.edu/artscntr/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.cod.edu/artscntr/</span></span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">.<span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="line-height: 22px;">JAZZIN' ON THE PRAIRIE. OK. We made that name up but hopefully it got your attention. It's almost February and time for the annual <b><i>Prairie State College "Jazzfest</i></b>," the premier jazz festival in the Southland. Mark your calendars: <b>8 p.m. Feb. 19</b> at the college, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $12, $8 students and seniors, available in advance at the PSC business office and also at the door the night of the concert, (708) 709-3500. More later but this is an event jazz lovers will not want to miss with its stellar lineup including Orbert Davis and PSC's own jazz celebrity, Valerie Nicholson.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>ROSEMONT THEATRE</b>, 5400 N. River Road, brings country legends <b>Merle Haggard</b> and <b>Kris Kristofferson </b>together for a killer country concert at <b>7 p.m. Feb. 21</b>. Tickets are $35 - $65 at Ticketmaster and the Rosemont box office, (847) 559-1212.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM</span></b><span style="color: #444444;">, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, features </span><b><span style="color: #444444;">"The Breathing Factory," </span></b><span style="color: #444444;">an exhibition of photographs and videos by Mark Curran running through </span><b><span style="color: #444444;">March 19</span></b><span style="color: #444444;">. Gallery hours and more information are at (773) 325-7506 and at <a href="http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 220 E. Chicago Ave., </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">launches its spring performance schedule with the Akram Khan Company Feb. 26-28. and continues with a Filmless Festival. More dance, theater and music continue through April. All the MCA schedules and other information are at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">www.mcachicago.org</a>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">UNION STREET GALLERY</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601, focuses on photography </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Jan. 15 - Feb. 26 </span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">with </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">"<i>The Positive Image,"</i></span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"> a juried exhibit of regional contemporary photography. The gallery is open from 12 - 4 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday, <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/">www.unionstreetgallery.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS AND MORE (ANIMALS)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. (at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-7827 (STAR). </span></b><span style="color: #674ea7;">I volunteer at Adler about twice a month in the amazing <b>Space Visualization Lab (SVL)</b>. Here you will see the universe in new and exciting visualizations, talk with astronomers involved in current research on such topics as cosmic rays, black holes and other exotic structures -- all in an intimate classroom-size setting with interactive computer stations. The SVL is open from <b>2-3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays</b></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">. All the details you need for an Adler visit are at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #351c75;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;">If you live in the Southland and never heard of Joliet Junior College's </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Trackman Planetarium</span></span><span style="color: #351c75;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium), you are missing a real treat. It's one of the best kept secrets out here. The Sunday afternoon show series, which starts at 2 p.m., and the Thursday series that starts at 6:30 p.m. are geared to the younger set. Coming up -- </span><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Thursday March 4, "</span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;">We Go to the Moon"</span></span></span><span style="color: #351c75;">; </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Sunday Feb. 7, "What's in the Sky." </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Tuesday</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75;">Sky shows for the junior high set and older are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Coming up: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> Feb. 9, "The Fermi Paradox" and Feb. 23 "Sun-Earth-Moon." </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All shows are free so all you have to do is show up. For directions and further information, (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #351c75;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span style="color: #351c75;"> and search Trackman.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Art Institute of Chicago</span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">,</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 111 S. Michigan Ave., has one big announcement. <b>ADMISSION IS FREE IN FEBRUARY</b>. Yes, you read that right. This is a great time to return to, or finally visit, those exhibits you have loved for years or been waiting to see, including the all new Modern Wing. Get your calendars out now and plan. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>GROUNDHOG DAY</b> reaches far behond Punxsutawney, PA. In fact, <b>Brookfield Zoo</b> (off First Avenue between Insterstates 55 and 290) features its own celebrity groundhog, Tumbleweed, who currently is ensconced in his dressing room preparing for Groundhog Day. Tumbleweed is aware of the gravity of his role, knowing full well that if he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if not, spring lurks around the corner. Tumbleweed hopefully will make a brief appearance (thanks to food treats) at <b>10:30 a.m. Feb. 2</b> and continue his work as the great prognosticator. The appearance, of course, is open to the public. All the details are with the Chicago Zoological Society at <a href="http://www.czs.org/">www.czs.org</a>.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: red;"><b><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM: <span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">Chicago History Museum</span></span><span style="color: red;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(formerly Chicago Historical Society), 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600, will celebrate </span>Presidents Day<span style="font-weight: normal;"> with special events from </span>10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Feb. 15<span style="font-weight: normal;">. All activities are included with regular admission and reservations are not necessary: <a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/">www.chicagohistory.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">FIELD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Have you ever thought about what the huge Field Museum would be like at night when you could explore exhibits, including the ancient Egyptian mummies and artifacts, by flashlight? Well, on </span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">Feb. 12, from 5:45 p.m.-9 a.m</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">., the museum sponsors </span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>"Dozin' with the Dinos</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i> (including Sue),"</i> an overnight family program that includes snacks at night, continental breakfast in the morning and get this, visiting some exhibits with flashlights at night. All the details are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>. Click on Calendar of Events, then Family Programs. OK, so it's a couple of clicks but it sure sounds like fun. Too bad they don't have a something like this for the senior set.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b>MU</b><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>S</b></span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold;">EUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY<span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">,<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;">57th Street and Cornell (off Lake Shore Drive) presents<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"> Black Creativity 2010 - <b><i>"Taking Charge of You"</i></b> an exhibit and series of programs that look at life and ways to stay fit from an African American perspective. A variety of activities, special programs and talks through Feb. 28. <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>SHEDD AQUARIUM</b>, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 939-2438. With such a vast array of exotic exhibits, as well as the legendary new, improved <b>"Fantasea"</b> Oceanarium show, preparing a visit really requires an online visit to <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.sheddaquarium.org</a>. Videos and links to interactives, another video to help plan your visit and even photos and a video of the baby beluga will help you decide what to see while you're there.</span><br />
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</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-82392645003971381342010-01-07T12:22:00.000-08:002010-01-07T16:01:16.924-08:002010: COLD WINTER BUT HOT ARTS SCENE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKJJQySMyBBt-JLoVigdUgrmOr3vbzf98dCSNF_USq7W6wByU_UZXfjwjLWPqyl2MZUGQY1sfPIoL1w4AuhD5oBqYGYg5d5BdHcKg29tql78LMjaAdDyV8uYW3kbzkdn1CeDfBpUIe_w/s1600-h/mummy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKJJQySMyBBt-JLoVigdUgrmOr3vbzf98dCSNF_USq7W6wByU_UZXfjwjLWPqyl2MZUGQY1sfPIoL1w4AuhD5oBqYGYg5d5BdHcKg29tql78LMjaAdDyV8uYW3kbzkdn1CeDfBpUIe_w/s320/mummy.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hCzFTUZIY3DRfHoFboL1pR-rQRI-WM96mOK9sD6GyynPYjrrIg8XWX0nmjLVssTdxzBJqvaBlHdAvhwoo6FvvIJsiobIz5bL7o88GqAp5y418qMUaPCFW5hbEKt-mX7fMsT0x30psAM/s1600-h/FUNNY+GIRL+Paul+Anthony+Stewart+Sara+Sheperd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hCzFTUZIY3DRfHoFboL1pR-rQRI-WM96mOK9sD6GyynPYjrrIg8XWX0nmjLVssTdxzBJqvaBlHdAvhwoo6FvvIJsiobIz5bL7o88GqAp5y418qMUaPCFW5hbEKt-mX7fMsT0x30psAM/s320/FUNNY+GIRL+Paul+Anthony+Stewart+Sara+Sheperd.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlC0eBMw9vmqsPM96IdCx7Dxje0Az0IqBV_Ddus0HQHxt1sz1ylfoITeIOgtvF3kzUR6_Ic88WsXGdSassXDx_MbXXO1cQbPMpNGjcAGCVsaPqunmXmsIpaPM_UfTeDJ1toKS7YPJuXU/s1600-h/tws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlC0eBMw9vmqsPM96IdCx7Dxje0Az0IqBV_Ddus0HQHxt1sz1ylfoITeIOgtvF3kzUR6_Ic88WsXGdSassXDx_MbXXO1cQbPMpNGjcAGCVsaPqunmXmsIpaPM_UfTeDJ1toKS7YPJuXU/s320/tws.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><b>captions, top to bottom:</b> <span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><b>A night at the museum. Actually these boys are checking out the mummy in the Egyptian rooms at Field Museum during a family overnight. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><b>Theatre at Western Springs presents the Oscar Wilde classic, "Lady Windemere's Fan." Julie Knoch and Rob Cramer are Lady and Lord Windemere.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><b>Paul Anthony Stewart and Sara Sheperd as Fanny Brice star in Drury Lane Oakbrook's "Funny Girl."</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Dear Readers,</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Yes, you're hearing it everywhere but once more: Can you believe it is 2010?? </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Well, here we are and this promises to be an exciting year for arts and entertainment. And it's getting easier for Joe and Jane ArtsLover to keep up with the offerings. Most museums and many other venues provide a place on the homepage to sign up e-newsletters. This is a great way to find out what is going on at some of your favorite venues as so many theaters, galleries and especially the museums do have those e-updates.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Once again, please let me know if you spot an errors, factual or typographical as I get to those as soon as possible. Also, if you do not find your favorite venue here it's because I do not have it. So please continue to e-advise me of whom to contact and/or just send me the info you would like in the next blog. My e-mail is <a href="mailto:myrasharon@comcast.net">myrasharon@comcast.net</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> My 2010 blog plan will provide updates every two or three weeks. The next one will be out towards the end of the month as I will be visiting the grandchildren, ages 2 and 31/2, (their parents as well) for much of January and those little guys keep me blissfully very busy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> My wish is that each of you has a happy and healthy 2010! --- <b>Myra</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">'JOE' RETURNS TO SOUTHLAND: </span><span style="color: lime;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: lime;">Curtain Call Community Theatre </span></b><span style="color: lime;">presents the beloved musical,</span><b><span style="color: lime;"> </span><i><span style="color: lime;">"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat"</span></i><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Jan. 8-10 </span></b><span style="color: blue;">at</span><b><span style="color: blue;"> Lincoln-Way East High </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: blue;">School</span></b><span style="color: red;">, </span><span style="color: #741b47;">201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort.</span><b><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span></b><span style="color: #741b47;">Tickets are $19, $17 students and seniors, (708) 699-2228 and</span><b><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span><a href="http://www.ccctheatre.com/"><span style="color: #741b47;">www.ccctheatre.com</span></a><span style="color: #741b47;">.</span></b></span></b></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #45818e;">THE DRAMA GROUP <span style="font-weight: normal;">talent</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">tackles the 1941 Tennessee Williams classic </span>"The Glass Menagerie"<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>Feb. 4-14<span style="font-weight: normal;"> at the </span>Studio Theatre<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $17-$18 at (708) 755-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a>. Also at </span>2 p.m, Jan. 23<span style="font-weight: normal;"> will bring the second reading with song of a musical in workshop stage, "And the Moral Is.". Anyone can attend and there is no charge. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">DR</span><span style="color: red;">URY LANE OAKBROOK TERRACE, </span></b><span style="color: red;">100 Drury Lane, closes out the 2009-2010 season with the Ziegfield girl musical, </span><b><span style="color: red;">"Funny Girl</span></b><span style="color: red;">, now</span><b><span style="color: red;"> through March 7, </span></b><span style="color: red;">starring Sara Shepard, directed by Gary Griffin and William Osetek. Show only tickets $29-$38 (discount for students, seniors); dinner packages available, (630) 530-0111 and <a href="http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.</a></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;">H-F PARK DISTRICT 'SHOES': <span style="font-weight: normal;">The </span>Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's Stage Theatre <span style="font-weight: normal;">presents</span> <i>"The Shoes" </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">on</span><i> Jan. 17</i> <span style="font-weight: normal;">at the </span>Auditorium<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 2010 Chestnut, Homewood. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 children, senior; $1 off ticket price for three canned goods. Details at (708) 957-7275 and </span><a href="http://www.hfparks.com/">www.hfparks.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;">MARRIOTT THEATRE</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;">, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, opens the 2010 season with </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"Fiddler on the Roof," Feb. 17- April 25</span></b><span style="color: #38761d;">, starring Ross Lehman, directed by David H. Bell. The season's complete lineup and ticket information are at </span><a href="http://www.hfparks.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">www.MarriottTheatre.com </span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">and at (847) 634-0200. Now playing through Feb. 14, "My Fair Lady." </span><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Review at end of blog</span></i><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS</span></b><span style="color: #b45f06;"> bring their </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">"Leading Ladies"</span></b><span style="color: #b45f06;"> to the stage </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Feb. 19 - 27</span></b><span style="color: #b45f06;"> at </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Little Theater of Palos South Middle School</span></b><span style="color: #b45f06;">, 131st Street and 82nd Avenue, Palos Park. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students; (708) 787-2010 and at <a href="http://www.pvp.org/">www.pvp.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #783f04;">SPOTLIGHT THEATRE</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> shines the light on </span></span><span style="color: #783f04;">"Play It Again, Sam,"</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> the Woody Allen comedy that will warm up your winter nights </span></span><span style="color: #783f04;">Jan. 29-Feb.6</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> at Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University, University Park. Tickets are $14, $12 students and seniors, (708) 941-8294 and <a href="http://www.spotlight-theater.com/">www.spotlight-theater.com</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY</b>, 1650 N. Halsted St., presents <b>"The Brother/Sister Plays: In the Red and Brown Water, The Brothers Size and Marcus, Or the Secret of Sweet."</b> The trio of ensemble dramas by Tarell Alvin McCraney, performed in repertory in the upper theater from <b>Jan. 21- May 23</b>, take the audience to the bayou for dramas of love, sexuality and coming-of-age influenced by lively Afro-Caribbean folklore." Tickets are $20-$70 at (312) 335-1650 and <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Meanwhile, the David Mamet classic, </span>"American Buffalo,"<span style="font-weight: normal;"> continues through </span>Feb. 14 <span style="font-weight: normal;">in the downstairs theater. </span>Review at the bottom of this blog update.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">into action for 2010 with the Oscar Wilde classic, <b>"Lady Windemere's Fan," Jan, 21-30</b>. "Lady ..." has provided the foundation for a number of stage and film scripts, including the 2005 film, "A Good Woman." Wilde's wit and flair for character development are evident in this play about suspected marital infidelity. TWS is at 4384 Hampton Ave. Tickets are $18 and $20 at (708) 246-3380 and </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com/">www.theatrewesternsprings.com</a>. </span></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>MUSIC AND DANCE</i></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">at Governors State University, University Park, presents </span></span><span style="color: #a64d79;">Teatro Lirico D'Europa</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> performing </span></span><span style="color: #a64d79;">"Die Fledermaus"</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> at </span></span><span style="color: #a64d79;">4 p.m. Jan. 17</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">. Tickets are $26 - $46 A free pre-performance talk starts at 3 p.m. in Engbretson Hall. Then at </span></span><span style="color: #a64d79;">8 p.m. Jan 23, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">returns to the Center stage</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">. Tickets are $33-$53 at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">The <b>ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</b> looks to the works of Richard Wagner and Johannes Brahms for, "Romantic Rivals," an <b>8 p.m. Jan. 30</b> concert at <b>Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</b>, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. Tickets are at (708) 481-7774 and at <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org</a>.</span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;">JAZZ-GOSPEL MESSIAH: <span style="font-weight: normal;">A swinging, jazzing</span> <b>"Too Hot to Handel: Jazz-Gospel Messiah' </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">heads to</span><b> Auditorium Theatre </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago on</span><b> Jan. 16 and 17. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ticket to this tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. start at $30 at Ticketmaster and at </span><a href="http://ticketmaster.com/auditorium."><span style="font-weight: normal;">ticketmaster.com/auditorium</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">M</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">OJO AT THE MAC: <span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The phenomenal Zydeco and magic of </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">return to the </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">McAninch Center</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> at College of DuPage, Fawell and Park Blvds., Glen Ellyn, at <b>8 p.m.</b> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feb. 13</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">. Tickets are $30, $28 seniors, and are close to being sold out so order yours now, (630) 942-4000 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.cod.edu/artscntr/"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.cod.edu/artscntr/</span></span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">.<span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">NEVERLY BROTHERS </span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">in concert with their acclaimed rock 'n' roll evolution production</span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">at</span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 8 p.m. Jan. 16 </span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">at </span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Prairie Center for the Arts</span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Tickets are at (847) 895-3600 and at <a href="http://www.prairiecenter.org/">www.prairiecenter.org</a>. Check out the Neverly Brothers at <a href="http://www.theneverlybrothers.com/">www.theneverlybrothers.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>POTPOURRI OF VISUAL ARTS</i></b></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM</span></b><span style="color: #444444;">, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, features </span><b><span style="color: #444444;">"The Breathing Factory," </span></b><span style="color: #444444;">an exhibition of photographs and videos by Mark Curran, </span><b><span style="color: #444444;">Jan. 14-March 19</span></b><span style="color: #444444;">. An opening reception is 5-7 p.m. Jan. 14, free and open to the public. The exhibit looks at the effects of globalization and economic swings at a Hewlett-Packard plant in Ireland. Gallery hours and more information are at (773) 325-7506 and at <a href="http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/">http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 220 E. Chicago Ave., </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">features</span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Italics: Italian Art between Tradition and Revolution, 1968-2008"</span></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> and also</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Italics Film Series,"</span></b></i><span style="color: #0b5394;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">several classic Italian films, all on rare 35 mm and seldom screened. Most of the films are in Italian with English subtitles. The series runs through Jan. 31.</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The MCA launches its spring performance schedule with the Akram Khan Company Feb. 26-28. and continues with a Filmless Festival. More dance, theater and music continue through April. All the MCA schedules and other information are at <a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/">www.mcachicago.org</a>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">SPERTUS INSTITUTE<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 610 S. MICHIGAN AVE., opens its doors for a tour of this ultra modern architectural gem. The </span>4 p.m. Jan. 31<span style="font-weight: normal;"> tour will include details of the building's green architecture, its relationship to its historic neighbors and how ideas central to Judaism are woven into structure. Admission/reservations are $5 for Spertus members, $15 for adults, $10 students and seniors, (312) 322-3773 and at <a href="http://www.spertus.edu/">www.spertus.edu.</a></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.spertus.edu/"></a><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION FILM SERIES<span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> presents the dark science fiction film <b><i>"Moon,"</i></b> as the closer for this season.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">The screening is</span><i><span style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>6:30 p.m. Jan.10<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">at</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">Marcus Theatre</span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, 1301 Hilltop Ave.,</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Chicago Heights (immediately north of Lincoln Highway). </span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tickets are $8. Information at (708) 748-3377 and at <a href="http://www.tallgrassarts.org/">www.tallgrassarts.org</a>. The film's release coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing and stars<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Kevin Spacey as a computer voice, and Sam Rockwell, as an isolated miner on the moon. Rockwell is about to have his life radically altered. <span style="color: black;">Now at Tall Grass Art Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, through <b>Jan. 21</b>, <b>"The Sacred, the Spiritual and the Sensual."</b> Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, contact details above.</span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">UNION STREET GALLERY</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601, focuses on photography </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Jan. 15 - Feb. 26 </span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">with </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">"The Positive Image,"</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> a juried exhibit of regional contemporary photography. The gallery is open from 2-3 p.m. Monday - Saturday, <a href="http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/">www.unionstreetgallery.org.</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUMS AND MORE</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. (at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-7827 (STAR). </span></b><span style="color: #674ea7;">I volunteer at Adler about twice a month in the amazing <b>Space Visualization Lab (SVL)</b>. Here you will see the universe in new and exciting visualizations, talk with astronomers involved in current research on such topics as cosmic rays, black holes and other exotic structures -- all in an intimate classroom-size setting with interactive computer stations. The SVL is open from <b>2-3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays</b></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">. All the details you need for an Adler visit are at <a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a>. And be sure to check out <b>Adler After Dark</b>, a new feature for the 21 and older group with cocktails and appetizers against the magnificent Chicago skyline (inside, of course) and a special program the third Thursday of each month starting <b>Jan. 21</b>.</span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #351c75;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;">If you live in the Southland and never heard of Joliet Junior College's </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Trackman Planetarium</span></span><span style="color: #351c75;">, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium), you are missing a real treat. It's one of the best kept secrets out here. The Sunday afternoon show series, which starts at 2 p.m., and the Thursday series that starts at 6:30 p.m. are geared to the younger set. Coming up -- </span><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Thursday Jan. 21, "</span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Winter Skies for Kids"</span></span></span><span style="color: #351c75;">; </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Sunday Jan. 10, "Our Solar System." </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Tuesday</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75;">Sky shows for the junior high set and older are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Coming up: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> Jan. 12, "Comets and Asteroids," Jan 26, "Skies of February," and Feb. 9, "There Fermi Paradox. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;">All shows are free so all you have to do is show up. For directions and further information, (815) 729-9020 or go to </span><a href="http://www.jjc.edu/"><span style="color: #351c75;">www.jjc.edu</span></a><span style="color: #351c75;"> and search Trackman.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Art Institute of Chicago</span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">,</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 111 S. Michigan Ave., Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago leaves on <b>Jan. 21</b> and many other exhibits close this month too. In collaboration with the museum's opening Modernism in America, a special exhibit, "Modern in America: Works on Paper: 1900s-1950s" features an extraordinary collection of media by stellar American artists. The Art Institute's current and future exhibits as well as all the information needed for a visit are at </span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">www.artic.edu</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> and at (312) 443-0849.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM: <span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">Chicago History Museum</span></span><span style="color: red;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(formerly Chicago Historical Society), 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600. In addition to ongoing exhibits and media about Chinatown as well as the extraordinary tenures of President Abraham Lincoln and Mexican President Benito Jaurez, the the museum has special activities to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 18. All the details are at <a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.chicagohistory.or</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">g</span></b>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">FIELD MUSEUM</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Have you ever thought about what the huge Field Museum would be like at night, exploring exhibits by night? Well, on </span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">Feb. 12, from 5:45 p.m.-9 a.m</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">., the museum sponsors </span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">"Dozin with the Dinos</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> (including Sue)," an overnight family program that includes snacks at night, continental breakfast in the morning and get this, visiting some exhibits with flashlights at night. All the details are at <a href="http://www.fieldmuseum.org/">www.fieldmuseum.org</a>. Click on Calendar of Events, then Family Programs. OK, so it's a couple of clicks but it sure sounds like fun. Too bad they don't have a something like this for the senior set.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>MU</b><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>S</b></span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold;">EUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY<span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">, </span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;">57th Street and Cornell (off Lake Shore Drive). If you have not seen it, you only have until Feb. 15. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"White House: A Look Inside"</span></span> is a 60-by-13-foot large scale replica of the White House has involved more than 600,000 hours of labor, a labor of love. And if you have not seen the phenomenal U-505 exhibit since the special exhibit hall was built and opened, then it's time to visit this extraordinary gallery focused around the times and the actual capture of the German U-boat. <b>Black Creativity</b> opens Jan. 14. More on this next blog.<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"> </span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.msichicago.org/">www.msichicago.org</a></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>SHEDD AQUARIUM</b>, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 939-2438. With such a vast array of exotic exhibits, as well as the legendary new, improved "Fantasea" Oceanarium show, preparing a visit really requires an online visit to <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">www.sheddaquarium.org</a>. Videos and links to interactives, another video to help plan your visit and even photos and a video of the baby beluga will help you decide what to see while you're there.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-style: italic;">REVIEWS</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Times; font-size: x-large; font-style: normal;">Marriott's 'My Fair Lady' -- 'loverly'</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Times; font-size: x-large; font-style: normal;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">One of the great Broadway classics, Lerner and Loewe's <i><b>"My Fair Lady," </b></i>continues its winter run <b>through Feb. 14</b> at <b>Marriott Theatre</b>, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The production, starring Heidi Kettenring as Eliza Doolittle and Kevin Gudahl as Henry Higgins, delighted the opening night crowd which responded with a huge standing ovation. </span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Based on George Bernard Shaw's 1913 play, "Pygmalion," the storyline is a take on the Cinderella theme. One Professor Henry Higgins, a linguist, agrees to turn a street flower girl he sees at Covent Garden into a lady no one would ever recognize as a former 'guttersnipe.' He succeeds beyond any level he could have imagined.</span></span></b><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Kettenring and Gudahl handled their roles with panache and warmth as well as tremendous stage chemistry. With his energy, humor and stage presence, Don Forston stole the stage during his numbers as 'common dustman' Alfred Doolittle, Eliza's father. Catherine Lord as Higgins' housekeeper, Mrs. Pearce, and Ann Whitney as Higgins' mother, also deserve special mention.</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Nancy Missimi's costume designs, especially Eliza's gown for the ball and the ladies' hats and dresses at the Ascot races, are absolutely gorgeous.</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> "My Fair Lady" is delightful holiday fare for the entire family, a beautifully wrapped present topped with the phenomenal Lerner and Loewe score. <span style="color: #6666cc;">Tickets are $45-$55 at (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/">www.marriotttheatre.com</a>.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">'American Buffalo' roars</span></b></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"> <b>"American Buffalo,"</b> an early David Mamet play that crowned him as possibly America's foremost living playwright, opened at Chicago's Goodman in 1975. As the calendar heads into 2010, the Mamet script reiterates the mastery of <b>Steppenwolf Theatre</b>'s company and casting. </span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"> Under Amy Morton's superb direction, Patrick Andrews (remember this name) along with Company members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts, morph into compelling Mamet characters in a word perfect script that revolves around the trio's hackneyed plan to steal valuable coins. </span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"> Mamet's characters are both pathetic and comic as they stumble through the day trying to make their little plot happen. Guinan, Letts and Andrews become these oddball personalities; it seemed as if I were watching three genuinely inept would-be thieves <span style="color: #45818e;">whose flaws intensify as their grand theft plans evolve. </span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"> Raw language, Mamet's extraordinary three-dimensional characters and the Steppenwolf mastery combine for an phenomenal production.</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"> "American Buffalo" runs through <b>Feb. 14 </b>at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Tickets are $20 to $77 at (312) 335-1650 and at<span style="color: #45818e;"> <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>. </span></span><br />
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</div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-84374355494316112362009-12-23T14:55:00.000-08:002009-12-23T18:35:14.640-08:00Holiday fare for all .... and on into 2010!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSzB6ToVPbQu3XCFMJ87LFK6JtSs6zkwK08ul10cHaa6SvAhiawzkMokdhBnj-bjT8vpDULPMAKE0DzcphLxoltGQTNkvkFBec3LcO1i_KqZD8QlVUTRx0NPkw-lEbmwVkgFVjhxDya0/s1600-h/BLKFOREST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSzB6ToVPbQu3XCFMJ87LFK6JtSs6zkwK08ul10cHaa6SvAhiawzkMokdhBnj-bjT8vpDULPMAKE0DzcphLxoltGQTNkvkFBec3LcO1i_KqZD8QlVUTRx0NPkw-lEbmwVkgFVjhxDya0/s320/BLKFOREST.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZBM-mvAL1-fST2b6cbvWknQeb6lKtQa_grKGFIEYvgLeluuKebeYDzHrBgrv8ETp5nCtSUQ_SzInBaroj4pTA1V58YDb1HtECudsy0VdKMuCD0wa4kJLyUddrvGgDUFEcX2tFr97WZI/s1600-h/americanbuffalo_150x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZBM-mvAL1-fST2b6cbvWknQeb6lKtQa_grKGFIEYvgLeluuKebeYDzHrBgrv8ETp5nCtSUQ_SzInBaroj4pTA1V58YDb1HtECudsy0VdKMuCD0wa4kJLyUddrvGgDUFEcX2tFr97WZI/s400/americanbuffalo_150x200.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photos: At left: Tracy Letts (left) and Francis Guinan in Steppenwolf Theatre's 'American Buffalo'; Zydeco legend Mojo who heads to the McAninch (Mac) in 2010 and has a new CD recorded live in the Black Forest. <span style="color: #b45f06;">Mini-reviews of Marriott's 'My Fair Lady' and 'American Buffalo' are at the top of the blog and a brief review of Mojo's latest CD follows the Mac listing.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Dear Readers,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Well, this time I tried putting all the new listings at the top, thinking it would be easier. NOT! For some reason, this edition took me way too long to finish. Maybe it's not the blog arrangement, but just me trying to do forty-eleven things at once. In any case, theater mini reviews are followed by new and updated listings which are followed by ongoing events.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>If you are having out-of-town guests, of any age, you'll find the perfect entertainment action here. And while I have not listed it yet, Oak Lawn has a wonderful children's museum that got rave reviews from my two grandsons, ages 3 and almost 2, after they took their parents there.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>For regular blog readers, there's always some new theater production, art exhibit, sky show, concert ... a bit of everything and more to investigate here in the culture-soaked Southland and environs.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>As always, please keep the arts and entertainment press releases coming and if you have them, send photos. If sending local theater production photos, please ID the actors. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Meanwhile, I am trying to shift blog e-mails, including comments and corrections, to <a href="mailto:myraeder@gmail.com">myraeder@gmail.com</a>. I still have the Comcast e-address but am relocating into the gmail realm.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>As 2009 draws to a close, I realize the past year has been busy and very good to me. Murray and I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and peaceful 2010.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Myra</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Marriott's 'My Fair Lady' -- 'loverly' </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> One of the great Broadway classics, Lerner and Loewe's <i><b>"My Fair Lady," </b></i>continues its winter run <b>through Feb. 14</b> at <b>Marriott Theatre</b>, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The production, starring Heidi Kettenring as Eliza Doolittle and Kevin Gudahl as Henry Higgins, delighted the opening night crowd which responded with a huge standing ovation. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Based on George Bernard Shaw's 1913 play, "Pygmalion," the storyline is a take on the Cinderella theme. One Professor Henry Higgins, a linguist, agrees to turn a street flower girl he sees at Covent Garden into a lady no one would ever recognize as a former 'guttersnipe.' He succeeds beyond any level he could have imagined.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Kettenring and Gudahl handled their roles with panache and warmth as well as tremendous stage chemistry. With his energy, humor and stage presence, Don Forston stole the stage during his numbers as 'common dustman' Alfred Doolittle, Eliza's father. Catherine Lord as Higgins' housekeeper, Mrs. Pearce, and Ann Whitney as Higgins' mother, also deserve special mention.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Nancy Missimi's costume designs, especially Eliza's gown for the ball and the ladies' hats and dresses at the Ascot races, are absolutely gorgeous.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> "My Fair Lady" is delightful holiday fare for the entire family, a beautifully wrapped present topped with the phenomenal Lerner and Loewe score. <span style="color: #6666cc;">Tickets are $45-$55 at (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/">www.marriotttheatre.com</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6666cc;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">'American Buffalo' roars</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"> <b>"American Buffalo,"</b> an early David Mamet play that crowned him as possibly America's foremost living playwright, opened at Chicago's Goodman in 1975. As the calendar heads into 2010, the Mamet script reiterates the mastery of <b>Steppenwolf Theatre</b>'s company and casting. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"> Under Amy Morton's superb direction, Patrick Andrews (remember this name) along with Company members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts, morph into compelling Mamet characters in a word perfect script that revolves around the trio's hackneyed plan to steal valuable coins. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"> Mamet's characters are both pathetic and comic as they stumble through the day trying to make their little plot happen. Guinan, Letts and Andrews become these oddball personalities; it seemed as if I were watching three genuinely inept would-be thieves <span style="color: #45818e;">whose flaws intensify as their grand theft plans evolve. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"> Raw language, Mamet's extraordinary three-dimensional characters and the Steppenwolf mastery combine for an phenomenal production.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"> "American Buffalo" runs through <b>Feb. 14 </b>at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Tickets are $20 to $77 at (312) 335-1650 and at<span style="color: #45818e;"> <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>New listings, updates</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6666cc;"><i><b>THEATRE</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;">H-F PARK DISTRICT 'SHOES': <span style="font-weight: normal;">The </span>Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's Stage Theatre <span style="font-weight: normal;">presents</span> <i>"The Shoes" </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">on</span><i> Jan. 17</i> <span style="font-weight: normal;">at the </span>Auditorium<span style="font-weight: normal;">, 2010 Chestnut, Homewood. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 children, senior; $1 off ticket price for three canned goods. Details at (708) 957-7275 and </span><a href="http://www.hfparks.com/">www.hfparks.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;">'JOE' RETURNS TO SOUTHLAND: <span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Curtain Call Community Theatre </b>presents the beloved musical,<b> <i>"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat"</i> Jan. 8-10 at Lincoln-Way East High </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>School</b>, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort.<b> </b>Tickets are $19, $17 students and seniors, (708) 699-2228 and<b> <a href="http://www.ccctheatre.com/">www.ccctheatre.com</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>MUSIC</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;">JAZZ-GOSPEL MESSIAH: <span style="font-weight: normal;">A swinging, jazzing</span> <b>"Too Hot to Handel: Jazz-Gospel Messiah' </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">heads to</span><b> Auditorium Theatre </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago on</span><b> Jan. 16 and 17. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ticket to this tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. start at $30 at Ticketmaster and at </span><a href="http://ticketmaster.com/auditorium."><span style="font-weight: normal;">ticketmaster.com/auditorium</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">M</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">OJO AT THE MAC: <span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The phenomenal Zydeco and magic of </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">return to the </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">McAninch Center</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> at College of DuPage, Fawell and Park Blvds., Glen Ellyn, at 8 p.m. </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feb. 13</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">. Tickets are $30, $28 seniors, and are close to being sold out so order yours now, (630) 942-4000 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.cod.edu/artscntr/"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.cod.edu/artscntr/</span></span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">.<span style="color: #0b5394;"> Meanwhile, the band's latest CD, "Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies: From the Bayou to the Black Forest" was recorded live, yes in Germany. With 19 tracks including some of Mojo's classics, as well as newer songs, the CD will pull you out of your seats and onto your feet no matter how tired you are.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> Mojo always opens with one of my favorites, "Allons mes ami" and then takes the energy level into the stratosphere. All the numbers are Zydeco originals with the unmistakable Mojo sound. There's a hint of good old rock 'n' roll in "Hey, hey tout q'uel qu'un" and when I'm done writing this, will e-mail Mojo to find out what the song titles mean. Meanwhile you can check out the tracks at <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mojotbg3">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mojotbg3</a> and you can check out Mojo at <a href="http://www.redhotmojo.com/">www.redhotmojo.com</a>. And watch out, because "Mojo's gonna get you!"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">NEVERLY NEW YEAR'S EVE: <span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nationally recognized for their exclusive Retro Rock Music Experience, the Southland's own</span> </span><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Neverly Brothers</span></b><span style="color: #e06666;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">will travel back in time, musically speaking, at the</span> </span><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">New Year's Eve Rock n' Roll Dance Party</span></i></b><span style="color: #e06666;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">at</span> </span><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Raue Center for the Arts</span></b><span style="color: #e06666;">, <span style="font-weight: normal;">26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Doors open at 8 p.m.; admission $75 includes food and open bar as well as champagne toast to welcome 2010 and of course, a chance to dance into the wee hours. Tickets/reservations at (815) 356-9212 and </span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.rauecenter.org/">www.rauecenter.org</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><i>MUSEUMS AND MORE</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: purple; font-weight: 800;">ART INSTITUTE FAMILY FEST: <span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The</span> </span><b><span style="color: purple;">Art Institute of Chicago</span></b><span style="color: purple;">,<span style="font-weight: normal;"> 111 S. Michigan Ave., presents</span> </span><b><i><span style="color: purple;">Holly Days Family Festival</span></i></b><span style="color: purple;"> </span><b><span style="color: purple;">Dec. 27-30</span></b><span style="color: purple;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">with the proverbial something for everyone, artwork, story time and even a special Dec. 27 appearance by Artie the Lion are only a few of the activities and events during these special days. Museum admission for children younger than 14 is always free. Details and all the information for a trip to the Art Institute are at </span><a href="http://www.artic.edu/"><span style="font-weight: normal;">www.artic.edu</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and at (312) 443-3600. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: purple; font-weight: 800;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM: <span style="font-weight: normal;">If you live in the Southland and never heard of Joliet Junior College's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trackman Planetarium</span>, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium), you are missing a real treat. It's one of the best kept secrets out here. The Sunday afternoon show series, which starts at 2 p.m., and the Thursday series that starts at 6:30 p.m. are geared to the younger set. Coming up -- <span style="color: red;"><b>Thursday Jan. 21, "</b></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red;">Winter Skies for Kids"</span></span></span>; <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red;">Sunday Jan. 10, "Our Solar System." </span></span></span>Tuesday <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #993399;">Sky shows for the junior high set and older are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Coming up: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dec. 29, "Skies of January:" </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">on</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Jan. 12, "Comets and Asteroids." <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">A</span></span></span></span>ll shows, for young people and general audiences, begin with a live show of the current night sky presented by astronomy guru Art Maurer of Crete. If you have questions, Maurer will happily answer them. Shows are always free so you just show up. </span><span style="color: #993399;">The phone number is (815) 280-6682. </span><span style="color: #993399;">The full sky show schedule is at <a href="http://www.jjc.edu/">www.jjc.edu</a>. Then put Trackman in the search spot.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: purple; font-weight: 800;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM: <span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">Chicago History Museum</span></span><span style="color: red;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(formerly Chicago Historical Society), 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600, presents its first multi-media theater exhibit, </span></span><i><span style="color: red;">"My Chinatown."</span></i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The exhibit focuses on the sights, sounds and history of Chicago's Chinatown, as told by people who live in the neighborhood and keep its traditions alive. All the details are at </span></span><a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">www.chicagohistory.org</span></span></a><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION FILM SERIES: <span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Tall Grass presents the final offering in its</b> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">2009 Art Film Series, <i>"Moon,"</i> <span style="font-weight: normal;">starring Kevin Spacey and Sam Rockwell, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">at 6:30 p.m.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>Jan.10 <span style="font-weight: normal;">at</span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Marcus Theatre</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">, 1301 Hilltop Ave.,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">Chicago Heights (immediately north of Lincoln Highway).</span><span style="color: #38761d;">Tickets are $8. Information at (708) 748-3377. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: <span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">In conjunction with its ongoingexhibit,</span></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Italics: Italian Art between Tradition and Revolution, 1968-2008"</span></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">the </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Museum of Contemporary Art</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;">,<span style="font-weight: normal;"> 220 E. Chicago Ave., presents </span></span><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Italics Film Series,"</span></b></i><span style="color: #0b5394;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">several outstanding Italian films, all on rare 35 mm, seldom seen anymore. Most of the films are in Italian with English subtitles. The lengthy series includes 'The Decameron (Il Decameron)" from 1971; the original "Inglorious Bastards (Quel maledetto treno blindato)" from 1978, directed by Castellari; and even "Fellini's Casanova (Il Casanova di Federico Fellini)." The series opens at 6 p.m. </span>Jan. 7 <span style="font-weight: normal;">with Bernardo Bertolucci's "Tragedy of a Ridiculous Man (La tragedia di un uomo ridicolo)." Details and the full film schedule are at </span></span><a href="http://www.mcachicago.org/"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">www.mcachicago.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i>ONGOING</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #6666cc; font-family: Times; font-weight: bold;">MARRIOTT THEATRE: <span style="color: #660000; font-weight: normal;"><b>Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences</b> presents <span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>"A Christmas Carol"</i></span> through <b>Jan. 2</b>. Tickets are $15, see above.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE: <span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Porchlight Music Theatre</span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;">, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, stages </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Miracle on 34th Street,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jan. 3</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">. Tickets are $40 with discounts for students and seniors, (773) 327-5252 and all Ticketmaster outlets.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 22px;">VISUAL ARTS</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY: <span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"<b>The Sacred, the Spiritual and the Sensual,"</b></span></i><span style="color: #e06666;"> an extraordinary art exhibit of works by acclaimed masters, Javier Chavira, Sergio Gomez and Harry Sudman," fills the exhibit hall through <b>Jan. 31</b> at the Tall Grass Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, 708) 748-3377. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission always free. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGOLAND TREASURES</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">ADLER PLANETARIUM - Last chance! </span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">The long-running family holiday sky show, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Star of Wonder," </span></span>will run under the iconic dome of the Sky Theater at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum</span> for the last time this season before it is retired to the archives. The Sky Theater will close in the summer of 2010 for renovation. "Star" has long been one of our family favorites, and when my children were small, we drove down to Adler every holiday season to see it. Today "Star" examines contemporary theories of celestial events that may have given rise to the biblical story of the Christmas star. Regardless of one's religion or lack of it, "Star of Wonder" will run through <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jan. 3</span>. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">. E</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">verything you need to plan your Adler visit is at </span><span style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/">www.adlerplanetarium.org</a></span><span style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">.</a> Note: Adler has extended holiday hours!</span></span></span><br />
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</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #009900; font-weight: bold;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #009900; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">An all-new wing opened earlier this year at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Art Institute of Chicago</span>, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Admission to the classic and new sections is included in the admission price. Now through Jan. 24, <b><i>"Monica Bonvicini: Light Me Black." <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This contemporary and apparently quite extraordinary exhibit explores the world of institutional architecture, particularly museums, through both the physical and psychological interpretations. Check out this link for more information: <a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/bonvicini" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/bonvicini</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: purple;">BROOKFIELD ZOO -- </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Spectacular </span><b><i><span style="color: purple;">Holiday Magic</span></i></b><span style="color: purple;"> events from 4 to 9 p.m.</span><b><span style="color: purple;"> every day Dec. 26-31 </span></b><span style="color: purple;">features a million lights illuminating the zoo's walkways. Special events including ice-carving, the Kiddie Express train ride and more will delight visitors of all ages. Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between Interstates 55 and 290. It's also accessible via I-294 and public transportation. More information about Holiday Magic and all its events is at (708) 688-8000. Activities free with paid admission, $12 adults $8 children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older; free to members. Tots 2 and under admitted free. Auto parking is $8, buses $10.75 Information also is at www.czs.org.</span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</span><br />
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">Chicago History Museum</span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> (formerly Chicago Historical Society), 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600, features two parallel exhibits through <span style="font-weight: bold;">April 2, 2010:</span> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">"Abraham Lincoln Transformed"</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> and</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">"Benito Juarez and the making of modern Mexico."</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> This exhibit is co-curated with the National Museum of Mexican Art and features more than 25 Mexican treasures never seen before in the United States. All the museum details are at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.chicagohistory.org" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">www.chicagohistory.org</span></a><span style="color: #6600cc;">.</span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">DUSABLE MUSEUM/AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399;">In addition to the Blues exhibit, the museum also presents, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #993399;">"Red, White, Blue & Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services."</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"> "The call to serve one's country, for the more than 14 million black men and woman who have served, has been a battle of its own long before the colonies enlisted the first militia," museum information states. More than 100 artifacts, objects, images and documents from that battle are on display in an open-ended exhibit. More information about the DuSable Museum is at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #993399;">www.dusablemuseum.org</span></a><span style="color: #993399;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">.</a></span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">FIELD MUSEUM</span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Field Museum</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus, features the hidden gem for the little ones, </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Field's Crown Family Playlab</span></b><span style="color: #38761d;">, a permanent part of the museum, offers six themed play areas bursting with things to do. Little explorers can dig up dinosaur bones, grind corn in a pueblo or dress like an animal and crawl, hop or 'fly' around the museum. An extraordinary series of adventures await the young set during every family visit. The area includes family bathrooms, stroller parking and infant zones as well as a staffed reception desk where Field personnel will help make your Crown visits special. The Crown Family Playlab is included with regular museum admission. The Playlab can be accessed through any Field entrance, including the little known East entrance. <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;">All the details you'll need for a Field visit are at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fieldmuseum.org" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #38761d;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a></span><span style="color: #38761d;">. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</span></span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Italics: Italian Art between Tradition and Revolution, 1968-2008"</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> continues</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. This "ground-breaking" exhibit is "devoted to contemporary Italian art and creativity ... and presents more than 80 Italian artists active during the past four decades whose work offers a deep sense of originality and vitality," museum press notes state. The MCA not only contains its permanent and temporary exhibits but offers a wide range of avant-garde presentations. All the details are at <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mcachicago.org" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.mcachicago.org</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">Museum of Science and Industry, </span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;">57th Street and Cornell (off Lake Shore Drive) -- presents <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light"</span></span> <b>through Jan. 2</b>, with more than 50 dazzling holiday trees and other displays from around the world. If you have never seen it, do not miss the breath-taking <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"White House: A Look Inside."</span></span> This 60-by-13-foot large scale replica of the White House has involved more than 600,000 hours of labor, a labor of love started and coordinated by John and Jan Zwiefel in 1975 as a "gift to the people from the people." now though <b>Feb. 15.</b> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">All the info you need for an MSI trip is at </span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">www.msichicago.org</a></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">.</a> DATES</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #00cccc; font-weight: bold;">SHEDD AQUARIUM</span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;">"Fantasea," </span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;">the all-new Oceanarium show at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;">Shedd Aquarium</span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;">, 1200 Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus, takes visitors on a magical trip. Dolphins, beluga whales and other ocean mammals become part of a story that combines theater and the Oceanarium experience in an extraordinary production unlike anything you've ever seen at the world-famous aquarium. T</span><span style="color: #00cccc;">he new, improved and enlarged Oceanarium offers delights for all ages including the </span><span style="color: #00cccc;">Polar Play Zone </span><span style="color: #00cccc;">where youngsters (OK, anyone) can pretend to be a penguin or deep sea explorer and much more. What fun! Details, tickets and information for planning your trip to this extraordinary aquarium, a Chicago treasure, are at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #00cccc;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #00cccc;">.</span></a><span style="color: #00cccc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org." style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">SPERTUS</span></span><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">While</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;"> Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies</span></span><span style="color: blue;"> always features programs and exhibits focused on Jewish life, you can see </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">"Ground Level Project" </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"> through Jan. 17 in the street-level vestibule, visible from outside the magnificent structure at 610 S. Michigan Ave. Spertus commissioned four artists to express, investigate and challenge "traditional perceptions of the Jewish experience." Artist Jason Lazarus' moving image "The top of Anne Frank's chestnut tree" was recorded from the Annex where the Frank family hid for two years before their presence was revealed to the Nazis. Anne wrote of the chestnut tree in her now classic "Diary of a Young Girl." More Spertus details are at </span><a href="http://www.spertus.edu/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">www.spertus.edu</span></a><span style="color: blue;">.</span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">You've reached the end of this blog entry.</span><br />
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-13777512614516789082009-12-09T17:41:00.000-08:002009-12-09T18:28:32.317-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEh3ddhDZaDBVaZcxSKWSPXiNBXKvfUclDZ41ZBQ2glHoii2smjvwNMZBV7NDQddh03M2YF1WU_JFTPP0kbEUyMqptD03Bijf9UdR02U6ldfCw_hrHQyWpOTmN9pVJu6NdmIJE-t6N00/s1600-h/brkfld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEh3ddhDZaDBVaZcxSKWSPXiNBXKvfUclDZ41ZBQ2glHoii2smjvwNMZBV7NDQddh03M2YF1WU_JFTPP0kbEUyMqptD03Bijf9UdR02U6ldfCw_hrHQyWpOTmN9pVJu6NdmIJE-t6N00/s320/brkfld.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Photos: Holiday Magic lights dazzle visitors throughout Brookfield Zoo; Clara in Salt Creek Ballet's "The Nutcracker"at GSU's Center for Performing Arts; Frank Roberts as Archy and Kelly Anne Clark as Mehitabel at Illinois Theatre Center.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucU9L-zDJsGfL7g40wdeYQfWzdwUHp8MHsZIVvGmVsnWHwLkKcsahDwOsWbzeOyZjAjL74R3SyMjP9mlE9T0zsWB2BiZvMB43uAEGX-TaZxftdBFf4kTXZO0EMRVMRKpcvkSLc7Zbua4/s1600-h/archy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucU9L-zDJsGfL7g40wdeYQfWzdwUHp8MHsZIVvGmVsnWHwLkKcsahDwOsWbzeOyZjAjL74R3SyMjP9mlE9T0zsWB2BiZvMB43uAEGX-TaZxftdBFf4kTXZO0EMRVMRKpcvkSLc7Zbua4/s320/archy2.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Dear Readers, Enjoy the holiday season and take time to savor at least one, hopefully more, of the arts and entertainment treasures in the Southland and Chicago. My daughter and her family discovered a new treasure in the South Suburbs last weekend: the Oak Lawn Children's Museum, 5100 Museum Drive, phone (708) 423-6723. Be sure to check out the fabulous second floor!</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><i>Myra</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THEATRE</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">The Center at Governors State University presents a musical adaptation of <b><i>"'Twas the Night Before Christmas"</i></b> at 11 a.m.<b> Dec. 19</b>. Tickets are $10.50 and $11.50 at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net./">www.centertickets.net.</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">CHILDREN'S THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">"Peter Pan and Wendy"</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> continue to fly (yes, for real) through </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Dec. 13</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> on the mainstage at Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave. Tickets are $7 children, $13 adults at (708) 246-3380 and at <a href="http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com./">www.theatreofwesternsprings.com.</a></span><br />
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</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #20124d;">DRURY LANE OAKBROOK</span></span><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #20124d;">The Broadway smash hit </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #20124d;">"Thoroughly Modern Millie,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> directed by artistic director William Osetek, continues</span><span style="color: #20124d;"> through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Dec. 20</span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Drury Lane Theatre</span></span><span style="color: #20124d;">, Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane. Show only tickets are $29-$38 and dinner theater packages are available. Student and senior tickets greatly reduced; (630) 530-0111, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.drurylaneoakbrook.com"><span style="color: #20124d;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;"> and all Ticketmaster outlets.</span><br />
</div></div><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Drury Lane Children's Theatre</span></b><span style="color: #20124d;"> also presents the Charles Dickens Classic, </span><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">"A Christmas Carol"</span></i></b><span style="color: #20124d;"> for several special performances through </span><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Dec. 21</span></b><span style="color: #20124d;">. All show tickets are $10.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b>ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">ITC, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents its holiday production of the musical <b><i>"Archy and Mehitabel,"</i></b> the jazzy story of Archy, the cockroach, and Mehitabel, the cat, <b>through Dec. 20.</b> Tickets are $19-$21 at (708) 481-3510.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6666cc;"><b>MARRIOTT THEATRE</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;">Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, brings the beloved musical <b><i>"My Fair Lady"</i></b> to the state <b>Dec. 9 through Feb. 14</b>. Tickets are $45-$55 at (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/">www.marriotttheatre.com</a>.</span><br />
</div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences</b> presents <span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>"A Christmas Carol"</i></span> from <b>Nov. 13-Jan. 2</b>. Tickets are $15, see above.</span><br />
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</div></div></div></div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE </span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Porchlight Music Theatre</span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;">, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, stages </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Miracle on 34th Street,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jan. 3</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">. Tickets are $40 with discounts for students and seniors, (773) 327-5252 and all Ticketmaster outlets.</span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">David Mamet's award-winning drama <b><i>"American Buffalo"</i></b> continues at <b>Steppenwolf Theatre</b>, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. The run goes through <b>Feb. 7</b>. This groundbreaking American drama follows three small-time crooks as they plan to heist a valuable buffalo nickel. Mamet creates three personalities whose flaws intensify as their grand theft plans evolve. Tickets are $20 to $77 at (312) 335-1650 and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">THEATRE AT THE CENTER -- Hoist the mainsail</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Join the crowd heading up the ramp for a voyage aboard </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The Christmas Schooner,"</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> through </span><b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dec. 20</span></b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Theatre at the Center</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $36-$40 at www.tickets.com and at the theater box office, (219) 836-3255. More show information is at </span><a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.theatreatthecenter.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION FILM SERIES</span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #38761d; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Tall Grass continues its </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">2009 Art Film Series</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> at 6:30 p.m. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Dec. 13</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Marcus Theatre</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">, 1301 Hilltop Ave.,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">Chicago Heights (immediately north of Lincoln Highway) with a Woody Allen-directed production,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #38761d;">"Whatever Works,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> starring Larry David.Tickets are $8. Information at (708) 748-3377.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"<b>The Sacred, the Spiritual and the Sensual,"</b></span></i><span style="color: #e06666;"> an extraordinary art exhibit of works by acclaimed masters, Javier Chavira, Sergio Gomez and Harry Sudman," fills the exhibit hall through <b>Jan. 31</b> at the Tall Grass Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, 708) 748-3377. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission always free. </span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MUSIC AND DANCE</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGOLAND JAZZ TOUR</span><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">JWR Tours </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jazz Club Crawl</span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> next one is <b>Dec. 17</b></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">. Get on board in Chicago or the South Suburbs. Guests travel on luxury limo buses to two or three of Chicago's most elegant jazz venues with surprises including champagne, wines and cheeses while riding in comfort. Check it out at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jazzclubcrawl.com"><span style="color: #674ea7;">www.jazzclubcrawl.com</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;">. Registration is set up at the website or telephone (866) 717-8687.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-weight: bold;">ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">The IPO will perform its annual </span><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">"Holiday Concert"</span></i></b><span style="color: #134f5c;"> at 3 p.m. </span><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Dec. 19</span></b><span style="color: #134f5c;"> at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort, and at 3 p.m. </span><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Dec. 20</span></b><span style="color: #134f5c;"> at Lincoln-Way East Performing Arts Center, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort. Tickets are at (708) 481-7774.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc33cc;"><b><span style="color: red;">'</span><span style="color: red;">THE NUTCRACKER BALLET'</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Salt Creek Ballet brings its phenomenal "</span><b><i><span style="color: red;">Nutcracker Ballet"</span></i></b><span style="color: red;"> to Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University for two performances, </span><b><span style="color: red;">1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 12</span></b><span style="color: red;">, featuring guest soloists Gillian Murphy and Gennadi Saveliev from the American Ballet Theatre. Salt Creek Ballet performances are breathtaking and will captivate everyone in the family. Tickets start at $15 for children, $20 for adults and be certain to check on special offer for Sugar Plum Party. Tickets are at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGOLAND TREASURES</span><br />
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</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">ADLER PLANETARIUM - Last chance! </span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">The long-running family holiday sky show, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Star of Wonder," </span></span>will run under the iconic dome of the Sky Theater at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum</span> for the last time this season before it is retired to the archives. The Sky Theater will close in the summer of 2010 for renovation. "Star" has long been one of our family favorites, and when my children were small, we drove down to Adler every holiday season to see it. Today "Star" examines contemporary theories of celestial events that may have given rise to the biblical story of the Christmas star. Regardless of one's religion or lack of it, "Star of Wonder" will run through <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jan. 3</span>. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">. E</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">verything you need to plan your Adler visit is at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org."><span style="color: #3333ff;">www.adlerplanetarium.org</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org.">.</a></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org."></a><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM December Skies</span></span></span></span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399;">If you live in the Southland and never heard of Joliet Junior College's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trackman Planetarium</span>, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium), you are missing a real treat. It's one of the best kept secrets out here. The Sunday afternoon show series, which starts at 2 p.m., and the Thursday series that starts at 6:30 p.m. are geared to the younger set. Coming up -- Thursday Jan. 21, "<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winter Skies for Kids"</span></span>; Also Sunday Dec. 13 and 20, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The Christmas Show."</span></span> Sky shows for the junior high set and older are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Coming up: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">c. 15, "The Christmas Show" and Dec. 29, "Skies of January." <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">A</span></span></span></span>ll shows, for young people and general audiences, begin with a live show of the current night sky presented by astronomy guru Art Maurer of Crete. If you have questions, Maurer will happily answer them. All shows are free so you just show up. </span><span style="color: #993399;">The phone number is (815) 280-6682. </span><span style="color: #993399;">The full sky show schedule is at <a href="http://http://www.jjc.edu/about/community-interests/planetarium/Pages/Spring.aspx">www.jjc.edu. </a>Then put Trackman in the search spot.</span></span></span><br />
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</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #009900; font-weight: bold;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #009900; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">An all-new wing opened earlier this year at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Art Institute of Chicago</span>, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Admission to the classic and new sections is included in the admission price. Now through Jan. 24, <b><i>"Monica Bonvicini: Light Me Black." <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This contemporary and apparently quite extraordinary exhibit explores the world of institutional architecture, particularly museums, through both the physical and psychological interpretations. Check out this link for more information: <a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/bonvicini">http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/bonvicini</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: purple;">BROOKFIELD ZOO -- </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Spectacular </span><b><i><span style="color: purple;">Holiday Magic</span></i></b><span style="color: purple;"> events from 4 to 9 p.m. </span><b><span style="color: purple;">Saturdays and Sundays and then every day Dec. 26-31</span></b><span style="color: purple;"> features a million lights illuminating the zoo's walkways. Special events including ice-carving, the Kiddie Express train ride and more will delight visitors of all ages. Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between Interstates 55 and 290. It's also accessible via I-294 and public transportation. More information about Holiday Magic and all its events is at (708) 688-8000. Activities free with paid admission, $12 adutsl $8 children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older; free to members. Tots 2 and under admitted free. Auto parking is $8, buses $10.75 Information also is at www.czs.org.</span><br />
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</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">Chicago History Museum</span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> (formerly Chicago Historical Society), 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600, features two parallel exhibits through <span style="font-weight: bold;">April 2, 2010:</span> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">"Abraham Lincoln Transformed"</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> and</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">"Benito Juarez and the making of modern Mexico."</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> This exhibit is co-curated with the National Museum of Mexican Art and features more than 25 Mexican treasures never seen before in the United States. All the museum details are at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.chicagohistory.org"><span style="color: #6600cc;">www.chicagohistory.org</span></a><span style="color: #6600cc;">.</span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">DUSABLE MUSEUM/AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399;">more. In addition to the Blues exhibit, the museum also presents, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #993399;">"Red, White, Blue & Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services."</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"> "The call to serve one's country, for the more than 14 million black men and woman who have served, has been a battle of its own long before the colonies enlisted the first militia," museum information states. More than 100 artifacts, objects, images and documents from that battle are on display in an open-ended exhibit. More information about the DuSable Museum is at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org."><span style="color: #993399;">www.dusablemuseum.org</span></a><span style="color: #993399;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org.">.</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">FIELD MUSEUM</span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Field Museum</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus, features the hidden gem for the little ones, </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Field's Crown Family Playlab</span></b><span style="color: #38761d;">, a permanent part of the museum, offers six themed play areas bursting with things to do. Little explorers can dig up dinosaur bones, grind corn in a pueblo or dress like an animal and crawl, hop or 'fly' around the museum. An extraordinary series of adventures await the young set during every family visit. The area includes family bathrooms, stroller parking and infant zones as well as a staffed reception desk where Field personnel will help make your Crown visits special. The Crown Family Playlab is included with regular museum admission. The Playlab can be accessed through any Field entrance, including the little known East entrance. <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;">All the details you'll need for a Field visit are at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fieldmuseum.org"><span style="color: #38761d;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a></span><span style="color: #38761d;">. </span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</span></span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Italics: Italian Art between Tradition and Revolution, 1968-2008"</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> continues</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. This "ground-breaking" exhibit is "devoted to contemporary Italian art and creativity ... and presents more than 80 Italian artists active during the past four decades whose work offers a deep sense of originality and vitality," museum press notes state. The MCA not only contains its permanent and temporary exhibits but offers a wide range of avant-garde presentations. All the details are at <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mcachicago.org"><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.mcachicago.org</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">Museum of Science and Industry, </span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;">57th Street and Cornell (off Lake Shore Drive) -- presents <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light"</span></span> <b>through Jan. 2</b>, with more than 50 dazzling holiday trees and other displays from around the world. If you have never seen it, do not miss the breath-taking <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"White House: A Look Inside."</span></span> This 60-by-13-foot large scale replica of the White House has involved more than 600,000 hours of labor, a labor of love started and coordinated by John and Jan Zwiefel in 1975 as a "gift to the people from the people." now though <b>Feb. 15.</b> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">All the info you need for an MSI trip is at </span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org.">www.msichicago.org</a></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org.">.</a> DATES</span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #00cccc; font-weight: bold;">SHEDD AQUARIUM</span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;">"Fantasea," </span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;">the all-new Oceanarium show at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;">Shedd Aquarium</span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;">, 1200 Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus, takes visitors on a magical trip. Dolphins, beluga whales and other ocean mammals become part of a story that combines theater and the Oceanarium experience in an extraordinary production unlike anything you've ever seen at the world-famous aquarium. T</span><span style="color: #00cccc;">he new, improved and enlarged Oceanarium offers delights for all ages including the </span><span style="color: #00cccc;">Polar Play Zone </span><span style="color: #00cccc;">where youngsters (OK, anyone) can pretend to be a penguin or deep sea explorer and much more. What fun! Details, tickets and information for planning your trip to this extraordinary aquarium, a Chicago treasure, are at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;">.</span></a><span style="color: #00cccc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."> </a></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">SPERTUS</span></span><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">While</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;"> Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies</span></span><span style="color: blue;"> always features programs and exhibits focused on Jewish life, you can see </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">"Ground Level Project" </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"> through Jan. 17 in the street-level vestibule, visible from outside the magnificent structure at 610 S. Michigan Ave. Spertus commissioned four artists to express, investigate and challenge "traditional perceptions of the Jewish experience." Artist Jason Lazarus' moving image "The top of Anne Frank's chestnut tree" was recorded from the Annex where the Frank family hid for two years before their presence was revealed to the Nazis. Anne wrote of the chestnut tree in her now classic "Diary of a Young Girl." More Spertus details are at </span><a href="http://www.spertus.edu/"><span style="color: blue;">www.spertus.edu</span></a><span style="color: blue;">.</span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">You've reached the end of this blog entry.</span><br />
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</div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
</div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #00cccc; font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
</div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-72855844545372538782009-11-18T16:13:00.000-08:002009-11-23T16:54:29.631-08:00Holiday time happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO9ut8CWopbrNQOUtlRJt4n5H4cWVnjGShYxQkzXYW4l6m_wRFd_FqM3Ds1X2RNoQ5TphBjs6JoMPTRt0YG3NUCAZGLqrmHZi4ZLYJ2LYYDzXS7QGRE6U-MGxC0EFHxDuRSovX_JCqhQ/s1600/fieldpueblo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO9ut8CWopbrNQOUtlRJt4n5H4cWVnjGShYxQkzXYW4l6m_wRFd_FqM3Ds1X2RNoQ5TphBjs6JoMPTRt0YG3NUCAZGLqrmHZi4ZLYJ2LYYDzXS7QGRE6U-MGxC0EFHxDuRSovX_JCqhQ/s320/fieldpueblo.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzAU7xAMEYD5zItfCALDlZgIX_aO7L4HAtBPXpIN9dYeWTfyTG4_1c4vSfswf8jFWJjq-jM5HOS5dKTmK8unvQAD8pOEg5o2ZvaKwNDV1XtxhFgEsqlP7SnQ48YkK8-Gj_rh_fbcDuDg/s1600/schooner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzAU7xAMEYD5zItfCALDlZgIX_aO7L4HAtBPXpIN9dYeWTfyTG4_1c4vSfswf8jFWJjq-jM5HOS5dKTmK8unvQAD8pOEg5o2ZvaKwNDV1XtxhFgEsqlP7SnQ48YkK8-Gj_rh_fbcDuDg/s320/schooner2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4H5y55hanio5iDrGfdeUzS0Ar1vlnZGkNuYPFlkhnezOUWUcw6KaGomQEjvKyUECeaKMLW72BdxALwCUH4j56VvPRz_RA1esAu7RJCogzO2vjmeEdhTVFijuayZd8Zsb6MKKNVosvsE/s1600/animalthankx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4H5y55hanio5iDrGfdeUzS0Ar1vlnZGkNuYPFlkhnezOUWUcw6KaGomQEjvKyUECeaKMLW72BdxALwCUH4j56VvPRz_RA1esAu7RJCogzO2vjmeEdhTVFijuayZd8Zsb6MKKNVosvsE/s320/animalthankx.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmsAJjNI731v1ty2uHWLrmBsUZwcAaZG7lJZ2rJXWY2ApPLF2Y4XBmBKZDQPIn1bvxGkCfVfahLSNrApOWp7rVo7tf2kmOy5QeUONpMOfAXES9PuvX7jR4yFqhstl-rEV0bf9nW73fEo/s1600/trioMame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmsAJjNI731v1ty2uHWLrmBsUZwcAaZG7lJZ2rJXWY2ApPLF2Y4XBmBKZDQPIn1bvxGkCfVfahLSNrApOWp7rVo7tf2kmOy5QeUONpMOfAXES9PuvX7jR4yFqhstl-rEV0bf9nW73fEo/s320/trioMame.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFwnqaIp8p94uxuoNRoeqh0Wl5iR__QEhlijhfc9YTd601pxg0jr8tR2cgobv4bJAzDPZzdTv3BR9ibn0jU_7eaCwDDJeEeFGJfrTo4CJI0O90SYhzKCgGjuGkiBVFVWHqRyXwtCiLbw/s1600/WHsefront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFwnqaIp8p94uxuoNRoeqh0Wl5iR__QEhlijhfc9YTd601pxg0jr8tR2cgobv4bJAzDPZzdTv3BR9ibn0jU_7eaCwDDJeEeFGJfrTo4CJI0O90SYhzKCgGjuGkiBVFVWHqRyXwtCiLbw/s320/WHsefront.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span style="color: #6666cc; font-family: Times;"><b>Dear Readers, </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"><b>Celebrate with arts and entertainment throughout the holiday season. Field Museum has the perfect spot for the young set, the Crown Family Playlab, a hidden gem in the museum and covered by general admission. Loads of activities will keep the little ones busy including picking and grinding maize (as seen in photo above). Photos, going clockwise from upper right: "The Christmas Schooner" at Theatre at the Center brings the warmth of the holiday season to the intimate thrust stage and features Daniel Coonley and Brandon Dahlquist. Michelle McKenzie-Voight stars as Mame in the Drama Group production of, what else, "Mame?!" Ryan Bergal (left) and Randy Schafer also star in what should be a perfectly riotous musical. If you don't know the story, check out the 1958 musical, "Auntie Mame," starring the phenomenal and inimitable Rosalind Russell. Forget politics, regardless of where you stand, and make a point of seeing the extraordinary White House. Complete with replica carpets, furniture and art work, this White House will dazzle anyone who takes the time to see it at Museum of Science and Industry. The photo above shows the view from the front of the Executive Mansion. But that's only part of this amazing exhibit. And it's good to know the animals at Brookfield Zoo get to participate in a Thanksgiving Day feast, along with help from little visitors. All the details about the items above and much more follow in this edition of "And now presenting ..."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"><b>Please note, I am attempting to add a blog following widget so you might want to look for it. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"><b>Feel free to e-mail me with any corrections, additions and comments -- myrasharon@comcast.net.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"><b>Happy Thanksgiving. <i>Myra</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"><b><i>PS I've spent three hours trying to fix the wacky spacing. Sorry I couldn't get it all aligned right.</i></b></span><br />
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</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THEATRE</span></span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
</div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">DRAMA GROUP 'Darling, I'm your Auntie Mame'</span><br />
</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">DG</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> presents the riotous musical, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Mame,"</span> Dec. 4-6 </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">at</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"> Bloom Auditorium Theater</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">, 10th Street and Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights. Tickets are $17 and $18 at (708) 756-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a> .</span><br />
</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><b><br />
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<span style="color: #6666cc; font-weight: bold;">DRURY LANE OAKBROOK</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div><span style="color: #6666cc;">The Broadway smash hit </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Thoroughly Modern Millie,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"> directed by artistic director William Osetek, continues</span><span style="color: #6666cc;"> through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;">Dec. 20</span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;">Drury Lane Theatre</span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;">, Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane. Show only tickets are $29-$38 and dinner theater packages are available. Student and senior tickets greatly reduced; (630) 530-0111, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.drurylaneoakbrook.com"><span style="color: #6666cc;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></a><span style="color: #6666cc;"> and all Ticketmaster outlets.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6666cc;"><b>Drury Lane Children's Theatre</b> also presents the Charles Dickens Classic, <b><i>"A Christmas Carol"</i></b> for several special performances <b>Nov. 19-Dec. 21</b>. All show tickets are $10; Breakfast with Santa packages and one dinner with Santa package are available, see above. Several show dates are sold out, so check the schedule at the theater's website. Click on children's theater.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">GORILLA TANGO THEATRE's</span></b><span style="color: purple;"> bra-ve new show</span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: purple;">"The D-Cup Diatribes,"</span></i></b><span style="color: purple;"> a one-woman comedy that celebrates, empowers and explores womanhood, runs </span><b><span style="color: purple;">Nov. 27- Dec. 15</span></b><span style="color: purple;"> at </span><b><span style="color: purple;">Gorilla Tango Theatre</span></b><span style="color: purple;">, 1919 N. Milwaukee, Chicago. Written by Melody Swink, the show is billed as both hilarious and insightful. Tickets are $20 at (773) 598-4549 and www.gorillatango.com. A portion of all ticket proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. To celebrate the Chicago run of the comedy, a lingerie shop, G Boutique, 2131 N. Damen Ave. features a special meet and greet with the playwright, director and star from 7-9 p.m. Dec 1. Additionally, specialists at the boutique will do free bra fittings and there will be giveaways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #660000;">MARRIOTT THEATRE -- Big hair's back!</span></span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #660000;">The Broadway musical, <b><i>"Hairspray,"</i></b> directed and choreographer by Marc Robin, continues through <b>Dec. 5 </b>at <b>Marriott Theatre</b>, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets are $45 and up; dinner packages available. Tickets, show information and performance schedule are (847) 634-0200 and at www.marriotttheatre.com.</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences</b> presents <span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>"A Christmas Carol"</i></span> from <b>Nov. 13-Jan. 2</b>. Tickets are $15, see above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Porchlight Music Theatre</span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;">, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, presents the family classic, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Miracle on 34th Street,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nov. 20</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">-</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jan. 3</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">. Santa Claus will be present to greet little visitors and listen to their wishes after every performance. Tickets are $40 with discounts for students and seniors, (773) 327-5252 and all Ticketmaster outlets.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;">STEPPENWOLF THEATRE</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #003333;"><span style="color: black;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #45818e;">David Mamet's award-winning drama <b><i>"American Buffalo"</i></b> opens <b>Dec. 3</b> at <b>Steppenwolf Theatre</b>, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. The run goes through <b>Feb. 7</b>. This groundbreaking American drama follows three small-time crooks as they plan to heist a valuable buffalo nickel. Mamet creates three personalities whose flaws intensify as their grand theft plans evolve. Tickets are $20 to $77 at (312) 335-1650 and at <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THEATRE AT THE CENTER -- Hoist the mainsail</span></span><br />
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</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Join the crowd heading up the ramp for a voyage aboard </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The Christmas Schooner,"</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> a charming holiday musical by Chicago theater legend John Reeger and composer/lyricist Julie Shannon. Voyage runs through </span><b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dec. 20</span></b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Theatre at the Center</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. The story follows the 19th century adventures of a brave ship captain who sails Lake Michigan to bring Christmas trees to immigrants in Chicago. Tickets are $36-$40 at www.tickets.com and at the theater box office, (219) 836-3255. More show information is at </span><a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.theatreatthecenter.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: bold;">CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY</span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"As Time Goes By,"</span></i></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> an exhibit by the Mythopian Artists' Group, fills the gallery at </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Prairie State College</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;">, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, through </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Dec. 17</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;">. A 4:30-7:30 p.m. </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nov. 19</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> artists reception at the Christopher is open to the public, and there is no charge. The exhibit in many media focuses on the human experience of time. More information is at the PSC Foundation, (708) 709-2948. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and also 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday or by appointment.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #38761d; line-height: 22px;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION FILM SERIES</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #38761d; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Tall Grass continues its </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">2009 Art Film Series</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> at 6:30 p.m. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Dec. 13</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Marcus Theatre</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">, 1301 Hilltop Ave.,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">Chicago Heights (immediately north of Lincoln Highway) with a Woody Allen-directed production,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #38761d;">"Whatever Works,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> starring Larry David.Tickets are $8. Information at (708) 748-3377.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;">MUSIC AND DANCE</span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">AMERICAN DANCE CENTER'S 'HOLIDAY FANTASY'</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">A wondrously magical experience, ADC's annual <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'Holiday Fantasy,'</span> Nov. 21-22</span>, at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tinley Park Convention Center</span>, showcases dance as you've never seen it before! The Homewood-and-Orland Park-based legendary dance studio features its own company dancers and faculty, along with guest artists, in a production interspersed with several courses of lunch or dinner. Imagine enjoying an appetizer, then watching lights dim while dazzling holiday visions appear -- ballet or tap dancers performing a holiday classic. Another course, then more dance until you've had a complete meal and watched a glorious show. This is a one-of-a-kind, breath-taking production. Details and reservation information are at <a href="http://www.americandancecenter.net./">www.americandancecenter.net.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS </b>says 'Yakety Yak'</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><i>"Holiday Hop"</i></b> with classic oldies groups, Cornell Gunter's Coasters, the Platters and the Marvelettes, 8 p.m. <b>Dec. 5,</b> will be a trip back in time to the 1950s and '60s at <b>Center for Performing Arts</b>, Governors State University, University Park. Tickets are $32 at (708) 235-2222 and at centertickets.net. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGOLAND JAZZ TOUR</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">JWR Tours </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jazz Club Crawl</span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> next one is <b>Dec. 17</b></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">. Get on board in Chicago or the South Suburbs. Guests travel on luxury limo buses to two or three of Chicago's most elegant jazz venues with surprises including champagne, wines and cheeses while riding in comfort. Check it out at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jazzclubcrawl.com"><span style="color: #674ea7;">www.jazzclubcrawl.com</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;">. Registration is set up at the website or telephone (866) 717-8687.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc33cc; font-weight: bold;">ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc33cc; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Southland's own world-class symphony orchestra, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">IPO</span> with Maestro Carmon DeLeone, opens its 32nd season at <span style="font-weight: bold;">8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21</span>, at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</span>, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. The same musical program, which features guest pianist Natasha Paremski on piano, is performed again at <span style="font-weight: bold;">3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22</span>. The concerts include music by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Litolff and Ravel. Evening tickets are $30-$50 and $25-$30 on Sunday. All students under 18, $15 for either performance. Tickets are at (708) 481-7774 and <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">CHICAGOLAND TREASURES</span></span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">ADLER PLANETARIUM - Last chance! </span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">The long-running family holiday sky show, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Star of Wonder," </span></span>will run under the iconic dome of the Sky Theater at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum</span> for the last time this season before it is retired to the archives. The Sky Theater will close in the summer of 2010 for renovation. "Star" has long been one of our family favorites, and when my children were small, we drove down to Adler every holiday season to see it. Today "Star" examines contemporary theories of celestial events that may have given rise to the biblical story of the Christmas star. Regardless of one's religion or lack of it, "Star of Wonder" generates its own astronomical holiday magic. It opens <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 23</span> and will run through <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jan. 3</span>. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">. E</span><span style="color: #3333ff;">verything you need to plan your Adler visit is at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org."><span style="color: #3333ff;">www.adlerplanetarium.org</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org.">.</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org."></a><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM December Skies</span></span></span></span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399;">If you live in the Southland and never heard of Joliet Junior College's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trackman Planetarium</span>, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium), you are missing a real treat. It's one of the best kept secrets out here. The Sunday afternoon show series, which starts at 2 p.m., and the Thursday series that starts at 6:30 p.m. are geared to the younger set. Coming up -- Sunday Nov. 29 and Thursday Jan. 21, "<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winter Skies for Kids"</span></span>; Also Sunday Dec. 13 and 20, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The Christmas Show."</span></span> Sky shows for the junior high set and older are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Coming up: Dec. 1, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The Seasonal Sky: </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Skies of December." Dec. 15, "The Christmas Show" and Dec. 29, "Skies of January." <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">A</span></span></span></span>ll shows, for young people and general audiences, begin with a live show of the current night sky presented by astronomy guru Art Maurer of Crete. If you have questions, Maurer will happily answer them. All shows are free so you just show up. </span><span style="color: #993399;">The phone number is (815) 280-6682. </span><span style="color: #993399;">The full sky show schedule is at <a href="http://http://www.jjc.edu/about/community-interests/planetarium/Pages/Spring.aspx">www.jjc.edu. </a>Then put Trackman in the search spot.</span></span></span><br />
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</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #009900; font-weight: bold;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</span><br />
<span style="color: #009900; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">An all-new wing opened earlier this year at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Art Institute of Chicago</span>, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Admission to the classic and new sections is included in the admission price. Opening Nov. 20 and on exhibit through Jan. 24, <b><i>"Monica Bonvicini: Light Me Black." <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This contemporary and apparently quite extraordinary exhibit explores the world of institutional architecture, particularly museums, through both the physical and psychological interpretations. Check out this link for more information: <a href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/bonvicini">http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/bonvicini</a>.</span></span></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-weight: bold;">BROOKFIELD ZOO -- <span style="font-weight: normal;">Animal feast</span></span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Brookfield Zoo</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> celebrates </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Thanksgiving Day Feast for the Animals, noon</span></span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Nov 26.</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> Children will be able to help feed some of the tamer animals and watch zookeepers feed some of the not-so-tame animals. </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">All the event details including a full schedule of what is is going on at Brookfield are at the Chicago Zoological Society website, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.czs.org"><span style="color: #b45f06;">www.czs.org</span></a><span style="color: #b45f06;">. The zoo is at 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield. Directions are on the website.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</span><br />
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</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">Chicago History Museum</span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> (formerly Chicago Historical Society), 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600, features two parallel exhibits through <span style="font-weight: bold;">April 2, 2010:</span> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">"Abraham Lincoln Transformed"</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> and</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">"Benito Juarez and the making of modern Mexico."</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> This exhibit is co-curated with the National Museum of Mexican Art and features more than 25 Mexican treasures never seen before in the United States. All the museum details are at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.chicagohistory.org"><span style="color: #6600cc;">www.chicagohistory.org</span></a><span style="color: #6600cc;">.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">DUSABLE MUSEUM/AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY</span><br />
<span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #993399;">Blues in Bronzeville, uniquely Chicago. through</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"> Dec. 13</span></span><span style="color: #993399;">, the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;">DuSable Museum of African American History</span></span><span style="color: #993399;">, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, in conjunction with The Chicago Blues Museum, presents </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #993399;">"The Soul of Bronzeville: TheRegal, Club DeLisa and the Blues Exhibit."</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"> The exhibit features rare photos and memorabilia of Chicago blues legends Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Buddy Guy and more. In addition to the Blues exhibit, the museum also presents, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #993399;">"Red, White, Blue & Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services."</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"> "The call to serve one's country, for the more than 14 million black men and woman who have served, has been a battle of its own long before the colonies enlisted the first militia," museum information states. More than 100 artifacts, objects, images and documents from that battle are on display in an open-ended exhibit. More information about the DuSable Museum is at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org."><span style="color: #993399;">www.dusablemuseum.org</span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org."><span style="color: #993399;">.</span></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">FIELD MUSEUM</span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #38761d;">"The Nature of Diamonds"</span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> through March 28, and the updated, remodeled and renovated </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Grainger Hall of Gems,</span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> a permanent exhibit, continue</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> to dazzle museum visitors exploring the nature of gems at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Field Museum</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus. But if you're holiday plan include little ones, </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Field's Crown Family Playlab</span></b><span style="color: #38761d;">, a permanent part of the museum, offers six themed play areas bursting with things to do. Little explorers can dig up dinosaur bones, grind corn in a pueblo or dress like an animal and crawl, hop or 'fly' around the museum. An extraordinary series of adventures await the young set during every family visit. The area includes family bathrooms, stroller parking and infant zones as well as a staffed reception desk where Field personnel will help make your Crown visits special. The Crown Family Playlab is included with regular museum admission. The Playlab can be accessed through any Field entrance, including the little known East entrance. <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;">All the details you'll need for a Field visit are at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fieldmuseum.org"><span style="color: #38761d;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a></span><span style="color: #38761d;">. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</span></span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Italics: Italian Art between Tradition and Revolution, 1968-2008"</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> continues</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. This "ground-breaking" exhibit is "devoted to contemporary Italian art and creativity ... and presents more than 80 Italian artists active during the past four decades whose work offers a deep sense of originality and vitality," museum press notes state. The MCA not only contains its permanent and temporary exhibits but offers a wide range of avant-garde presentations. All the details are at <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mcachicago.org"><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.mcachicago.org</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-weight: bold;">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">Museum of Science and Industry, </span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;">57th Street and Cornell (off Lake Shore Drive) -- presents <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light"</span></span> <b>Nov. 20 - Jan. 2</b>, with more than 50 dazzling holiday trees and other displays from around the world. If you have never seen it, do not miss the breath-taking <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"White House: A Look Inside."</span></span> This 60-by-13-foot large scale replica of the White House has involved more than 600,000 hours of labor, a labor of love started and coordinated by John and Jan Zwiefel in 1975 as a "gift to the people from the people." Back in the 1990s, I saw the White House replica when it was on display at Lincoln Mall in Matteson. This labor of love will astound you! Try not to miss it during the <b>Nov. 20-Feb. 15</b> MSI visit. <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #6600cc;">All the info you need for an MSI trip is at </span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org.">www.msichicago.org</a></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org.">.</a> DATES</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #00cccc; font-weight: bold;">SHEDD AQUARIUM</span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;">"Fantasea," </span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;">the all-new Oceanarium show at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;">Shedd Aquarium</span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;">, 1200 Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus, takes visitors on a magical trip. Dolphins, beluga whales and other ocean mammals become part of a story that combines theater and the Oceanarium experience in an extraordinary production unlike anything you've ever seen at the world-famous aquarium. T</span><span style="color: #00cccc;">he new, improved and enlarged Oceanarium offers delights for all ages including the </span><span style="color: #00cccc;">Polar Play Zone </span><span style="color: #00cccc;">where youngsters (OK, anyone) can pretend to be a penguin or deep sea explorer and much more. What fun! Details, tickets and information for planning your trip to this extraordinary aquarium, a Chicago treasure, are at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;">.</span></a><span style="color: #00cccc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."> </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">SPERTUS</span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">While</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;"> Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies</span></span><span style="color: blue;"> always features programs and exhibits focused on Jewish life, you can see </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">"Ground Level Project" </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"> through Jan. 17 in the street-level vestibule, visible from outside the magnificent structure at 610 S. Michigan Ave. Spertus commissioned four artists to express, investigate and challenge "traditional perceptions of the Jewish experience." Artist Jason Lazarus' moving image "The top of Anne Franke's chestnut tree" was recorded from the Annex where the Frank family hid for two years before their presence was revealed to the Nazis. Anne wrote of the chestnut tree in her now classic "Diary of a Young Girl." More Spertus details are at </span><a href="http://www.spertus.edu/"><span style="color: blue;">www.spertus.edu</span></a><span style="color: blue;">.</span><br />
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</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-82094646889494538762009-10-30T15:26:00.000-07:002009-11-01T09:44:41.483-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6CbYIoARkbDMBLDMOx4mGw5me06Q7nmEPaTUel2q05QB29MeOqrXvb_1Boafh3P_yaQIll6vHfO9d9zr115qiiqOtwSdWbQGS8ZHkDruPBS0K-edEFofM3ULSCRQrJFeQqCqGS4X58A/s1600-h/copen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6CbYIoARkbDMBLDMOx4mGw5me06Q7nmEPaTUel2q05QB29MeOqrXvb_1Boafh3P_yaQIll6vHfO9d9zr115qiiqOtwSdWbQGS8ZHkDruPBS0K-edEFofM3ULSCRQrJFeQqCqGS4X58A/s320/copen.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUYC-ESj5zYMadLD2bgO1FPXDW2-Pd-sLqlLr9HpxLUn5_SH2Wk-wBWDGLQd4XnVJQh65WjXYbLRxRUkdW0KhxkEJre9C3RuRpGmyJxc3J10t-hokhwFxsFI2A6ip7cJcWOAYBVqVnqY/s1600-h/Kekashi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUYC-ESj5zYMadLD2bgO1FPXDW2-Pd-sLqlLr9HpxLUn5_SH2Wk-wBWDGLQd4XnVJQh65WjXYbLRxRUkdW0KhxkEJre9C3RuRpGmyJxc3J10t-hokhwFxsFI2A6ip7cJcWOAYBVqVnqY/s320/Kekashi.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0YXEelYmBLumMmxnaeUe0xc3QEQdwLacIMszfYylp8hMHAwlEcv14-XBj5rsSnqvHy9XjkD9tPRnjwyErUAxGbA-6AKRr0mp2aJVXbcX7Tqtvq3x0SvKHfj2CluMykL8z2_bvvawCYg/s1600-h/blueroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0YXEelYmBLumMmxnaeUe0xc3QEQdwLacIMszfYylp8hMHAwlEcv14-XBj5rsSnqvHy9XjkD9tPRnjwyErUAxGbA-6AKRr0mp2aJVXbcX7Tqtvq3x0SvKHfj2CluMykL8z2_bvvawCYg/s320/blueroom.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYrJLRLzaXW_b4-0-5BYnR6k-yajSMyUOGr9M8jwmgY7TEav1mmsAXWp9Bauu6rjUMnOlQCxSHIxLPnmbopDu0GJnvmd2RaX5gIQU5-B7-U5XGvSogIqwvStXpaZ7w2MuaFu9EDh3jJk/s1600-h/Lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYrJLRLzaXW_b4-0-5BYnR6k-yajSMyUOGr9M8jwmgY7TEav1mmsAXWp9Bauu6rjUMnOlQCxSHIxLPnmbopDu0GJnvmd2RaX5gIQU5-B7-U5XGvSogIqwvStXpaZ7w2MuaFu9EDh3jJk/s320/Lion.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dear Readers,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Thank you for your patience this month. I had mentioned in my last blog that the next one would not be until the end of the month and while I'd hoped to avoid such a delay, my life, for which I am thankful every single day, kept me too busy to blog.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There is a plethora of arts and entertainment in the next several weeks -- much of it right out here in the Southland. You simply cannot be bored for one minute. If you are battling the flu, and I do hope you are not, check out the museum exhibits online!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> "Copenhagen," a Tony-Award winning script depicting an imaginary war time meeting of physicists Werner Heisenberg and Niels Bohr, brought the audience to its feet Oct. 31 at Illinois Theatre Center. Guaranteed to keep you riveted to your seat, this extraordinary production features David Perkovich (left) as Bohr, Si Osborne as Heisenberg and Mary Mulligan as Margrethe Bohr, a role that serves as the Greek chorus of this brilliant play.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Also opening out here, Palos Village Players' "The Lion in Winter" with Ellen Micotta as Eleanor of Aquitaine and Steve Bell as King Henry II. Then look for the unbelievable White House replica coming soon to Museum of Science and Industry. The Blue Room, complete with holiday tree for the season, is pictured abovel. And, Kikashi, a baby orangutang will join the celebration of her species at Brookfield Zoo. All the details are below.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I will try and bring out an update in two weeks. Meanwhile get out and have fun. I hope all of you stay healthy. As always, if you are handling press for an event or venue that fits in here or if you see something that needs correcting, please e-mail me with the 411 to myrasharon@comcast.net. If you have comments, feel free to send those too.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blog is organized as such: two mini-reviews followed by theater listings, visual arts, music and dance and Chicagoland treasures, the museums and planetariums (No. I will not say planetaria.)</span></span><br />
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</div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'Hairspray'</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> By Sarah Gross<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Broadway in Lincolnshire. Closer to the truth than you might imagine. The lead role of Tracy Turnblad</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> is played with warmth and vibrance by Marissa Perr, last </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">seen as the fifth and final Tracy on Broadway.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Marriott's production never disappoints. The creative and dynamic choreography/staging by choreographer/director Marc Robin, delights and engages the audience throughout the show. There's never a dull moment. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> My favorite musical number was "Timeless to Me," sung by Tracy's parents, Edna (Ross Lehman) and Wilbur (Gene Weygandt). Their song and dance number was charming and touching, yet funny. For a few moments I was transformed into a fly on the wall observing a real couple still in love after decades of marriage. Their flirtatious humor is highlighted by clever lyrics. The stage chemistry between Lehman and Weygandt is palpable, perhaps surprisingly since Lehman is, of course, in the drag role.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Also turning in a superb performance is Billy Harrigan Tighe as Link Larkin, Tracy's love interest.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Still, the real scene-stealer is E. Faye Butler as Motormouth Maybelle, owner of a record store/hangout. Butler's powerful, soulful voice eclipses the other cast members' voices and her presence fills the stage with energy, glamour and hope.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> I wholeheartedly recommend this "Hairspray" with its numerous shining moments, a hilarious script and memorable performances.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Of note, the fabulous costumes, which are era-appropriate, necessitate a hats off to costume designers Michael Bottari and Ronald Case.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The theater is at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Parking is free and tickets are $45, $5 discount to seniors and students: (847) 634-0200 and at <a href="http://www.marriotttheatre.com/">www.marriotttheatre.com</a> . Dinner packages available.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 18px;">'THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET'</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-weight: bold;">By Sarah Gross</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 18px;"> In Steppenwolf's (upstairs theater) "The House on Mango Street," based on the 1984 novel by Sandra Cisneros, is one of the theater's Young Adult Series productions.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 18px;"> Given the script's literary origin, much of the play's strength lies in its eloquence. The play is rich with succinct, meaningful lines that capture the internal struggles of the main character, Esperanza (Sandra Delgado). Her struggles are universal and capture what it is to be an adolescent girl, transitioning not only physically but emotionally as well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 18px;"> The play opens with Esperanza's dreams of moving "to a real house ... one we could be proud of on TV." Her family does buy a home but it's not the one they had hoped for, but rather a small and somewhat ramshackle house. As Esperanza sits on her new front stoop, she thinks out loud, "Esperanza, in English it means hope; in Spanish it's too many letters." It means sadness. It means waiting."</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 18px;"> As the script takes Esperanza and her friends into exploring their ever-changing adolescent world, it also delves into the lives of family members and other colorful characters in the neighborhood.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 18px;"> This was an enjoyable production. However, one thing that distracted me and kept me from believing the characters is all the children are played by adults. Additionally, the concept 'ensemble cast' was taken too far in this production. Every actor played so many characters with so many costume changes, it was difficult to follow who was who in the play.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 18px;"> Still, "The House on Mango Street" has a poignant and memorable script, if weakened by the casting issues. Adolescents, especially girls, would enjoy the play. Steppenwolf is at 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Tickets are $10-$20 at (312) 335-1650 and <a href="http://www.steppenwolf.org/">www.steppenwolf.org</a>.</span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">DRAMA GROUP 'Darling, I'm your Auntie Mame'</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">DG</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px;"> presents the riotous musical, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Mame,"</span> Dec. 4-6 </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px;">at</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"> Bloom Auditorium Theater</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px;">, 10th Street and Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights. Tickets are $17 and $18 at (708) 756-3444 and <a href="http://www.dramagroup.org/">www.dramagroup.org</a> .</span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">DRURY LANE OAKBROOK</span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Broadway smash hit </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Thoroughly Modern Millie,"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> directed by artistic director William Osetek, continues</span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> through </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dec. 20</span></span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drury Lane Theatre</span></span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane. Show only tickets are $29-$38 and dinner theater packages are available. Student and senior tickets greatly reduced; (630) 530-0111, </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.drurylaneoakbrook.com"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and all Ticketmaster outlets.</span></span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GAELIC PARK PLAYERS</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GGP presents </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Craddock's Well,"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 6-22</span></span></span><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicago Gaelic Park</span></span></span><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. Tickets and times are at (708) 687-9323.</span></span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Illinois Theatre Center</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents the powerful drama </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Copenhagen,"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oct. 30-Nov. 15</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. Set in 1941, German physicist Werner Heisenberg (Si Osborne) returns to Copenhagen, under Nazi control, to visit his Danish counterpart, former mentor and colleague, Niels Bohr (David Perkovich). During their somewhat clandestine meeting, the men dance around the topic of nuclear power and its potential applications. Margrethe Bohr (Mary Mulligan) has her own opinions. Tickets are $19 and $21, $1 discount for seniors, students; (708) 481-3510.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MARRIOTT THEATRE -- Big hair's back!</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: 18px;">See "Hairspray" review at top of blog.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: 18px;">Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences presents <span style="font-weight: bold;">"A Christmas Carol"</span> from Nov. 13 to Jan. 2. Tickets are $15, information above.</span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The OPTT presents <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Sound Effects,"</span></span> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 13-15</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Orland Park Civic Center</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 14700 Ravinia. Tickets are $13, $11 seniors and $9 for children, (708) 403-7275 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.orland-park.il.us."><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.orland-park.il.us.</span></span></a><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS </span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Medieval England returns as Henry II and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, wage a brilliant war of word in </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Palos Village Players</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">' production of </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Lion in Winter,"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 6 - Nov. 14</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. Tickets are $15, $12 students and seniors; (877) 787-8197 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.pvp.org"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.pvp.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE </span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The almost mythical romantic comedy musical, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The Fantasticks,"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> opened the 15th season of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Porchlight Music Theatre</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> in the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont and runs through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 14</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. Tickets are $37, discounts for seniors, students: (773) 327-5252 and through Ticketmaster outlets.</span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 18px;">Porchlight's production of the family classic, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Miracle on 34th Street,"</span></span> opens <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 20</span> and runs through <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jan. 3</span>. Santa Claus will be present to greet little visitors and listen to their wishes after every performance. Tickets are $40 with discounts for students and seniors. See phone number above.</span><br />
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</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">STEPPENWOLF -- Watson, that skull please!</span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steppenwolf</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Theatre's</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> season opener, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Fake,"</span></span> written and directed by Eric Simonson, is a brilliant drama that shifts between 1914 and the mid-20th century with the Piltdown man hoax the focal point for escalating tension in both time periods and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as one of the pivotal characters. Through <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 8</span> in the downstairs theater, <span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1640 N. Halsted St., Chicago. </span></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tickets are $20 to $70 at (312) 335-1650 and at </span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.steppenwolf.org">www.steppenwolf.org.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.steppenwolf.org"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.steppenwolf.org </span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">and (312) 335-1640.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: 18px;">A review of the 'The House on Mango Street," in the upstairs theater, is at the start of blog.</span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THEATRE AT THE CENTER -- Hoist the mainsail</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px;">Join the crowd heading up the ramp for a voyage aboard <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The Christmas Schooner,"</span></span> a new holiday musical by Chicago theater legend John Reeger and composer/lyricist Julie Shannon. Voyage runs <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 12</span>-Dec. 20 at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Theatre at the Center</span>, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. The story follows the 19th century adventures of a brave ship captain who sails Lake Michigan to bring Christmas trees to immigrants in Chicago. Tickets are $36-$40 at www.tickets.com and at the theater box office, (219) 836-3255. More show information is at <a href="http://www.theatreatthecenter.com/">www.theatreatthecenter.com.</a> </span><br />
</div></div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Theatre at the Center for Young Audiences </span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">presents</span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">"The Story of the Little Mermaid"</span> Nov. 30-Dec. 14. </span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Times and ticket information available at number and website above.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GALLERY EXHIBIT</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tall Grass Gallery</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, continues the exhibit </span><span style="font-size: medium;">"<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Here and Now</span></span>,"</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 21.</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> The exhibit features works by many Tall Grass artists. Admission to the gallery is free. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. More information at (708) 748-3377 and at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tallgrassarts.org"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.tallgrassarts.org</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FILM SERIES</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tall Grass continues its </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2009 Art Film Series</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> at 6:30 p.m. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 8</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Marcus Theatre</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 1301 Hilltop Ave.,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Chicago Heights (immediately north of Lincoln Highway) with a Sam Mendes-directed production,<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Away We Go,"</span></span> starring SNL alumnus, Maya Rudolph.</span><span style="font-size: medium;">Tickets are $8. Information at phone number above.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 32px; line-height: 22px;">MUSIC AND DANCE</span></span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">AMERICAN DANCE CENTER'S 'HOLIDAY FANTASY'</span><br />
<span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px;">A wondrously magical experience, ADC's annual <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'Holiday Fantasy,'</span> Nov. 21-22</span>, at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tinley Park Convention Center</span>, showcases dance as you've never seen it before! The Homewood-and-Orland Park-based legendary dance studio features its own company dancers and faculty, along with guest artists, in a production interspersed with several courses of lunch or dinner. Imagine enjoying an appetizer, then watching lights dim while dazzling holiday visions appear -- ballet or tap dancers performing a holiday classic. Another course, then more dance until you've had a complete meal and watched a glorious show. This is a one-of-a-kind, breath-taking production. Details and reservation information are at <a href="http://www.americandancecenter.net./">www.americandancecenter.net.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">CEDAR LAKE CONTEMPORARY BALLET</span><br />
<span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px;">Artistic director Benoit-Swan Pouffer, formerly with Alvin Ailey dance, brings the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet</span> to the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Auditorium Theatre</span>, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 14 and 15</span>. Tickets are $30-$65 at the theater box office and at all Ticketmaster locations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: orange;">TRICKS AND TREATS</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Dave Rudolf's Not So Scary Halloween Spooktacular"</span> </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">comes to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Center for Performing Arts</span>, Governors State University stage at</span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"> 11 a.m. Oct. 31. </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">Show tickets start at $10.50 at (708) 235-2222 and at <a href="http://www.centertickets.net/">www.centertickets.net</a> . Tickets also are available at the box office day of show.</span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Center presents </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">"A Tribute to Motown Greats"</span></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> at 7:30 p.m. Join the fun and see the show Richard Steele describes as a "realistic flashback to the days when no party was complete without the sounds of Motown." Tickets are $23- $43 at web site and phone number above.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"></span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px;">Think </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">"Stairway to Heaven" </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px;">as</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"> Led Zeppelin </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px;">tribute band</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"> Heartbreaker </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px;">takes the Center stage </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: 18px;">with a full range of the band's classic hits at <span style="font-weight: bold;">8 p.m. Nov. 14</span>. Tickets are $22 to $42 at (708) 235-2222 and at www.centertickets.net.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">CHICAGOLAND JAZZ TOURS</span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">JWR Tours </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jazz Club Crawl</span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> next one is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 7</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">. Get on board in Chicago or the South Suburbs. Guests travel on luxury limo buses to two or three of Chicago's most elegant jazz venues with surprises including champagne, wines and cheeses while riding in comfort. Check it out at</span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jazzclubcrawl.com"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">www.jazzclubcrawl.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">. Registration is set up at the website.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc33cc; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA</span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc33cc; font-size: 18px;">The Southland's own world-class symphony orchestra, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">IPO</span> with Maestro Carmon DeLeone, opens its 32nd season at <span style="font-weight: bold;">8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21</span>, at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center</span>, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. The same program, which features guest pianist Natasha Paremski on piano, is performed again at <span style="font-weight: bold;">3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22</span>. The program includes music by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Litolff and Ravel. Evening tickets are $30-$50 and $25-$30 on Sunday. All students under 18, $15 for either performance. Tickets are at (708) 481-7774 and <a href="http://www.ipomusic.org/">www.ipomusic.org.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;">CHICAGOLAND TREASURES</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ADLER PLANETARIUM - Last chance! </span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The long-running family holiday sky show, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Star of Wonder," </span></span>will run under the iconic dome of the Sky Theater at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum</span> for the last this season before it is retired to the archives. The Sky Theater will close in the summer 2010 for renovation. "Star" has long been one of our family favorites, and when my children were small, we drove down to Adler every holiday season to see it. Today "Star" continues to examine the contemporary theories behind the star as well as examine celestial events that may have given rise to the biblical story of the Christmas star. Whether you believe the Bible or not, "Star of Wonder" generates its own magic. It opens <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 23</span> and will run through <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jan. 3</span>. </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. E</span></span><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">verything you need to plan your Adler visit is at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org."><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.adlerplanetarium.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org.">.</a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #009900; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM October Skies</span></span></span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you live in the Southland and never heard of Joliet Junior College's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trackman Planetarium</span>, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium), you are missing a real treat. It's one of the best kept secrets out here. The Sunday afternoon show series, which starts at 2 p.m., and the Thursday series that starts at 6:30 p.m. are geared to the younger set. Coming up -- Thursday Nov. 12, "<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">What's in the Sky"</span></span>; Sunday Nov. 29 Oct. 18, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Our Solar System."</span></span> Shows for the junior high set and older are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Coming up: Nov. 3, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The Seasonal Sky: Skies of November"</span></span>; Nov. 17, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"How to buy a telescope"</span></span>; Dec. 1, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Skies of December."</span></span> All shows, for young people and general audiences, begin with a live show of the current night sky presented by astronomy guru Art Maurer of Crete. If you have questions, Maurer will happily answer them. All shows are free so you just show up. </span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The phone number is (815) 280-6682. </span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The full sky show schedule is at <a href="http://http://www.jjc.edu/about/community-interests/planetarium/Pages/Spring.aspx">www.jjc.edu. </a><span style="font-size: 16px;">Then put Trackman in the search spot.</span></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An all-new wing opened earlier this year at the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Art Institute of Chicago</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Admission to the classic and new sections is included in the admission price. Many Chicago area museum-goers do not know about the mesmerizing </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thorne Miniature Rooms</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, some 20 small diorama-like spaces designed and furnished with miniatures representing different eras over the last few centuries in Europe and America. While not fairyland scenes, the rooms dazzle with precision as do the miniatures in the Fairy Castle at Museum of Science and Industry. Everything you need to know for a trip to the Art Institute is </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.artic.edu"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.artic.edu</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">BROOKFIELD ZOO -- Celebrate orangutans</span></span></span><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Brookfield Zoo</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> celebrates </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Orangutang Awareness Weekend</span></span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Nov. 14-15.</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> Orangutans in the wild are rapidly decreasing. Brookfield as part of the Chicago Zoological Society will observe this weekend with special festivities featuring Kekasih, the baby orangutang who just turned 1, and her family, mom Sophia, 28; dad Ben, 31; and brother Denda, 7. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">All the event details including a full schedule of what is is going on at Brookfield are at the Chicago Zoological Society website,</span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.czs.org"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">www.czs.org</span></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">. The zoo is at 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield. Directions are on the website.</span></span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Imagine this. Admission is only a penny for one entire weekend. Keep reading. Tons going on at the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chicago History Museum</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> (formerly Chicago Historical Society), 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600, during this bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Two parallel exhibits </span><span style="font-size: medium;">run through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">April 2, 2010:</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Abraham Lincoln Transformed"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Benito Juarez and the making of modern Mexico."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> This exhibit is co-curated with the National Museum of Mexican Art and features more than 25 Mexican treasures never seen before in the United States. All the museum details are at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.chicagohistory.org"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.chicagohistory.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DUSABLE MUSEUM/AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Blues in Bronzeville, uniquely Chicago. Now </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">through Dec. 13</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DuSable Museum of African American History</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, in conjunction with "The Chicago Blues Museum, presents </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The Soul of Bronzeville: TheRegal, Club DeLisa and the Blues Exhibit."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The exhibit features rare photos and memorabilia of Chicago blues legends Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Buddy Guy and more. In addition to the Blues exhibit, the museum also presents, </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Red, White, Blue & Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "The call to serve one's country, for the more than 14 million black men and woman who have served, has been a battle of its own long before the colonies enlisted the first militia," museum information states. More than 100 artifacts, objects, images and documents from that battle are on display in an open-ended exhibit. More information about the DuSable Museum is at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org."><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.dusablemuseum.org</span></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org."><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></a><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">"The Nature of Diamonds"</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> and the updated, remodeled and renovated </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Grainger Hall of Gems</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> continue</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> to dazzle museum visitors exploring the nature of gems at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Field Museum</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">However, in addition to the lovely Sue, the 90-foot T. rex skeleton that welcomes visitors in the main hall, I love the mummies and anything about ancient Egypt. Field's </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Inside Ancient Egypt</span></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> exhibit includes a life-size Egyptian tomb, real mummies, authentic sculptures and other treasures, yes, including scarab jewelry, and much more. With the holidays coming around, the mummies might enjoy visitors who haven't been there for a while, new little visitors and tourists as well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">This fascinating series of rooms is included with general admission. All the details you'll need for a Field visit are at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fieldmuseum.org"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></span></a></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">. </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Italics: Italian Art between Tradition and Revolution, 1968-2008"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> opens </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 14 </span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. This "ground-breaking" exhibit is "devoted to contemporary Italian art and creativity ... and presents more than 80 Italian artists active during the past four decades whose work offers a deep sense of originality and vitality," museum press notes state. The MCA not only contains its permanent and temporary exhibits but offers a wide range of avant-garde presentations. All the details are at</span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mcachicago.org"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.mcachicago.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Museum of Science and Industry, </span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">57th Street and Cornell (off Lake Shore Drive) -- presents </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"YOU! The Experience."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> You read that right. An all-new permanent exhibit looking at YOU celebrates the mind, the body and spirit in an interactive, high tech 21st century gallery. Think of You as Wii on steroids.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Opening <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nov. 2o</span>, two breath-taking exhibits. The annual <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light"</span></span> features more than 50 dazzling holiday trees and other displays from around the world and runs through Jan. 2. If you have never seen it, do not miss the breath-taking <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"White House: A Look Inside."</span></span> This 60-by-13-foot large scale replica of the White House has involved more than 600,000 hours of labor, a labor of love started and coordinated by John and Jan Zwiefel in 1975 as a "gift to the people from the people." In the early 1990s, the extraordinary WH came to Lincoln Mall in Matteson. I was was assigned a feature about a Homewood woman who made the rug for the Blue Room, purely as a volunteer of course. She wove it, as I recall, and followed the <span style="font-style: italic;">exact</span> pattern of the authentic WH rug. Go to website. Click on the right side, "coming soon" and then on the WH exhibit. You'll want to see the rest. <span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the info you need for an MSI trip is at </span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org."><span style="font-size: medium;">www.msichicago.org</span></a></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org.">.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Fantasea," </span></span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the all-new Oceanarium show at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shedd Aquarium</span></span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 1200 Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus, takes visitors on a magical trip. Dolphins, beluga whales and other ocean mammals become part of a story that combines theater and the Oceanarium experience in an extraordinary production unlike anything you've ever seen at the world-famous aquarium. T</span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">he new, improved and enlarged Oceanarium offers delights for all ages including the </span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Polar Play Zone </span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">where youngsters (OK, anyone) can pretend to be a penguin or deep sea explorer and much more. What fun! Details, tickets and information for planning your trip to this extraordinary aquarium, a Chicago treasure, are at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></a><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."> </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SPERTUS</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">While<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies</span> always features programs and exhibits focused on Jewish life, you can see <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Ground Level Project"</span></span> in the street-level vestibule, visible from outside the magnificent structure at 610 S. Michigan Ave. Spertus commissioned four artists to express, investigate and challenge "traditional perceptions of the Jewish experience." Artist Jason Lazarus' moving image "The top of Anne Franke's chestnut tree" was recorded from the Annex where the Frank family hid for two years before their presence was revealed to the Nazis. Anne wrote of the chestnut tree in her now classic "Diary of a Young Girl." More Spertus details are at </span><a href="http://www.spertus.edu/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">www.spertus.edu</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span></span><br />
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></span>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1040145004364154194.post-44606184503829243792009-10-06T08:17:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:39:24.421-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktEojom_HuK5WP-ogU6TLoIFCr7iyBbVUW7ihH95IL6_exBI7XxblvEPpCpplRGwBL5DkjIEPrB4oJZtAd-o_0GhR7BEYK59zu4UbhgPnYShGYsa3N793eZ02OW1cpwAz_z8nyhckBjk/s1600-h/fantasea.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389568215752712578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktEojom_HuK5WP-ogU6TLoIFCr7iyBbVUW7ihH95IL6_exBI7XxblvEPpCpplRGwBL5DkjIEPrB4oJZtAd-o_0GhR7BEYK59zu4UbhgPnYShGYsa3N793eZ02OW1cpwAz_z8nyhckBjk/s320/fantasea.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIF8YmklA-GOp8ibA6ovQMXJmCrXukapw7NE5_G2-r13BsvgQ_WjoZJcz56gAD29kS5y4dS4PfkQSvNRt44RlJIRpKTZfSU8r0vq1KGngRqWiT5-p5XrVVxVyX5ObookZl5ioKiSGOXo/s1600-h/veronica.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389562774819078178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIF8YmklA-GOp8ibA6ovQMXJmCrXukapw7NE5_G2-r13BsvgQ_WjoZJcz56gAD29kS5y4dS4PfkQSvNRt44RlJIRpKTZfSU8r0vq1KGngRqWiT5-p5XrVVxVyX5ObookZl5ioKiSGOXo/s320/veronica.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 256px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnvYMBiVD5C0B8-ISAp7U1WLV-OTirb5FWZRVvkvR7weTLWYrBuoqRh126lA3DIHWf1hWKMH3Ruvy8V4PQVDnpeyo68iSqiYlGvDBRqznxBOHCWLrK3bVXUqPTevRvipE6eYc6EBZM34/s1600-h/Fake-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389562633857301394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnvYMBiVD5C0B8-ISAp7U1WLV-OTirb5FWZRVvkvR7weTLWYrBuoqRh126lA3DIHWf1hWKMH3Ruvy8V4PQVDnpeyo68iSqiYlGvDBRqznxBOHCWLrK3bVXUqPTevRvipE6eYc6EBZM34/s320/Fake-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 242px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdd9O1qZeiRLgRD7E9ET7gETvOZR-sCnYAbtOeLEoOHMWcAUE9BZCZZiEgUvR0-19WGB2xK7bgDIIbLOgjhxFDVbxJ_o-HUOGHcTUk6SojPSNj7IXqA2ZDgy9_k42SmsDHnIZ8jf5kpI/s1600-h/youheart.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389543460577727874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdd9O1qZeiRLgRD7E9ET7gETvOZR-sCnYAbtOeLEoOHMWcAUE9BZCZZiEgUvR0-19WGB2xK7bgDIIbLOgjhxFDVbxJ_o-HUOGHcTUk6SojPSNj7IXqA2ZDgy9_k42SmsDHnIZ8jf5kpI/s320/youheart.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 230px;" /></a> Dear Readers,<br />
<div></div><div>First of all, I will not be able release a new blog until the last weekend of this month, so I have included in this posting almost everything that has come into my e-mail inbox in the last several weeks.<br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But a few reminders are in order.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is the last weekend for Illinois Theatre Center's "Shayna Madel," a touching memory play that goes back and forth in time. Also, this is the final wekend for Drama Group's production of the Broadway smash musical "Rent."<br />
</div><div>Also listed -- <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shedd Aquarium's all-new "Fantasea" (see mystical Oceanarium photo) brings 21st century technology, a magical story and beautiful sea mammals together in an Oceanarium production like none before.<br />
</div><div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And this month, animal and environmental guru Jeff Corwin heads to Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University. Check the full listing in the blog. <br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And remember the big heart model at the Museum of Science and Industry? Well, take a look at the all-new heart (far right) in the totally new permanent exhibit opening Oct. 8, "You: The Experience." More about that in Chicagoland treasures.<br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Steppenwolf's phenomenal season opener, "Fake," stands out as one of the most brilliant and stimulating dramas I've seen in years. Kate Arrington and Francis Guinan are joined by three other actors in a script that mesmerizes from the opening line. My mini-review follows this little note. <br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Spotlight Theatre presents a thriller, "Veronica's Room," (photo above) featuring Michael Fisher of Tinley Park (from left) Nicole Fleming of Burbank and Desiree Kendra of Tinley Park. <br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And those are just hints of what's inside this latest "And Now Presenting ..." <br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As always, please e-mail comments and any corrections to me at myrasharon@comcast.net. <br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.... <span style="font-style: italic;">Myra</span> <br />
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<span style="color: #333399; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333399; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333399; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Steppenwolf launches new season with masterful drama</span></span><br />
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</div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steppenwolf</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Theatre </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">launches its new season with "Fake," a brilliant drama that shifts between 1914 and the mid-20th century with the Piltdown man hoax the focal point for escalating tension in both time periods.</span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Francis Guinan) invites four people, including a persistent investigative reporter (Kate Arrington) from the United States, for what starts out as an evening of cordial conversation. The discussion rapidly deteriorates into antagonistic barb-throwing when all four vehemently argue their individual takes on the potentially fraudulent nature of the Piltdown man discovery.</span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The action shifts to the living room of a professor some 40 years later, but the focus remains on what turned out to be either an accidental or deliberate archeological hoax.</span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the play segues from past to future, there is no lack of continuity in the seamless plot.</span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> P</span></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">laywright/director Eric Simonson's characters focus on the issue of the debate, Piltdown, but they also develop into complex personalities whose relationships break or solidify as their opinions about the so-called "missing link" evolve.</span></span> <br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is one of those rare dramas that not only enrich the soul but tantalize the intellect. </span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Larry Yando, </span></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Coburn Goss and Alan Wilder round out a stellar cast of five, each actor portraying two characters, one in each time slot. Extraordinary sets bring the audience right into the eras, locations and conversations on stage.</span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steppenwolf</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> is at 1640 N. Halsted St., Chicago. </span></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tickets are $20 to $70 at (312) 335-1650 and at </span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.steppenwolf.org">www.steppenwolf.org.</a></span></span><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Myra Eder </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">CURTAIN CALL COMMUNITY THEATRE</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's a romp into Mystery Dinner Theatre with </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Funeral for a Gangster" </span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">with the Curtain Call Community troupe, </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct 16-25</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jenny's Steakhouse, aka Ruby's Speakeasy</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 20 Kansas St., Frankfort. Tickets are $30 at (815) 464-2685.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THE DRAMA GROUP ... Rent's due!</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drama Group</span></span></span><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">'s production of the Broadway hit</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Rent,"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> a blockbuster musical, continues through</span></span><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 11,</span></span></span><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Studio Theatre</span></span></span><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are at (708) 755-3444 </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dramagroup.org"><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.dramagroup.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #33cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. The classic storyline of Puccini's opera "La Boheme" is brought into contemporary times where shelter remains a precious commodity for struggling artists and sickness brings a scourge upon the community. Only now the disease is not "consumption," but AIDS. Tickets are selling quickly and according to the latest Drama Group Blast, some shows are sold out. If you want to see what promises to be an outstanding production, act now!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DRURY LANE OAKBROOK</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Broadway smash hit </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Thoroughly Modern Millie,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> directed by artistic director William Osetek, opens </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 22</span></span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and runs through </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dec. 20</span></span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drury Lane Theatre</span></span></span><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane. Show only tickets are $29-$38 and dinner theater packages are available. Student and senior tickets greatly reduced; (630) 530-0111, </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.drurylaneoakbrook.com"><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.drurylaneoakbrook.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #6666cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and all Ticketmaster outlets.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GAELIC PARK PLAYERS</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GGP presents </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Craddock's Well,"</span></span></span><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 6-22</span></span></span><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chicago Gaelic Park</span></span></span><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. Tickets and times are at (708) 687-9323.</span></span><br />
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</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">H-F PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATER</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take out the wooden stakes and all your anti-vampire paraphernalia. </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Bunnicula,"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> the vampire bunny that sucks juices out of vegetables, is coming to the 'burbs. </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Community Theater</span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> presents this all ages charming production on </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 24 and 25</span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">H-F Park District Auditorium</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 2010 Chestnut, Homewood. Tickets and times are at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.hfparks.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.hfparks.com</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> and at (708) 957-0300.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #000099;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Illinois Theatre Center</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, opens its season with</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"A Shayna Maidel,"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> which continues through</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Oct. 11</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. The "memory play" goes back and forth in time and focuses on a family divided before the Holocaust. A father and his little daughter came to America before the Nazis came to power. Alas, the mother and another daughter remain in Eastern Europe and later are captured and sent to a concentration camp. The New York Times raved about the production in that city. Tickets are $19 and $21, $1 discount for seniors, students; (708) 481-3510.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MARRIOTT THEATRE -- Big hair's back!</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Laughs galore, tons of fun and big hair return as the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Hairspray"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> rocks the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Marriott Theatre</span></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire through</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dec. 6</span></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. One of Chicagoland's most well-known actors, Ross Lehman, jumps into the role (along with wig, bra, makeup and more) as Edna Turnblad in this rollicking production directed and choreographed by the brilliant Marc Robin. Parking is free and tickets are $45 with $5 discount for seniors and students: (847) 634-0200 and </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.marriotttheatre.com"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.marriotttheatre.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. Dinner packages are available.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The OPTT presents "Sound Effects," </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 13-15</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Orland Park Civic Center</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 14700 Ravinia. Tickets are $13, $11 seniors and $9 for children, (708) 403-7275 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.orland-park.il.us."><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.orland-park.il.us.</span></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS </span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Medieval England returns later this fall with the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Palos Village Players</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">' production of </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Lion in Winter,"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 6 - Nov. 14</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. Tickets are $15, $12 students and seniors; (877) 787-8197 and at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.pvp.org"><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.pvp.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #cc9933;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE </span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The almost mythical romantic comedy musical, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The Fantasticks,"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> the longest running show in New York, opens the 15th season of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Porchlight Music Theatre</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> in the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 14</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. Tickets are $37, discounts for seniors, students: (773) 327-5252 and through Ticketmaster outlets.</span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For two weekends only, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 22 - Nov. 1</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, Porchlight celebrates its 15th anniversary with an updated version of one the company's most popular hits, the humorously macabre</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Macabaret,"</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> performed with parody by the Corpse de Cabaret. Tickets are $30, available at locations above.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PROVISION THEATER COMPANY</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Provision Theater</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> revives its 2004 hit, Harry Chapin's </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Cotton Patch Gospel," </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 8</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">with a revamped version in the company' new home, 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. Tickets are $25 to $28 at (866) 822-4111 and at </span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.provisiontheater.org.">www.provisiontheater.org.</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #339999; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SPOTLIGHT THEATER</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Veronica's Room," </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a chilling thriller by Ira Levin, author of "Deathtrap" and "Rosemary's Baby," walks a fine line between "fantasy and reality, madness and murder," according to </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spotlight</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">'s Facebook page. The show runs from </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 16</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> - </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 24</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sherman Recital Hall</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, Governors State University, University Park. Tickets are $14, senior student discounts; reservations at (708) 798-1188 and by e-mail at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/tickets@spotlight-theater.com."><span style="color: #cc66cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">tickets@spotlight-theater.com.</span></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">STEPPENWOLF -- Watson, that skull please!</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Attention Sherlock Holmes, anthropologists and archeology fans. Chicago's acclaimed </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> opens its 2009-2010 season with an absolutely brilliant new play, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Fake,"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> written and directed by company member Eric Simonson. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">See review at top of blog</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steppenwolf for Young Adults presents </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The House on Mango Street,"</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Oct. 13 to Nov. 1. Tickets are $20. Tickets and performance information at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.steppenwolf.org"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.steppenwolf.org </span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">and (312) 335-1640.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THEATRE AT THE CENTER </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
</div><div><div><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A brilliant production of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Man of La Mancha,"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> starring James Harms as Don Quixote de la Mancha, and David Perkovich as Sancho Panza runs </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">through Oct. 17</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Theater at the Center</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $36 to $40 at (219) 836-2555 and at </span><a href="http://www.tickets.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.tickets.com</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">. More details are at <span style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.theatreatthecenter.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.theatreatthecenter.com</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">See review from previous blog at the end of this posting. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Theatre at the Center for Young Audiences </span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">presents</span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "Alice in Wonderland" Oct. 7-10. </span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Times and ticket information are on the theater website or at the phone number above.</span></span><br />
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</div><div><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jane Austen's classic Victorian novel <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Sense and Sensibility,"</span> adapted for the stage, brings early 19th century England to Chicagoland <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oct. 22-Nov. 1</span> at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Theatre of Western Springs</span>, 4348 Hampton Ave. Tickets are $18 and $20, (708) 246-3380 and at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.theatrewesternsprings.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.theatrewesternsprings.com</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">VISUAL ARTS</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GALLERY EXHIBIT</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tall Grass Gallery</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, continues the exhibit </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Here and Now,"</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 21.</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> The exhibit features works by many Tall Grass artists. Acrylic paintings, photographs, etchings, watercolors and even batiks. In addition, sculpture and pottery are among the many art forms on exhibit. Admission to the gallery is free. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. More information at (708) 748-3377 and at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tallgrassarts.org"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.tallgrassarts.org</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FILM SERIES</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #000099; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tall Grass opens its fall </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2009 Art Film Series</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> at 6:30 p.m. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 11</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Marcus Theatre</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 1301 Hilltop Ave.,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Chicago Heights (immediately north of Lincoln Highway). The British production</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Is Anybody There,"</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> starring Sir Michael Caine, opens the series. Other films include "Away We Go," with Maya Rudolph on Nov. 8; "Whatever Works" by Woody Allen and starring Larry David on Dec. 13; and "Moo," starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey on Jan. 10. Tickets to individual films are $8 or $28 for the entire series. More information is with the gallery, phone number above.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">CENTER AT GSU</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Center for Performing Arts</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at Gove</span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">rnors State University presents a special show starring Animal Planet's Emmy Award-winning star host </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jeff Corwin</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> with his </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Tales from the Field"</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2 p.m. Oct. 17</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. Viewed as a leading environmental conservationist, Corwin brings a animals, education and tons of fun in his family production. Tickets are $32-$39. $19-$26 for children 16 and younger, (708) 235-2222 or at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.centertickets.net"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.centertickets.net</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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</div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">John Boss, a frequent name on Chicago area cast lists, plays the New Swami in </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Kama Sutra Bound and Gagged"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> a raunchy musical, at 10:30 p.m. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 10</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, (773) 456-5262. Admission is $20 plus two drink minimum. Obviously this is strictly adults only. Word is the show is a hoot though we have not had time to see it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">CHICAGOLAND JAZZ TOURS</span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">JWR Tours offers a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sweetest Day Jazz Club Crawl Tour</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> on </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 17</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. Guests will travel on luxury limo buses that will tour up to three of Chicago's most elegant jazz venues with surprises including champagne, wines and cheeses while riding in comfort. Pickup locations are available at downtown hotels as well as Hyde Park and a south suburban location. The cost is $65 per person which includes free admission to the jazz clubs on the tour. Check it out at</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jazzclubcrawl.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.jazzclubcrawl.com</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">. Registration is set up at the website.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">OH THOSE NEVERLYS!</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Neverly Brothers</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> rock and roll experience headlines an open-to-all Halloween concert from 8:30-11:30 p.m. </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 30</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Malcolm Mayo VFW Post 5422,</span></span></span><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 557 Baltimore St., Wilmington. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, (815) 476-9400. Check out the band's full schedule at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.theneverlybrothers.com."><span style="color: #cc33cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.theneverlybrothers.com.</span></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">CHICAGOLAND TREASURES</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
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</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM </span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The iconic dome that tops a magnificent structure jutting out into Lake Michigan can only belong to one place; </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. Under that dome, the Sky Theater continues to delight visitors as it has since 1930 when Adler opened as the first planetarium in the Western World. But there are other domes in Adler, one of them a hidden sky treasure built in 1913 -- the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Atwood Sphere</span></span></span><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, now open on the lower level. About 10 visitors at a time ride a tiny cable car into the sphere and hear all about it. It is 15 feet in diameter with 62 holes in its metal dome into which light shines to show the positions of some of the brightest stars in the night sky. At one time, the Atwood was used to train early pilots to navigate the night sky. The sphere combines fun and nostalgia with astronomy.</span></span><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> All the details about exhibits as well as options to plan your trip and purchase tickets are at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org."><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.adlerplanetarium.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adlerplanetarium.org.">.</a></span></span></span></span><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you live in the Southland and never heard of Joliet Junior College's Trackman Planetarium, 1215 Houbolt Road (be sure to get directions to the planetarium), you are missing a real treat. It's one of the best kept secrets out here. The Sunday afternoon show series, geared to the younger set, begins at 2 p.m. Oct. 18 with "Are there Aliens?" All shows, for young people and general audiences, begin with a live show of the current night sky presented by astronomy guru Art Maurer of Crete. All shows are free so you just show up. </span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The phone number is (815) 280-6682 and you can access the planetarium through the college website </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jjc.edu"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.jjc.edu</span></span></a><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "Skies of October, Oct. 20 "Wonders in the Sky." The full sky show schedule is at <a href="http://http://www.jjc.edu/about/community-interests/planetarium/Pages/Spring.aspx">www.jjc.edu</a></span></span><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #993399;">Then put Trackman in the search spot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An all-new wing opened earlier this year at the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Art Institute of Chicago</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Admission to the classic and new sections is included in the admission price. Many Chicago area museum-goers do not know about the mesmerizing </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thorne Miniature Rooms</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, some 20 small diorama-like spaces designed and furnished with miniatures representing different eras over the last few centuries in Europe and America. While not fairyland scenes, the rooms dazzle with precision as do the miniatures in the Fairy Castle at Museum of Science and Industry. Everything you need to know for a trip to the Art Institute is at </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.artic.edu"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.artic.edu</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">BROOKFIELD ZOO</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brookfield's </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Boo at the Zoo"</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> and </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"DinoNites"</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> will delight kids of all ages as the Halloween season begins. The events open </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 16</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. and run through weekends ending </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 25</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. This year, in addition to special family activities during the Boo season, a 7,000 square-foot corn maze will be open to visitors. Maze designers used some 5,000 cornstalks to create the walk-through maze. Parades, giant pumpkin-carving exhibitions and much more will fill the days during Boo season. All the details including a full schedule are at the Chicago Zoological Society website,</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.czs.org"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.czs.org</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Imagine this. Admission is only a penny for one entire weekend. Keep reading. Tons going on at the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chicago History Museum</span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> (formerly Chicago Historical Society), 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600, during this bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Two exhibits open </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 10</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> and run through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">April 2, 2010</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Abraham Lincoln Transformed"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Benito Juarez and the making of modern Mexico."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> This exhibit is co-curated with the National Museum of Mexican Art and features more than 25 Mexican treasures never seen before in the United States. Admission to the museum the weekend of Oct. 10 is only a penny! Lots more is planned to celebrate and learn about two men whose leadership dramatically changed their respective nations in the second half of the nineteenth century. All the museum details are at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.chicagohistory.org"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.chicagohistory.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DUSABLE MUSEUM/AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Blues in Bronzeville, uniquely Chicago. Now </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">through Dec. 13</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DuSable Museum of African American History</span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, in conjunction with "The Chicago Blues Museum, presents </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The Soul of Bronzeville: TheRegal, Club DeLisa and the Blues Exhibit."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The exhibit features rare photos and memorabilia of Chicago blues legends Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Buddy Guy and more. In addition to the Blues exhibit, the museum also presents, </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Red, White, Blue & Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "The call to serve one's country, for the more than 14 million black men and woman who have served, has been a battle of its own long before the colonies enlisted the first militia," museum information states. More than 100 artifacts, objects, images and documents from that battle are on display in an open-ended exhibit. More information about the DuSable Museum is at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org."><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.dusablemuseum.org</span></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dusablemuseum.org."><span style="color: #993399;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FIELD MUSEUM</span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The Nature of Diamonds"</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> and the updated, remodeled and renovated </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Grainger Hall of Gems</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> open </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 23 </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">and promise to dazzle museum visitors exploring the nature of gems at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Field Museum</span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus. A collaboration of four natural history museums, "... Diamonds" examines the geological origins of these precious minerals and looks at the history of diamonds as jewelry, symbols of wealth and power and its amazing technology applications. Ancient manuscripts, some of the world's most fascinating and famous diamonds as well as the stories behind these gems are just a few of the treasures visitors will discover in this all-new exhibit. At the same time "Diamonds" opens to the public, the totally updated legendary Grainger collection of gems, a permanent exhibit and always one of the Field's most treasured displays, will be unveiled. Admission prices and all the details you'll need for a Field visit are at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fieldmuseum.org"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.fieldmuseum.org</span></a></span><span style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART </span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Italics: Italian Art between Tradition and Revolution, 1968-2008"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> opens </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nov. 14 </span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. This "ground-breaking" exhibit is "devoted to contemporary Italian art and creativity ... and presents more than 80 Italian artists active during the past four decades whose work offers a deep sense of originality and vitality," museum press notes state. The MCA not only contains its permanent and temporary exhibits but offers a wide range of avant-garde presentations. All the details are at</span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mcachicago.org"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.mcachicago.org</span></span></a><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Opening Oct. 8 at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Museum of Science and Industry, </span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">57th Street and Cornell (off Lake Shore Drive) -- </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"YOU! The Experience."</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> You read that right. An all-new permanent exhibit looking at YOU celebrates the mind, the body and spirit in an interactive, high tech 21st century gallery. Think Wii on steroids. Watch your blood flow in infrared, see the new 13-footsize human heart and find out your own heart rate. Ever thought hamsters had it great, playing all day on those little wheels they push round and round? Well, a visit to YOU will give you just the chance to play hamster on a human-sized wheel. Unlike the hamster, however, you'll be getting real-time feedback on your body's response to aerobic activity. YOU will offer much more and this blog will provide more details as opening date nears. </span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the info you need for an MSI trip is at </span></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org."><span style="font-size: medium;">www.msichicago.org</span></a></span><span style="color: #6600cc;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.msichicago.org."><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SHEDD AQUARIUM</span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Fantasea," </span></span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the all-new Oceanarium show at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shedd Aquarium</span></span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">, 1200 Lake Shore Drive on the Museum Campus, takes visitors on a magical trip. Dolphins, beluga whales and other ocean mammals become part of a story that combines theater and the Oceanarium experience in an extraordinary production unlike anything you've ever seen at the world-famous aquarium. T</span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">he new, improved and enlarged Oceanarium offers delights for all ages including the </span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Polar Play Zone </span></span><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">where youngsters (OK, anyone) can pretend to be a penguin or deep sea explorer and much more. What fun! Details, tickets and information for planning your trip to this extraordinary aquarium, a Chicago treasure, are at </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.sheddaquarium.org</span></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sheddaquarium.org."><span style="color: #00cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></a><br />
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</div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #000099;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mini review: Don Quixote de la Mancha rides again</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000099;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">James Harms brilliantly captures the heart and soul of Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote in a phenomenal production of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Man of La Mancha,”</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> directed by William Pullinsi at </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Theatre at the Center</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, and running through </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oct. 11</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">C</span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">onsummate performances by Harms, Ericka Mac (Aldonza/Dulcinea) and David Perkovich (Sancho Panza) are matched by a cast that includes Dennis Kelly, Larry Adams, Joe Tokarz, Audrey Billings and Ann McMann. </span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are no weak links in this tour de force. Harms’ Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote reveals a man full of life, optimism and chivalry even as he faces possible death at the hands of the Spanish inquisitors. And finally an actor reaches the power, bravado and the tenderness called for in the character’s many musical numbers.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Harms’ character is funny, touching, somewhat mad and totally rational. His performance is sheer magic. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Casting Perkovich as Sancho was a masterstroke as well. Sancho is the perfect foil, friend and supporter of Cervantes because, as he sings, “I like him.” </span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mac easily segues from the jaded whore Aldonza to the tender and vulnerable Dulcinea of Quixote’s waking dream. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000066;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The entire cast, Pullinsi’s extraordinary directing, Stacey Flaster’s captivating choreography as well as wonderful musical direction with big orchestra sound by William Underwood work together to bring extraordinary production to the stage. Tickets are at (219) 836-3258 and </span></span><a href="http://www.tickets.com/"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.tickets.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. More information is at </span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.TheatreattheCenter.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.Theatreat</span></a></span><span style="color: #000066;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.TheatreattheCenter.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">theCenter.com</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</div></div>myra sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115245352368193371noreply@blogger.com0