And now presenting ...

Carpe weekend and March: Lots of Sex, a homicidally bent Pippi Longstocking wannabe among AE highlights

2011-01-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

Disregard date above. Today is March 31, 2011

Dear, Dear Readers,

A few highlights in this post: Good buddy Mojo of Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies, 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 www.redhotmojo.com where you also can check out the Mojo sounds. Yes, Mojo (center, wild hat) looks tame but wait till you see him on stage!

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 Sleuth, not a musical but a riveting mystery a la 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.

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 Patch.com weekly A&E highlights roundup, SouthScene, now covers Tinley, Orland, Palos, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Homewood-Flossmoor, Chicago Heights.

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.

This is community journalism at its best!

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.

I hope you'll check it out if you have not done so yet.

All that said, local events and venues covered in SouthScene are no longer included in this blog.

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.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? WHATEVER! My e-mail is myrasharon@comcast.net

Myra

LINKS IN ORDER OF LISTINGS:

THEATER, MUSIC AND ART,

AND MUSEUMS AND ANIMALS.

THEATRE

"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 CHICAGO DRAMATISTS, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. Alas Bordello, which runs through March 6, has received very mixed reviews. Tickets are $32 at www.chicagodramatists.com.

DRURY LANE THEATRE, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, goes for the laugh-yourself-out-of-your-seat Broadway hit, Spamalot, through March 6. 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 www.drurylaneoakbrook.com and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.

FOX VALLEY REPERTORY (formerly Noble Fool Theatricals), Pheasant Run Mainstage, 4015 E. Main St. St. Charles, (630) 443-0438, kicks off the year with Leaving Iowa, now through March 13. 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 Seussical Jr., 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 www.foxvalleyrep.org.

MARRIOTT THEATRE 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 Guys and Dolls. 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 March 27. Tickets are at (847) 634-0200 and at www.MarriottTheatre.com.

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, presents the musical Meet John Doe, March 4 through April 17, 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 www.porchlighttheatre.com.

RED TAPE THEATRE, 621 Belmont, Chicago, presents a double bill through March 5. Church is billed as a celebration designed to play with expectations of the religious and non religious as well as uplifting and inspirational. Pullman,WA, focuses on three characters who cannot quite succeed at life. Tickets are $25, $15 students and industry, www.redtapetheate.com and at box office.

STEEL BEAM THEATRE, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, at www.steelbeamtheatre.com continues its run of The Au Pair Man through March 13. 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.

STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, presents the Midwest premiere of Samuel J. and K. 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 March 13. Tickets are $20-$75 at the box office number above and at www.steppenwolf.org.

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? STEPPENWOLF'S UPSTAIRS THEATRE (same address as above) presents Sex with Strangers, 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 May 15. Tickets are $20 to $73, same phone and website above.

THEATRE AT THE CENTER, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, veers from its traditional musical fare to present a riveting mystery thriller, Sleuth, through March 20. 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.

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 www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. Parking at TATC is always free.

THEATRE AT THE CENTER, THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES, presents the ArtsPower National Touring Theatre production of the classic, Anne of Green Gables March 29-April 2. Tickets are $8.50 adults, $7 children. Theater address and where to buy tickets in listing above.

TOWLE THEATER, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, opens its eighth season with the musical comedy, Ruthless, the Director's Cut. 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 March 30. Tickets are $15 at (219) 937-8780 and at the theater website, www.towletheater.com. 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.

MUSIC

MOJO AND THE BAYOU GYPSIES bring Mardi Gras to Chicagoland with what promises to be a rocking Cajun CD release party and concert at 8 p.m. March 4 at the Montrose Room, Intercontinental Hotel, 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.

MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE

View the skies through some of the world's Great Observatories in 3D, an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 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 www.adlerplanetarium.org.

HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM 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: March 1 - Skies of Spring; March 15 - Our Solar System; March 29 - The Ferni Paradox. If weather permits, there will be telescope viewing after the show. The 6:30 p.m. Thursday shows are for the younger set: March 10 - Skies of Spring (young); March 24 - Dec. 21, 2012. No, the world is not going to end.

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.

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111. S. Michigan Ave. On Feb. 5 the museum opens American Modern, a collection of more than 140 photographs by Berenice Abbott (1898-1991), Walker Evans (1903-1975) and Margaret Bourke-White (1906-1971, now through May 15. As this column goes to press, or online, the Art Institute is conducting previews of Kings, Queens, and Courtiers: Art in Early Renaissance France. All the exhibit details and info you need to plan a day at the Art Institute are at www.artic.edu. Pictured: The Madonna of Yarnwinder by Leonardo DaVinci (1452-1519).

BROOKFIELD ZOO, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000. For more information check out at www.brookfieldzoo.org www.czs.org (Chicago Zoological Society). OK. I didn't say it, but the folks at Brookfield did. Here goes: "Have a swinederful day" March 5 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.

Years ago, I met and wrote about the legendary Dr. Margaret Burroughs who, with her husband, in 1961 founded what became the DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY -- 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.

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.

The museum today is located at 740 E. 56th Place, virtually on the University of Chicago campus. The exhibit Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services, 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 www.dusablemuseum.org. The DuSable website lists many activities and the exhibits and proves that every month is Black History Month.

Chicagoland's own T. rex, Sue, continues her restful stay in the grand hall of FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Now through Aug. 14, The Horse, 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 www.fieldmuseum.org and at (312) 922-9410.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 2203 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 280-2660, presents Coming into Character, an exhibit of works by American painter Jim Nutt, through May 29. Known for his "inventiveness biting wit and distorted figure," the exhibit promises a striking new look at modern art. All the details are at www.mcachicago.org. 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.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, looks ahead to its third Body Worlds exhibit, the Cycle of Life, which has its U.S. premiere at MSI starting March 18 and closing Sept. 5. 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.

Body Worlds are at once absolutely fascinating while at the same time the concept has a macabre side. I was entranced with Body Worlds 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 www.msichicago.org. (773) 684-1414. Photo courtesy Museum of Science and Industry

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART, 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. La Nacio Huichol, from the Sea to the Desert looks at the people throughout history through photographs, artwork and more. The exhibit runs through August. 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 www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.

SHEDD AQUARIUM, 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 www.sheddaquarium.org and at (312) 939-2438. The website also has links to enchanting looks at some of Shedd's aquatic residents.

And now presenting .... January 2011

2010-12-29T11:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

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.

But there's also 'Zoo Year's Eve' at Brookfield Zoo. It sounds like a blast for families.

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.'

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.

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 http://tinleypark.patch.com/articles/11-local-places-to-ring-in-2011.

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; myrasharon@comcast.net. CHEERS!! And countless thanks to the blog's volunteer webmaster who prefers to remain anonymous.

ORDER OF LISTINGS:

THEATER, MUSIC AND ART, GALLERIES
AND MUSEUMS AND ANIMALS.

THEATRE

BEVERLY ARTS CENTER, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago Southwest corner of 111th Street and Western Avenue), presents the Flying Karamazov Brothers at 8 p.m. Jan. 21. Tickets are $21-$34 at http://www.beverlyartcenter.org/ and (773) 445-3838.

Everyone called her "Jackie." THE DRAMA GROUP returns to the stage Feb. 4 to 11 at the Studio Theatre, 330 202nd St., Chicago Heights, with Grey Gardens, 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 www.dramagroup.org.

"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 CHICAGO DRAMATISTS, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. What promises to be a riveting production that explores the lives of sex workers in legal operations in Nevada, Bordello, opens Jan. 27 and runs through March 6. Tickets are $32 at www.chicagodramatists.com.

CURTAIN CALL COMMUNITY THEATRE presents the beloved musical Annie, 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 www.ccctheatre.com and at (708) 699-2228.

DRURY LANE THEATRE, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, goes for the laugh-yourself-out-of-your-seat Broadway hit, Spamalot, Jan. 6 to March 6. The riotous musical spoofs another spoof, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Directed by William Osetek, the show should be absolutely hysterical. Tickets are $35-$40 and dinner packages are available; (800) 745-3000 and at www.drurylaneoakbrook.com and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.

ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents "Intimate Apparel" Jan. 28-Feb. 23 . Tickets are priced at 20-$22, $1 discount for students and seniors, (708) 481-3510.

MARRIOTT THEATRE 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 Guys and Dolls. With musical treasures including Luck Be a Lady and If I Were a Bell, the musical opened on Broadway in 1950 and continues to delight audiences of all ages. The show opens Jan. 26 and runs through March 27. Tickets are at (847) 634-0200 and at www.MarriottTheatre.com.
Meanwhile, The Music Man continues through Jan. 9 with Bernie Yvon as affable trickster Harold Hill. Tickets are $40-$48 at same locations as above.

SPOTLIGHT THEATER presents Suddenly Last Summer and Al Takes a Bride, Jan. 28-30, at Tinley Park High School, 6111 W. 175th St. Tickets are $14, $12 seniors, students at (708) 941-8294 and at http://www.spotlight-theater.com/.

THE STAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District rocks this month with two productions in January. At 2 p.m. Jan. 16, the company presents Amazing Grace at the H-F Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut, Homewood. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 children. Then on Jan. 20 and 21, the company presents a dinner/luncheon theater program with Salute to the Tony Winners 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 www.hfparks.com.

STEEL BEAM THEATRE, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, kicks off the year with Don't Dress for Dinner, 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 Jan. 14-Feb. 6. Tickets are $25, $23 seniors and students at www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, (312) 335-1650, heads into 2011 with rave reviews for its production of the Edward Albee classic, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? starring ensemble actors Amy Morton and Tracy Letts (pictured). This powerful drama of marital discord and much more continues through Feb. 13. Tickets are $20-$75 at the box office number above and at www.steppenwolf.org.

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? STEPPENWOLF'S UPSTAIRS THEATRE (same address) presents Sex with Strangers, directed by Jessica Thebus, Steppenwolf associate artist. The production opens Jan. 29 and runs through May 15. Tickets are $20 to $73, same phone and website above.

THEATRE AT THE CENTER, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, veers from its traditional musical fare to present a riveting mystery thriller, Sleuth, Feb. 17-20. 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 www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. Parking at TATC is always free.

THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS heads into 2011 with The Quick Change Room from Jan. 13-18. 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 www.theatrewesternsprings.com.

MUSIC AND ART

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS, Governors State University, University Park, steps into 2011 with a veritable potpourri of performances. At 8 p.m. Jan. 8, GSU celebrates Elvis, on what would have been his 75th birthday. Blue Suede Shoes: The Ultimate Tribute rocks the town with music from the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Tickets are $34-$49. Then at 8 p.m. Jan 15, Lurrie Bell's Chicago Blues Band 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. 30. The Other Three Tenors -- A Tribute to Mario Lanza. 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 www.centertickets.net.
The Center's children's special at 1 p.m. Jan 22 features Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia performing Caldecott Award-winner Leo Lionni's Swimmy and Inch By Inch. Tickets are $10.50-$11.50.

FOX VALLEY REPERTORY, 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. Jan. 7, The Pin Ups! 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. Jan. 8 show, The Swordsmen 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, American English, pegged by many reviewers and fans as the best of the Beatles tribute acts, returns for two performances, 8 p.m. Jan. 14 and 15. Tickets are $39. FVR tickets are at (630) 584-634d2 and www.foxvalleyrep.org.

The award-winning ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, with guest conductor Alexander Platt, presents Beethoven and Pine with acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. Jan. 15 at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. The program will be repeated at 3 p.m. Jan. 16 at Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Parkway, Palos Heights. Ticket prices and availability are at (708) 481-7774 and at www.ipomusic.org.

MORAINE VALLEY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, presents Fred Garbo's Inflatable Theater with inflatable inventions, artistic imagery and creative foolishness. This performance art show for the family is at 3 p.m. Jan 23. Tickets are $20, seniors $15, students $10 at (708) 974-5500.

NEVERLY BROTHERS (photo) hit the stage with a rock and roll history adventure, 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at Francesca Vicinato, 12960 S. LaGrange, Palos Park, (708) 671-1600. Top row Kegham Giragosian (from Left), Kevin Giragosian and Craig Gigstad.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE, 23 E. Galena Road, Aurora, presents the legendary B.B. King at 8 p.m. Jan 15. Tickets are at box office (630) 896-6666 and at Ticketmaster.

POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES AND MORE

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, features O. Gustavio Plancensia Art Exhibition, Jan. 18-Feb. 10, Collecting Instantes e Instintos. 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 http://www.morainevalley.edu/.

FLOATING WORD GALLERY, 1925 N. Halsted St., Chicago, has extended until Jan. 28 the exhibit Behind Paper Walls: Self-printed Masterworks by Jun'ichirosekino. More information is at (312) 587-7800 and at artwork@floatingworldgallery.com.

UNION STREET GALLERY, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601, kicks off 2011 with Dialogue: Contemporary Region Sculpture and Paintings. Limited to two artists, the exhibits paintings are by Patricia Moore and sculptures by Bob Emser. The show runs from Jan. 12-Feb.12. Admission to the gallery is always free.

TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, (708) 748-3377, presents an informal exhibit of works by the Tall Grass Life Drawing Class from Jan. 21-Feb. 6. 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.

MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE

View the skies through some of the world's Great Observatories in 3D, an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 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 www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM 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: Jan 4 is Sun-Earth-Moon and Jan. 18, Comets Asteroids and Meteors. If weather permits, there will be telescope viewing after the show. At 6:30 p.m. Thursdays are shows for the younger set. Upcoming Jan. 27, We Go to the Moon. Young folks shows also run some Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Upcoming, Jan. 16, Are There Aliens? 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 amaurer@jjc.edu. NOTE: Photo is NOT Art Maurer!

I was mesmerized by photo sent with a press release from THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111. S. Michigan Ave. The image shows a 5,000-year-old copper statue, Striding Horned Figure, 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 www.artic.edu. Attached photo: Striding Horned Figure, courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago. Anonymous loan.

Holiday Magic lights up BROOKFIELD ZOO, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000,. Get ready for Zoo Year's Eve, 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 www.brookfieldzoo.org or www.czs.org(Chicago Zoological Society). Photo courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society.

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, continues the exhibit Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services, 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 www.dusablemuseum.org.

Everyone's favorite T. rex, Sue continues her restful stay in the grand hall of FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410. Meanwhile, the dinomentary, Waking the T. rex 3-D: The Story of Sue 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 www.fieldmuseum.org and at (312) 922-9410.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 2203 E. Chicago Ave., presents Coming into Character, an exhibit of works by Jim Nutt, Jan. 29-May 29. All the details are at www.mcachicago.org.

Chicago's wondrous holiday traditions, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights, will dazzle visitors at the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive through Jan. 9. Meanwhile. Jim Henson's Fantastic World, which runs through Jan. 23, 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.

SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, The Polar Express 4-D Experience 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 www.sheddaquarium.org and at (312) 939-2438.

2010-11-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

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.
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.
Myra

ORDER OF LISTINGS:
THEATER, MUSIC AND ART, GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS AND ANIMALS.

THEATRE

BEVERLY ARTS CENTER, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, presents the wacky Broadway hit, Hairspray from Dec. 2-5. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors, students, BAC members, (773) 445-3838 and www.beverlyartcenter.org.

CHICAGO DRAMATISTS, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., presents the musical Local Wonders, Nov. 27-Jan. 9. Tickets are $25-$30, discounts seniors, students, groups, (630) 457-1074 and www.brownpapertickets.com.

THE DRAMA GROUP meets a persistent ghost starting Dec. 3-12 when the theater troupe debuts its production of the Noel Coward comedy Blithe Spirit, 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. Blithe Spirit 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 www.dramagroup.org. Photo features Lockwood (top), Sampson and Wigel.

DRURY LANE THEATRE, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. presents a remounted version of the wacky story, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers through Dec. 19. 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, www.drurylaneoakbrook.com and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.

DRURY LANE CHILDREN'S THEATRE presents the Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, through Dec. 18. 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 www.drurylaneoakbrook.com. Parking is free.

ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, sings in the holidays with the Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick musical, The Apple Tree, Dec. 3-19. 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.

MARRIOTT THEATRE in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, meets River City this month for Meredith Wilson's timeless musical, The Music Man, through Jan. 9. 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 www.MarriottTheatre.com, discounts some days for seniors, students. Dinner packages available.

MARRIOTT THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES takes audiences from Illinois to Kansas and then to the magical, sometimes evil, world of Oz in its holiday production of The Wizard of Oz through Dec. 30. 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.

OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP presents A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley, Dec. 2-4 at Trinity Christian College, Marge Kallemyen Theatre, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Tickets are $17 members, $20 non-members, (708) 570-1630 and www.openingnightartsgroup.org.

ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE presents A Candle in the Window, Dec. 10-12 at Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Ave.; tickets $13, $11 seniors, students, children 12 and under free, (708) 403-7275 and www.orland-park.il.us. 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.

PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE, home of Noble Fool Theatricals at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles presents an all-time favorite holiday classic, It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, from through Dec. 26. Tickets are $29.50-$39.50 and dinner packages are available, (630) 584-6342. Parking is free.

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE, STAGE 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, (773) 327-5252 reprises its holiday hit from last year, Miracle on 34th Street, running through Jan. 2. Tickets are $38 during November, $40 after that; discounts for students, seniors, groups.

ST. ANDREW PLAYERS of Homewood sail into the season with The Christmas Schooner, 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. Dec. 3, 4 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5. All tickets are $10 at (708) 798-8904. Pictured Rebecca Mooney (from left), Tailor Montecki, Wendy King, Carl Boyens and Chianna Montecki.

STEEL BEAM THEATRE, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, presents It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, the "Miracle on 34th Street" musical version by Meredith Wilson, through Dec. 19, tickets $25, $23 seniors, students, www.steelbeamtheatre.com and (630) 587-8521.

STEEL BEAM also continues show for the younger set, Sing Along with Santa, through Dec. 19. Tickets are $12, $10 children under 16.

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, (312) 335-1650, ends the year and starts the next with the Edward Albee classic, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? starring ensemble actors Amy Morton and Tracy Letts (pictured). This powerful drama of marital discord and much more continues through Feb. 13. Tickets are $20-$75 at the box office number above and at www.steppenwolf.org.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at THEATRE AT THE CENTER, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, where the family musical based on the classic "Miracle on 34th Street" continues through Dec. 19. 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 www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. Parking at TATC is always free.

THEATRE AT THE CENTER'S THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES presents the always magical The Story of the Nutcracker through Dec. 13. Lunch packages are available. Show only tickets are $7 for children, $8.50 adults. See above for contact information.

THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS CHILDREN'S THEATRE, 4384 Hampton Ave., presents the candied classic, Willy Wonka, based on Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," from Dec. 3 to Dec. 12. Tickets are $15 and $7 for young people under 18, (708) 246-3380 and at www.theatrewesternsprings.com. More information, including showtimes, can be found on the website.

TOWLE THEATER, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, brings its eighth installment of its holiday tradition, A Fabulous 50s Christmas 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 Dec.19. 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.

MUSIC AND ART

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS, Governors State University, University Park, presents the The Salt Creek Ballet in its annual production of The Nutcracker at 1 and 5 p.m. Dec.11. 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. Dec. 18 The Center's Especially for Kids series presents The Fantastic Toy Shoppe. Tickets for this event are $10.50 to $11.50. All tickets for all events, as well as show details, are at www.centertickets.net and at (708) 235-2222. Parking is always free. When buying tickets, ask if your purchase qualifies you for a $10 ticket voucher.

CIVIC BALLET OF CHICAGO brings its production of The Nutcracker to Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Dec. 11, 12. 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.

The award-winning ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, under the direction of Maestro Carmon DeLeone, along with guest artists, present the Harris Holiday Concerts at 3 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19 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.
Scrooge! the Musical 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.

LINCOLN-WAY AREA CHORALE presents its annual concert, Sing We Now of Christmas, at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 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.

MORAINE VALLEY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, presents a potpourri of entertainment in the Dorothy Menker Theater: Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, tickets $12, $10; Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers Merry Christmas Music at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, tickets same as concert; Moraine Valley Concert Band, Christmas Music and More!, 3 p.m. Dec. 5, tickets same ; Moraine Valley Percussion Ensemble Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, tickets free; Theater for Young Audiences, The One Man Christmas Carol, 2 p.m. Dec. 12, tickets $8, $6 children; all tickets at (708) 974-5500 and www.morainevalley.edu/FPAC.

SOUTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and the ST. LINUS MUSIC MINISTRY present Season's Greetings at St. Linus Church, a holiday concert at 4 p.m. Dec.5 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.

TINLEY PARK ARTS ALIVE! COMMUNITY BAND AND JAZZ BAND performs its annual holiday concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 5 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.

POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES AND MORE

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, currently features the Marc-Anthony Polizzi installation piece, In Over My Head, through Dec. 19. 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.

UNION STREET GALLERY, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601, and TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION GALLERY, 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.

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.

Union Street's holiday shopping runs from Dec. 1-23 with a reception from 12 - 4 p.m. Dec. 11.

In the Orland-Tinley-Palos area, MCCORD GALLERY, (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.

MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE

View the skies through some of the world's Great Observatories in 3D, an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 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. www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM (see article: http://downersgrovesun.suntimes.com/entertainment/2120987-421/shows-planetarium-adler-sky-dec.html), 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: Dec. 7 Our Solar System, Dec. 21 Christmas Star. Meanwhile, shows at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays are for the younger set: Dec. 2, Christmas Star and Dec. 30 Our Solar System. Shows at 2:30 p.m. Sundays also are geared to the younger set: Dec. 19, Christmas Star. 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.

Chagall returns to THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111. S. MIchigan Ave. After five years of intensive research and conservation treatment, Marc Chagall's America Windows 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 www.artic.edu.

Holiday Magic lights up BROOKFIELD ZOO, 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 www.brookfieldzoo.org or www.czs.org (Chicago Zoological Society). Be sure to ask about Zoo Year's Eve festivities!

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, continues the exhibit Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services, 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 www.dusablemuseum.org.

Where will you find a room completely covered in gold?? FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, newest exhibit, GOLD, continues through March 6. 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 Dec. 4. All the golden anniversary celebration day details are at http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035 . All other museum details, include planning your visit, are at the details at www.fieldmuseum.org and at (312) 922-9410.

Chicago's wondrous holiday traditions, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights, are now dazzling visitors at the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 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 Jim Henson's Fantastic World 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.

SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, debuts a new seasonal special, A Holiday Fantasea 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, The Polar Express 4-D Experience has situated itself at the aquarium for the holiday season. All the details are at www.sheddaquarium.org and at (312) 939-2438.

Romp through November -- IPO season opens, theater galore and more!

2010-11-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

ORDER OF LISTINGS: THEATER, MUSIC AND ART, GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS AND ANIMALS.

Happy November. Enjoy Chicagoland and keep the releases and comments coming to me at myrasharon@comcast.net.

OH!!! I will have a special announcement next week -- good news!
Watch for the e-mail .... Myra
THEATRE

AMERICAN BLUES THEATER reprises its holiday favorite, "It's A Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph," Nov. 26-31. Don't let the title confuse you, though. The production takes place at the Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 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 www.victorygardens.org.

BEVERLY ARTS CENTER, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, presents the Broadway hit, "Hairspray" from Dec. 2-5. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors, students, BAC members, (773) 445-3838 and www.beverlyartcenter.org.

CHICAGO DRAMATISTS, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., presents the musical "Local Wonders," Nov. 27-Jan. 9. Tickets are $25-$30, discounts seniors, students, groups, (630) 457-1074 and www.brownpapertickets.com.

THE DRAMA GROUP will rock the Bloom High School Theater stage with what promises to be a blockbuster production of "Footloose" for one weekend only Nov. 6-8. Charlie Misovye directs and Niki Lakuza-McGeady choreographs. Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students at (708) 755-3444 and www.dramagroup.org. 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.
Opening Dec. 3 at the Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights, the DRAMA GROUP presents the Noel Coward comedy, "Blithe Spirit", about life with a late wife's spirit; tickets $18, $17 students and seniors at (708) 755-3444 and www.dramagroup.org.

DRAMA GROUP DAYTIME CHILDREN'S THEATRE presents the beloved classic, "The Velveteen Rabbit," Nov. 16-21 at the Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door. See above. Parking is free.

DRURY LANE THEATRE, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace presents a remounted version of the wacky story, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" through Dec. 19. 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. (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, www.drurylaneoakbrook.com and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.

DRURY LANE CHILDREN'S THEATRE presents the Christmas classic, "A Christmas Carol," opening Nov. 18 and running through Dec. 18. 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 www.drurylaneoakbrook.com. Parking is free.

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARTS CENTER, 1700 Spartan Drive, presents a new musical, "Under the Streetlamps," 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 Nov. 13, 14; tickets are $48 at (847) 622-0300 and at tickets.elgin.edu.

GAELIC PARK PLAYERS perform "The Last Rose" by Ann Dunphy from Nov. 5-21 at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. Tickets are $12; $25 dinner theater tickets available for Sunday shows only, (708) 687-9323 and www.chicagogaelicpark.org.

ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest, presents Tom Stoppard's play-within-a-play, "The Real Thing," directed by David Perkovich, through Nov. 14. Tickets are $20-$22, $1 discount for seniors, students, (708) 481-3510.

MARRIOTT THEATRE in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, meets River City this month for Meredith Wilson's timeless musical, "The Music Man," Nov. 14 through Jan. 9. 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 www.MarriottTheatre.com, discounts some days for seniors, students. Dinner packages available.

MARRIOTT THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES takes audiences from Illinois to Kansas and then to the magical, sometimes evil, world of Oz in its holiday production of "The Wizard of Oz" from Nov. 18-Dec. 30. 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.

OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE presents the award-winning "Cabaret" from Nov. 12-21 at Oak View Center, 4624 W. 110th St. Tickets are $21, $20 seniors and children, (708) 857-2200. Parking is free.

ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV brings down the house, well actually the Old Village Hall, 14413 Beacon, Nov. 19 and into 2011. Showtime -- 8 p.m. and material geared to audiences 16 and older. Tickets are $6 at (708) 403-7275 and at www.orland-park.il.us.

OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP presents "A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley," Dec. 2-4 at Trinity Christian College, Marge Kallemyen Theatre, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Tickets are $17 members, $20 non-members, (708) 570-1630 and www.openingnightartsgroup.org.

ORLAND PARK THEATRE TROUPE presents "A Candle in the Window," Dec. 10-12 at Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Ave.; tickets $13, $11 seniors, students, children 12 and under free, (708) 403-7275 and www.orland-park.il.us

PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS present "She Loves Me" from Nov. 5-13 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 www.pvp.org. Parking is free.

PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE, home of Noble Fool Theatricals at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles presents an all-time favorite holiday classic, "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," from Nov. 5-Dec. 26. 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.

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE, STAGE 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, (773) 327-5252 and at www.stage773.com gears up for the holidays. On Nov. 19 and running through Jan. 2, the company reprises its holiday hit from last year, "Miracle on 34th Street." Tickets are $38 during November, $40 after that; discounts for students, seniors, groups.

STEEL BEAM THEATRE, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, presents "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas," the "Miracle on 34th Street" musical version by Meredith Wilson, Nov. 20-Dec. 19, tickets $25, $23 seniors, students, www.steelbeamtheatre.com and (630) 587-8521.
STEEL BEAM also presents "Sing Along with Santa" for the young set from Nov. 20-Dec. 19. Tickets are $12, $10 children under 16.

Laurie Metcalf, back on her home stage at STEPPENWOLF THEATRE, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, (312) 335-1650, once again reveals her extraordinary talent with the stellar ensemble in playwright Lisa D'Amour's phenomenal and absolutely riotously brilliant play, "Detroit," tied only symbolically to my hometown. The show runs through Nov. 7. Tickets are $20-$70 at www.steppenwolf.org and (312) 335-1650.
EXTENDED AGAIN, now to Nov. 18 in the Upstairs Theatre, STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS presents the blockbuster classic, Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird." "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.
STEPPENWOLF presents its 6th annual First Look Repertory of New Work, through Nov. 14. 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 http://www.steppenwolf.org/watchlisten/videos/detail.aspx?id=105.

We hear "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" at THEATRE AT THE CENTER, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, where the musical based on the classic "Miracle on 34th Street" opens Nov. 11, running through Dec. 19. Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, at (800) 511-1552 and on the theater website at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. Parking at TATC is always free.
THEATRE AT THE CENTER'S THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES presents the always magical tale, "The Story of the Nutcracker," 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.

THEATRE-ON-THE-HILL, Town Center Building, 375 W. Briarcliff, Bolingbrook, presents "Amadeus," Nov. 5-21. General admission tickets, $15, $12 students, seniors, (630) 908-2538 and www.tothbolingbrook.com.

TINLEY PARK PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATRE brings Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical "Brighton Beach Memoirs" to the stage Nov. 19-21 in its new home, the McCarthy Theater, 16801 S. 80th Ave. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students, (708) 342-4212.

TOWLE THEATER, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, brings its eighth installment of its holiday tradition, "A Fabulous 50s Christmas" 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 Nov. 26-Dec.19. 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.

MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS, Governors State University, University Park, packs a huge lineup of first-class entertainment into the next several weeks. At 8 p.m. Nov. 6, Ailey II Dance Company, tickets $38-$53, students, $29; 7 p.m. Nov. 12, DRUMLine Live, tickets $39-$46; 3 p.m. Nov. 13, "Ralph's World -- A Special Concert Event" starring Ralph Covert, tickets under $15. At 5 p.m. Dec. 11 Salt Creek Ballet returns with "The Nutcracker." 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 www.centertickets.net and at (708) 235-2222. Parking is always free.

CIVIC BALLET OF CHICAGO brings its production of "The Nutcracker" to Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Dec. 11, 12. 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.

Singer composer Harry Brown performs at Beatniks on Conkey, 418 Conkey St., Hammond, (219( 852-0848, at 8 p.m Nov. 20. Admission $10,

Maestro Carmon DeLeone opens his 25th anniversary year and final season with the award-winning Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra the weekend of Nov. 13-14 with "Manhattan Maestros." 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 www.ipomusic.org.

The IPO also presents "Scrooge the Musical," Dec. 18, 19 at Lincoln-Way East Fine Arts Center, 201 E. Colorado Ave., Frankfort; tickets $20-$40 at (708) 481-7774.

MORAINE VALLEY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, presents a potpourri of entertainment during the next two months in the Dorothy Menker Theater. "Second City: Fair and Unbalanced," 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, tickets $20, $15 seniors, $10 students; Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, tickets $12, $10; Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers "Merry Christmas Music" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, tickets same as concert; Moraine Valley Concert Band, "Christmas Music and More!", 3 p.m. Dec. 5, tickets same ; Moraine Valley Percussion Ensemble Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, tickets free; Theater for Young Audiences, "The One Man Christmas Carol," 2 p.m. Dec. 12, tickets $8, $6 children; all tickets at (708) 974-5500 and www.morainevalley.edu/FPAC.

SOUTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents its fall concert, "Landscapes & Seascapes," at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at Trinity Christian College, Ozinga Auditorium, 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.

POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES AND MORE

FLOATING WORLD GALLERY, 1925 N. Halsted St., Chicago, presents its newest gallery show, "Creating What Has Never Been," an exhibition of Japanese post-war paintings and contemporary ceramics on display through Nov. 19; gallery hours 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment, (312) 587-7800 and at artworks@floatingworld.com.

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, currently features Paul Andrew Wandless' "Aesthetic Inquiry" exhibit, through Nov. 11. Opening at the gallery on Nov. 15, Marc-Anthony Polizzi exhibit, "In Over My Head," runs through Dec. 19. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

TALL GRASS ARTS FALL FILM SERIES presents the final film of the season on Nov. 14, "A Prophet." 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.

UNION STREET GALLERY, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights gears up for another juried event, "Either/OR" through Nov. 26. All the details for artists and visitors, including gallery hours, are at www.unionstreetgallery.org and at (708) 754-2601. Artwork details and artists will be in this spot as soon as they arrive.

MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE

View the skies through some of the world's

"Great Observatories in 3D,"

an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 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. www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM (see article: http://downersgrovesun.suntimes.com/entertainment/2120987-421/shows-planetarium-adler-sky-dec.html), 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. Tuesdays are for the general audience: Nov. 9, "Skies of Winter" and Nov 23, "How to Buy a Telescope." .Meanwhile, shows at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays are for the younger set: Nov. 4, "We Go to the Moon" and Dec. 2, "Christmas Star." Shows at 2:30 p.m. Sundays also are geared to the younger set: Dec. 19, "The Christmas Star." 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.

Chagall returns to THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111. S. MIchigan Ave. After five years of intensive research and conservation treatment, Marc Chagall's "America Windows" 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 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 www.artic.edu.

There's always lots of stuff going on at BROOKFIELD ZOO, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000, and that includes a Thanksgiving Day Feast for the Animals at noon Nov. 25 in the Children's Zoo. 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 www.brookfieldzoo.org or www.czs.org (Chicago Zoological Society).

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, 1801 N. Clark, (312) 642-4600, presents a new ongoing look at "Facing Freedom," 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 www.chicagohistory.org.

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, brings to life "Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services," 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 (773) 947-0600 and www.dusablemuseum.org.

Where will you find a room completely covered in gold?? FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, newest exhibit, "GOLD," continues through March 6. 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 at right -- and so much more. Couples married for 50 years -- with proof -- have a special day coming up at the museum on Dec. 4. All the golden anniversary day details are at http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035 . All other museum details, include planning your visit, are at the details at www.fieldmuseum.org and at (312) 922-9410.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 220 E. Chicago Ave., continues its fall performance season at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12-13 with Stew and the Negro Problem. 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 www.mcachicago.org; $10 student tickets subject to availability. Also an exhibit of works by Belgian contemporary artist Luc Tuymans remains open through Jan. 9.

The Muppets are in Chicago. Yes, "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" runs through Jan. 23 at one of the world's most popular sites, Chicago's own MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 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.

Go for Four at SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, www.sheddaquarium.org. Join in for "Dora and Diego in their 3-D Adventure: Catch the Robot Butterfly" 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 families@sheddaquarium.org or calling (312) 692-3206. Everything you need is at the aquarium website above and at (312) 939-2438.

'Footloose,' 'Manhattan Maestros,' much more fill the fall!

2010-10-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers.

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).
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."
And don't forget, the Drama Group gets loose, "Footloose" next month on the Bloom Township High School stage for one weekend only.

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.
Keep the press releases and comments flowing to myrasharon@comcast.net. Also, please advise me of any corrections.
Enjoy.
Myra

THEATRE

THE BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER, 4520 N. Beacon, Chicago, reprises its hugely successful "The Other Cinderella" now through Jan. 9. 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, www.blackensemble.org and Ticketmaster.

THE DRAMA GROUP will rock the Bloom High School Theater stage with what promises to be a blockbuster production of "Footloose" for one weekend only Nov. 6-8. Charlie Misovye directs and Niki Lakuza-McGeady choreographs. Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students at (708) 755-3444 and www.dramagroup.org. 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.
DRAMA GROUP DAYTIME CHILDREN'S THEATRE presents the beloved classic, "The Velveteen Rabbit," Nov. 16-21 at the Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door. See above. Parking is free.

DRURY LANE THEATRE, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace presents a remounted version of the wacky story, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" through Dec. 19. 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. (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, www.drurylaneoakbrook.com and Ticketmaster. Parking is free.

DRURY LANE CHILDREN'S THEATRE presents the Christmas classic, "A Christmas Carol," opening Nov. 18 and running through Dec. 18. 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 www.drurylaneoakbrook.com. Parking is free.

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARTS CENTER, 1700 Spartan Drive, presents a new musical, "Under the Streetlamps," 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 Nov. 13, 14; tickets are $48 at (847) 622-0300 and at tickets.elgin.edu.

MARRIOTT THEATRE in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, continues its sparkling and innovative production of "Chorus Line," through Oct. 31. Tickets are $35-$48 at (847) 634-0200 and www.MarriottTheatre.com. Parking is always free!
River City meets Lincolnshire next month when Meredith Wilson's timeless musical, "The Music Man," opens Nov. 14 and runs through Jan. 9. 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.

MARRIOTT THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES presents "The Wizard of Oz" from Nov. 18-Dec. 30. Tickets are $15, same locations as above.

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC THEATER, presents the timeless comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace," Oct. 28-31 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.

OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE presents the award-winning "Cabaret" from Nov. 12-21 at Oak View Center, 4624 W. 110th St. Tickets are $21, $20 seniors and children, (708) 857-2200. Parking is free.

ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV brings down the house, well actually the Old Village Hall, 14413 Beacon, on Oct. 22 and Nov. 19 and into 2011. Showtime -- 8 p.m. and material geared to audiences 16 and older. Tickets are $6 at (708) 403-7275 and at www.orland-park.il.us.

PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS present "She Loves Me" from Nov. 5-13 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 www.pvp.org. Parking is free. Brandon Scala (from left), Ken Evans and Sarah Callis are in the pink.

PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE, home of Noble Fool Theatricals at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles kicks off the fall with award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger's who-dunnit, "Red Herring,"through Oct. 24. Tickets are $29-$39 at www.noblefool.org. and at (630) 584-6342. Look for an all-new theater company name next year!

An all-time favorite holiday classic, "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," will fill the stage from Nov. 5-Dec. 26. Rachel Rockwell directs. Tickets are $29.50-$39.50 and dinner packages are available. See above. Parking is free.

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE, STAGE 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, continues the Stephen Sondheim classic musical, "Sunday in the Park with George," through Oct. 31. Tickets are $38 with discounts for seniors, students and groups; (773) 327-5252 and at www.stage773.com. 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.

Opening Nov. 19 and running through Jan. 2, the company reprises its holiday hit from last year,"Miracle on 34th Street." Tickets are $38 during November, $40 after that; discounts for students, seniors, groups. See information above.

SPOTLIGHT THEATER presents "No Exit," runs Oct. 23-30 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 www.Spotlight-Theater.com. GSU parking is always free.

Laurie Metcalf, back on her home stage at STEPPENWOLF THEATRE, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, (312) 335-1650, once again reveals her extraordinary talent with the stellar ensemble in playwright Lisa D'Amour's phenomenal and absolutely riotously brilliant play, "Detroit," 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 Nov. 7. Tickets are $20-$70 at www.steppenwolf.org and (312) 335-1650. MINI REVIEW AT END OF BLOG.

EXTENDED AGAIN, now to Nov. 18 in the Upstairs Theatre, STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS presents the blockbuster classic, Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird." "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.
STEPPENWOLF presents its 6th annual First Look Repertory of New Work, Oct. 27-Nov. 14. 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 http://www.steppenwolf.org/watchlisten/videos/detail.aspx?id=105.

STRAY DOG THEATRE's production of the Mary Shelley classic"Frankenstein," runs Oct. 22-30 at Veterans Memorial Middle School, 12320 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Tickets are $10 at (708) 841-7396.

We hear "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" at THEATRE AT THE CENTER, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, where the musical based on the classic "Miracle on 34th Street" opens Nov. 11, running through Dec. 19. Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, at (800) 511-1552 and on the theater website at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. Parking at TATC is always free.

THEATRE AT THE CENTER'S THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES presents the always magical tale, "The Story of the Nutcracker," 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.

THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS, 4384 Hampton Ave., presents Noel Coward's "Waiting in the Wings," Oct. 21-31. 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 www.theatrewesternsprings.com. Free parking is available. Terry Harrold (from left), Marilyn Darnell and Jan Mahlstedt get into their roles in this Coward fare.

TINLEY PARK PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATRE brings Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical "Brighton Beach Memoirs" to the stage Nov. 19-21 at McCarthy Theater, 16801 S. 80th Ave. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students, (708) 342-4212.

MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS, Governors State University, University Park, packs a huge lineup of first-class entertainment into the next several weeks. At 8 p.m. Nov. 6, Ailey II Dance Company, tickets $38-$53, students, $29; 7 p.m. Nov. 12, DRUMLine Live, tickets $39-$46; 3 p.m. Nov. 13, "Ralph's World -- A Special Concert Event" starring Ralph Covert, tickets under $15. At 5 p.m. Dec. 11 Salt Creek Ballet returns with "The Nutcracker." 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 www.centertickets.net and at (708) 235-2222. Parking is always free.

Maestro Carmon DeLeone opens his 25th anniversary year and final season with the award-winning Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra the weekend of Nov. 13-14 with "Manhattan Maestros." 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 www.ipomusic.org.

SPERTUS INSTITUTE OF JEWISH STUDIES, 610 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, presents a rare musical event, "Music by Jewish Musicians at the Court of Henry VIII," 6 p.m. Oct. 28. Admission is $18, $10 for members, $8 students. Details at www.spertus.edu and at (312) 322-1773.

POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES AND MORE

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, continues the interactive exhibit "The Nomadic Studio" through Nov. 21. This exhibit event is a "collaborative workplace for DePaul and the surrounding community."Details at http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/ 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.

FLOATING WORLD GALLERY, 1925 N. Halsted St., Chicago, presents its newest gallery show, "Creating What Has Never Been," an exhibition of Japanese post-war paintings and contemporary ceramics on display through Nov. 19; gallery hours 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment, (312) 587-7800 and at artworks@floatingworld.com.

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, currently features Paul Andrew Wandless' "Aesthetic Inquiry" exhibit, through Nov. 11. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

TALL GRASS ARTS FALL FILM SERIES presents the final film of the season on Nov. 14, "A Prophet." 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.

UNION STREET GALLERY, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights gears up for another juried event, "Either/OR" through Nov. 26. All the details for artists and visitors, including gallery hours, are at www.unionstreetgallery.org and at (708) 754-2601. Artwork details and artists will be in this spot as soon as they arrive.

MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE

View the skies through some of the world's "Great Observatories in 3D," an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 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. www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, 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. Tuesdays are for the general audience: Nov. 9, "Skies of Winter" and Nov 23, "How to Buy a Telescope." .Meanwhile, shows at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays are for the younger set: Nov. 4, "We Go to the Moon" and Dec. 2, "Christmas Star." Shows at 2:30 p.m. Sundays also are geared to the younger set: Dec. 19, "The Christmas Star." 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.

Chagall returns to THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111. S. MIchigan Ave. After five years of intensive research and conservation treatment, Marc Chagall's "America Windows" 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 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 www.artic.edu.

There's always lots of stuff going on at BROOKFIELD ZOO, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000. zoo's Creatures of the Night events continue through Halloween, Oct. 31. The brave and daring can take a walk along the "Trail of Terror" or ride the Tram of Terror (one creepy scene at right) to see monsters and all sorts of gruesome creatures. All the info you need for a day or scary evening at Brookfied is at www.brookfieldzoo.org.

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, 1801 N. Clark, (312) 642-4600, presents a new ongoing look at "Facing Freedom," 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 www.chicagohistory.org.

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, brings to life "Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services," 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 (773) 947-0600 and www.dusablemuseum.org.

Where will you find a room completely covered in gold?? FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, newest exhibit, "GOLD," continues through March 6. 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 at right -- and so much more. Couples married for 50 years -- with proof -- have a special day coming up at the museum on Dec. 4. All the golden anniversary day details are at http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CalendarSystem/program_item.asp?ID=2035 . All other museum details, include planning your visit, are at the details at www.fieldmuseum.org and at (312) 922-9410.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 220 E. Chicago Ave., continues its fall performance season at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12-13 with Stew and the Negro Problem. 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 www.mcachicago.org; $10 student tickets subject to availability. Also an exhibit of works by Belgian contemporary artist Luc Tuymans remains open through Jan. 9.

The Muppets are in Chicago. Yes, "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" runs through Jan. 23 at one of the world's most popular sites, Chicago's own MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 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.

Go for Four at SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, www.sheddaquarium.org. Join in for "Dora and Diego in their 3-D Adventure: Catch the Robot Butterfly" 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 families@sheddaquarium.org or calling (312) 692-3206. Everything you need is at the aquarium website above and at (312) 939-2438.

Steppenwolf: Backyard barbecues head out of control ... and raunchy

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.

   Imagine an absolutely hysterical, and much shorter "Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolf?" set in the much trendier and tech-linked 21st century.
   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.
   "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."
   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.
   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.