Arts and entertainment calendar for Aug. 30

Updated: October 1, 2012 4:03PM

Stage

“Grease”

Sept. 12-Oct. 7 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora. Tickets: $34.90-$46.90. Visit www.paramountaurora.com or call (630) 896-6666.

“The Heiress”

Presented Sept. 7-30 at Wheaton Drama, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Is the dashing young man interested in shy Catherine or her money? Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $13-$16. Visit www.wheatondrama.org or call (630) 260-1820.

“The Lady with All the Answers”

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents Amelia Barrett in a one-woman show drawn from the life and letters of advice columnist Ann Landers, Sept. 6-23 in the Building K Theatre at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25-$33; $23-$31 for students and seniors. Call (630) 942-4000 or visit www.AtTheMAC.org.

“Love and Drowning”

16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn, presents the world premiere of Will Dunne’s exploration of near-death experience, Sept. 20-Oct. 27. Ella and Hank Harding have drowned. Or have they? After a boating accident that left them both clinically dead, the resuscitated couple now find themselves at a strange, remote institute where life isn’t what it used to be. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays. $18 for general admission; $10 for student rush tickets (limited amount available day of show only). Call (708) 795-6704 or visit www.16thstreettheater.org.

“Moonlight and Magnolias”

The comedy will be performed Sept. 6-16 at the Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave. Set in 1939, Hollywood producer David O. Selznick has big problems with his movie, “Gone With the Wind.” Tickets: $18 and $20. Call (708) 246-3380 or visit www.theatrewesternsprings.com.

“Sirens”

Presented by Fox Valley Repertory through Oct. 7 at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Thursday performance at 2 p.m. Sept. 13. Tickets: $32-$42. Dinner show packages are available from $52. Call (630) 584-6342 or visit www.foxvalleyrep.org.

“Xanadu”

Sept. 6-Oct. 28 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The performance schedule is 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. $35-$46, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. Lunch and dinner packages available for $49.75-$68. Call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

Classical

Sinfonietta Bel Canto

The chamber orchestra and opera group starts its third season, themed “Forgotten Gems,” at 3 p.m. Sept. 23 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5211 Carpenter St., Downers Grove. “SBC Tribute: Hinsdale Music Club” features works by Reinecke and Saint-Saëns. Tickets in advance are $17; $14 senior citizens; $5 students; free admission for children 7 and under, accompanied by a parent. Tickets purchased at the door are $19/$16/$7. Visit www.SinfoniettaBelCanto.org or call (630) 384-5007.

Pop/folk/jazz

Cantigny Park

1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 260-8218. www.cantigny.org. Sept. 2, 3 p.m.: Naperville Big Band performs at the bandshell. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid parking of $5. Sept. 3, 3 p.m.: Fast Eddie & the Corvettes play music of the ‘50s through the ‘70s at the bandshell. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid parking of $5.

Drury Lane Theatre

100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111. www.drurylaneoakbrook.com. Sept. 17, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m.: Hollywood entertainer Debbie Reynolds will perform a variety show that features Broadway favorites and comedy. $55; lunch and dinner packages are available from $70-$74.

Akoo Theatre at Rosemont

5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information about the theater, visit www.rosemonttheatre.com. Oct. 21, 7 p.m.: Celtic Thunder. $32.50, $49.50, $65, $75. Nov. 17, 8 p.m.: Australian Pink Floyd.

Allstate Arena

6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com. Parking is $20, cash only. Oct. 11, 7 p.m.: “Twins Of Evil Tour,” featuring Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, with special guest J Devil, the DJ alter ego of KoRn’s frontman Jonathan Davis. $39.50, $49.50, $59.50, $69.50.

The Arcada Theatre

105 E. Main Street, St. Charles. (630) 962-7000. www.oshows.com. Sept. 4, 8 p.m.: Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. $39-$95. Sept. 7, 8 p.m.: An Evening With Kenny Rogers. $69-$125. Sept. 14, 8 p.m.: Three Dog Night. $29-$75. Sept. 15, 8 p.m.: “Three Faces of Elvis,” starring winners of the international Elvis competition at Graceland. $29-$59. Sept. 21, 8 p.m.: Kansas. $39-$79. Sept. 22, 8 p.m.: Branford Marsalis. $39-$89.

FitzGerald’s

6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 788-2118. www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Open mic in the SideBar. Aug. 30, 8 p.m.: Country Night in Berwyn with Honky Tonk Parade, Crazee Heart and The rEZIDUALS. $5. Aug. 31, 8:30 p.m.: Yellow Dubmarine in the tent (reggae/Beatles tribute). $10. Aug. 31, 9 p.m.: Jimmy Thackery in the Club (blues). $15. Sept. 7, 8:30 p.m.: Bonnie Koloc CD release show (folk). $25. Sept. 13, 9 p.m.: Fred Eaglesmith Tin Can Tour (country). $15. Sept. 14, 9 p.m.: The Fleshtones with Expo ’76 (rock). $12. Sept. 22, 9 p.m.: Heartsfield (rock). $15. Sept. 27, 8 p.m.: Los Straitjackets with Daddy-o-Grande plus Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys (rockabilly). $20. Sept. 28, 9 p.m.: Los Straitjackets plus Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys (rockabilly). $20. Sept. 29, 9 p.m.: Elaine Stepter and the Jackson Street Band, with The Velvet Jimis (R&B/soul). $15.

Jazz Faculty Concert Series

Presents an evening with jazz guitarist John McLean at 8 p.m. Sept. 14 at North Central College’s Wentz Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $20 general admission; $15 for students and senior citizens. Call (630) 637-7469 or visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/show.

Two Way Street Coffee House

1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. (630) 969-9720. www.twowaystreet.org. Folk/Americana music at 8:15 p.m. Fridays for a $7 cover, unless noted otherwise. Sept. 28: Four Shillings Short, 21st century bards who play more than 30 world instruments.

Art Galleries

La Grange Art League Gallery and Studio

122 W. Calendar Ave., La Grange. (708) 352-3101. www.lagrangeartleague.org. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. August: “Memories,” featuring impressionistic, realistic and abstract images done in pastels, pencil, oils, watercolor, mixed media and fiber arts, with the theme of people and experiences from the past. September: “Through A Traveler’s Eyes.”

Elmhurst Art Museum

150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202. www.elmhurstartmuseum.org. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays; closed Sundays and Mondays. Admission: $7; $5 for students and senior citizens; free for children under 12 and members. Free admission on Fridays. Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m.: Opening reception for “No Rules: Contemporary Clay,” featuring wine and appetizers. The exhibit is on display through Jan. 5. Sept. 8, 2 p.m.: City Souvenirs Elmhurst Walk with artists Nicole Seisler and Liene Bosque. Participants will use blocks of wet porcelain to make impressions of architectural details and urban surfaces. Impressions will be on display in the museum during the run of the ceramic show. Free; no advance registration required.

Auditions & Opportunities

Senior Suburban Orchestra

Seeking new members, including strings, wind and percussion. Rehearsals begin at 1 p.m. Sept. 4 at Oak Trace, 200 Village Drive, Downers Grove. For information, call Lori Davis, (630) 935-7103.

Wheaton Drama

Holding non-Equity auditions for “The Sound of Music” at Wheaton Drama, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Children: Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sept. 9, 6:30-9 p.m. by appointment only to jaliesz@hotmail.com. Adults: Sept. 16-17, 7-10 p.m.; no appointments needed. Visit www.wheatondrama.org for full audition notice and instructions.

Acappellago

The volunteer acappella chamber choir that performs in the western suburbs seeks additional singers. Auditions will be held Sept. 9 in Naperville, and at other times by appointment. Tenors and basses are especially needed, but all voice parts are encouraged to audition. Concert dates for 2012-13 are Dec. 1-2 and March 16-17. For more information, visit www.acappellago.org; call (708)484-3797, ext. 2; or e-mail music@acappellago.org.

“Beyond Glee!”

The adult performance-based chorus will hold auditions from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Wheaton Park District Leisure Center, 208 W. Union, Wheaton. Music selections will include classics, show tunes and ballads. No previous experience is necessary. The ability to read music is helpful but not required. Rehearsals will be held from 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Sept. 20, at the Leisure Center. An annual fee of $99 includes all music, professional accompanist and a choral director. To sign up for an audition, contact Linda Dolan at (630) 510-5030 or ldolan@wheatonparks.org.

Elmhurst Choral Union

Seeking singers for its 2012-13 season, featuring Handel’s “Messiah.” Membership is open to singers with previous choral experience or the ability to read music. Singers in all voice ranges are sought, especially tenors and basses. To reserve an audition appointment on Sept. 17 or for more information, visit www.elmhurstchoralunion.org or call (630) 758-1100. Rehearsals begin Sept. 24 on the campus of Elmhurst College.

Men of Spirito!

The chorale group of men 18 years of age or older seeks new members. The Men of Spirito! rehearse from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays and perform in the western suburbs. For information, call (630) 941-0744 or e-mail spirito@spiritosingers.org.

College of DuPage College Theatre

Holding auditions for its fall productions of “The Nerd” and “A Christmas Carol” at 10 a.m. Sept. 8 and 4 p.m. Sept. 9 in Building K, Room 103, on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. “The Nerd” will be staged Oct. 19-28 and “A Christmas Carol” will be staged Nov. 22-Dec. 2. Auditions for both productions include cold readings with optional monologues. No experience is necessary. “Christmas Carol” auditions are for adults only; young actors will audition at a later date. For more information, call (630) 942-4000.

Graue Mill and Museum

The Oak Brook museum invites all photography enthusiasts to submit works for its annual juried photography exhibition. The exhibition includes divisions for both adult and youth (junior high and younger) and cash awards for each category. There are no limits as to subject but photos must have been completed during the last three years. The winning and other selected photographs will be on exhibit in the Frederick Graue House Oct. 5-13. For more information or to receive an entry application, call (630) 920-9720.

Lemont Artists Guild

Seeking entrants for its juried fine art show, “Love of Art,” to be held Nov. 3. Applications are available at www.lemontartistsguild.org. Application deadline is Sept. 30. For more information, contact Liz Pop at (815) 341-1145 or Lizzypopp@hotmail.com.

Pumpkins ‘n Holly Craft Show

Seeking crafters for its Nov. 17 show and bake sale at St. Barbara Parish Center, 4015 Prairie Ave. Brookfield. Spaces are 9 feet wide by 8 feet deep and are $25; tables to rent are 8 feet wide by 2 feet deep and cost $10; electric hook-up is $5. No vendors please. Call (708) 485-1962 for an application.

Books and poetry

Anderson’s Bookshop

123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665. www.andersonsbookshop.com. Sept. 10, 7 p.m.: Terry Brooks discusses and signs Wards of Faerie.

Young Adult Literature Conference

The event, sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop, will be held 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 29 at Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Lane, Naperville. The day includes author appearances, breakout sessions, book talks, continental breakfast and luncheon. $99; $75 for full-time students (with proof of current school registration). Registration required; call (630) 820-2802.

Comedy

Big Time Comedy Jam

At 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Best Western Hotel, 4400 Frontage Road, Hillside. Hosted by BLT, with Marcus Combs, Hustle Man and Diane Corder. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Call (847) 630-5318.

Paramount Theatre

23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 896-6666. www.paramountaurora.com. Sept. 8, 8 p.m.: Comedian Rodney Carrington. Rated R for strong adult language and content. $49-$59. Oct. 12, 8 p.m.: Capitol Steps present political satire. Rated PG for some adult content. $30-$35.

Zanies Comedy Club

Located at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 584-6342. www.zanies.com. Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Ralphie Roberts.

Dance

Willowbrook Ballroom

8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. www.willowbrookballroom.com. (708) 839-1000. Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m.: Swing dancing with the Flat Cats Band. $12; $10 for students with ID. Sept. 2 and 23, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Steve Anthony Orchestra, $14. No jeans or gym shoes. Sept. 4, 11 and 18, 7:30-10 p.m.: Country and western lessons and dance, $8. Sept. 5, 12 and 19, 7:30-11 p.m.: Salsa lessons and dance, $10. No partner needed. Sept. 7, 8 p.m.: Good Time Charley Singles Dance. Admission is $6 before 8:15 p.m.; $8 after. Sept. 8, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.: Tejano dance with Avizo. $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Visit www.yellowrosetejanomusicpromotions.com. Sept. 9: Foxtrot lesson from 12:30-1:30 p.m., $20. Ballroom dancing to music by The Teddy Lee Orchestra, 2-5 p.m., $14. No jeans or gym shoes. Sept. 16, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Steve Cooper Orchestra, $14. No jeans or gym shoes.

Festivals and fairs

Country fair

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Kline Creek Farm, an 1890s living-history farm located at 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago, hosts an old-fashioned country fair from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 1- 2. The free event includes entertainment, contests, livestock and hayrack rides. Call (630) 876-5900.

Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival

Festival held Sept. 2-3 at Island Park in downtown Geneva, featuring music and entertainment on eight stages from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Also including an old-time community barn dance at 6 p.m. Sunday and ghost stories on the main music stage tent at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Daily admission: $15; $10 teens and seniors; free for children 12 and under. Free parking at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva. In addition, there will be a Midnight Special Festival Concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 102 S. Second St., Geneva, as a live remote broadcast on WFMT 98.7 FM; $20 in advance, $25 at the door; $15/$20 for students and seniors. Visit www.foxvalleyfolk.com.

Fall Fun Fest

The festival will be 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 8 at First United Methodist Church of Lombard, 155 S. Main St. The day includes face painting, a moonwalk, arts and crafts activities, games, music, entertainment and more. Admission is free. Handmade crafts from the Appalachians and food will be available for purchase. Visit www.FirstMethodistLombard.org.

Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival

Held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 8-9 at the intersection of Main Street and Burlington Avenue, featuring works by more than 125 artists, live music, food and children’s activities. Free admission. Call (847) 926-4300 or visit www.amdurproductions.com.

West End Art Festival

Held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 15 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16 near Stone Avenue Station along Burlington Avenue between Brainard and Waiola avenues, La Grange. The festival hosts more than 60 jury-selected artists, as well as local food vendors. An Evening of Art and Jazz, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 14, will kick off the festival. The evening includes an artist preview and sale and live jazz music by the Marlene Rosenberg Quartet featuring Tammy McCann. A cash bar and food from local restaurants are also part of the event. Visit www.lgba.com.

Oktoberfest Fall Family Festival

Held from 4-11 p.m. Sept. 29 at St. Louise De Marillac Parish, 31st and Harrison avenues, LaGrange Park. Featuring Oktoberfest food available for purchase, children’s carnival games from 4-7 p.m., and music by The Sylvies from 8-11 p.m. Free admission. Call (708) 352-7388.

Film

The After Hours Film Society

Screening films at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Admission is $9; $5 for members, unless noted otherwise. For information, call (630) 534-4528 or visit www.afterhoursfilmsociety.com. Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.: “Goodbye First Love.”

Organizations

DuPage Textile Arts Guild

Presenting a lecture and workshop on creating fiber art dolls at 10 a.m. Sept. 10 at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst. All skill levels are welcome. Lecture free; workshop $45. Call (630) 964-2614.

Workshops & Classes

La Grange Art League Gallery and Studio

122 W. Calendar Ave., La Grange. (708) 352-3101. www.lagrangeartleague.org. Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: More Chicks Painting event; visit www.morechickspainting.com for details. Sept. 8-9, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Nina’s Creative Color: Colored Pencil Workshop, presented by Nina Weiss. Sept. 22-23, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Abstract painter Jeff Hirst will teach a silkscreen and encaustic workshop. Sept. 30: Joanne Laudolff presents a botanical printing and collage workshop.

Etc.

EAAs Warbird Squadron 4

Hosting the arrival of the World War II Boeing B-17 bomber, Aluminum Overcast, Aug. 31-Sept. 2 at Lewis University Airport on Renwick Road, Romeoville. Passengers can explore various crew stations during 30-minute rides. Advance ride bookings are $449; walk-up prices slightly higher. Ground tours are $10; $20 per family; free for children under age 8 and veterans. Other World War II aircraft will be on hand, and food is available for purchase. Parking is free. Call (800) 359-6217 or visit www.b17.org.

Taps 150 Ice Cream Social

Held from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 29 at Helping Hand Center, 9649 W. l55th St., Countryside. The Civil War-themed event includes a reading of the Gettysburg Address, a program of patriotic songs by the Divine Infant Choir of Westchester, The Strings of Faith, Chimes Ensemble and the Marci Night Brigade Band. At the close of the show Bugles Across America will sound Taps in unison. Free admission. Visit www.Taps150.org.

Museums

DuPage County Historical Museum

102 E. Wesley Ave., Wheaton. www.dupagemuseum.org. (630) 510-4941. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated. Suggested donation amount is $4; $2 for children and students. Through Sept. 3: “Once Upon a Time,” a collection of late-18th to mid-19th century French clothing, accessories and furniture.

Elmhurst Historical Museum

120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 833-1457. www.elmhursthistory.org. Admission is free. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Through Sept. 30: “Sweet Home Chicago: The History of America’s Candy Capital.” Learn about Chicago’s candy-making history while experiencing interactive displays with nostalgic photos and artifacts, watch a video narrated by Bill Kurtis, and take on the Twisted Candy Challenge to test candy-wrapping skills.

Flagg Creek Heritage Society Museum

7425 S. Wolf Road, Burr Ridge, and the Robert Vial House, 7375 S. Wolf Road, Burr Ridge. (708) 246-1064. www.flaggcreekheritagesociety.com. Through Oct. 7 the Heritage Society Museum will exhibit “Post-War and Mid-Century Modern Home Life,” featuring a period den with furnishings, carpet and fabrics augmented by kitchen gear, toys, magazines, model cars and more. Visitors to the Robert Vial House will view “The Fabulous Fifties,” an exhibit of 1950s fashions for women and men. Flagg Creek Heritage Society Museum is open from 2-4 p.m. the first Sunday of the month. The Vial House is open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

220 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616. www.lizzadromuseum.org. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed Mondays. Admission: $4; $3 senior citizens; $2 students and teens; $1 for children ages 7-12; free for children under 7. Free admission on Fridays. Through Sept. 9: “Healing Stones,” showing an alternative use of minerals and rocks as a healing modality. Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-noon: Lapidary Lorel Abrell teaches participants how to carve soapstone, using simple tools and techniques. All materials are provided. $15 per person; reservations required. Sept. 29: Celebrate Smithsonian Museum Day: Contemporary Stone Mosaics. As a Smithsonian Affiliate the museum will feature a special exhibit from the Smithsonian Museum. Free admission will be offered to visitors presenting a Museum Day Ticket, available online at www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday. At 2 p.m. Gwyn Kaitis will present contemporary mosaic techniques and the use of natural materials in mosaics.

Naper Settlement

The outdoor history museum is located at 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Naper Settlement has 30 historic structures ranging from a rustic log cabin to a Victorian mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places. www.napersettlement.museum. (630) 420-6010. General admission is $12; $10 seniors; $8 youth 4-12; free for Naperville residents, members and children 3 and under. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sundays.

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