entertainment
Believable chaos results in ‘Unnecessary Farce’
Paul Slade Smith of Oak Park was the first to laugh at “Unnecessary Farce,” the comedy now on stage at Mayslake Peabody Estate. Years later, the playwright said he laughed again as he watched actors from First Folio Theatre prepare his play for the Oak …
Stamping out fine, family feeling in ‘Mauritius’
Stamp collecting might not seem like the stuff of dramatic theater. The Theatre of Western Springs will prove otherwise when it stages its second Forum production of the 83rd season, “Mauritius.” The play by Theresa Rebeck is named for the place where some of the …
New this week on video
Shakespeare turns out to have been a bit of a poser in the historical drama “Anonymous” and Santa Claus turns out to be a bit of a stoner in “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas.”
Music of Abba at McAninch Center
“The Music of ABBA: Featuring Arrival,” will take place at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Tickets are $42; $40 for seniors; $32 for youth. First- and second-row tickets are $57-$67. Call (630) …
Mayes sings songs her mother can love
Had Sally Mayes’ mother shared her daughter’s love of obscure music, perhaps this show might never have gotten off the ground. As it is, the cabaret artist’s mother wanted to hear songs she recognized. Thus, Mayes made an album of jazz standards called “Valentine.” It’s …
All the necessary hijinx for an exuberant ‘Farce’
Fast paced, totally silly and punctuated by sexual shenanigans and constantly slamming doors, “Unnecessary Farce” has all the joyfully ridiculous elements of a classic farce. Sure, Paul Slade Smith’s romp of frequently pantsless cops, Scottish mafia dons (who knew?) and clueless politicos (please to excuse …
Arts and entertainment calendar for Feb. 9
Stage
“Accidental Rapture,” a comedy about faith, friendship and the end of the world, will be presented through Feb. 18 by 16th Street Theater at the Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. Richard and Kim believe in God. Amy and Paul don’t. So when …
Greed pays for ‘Sly Fox’ at TWS
It’s been 400 years since the first production of Ben Jonson’s “Volpone” (“The Fox”), but a play that makes fun of insatiable greed is never going to have timeliness trouble — especially after it’s been updated by one of the 20th century’s most successful comedy …
Family Friendly: ‘Goldilocks’ on trial in Darien
Children’s Theatre of Western Springs courts a young audience. Or visit the World of Pooh and friends in Hinsdale, get a taste of the Chocolate Expo in Lisle or experience the 3D Funny Face Collage Portraits workshop in La Grange.
West Suburban Symphony in concert
Elizabeth Norman, soprano, Christopher Joyner, tenor and Robert Sims, baritone, will be the soloists when the West Suburban Symphony, conducted by Peter Lipari, performs selections from “Show Boat” and “Porgy & Bess” at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at York High School, 355 W. St. Charles …
Candlelight theater holds a reunion
“A Chorus Line” was just one of the great shows produced during the 38-year life of America’s first dinner theater, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, which closed in 1997. A gala reunion of the people who created and, for 38 years, led Candlelight takes place from 6:30p.m.-12:30 …
Chicago a cappella sings spirituals
“Wade in the Water” is the name of one of the more well-known African-American spirituals, and it is also the title of the latest concert from Chicago a cappella. Chicago a cappella performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central …
Blackhurst’s Rose is ferocious heart of ‘Gypsy’
Everything is, indeed, coming up roses for the Drury Lane Oak Brook production of “Gypsy,” thanks in no small part to a galvanizing performance by Klea Blackhurst. The all-American story of a mother in relentless search of the American Dream and the daughter she pushes …
Arts and entertainment calendar for Feb. 2
Stage
“Accidental Rapture,” a comedy about faith, friendship and the end of the world, will be presented through Feb. 18 by 16th Street Theater at the Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. Richard and Kim believe in God. Amy and Paul don’t. So when …
Chillax, dudes: Go to Oak Brook Winterfest
Be cool in the cold weather. There’s a Winterfest in Oak Brook, groundhog-themed doings in Lisle and at Oakbrook Center and the Thomas Ford Memorial Library’s 80th anniversary celebration in Western Springs.
‘Gypsy’ opens at Drury Lane
The term “triple threat” typically is reserved for that rare performer whose voice, acting and dancing skills are equally exceptional. But Bill Osetek, artistic director at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, said the term also applies to the theater’s current production, “Gypsy.” “Some would say it’s …
