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North Shore Theatre Guide: February 2012

Sirens

February 3 – March 4 at 8:00 pm (3:00 on Sundays)
Citadel Theatre’s West Campus, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest

A romantic comedy starring the husband and wide team of Ellen and Scott Phelps. Call 847-735-8554 or visit www.citadeltheatre.org

The Bluest Eye

February 3-4 at 8 pm; January 29 and February 5 at 2 pm
Northwestern’s Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston

Based on Tino Morrison’s first novel about a year in the life of a young black girl, named Pecola, in Lorain, Ohio, against the backdrop of America’s Midwest and the years following the Depression. Call 847-491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu

Black Pearl Sings

Through February 19
Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

Highlighted by beautiful, a cappella renditions of little known American folk songs, this play tells the Depression-era story of two extraordinary women: a gifted singer stuck in a Texas prison and the Library of Congress song collector who is determined to introduce her silky voice and steely spirit to the world. Featuring E. Faye Butler. Tickets and showtimes.

The Girl in the Yellow Dress

Through February 26
Next Theatre Company, Noyes Cultural Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston

When Pierre, a French-Congolese pupil, signs up for English lessons with Celia, a beautiful young white teacher, they both get more than they bargained for. Set in contemporary Paris, this gripping new play explores the ways in which class, race, and language continue to divide us. Tickets and showtimes.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Through April 1, 2012
Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire

When college sweetheart and sorority queen, Elle Woods, gets dumped by her boyfriend she is determined to get him back. So she grabs her Chihuahua, puts down her credit cards, hits the books and sets out to go where no other Delta Nu has gone before – to join him at Harvard Law School. The verdict is that this much fun should not be legal! From sunny California to the Harvard Halls of Justice this all-singing, all-dancing feel good musical will be the highlight of your year. Call 847-634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com

The Caretaker

Through March 25, 2012
Writer’s Theatre, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe

Aston brings Davies, a fast talking tramp, to his cramped home full of odds and ends—best characterized as junk—offering him a bed and a much needed place to get on his feet.  Davies quickly realizes that Aston and his brother Mick have a different take on the world around them.  From Aston’s constant puttering and half finished fix-it jobs to Mick’s grand plans for the future, the three become an unlikely trio desperately trying to connect but always missing the mark. Written by Harold Pinter. Go here for tickets and showtimes.

Tags: North Shore Theater, theatre guide

Family Fun on the North Shore – February 2012

It’s cold and gray out but there’s no snow for the kids to play in. What to do to keep them busy and happy? Here are some ideas…

Rapunzel

February 4 & 5 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Most suitors would shy away from pursuing a girl who ives in a tower, especially if her mother is a witch. But that doesn’t deter one prince in Winnetka Theatre’s production of “Rapunzel.”  Geared to kids ages 3-10. Tickets $12. Call 847-604-0275.

From Bitter to Sweet : How Chocolate is Made

February 4 and 18 from 9:30-11:00 am or 1:00-2:30 pm
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe

You and your kids will learn how chocolate is made from bitter cacao beans.  Participants will take home chocolate mint and chocolate pepper plants. Tickets: $22 per non-member child; discounted for members. Call 847-835-6801 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

History of Toy Trains V

February 4 11:00-3:00 and February 5 1:00-4:00
Highland Park Historical Society Museum, 326 Central Ave., Highland Park

A collection and operating layout of rare American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains built between 1910 and 1935. Tickets: $5 per person or $12 per family

Bunnicula – A Rabbit Tale of Mystery

February 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook

Chester the cat is convinced that the bunny that the Monroe family found at a screening of “Dracula” is actually a vampire. A musical comedy based on the classic children’s novel by James and Deborah Howe. This comic spoof of horror stories is not scary at all but a laugh-fest that will delight our audiences. Tickets: $8 in advance; $10 online or at the door. Call 847-291-2367 or visit www.nbparks.org

House Haunters!

February 9 and 10 at 7:00 pm and February 11 at 10:30 am
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

An original musical comedy presented by Winnetka Children’s Hour and performed by local children ages 5-14. This show is the story of three families who must spend the night  with some silly, mischievous ghosts in order to save a mysterious mansion. Call 847-784-0720 or visit www.winnetkachildrenshour.org.

Bingo Night

February 11 at 6:30 pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Everyone will enjoy this annual event, complete with kid and adult beverages. Cost is $15 per person. Call 847-446-0537 or visit www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org

Mindy Hester and the Time-Outs

February 18 at 10:00 am
Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave, Wilmette

Mindy Hester and the Time-Outs perform kid-friendly rock. $10 in advance; $12 at the door

Ralph’s World

February 19 at 2:00 pm
Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center,

Rock and Roll for the entire family. Ralph’s World is the mega-fun musical planet where kids rock rock rock and dance dance dance to their own and their parents’ delight. It’s the creation of Ralph Covert: indie rocker, songwriter, playwright, and children’s book author. He’s taken the same high-energy and super-melodic sense that he developed for his touring pop-rock band to kid’s music- basically only the lyrics are changed for the ears of the innocent.  His McCartneyesque style (both musically and his sense of charm) has won him hundreds of thousands of three-feet-and-under fans and their parents.Tickets: $15 adults; $10 children. Call 847-415-4121 or visit www.d125.org/foundation

Sonic Sensation

through May 13
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview.

An exhibit that allows children to explore sounds through interactive experiences. Eleven stations feature the anatomy and physics of how we hear, information about decibels, amplitude, frequency, pitch and sound waves, and what you can do to protect your hearing. (847) 832-6600. www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids

North Shore Theatre Guide: January 2012

Looking for some good theatre but don’t want to make the trek downtown? No worries. The North Shore theatre scene has plenty to offer.

Black Pearl Sings

January 13 – February 19
Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

Highlighted by beautiful, a cappella renditions of little known American folk songs, this play tells the Depression-era story of two extraordinary women: a gifted singer stuck in a Texas prison and the Library of Congress song collector who is determined to introduce her silky voice and steely spirit to the world. Featuring E. Faye Butler. Tickets and showtimes.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

January 18- April 1, 2012
Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire

When college sweetheart and sorority queen, Elle Woods, gets dumped by her boyfriend she is determined to get him back. So she grabs her Chihuahua, puts down her credit cards, hits the books and sets out to go where no other Delta Nu has gone before – to join him at Harvard Law School. The verdict is that this much fun should not be legal! From sunny California to the Harvard Halls of Justice this all-singing, all-dancing feel good musical will be the highlight of your year. Call 847-634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com

The Caretaker

Through March 25, 2012
Writer’s Theatre, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe

Aston brings Davies, a fast talking tramp, to his cramped home full of odds and ends—best characterized as junk—offering him a bed and a much needed place to get on his feet.  Davies quickly realizes that Aston and his brother Mick have a different take on the world around them.  From Aston’s constant puttering and half finished fix-it jobs to Mick’s grand plans for the future, the three become an unlikely trio desperately trying to connect but always missing the mark. Written by Harold Pinter. Go here for tickets and showtimes.
Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: plays and performances, theatre guide

Family Fun on the North Shore: January 2012

Here are some fun things to do with the kids on the North Shore this month, both outside and indoors.

Family Skate and Curling Night

January 6 from 8-10 pm
Watts Center, 305 Randolph, Glencoe

It’s Elvis night at open skate so come enjoy his greatest hits as you circle the rink. Also try curling and find out what the big attraction is. Adults $7; kids $5.

Glencoe Winter Carnival

January 14 from 1:00-4:00
Watts Center, 305 Randolph, Glencoe

Participate in all kinds of winter activities: skating races, hockey shooting contest, broom ball, dog sledding, ice sculpting, sledding and eating s’mores by the campfire. 847-835-7974

Northbrook Winter Carnival

January 14 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Meadowhill Park, Shermer and Meadow, Northbrook

The free family event offers snowboarding and dogsled demonstrations, ice skating, a snowshoe obstacle course, chili cook-off and tasting, sled decorating contest, family games, DJ music, food, and a bonfire with free s’mores.  (847)291-2995

Free Kids’ Film Festival at the Mette

Saturday, January 14 and 21 at 10:00 am
Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette

Kung Fu Panda – January 14
How to Train Your Dragon – January 21
www.wilmettetheatre.com/events

Charlotte’s Web: The Musical

Jan. 16 at 11 am
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Join Charlotte, Wilbur, Fern and all the other famous characters from the classic E. B. White book. In this exciting and touching musical, Charlotte tries to save Wilbur’s life and everyone learns the true meaning of friendship. Tickets: $5. Call 847-446-0537.
http://www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org/2011/12/21/coming-january-16-charlottes-web-the-musical/
Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids

Wonderful Wonderland Express

If there is one activity I can recommend for families with kids this holiday season, it is a visit to the Wonderland Express at the Chicago Botanic Garden. You will realize how aptly named it is when you see your kids’ eyes widen with wonder when the first train rounds the curve amid a miniature landscape of seasonal greens and flowers and buildings made from bark, twigs and moss. Frankly, even adults are fairly awestruck when they visit for the first time.

Wonderland Express is a 10,000-square-foot exhibition of miniature trains that wind through more than 80 miniature Chicago-area landmarks, including Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Chicago Stadium, the Chinatown Arch, the Art Institute, the South Shore Cultural Center, the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House, old Comiskey Park.

All buildings are handcrafted from natural materials like leaves, bark, and moss. Meanwhile, Krehbiel Gallery will be transformed into an English country train platform, and a seven-minute video will run in the auditorium, showing the Busse workshop and crew at work as they developed Wonderland Express.

Wonderland Express is open until January 1st from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (the exhibit closes at 3:00 on December 24 and is closed all day December 25). Admission for adults is $8.00 for members and $10 for non-members. Children 3-12 and seniors are $6 members/$8 non-members. Children under 2 get in free. This is a very popular exhibit so you should buy your tickets ahead to ensure you can get in on the day you want to go.

Related articles:

Railroad Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Tags: Chicago Botanic Garden, Wonderland Express

Seeing Santa on Chicago’s North Shore in 2011

My youngest has finally admitted that she no longer believes in Santa. It’s one of those milestones that makes me sad because I know that Christmas morning will never be quite the same again. But for those of you on the North Shore whose kids still believe, you’ll have lots of chances to enjoy their wonder and excitement as they meet Santa Claus and tell him what they want for Christmas. Here’s where you can see, talk to, have pictures taken and even eat with the jolly old guy.

Coldwell Banker Holiday Event

568 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
December 3
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Have your picture taken with Santa at Coldwell Banker Winnetka’s annual holiday celebration.

Breakfast with Santa at Bravo in The Glen

Bravo Cucina Italiana, 2600 Navy Blvd., Glenview
December 3
8:30-10:30 am

Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and take photos with Santa (Don’t forget your camera!). There will also be coloring activities and a holiday treat bag!
COST: $5.95 Children, $10.95 Adults
RSVP In advance at 847-724-8400 – Limited seating is available.

Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Book Market, 2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview
December 3
10:00-10:40

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special visit to The Book Market at Hangar One where children can listen to holiday favorites read by Mrs. Claus and take pictures with Santa. Bring your camera to take pictures and enjoy a special holiday gift for attending. Free.

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Tags: Santa Claus

Things To Do With The Kids Over Thanksgiving Break

When I was a kid, we got Thanksgiving Day and the day after off school. Four days was a welcome break, but wasn’t so long that boredom and cabin fever set in. Nowadays it seems like most schools have the whole week off. What to do to keep the kids entertained just as the weather is turning seriously yucky? Not to worry. Here are some ideas for you if you live on Chicago’s North Shore:

Kohl Children’s Museum

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
(847) 832-6600

www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-noon Mondays; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sundays.

The museum offers 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children ages birth to 8. Through Dec. 31: “Science + You,” featuring a child-sized laboratory where children can explore how scientists affect health and wellness. Through hands-on, interactive machinery, processes and technology, the exhibit demonstrates the role science plays in keeping the body healthy.

“Alice in Computerland”

Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, Northbrook Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook.
(847) 291-2367
www.northbrooktheatre.org.
Saturdays through Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Instead of falling down a rabbit hole as in the original tale, a modern Alice is drawn into her computer while doing homework. There, she meets all sorts of zany characters, including the Mad Hacker, Mean and Nasty Virus, Mock Turtle Graphics and Bit and Bite, crazy twins. There’s even a Queen of Hearts drawn from a computerized card game. Alice embarks on a wild and entertaining adventure to escape the craziness and get back home.

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Tags: Family fun on the North Shore, Things to do with kids

Foreign Films in Wilmette

Last week the Tribune ran a story about Wilmette’s arts and culture scene (“Wilmette: Not Like Other Towns”, by Lauren Viera). The article talked about the diverse programming at the Wilmette Theatre, the “Starlight Theatre” series at the Wallace Bowl, the Wilmette Historical Society and the new Studio North Academy of the Performing Arts.

But there’s another great cultural offering the article didn’t mention, and that is the Foreign Film Club at the Wilmette Library. The club meets monthly and and screens great foreign movies from all over the world. And it’s free! The movie club is the brainchild of fellow Coldwell Banker agent, Daverille Sher.

I interviewed Daverille for the back-story on the club:

Anne: When did you start your movie group and what gave you the idea? Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: movies

North Shore Theatre Guide: November 2011

This month North Shore theatre goers can enjoy holiday-themed plays as well as the usual dramatic fare. I personally am looking forward to seeing White Christmas, as the movie of the same name is one of my all time favorites and it’s a tradition in my family to watch it on Christmas Eve. Every year I look forward to seeing Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye do the “Sisters” act, and every year I get teary at the part when the general comes into the ballroom at the inn and all of his soldiers stand at attention and sing “We’ll follow the old man.” While we won’t be able to see Bing and Danny at the Marriott Theatre, we will be able to enjoy all the great songs from the film, so this year we’ve decided to go see the play instead of watching the movie.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Through January 1, 2012 (go here for times and tickets)
Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive,  Lincolnshire

One of America’s most beloved silver screen classics is now a brand new stage musical – Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS. When two song and dance men follow a sister act booked at a lodge in Vermont, they discover that with no snow and no customers, the owner is nearly bankrupt. The two acts team up and put on a show to save the lodge. Packed with Irving Berlin hits like “Blue Skies,” “Count Your Blessings,” “I Love a Piano” and the title song “White Christmas,” your entire family will celebrate this magical time of year with this beautiful new musical.

Seussical

November 11-31  (see days and times here)
Marriott Theatre (Children’s Theatre), 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire

In this fantastical, magical musical, some of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters are lovingly brought to life with the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville. These classic, colorful tales are brought together by Jojo, a young boy and “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks.”

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Tags: plays and performances, theatre guide

Halloween Fun on the North Shore

I know a lot of people don’t really like Halloween and some even disapprove of it. But here on the North Shore, we take Halloween pretty seriously judging  by the sheer number of events and activities taking place throughout the month of October. Consider this your definitive guide to Halloween fun for all ages.

Scarecrow Making Day

October 1 – 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette

Make your own scarecrow. Chalet will provide the heads and the straw. You bring your old clothes. Call 708-354-2854.

Storybook Mom’s “Somethin’ Pumpkin”

October 2 – 4:00-5:00 pm
Leoleno, 976 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka

Neli Yelin will read her favorite stories about fall and Halloween. Free. Call 847-446-1100 for info.

Scream Scene Haunted House

Tags: fall festivals, Halloween