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.

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.

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.

The Girl in the Yellow Dress

January 19 – 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.

Rapunzel

Saturday and Sunday, January 21 – February 5, 2012 at 11 am and 2 pm
Winnetka Theatre, Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

A fun, witty retelling of the girl with the longest hair. This interactive show was written by the creators of the TV show Friends and appeals to kids of all ages, especially 3-10 years old. This fairy tale isn’t going to be business as usual. Tickets.

Hesperia

January 24 – March 18, 2012
Writer’s Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe

When Claudia left Ian and her old life in adult entertainment to return to her small-town roots, she found more than just a new start—she met her soon-to-be husband Trick, the local youth minister and a man of God.  But when Ian shows up on her doorstep just weeks before her wedding, their past together comes roaring back to life bringing doubts to Claudia’s now moral and well-ordered existence. Go here for tickets and showtimes.

The Bluest Eye

January 27-28 and 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

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/
Sonic Senasation

Jan. 17-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.

History of Toy Trains

Dec. 31-Feb. 5
Highland Park Historical Society Museum, 326 Central Ave., Highland Park.

“History of Toy Trains V,” features a collection and operating layout of rare American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains built between 1910 and 1935. Also included are hundreds of hand-painted lead figures of the era manufactured by Lionel, Barclay, Manoil, Britains, Johillco and Lincoln Logs; historic photographs of Highland Park’s railroads; and antique toy train videos. Hours aer 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $5 per person; $12 per family. Group tours available. (847) 432-7090. www.highlandparkhistory.com.

Related articles:

• Guide to Sledding on the North Shore

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

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.

Story Time with Santa at Barnes & Noble

Santa will be hosting a special Story Time with the little ones on Saturday December 3rd. While the Big Guy shares a holiday tale, the Niles North High School Chorale will fill the air with festive songs. The kids will also have fun with a make-it-and-take-it craft. Story Time is free and reservations are not required.

Parents are invited to bring their own cameras to both Santa events to capture special holiday memories.

Santa at the Chalet

3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette
December 3,4,10 & 11
1:00-3:00 pm

Breakfast with Santa in Winnetka

Winnetka Community House, Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
December 10
8:30-11:30 am

Kick off your holidays with this traditional family event. New this year will be an expanded breakfast buffet, all new craft projects and a larger venue in room 111 overlooking the garden. As always, families will meet and greet Santa, have a photo taken with him, and every child will receive a complimentary goodie bag. $20.00 (kids under two free). Go here for tickets.

Breakfast with Santa in Lake Bluff

Grace United Methodist Church, 244 E. Center Ave., Lake Bluff
December 10
7:00 am – 1:00 pm

Breakfast with Santa at the Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
December 17 and 18
Seatings at 8:30 and 9:30

Breakfast with Santa includes a buffet breakfast, visit with Santa and Wonderland Express viewing before public hours. $26 for adults; $20 for children 3-12; kids 2 and under are free. Go here for reservations.

Supper with Santa at the Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe
December 18 and 19
6:30-8:30 pm

Christmas Supper with Santa includes a buffet dinner, visit with Santa, holiday treats for the kids and entry into the Wonderland Express. Parking also included. $38 for adults; $32 for kids 3-12; kids under 2 are free. Go here for reservations.

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.

Pump-It Up

1857 Elmdale Ave., Glenview
847-904-7867

Nov. 21, 22,23 and 25 from 9:15 to 11:30 am.
Nov. 21 and 22 from 1:00-3:15 pm

Bring the kids (2-6 yrs.) to  Pop-In Playtime to play on the bounce houses, inflatable slides and other kids games. Kids $8.00. Adults free. Don’t forget your socks!

Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie.
(847) 677-7761
www.skokietheatre.com.

Nov. 12 and 19, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.: Three Cat Education presents “The Frog Princess.” $15; free for children 12 and under.

Nov. 20, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.: The Amazing Acro-Cats. Tickets in advance are $15, $10 for children; at the door $18, $12 for children.

Nov. 26, noon and 3 p.m.: The Singing Scientist Show starring Mr. Nicky. Tickets in advance are $15, $10 for children; at the door $18, $12 for children.

“The Wizard of Oz”

Presented by Kidstage Productions through Nov. 20 at Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Performances are at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sundays. $8. To reserve tickets, call (847) 814-2464 or e-mail Jeanne@kidstage.org.

Wonderland Express at The Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
(847) 835-5440

Through January 1
Regular garden hours (Please note: Special events may affect hours)
For more information, please visit the Garden’s website

Wonderland Express returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden this holiday season and transforms the 385-acre oasis into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, garden-scale trains, miniature Chicago landmarks, exquisite horticulture displays and indoor snowfall. This popular holiday exhibition runs from Nov. 26, 2010 through Jan. 2, 2011 and has proven to become a wonderful family tradition.

Wagner Farm

1510 Wagner Road, Glenview, IL 60025
847-657-1506

Come in the late afternoon for the public milking demonstration ~ Monday – Saturday at 4:30 pm (but please call ahead to make sure!): Watch farm staff milk one of our dairy cows demonstrating modern milking equipment. Then try out our cow milking exhibit in the Heritage Center and see which one you prefer!

Wilmette Bowling Center

1903 Schiller Ave., Wilmette
847-251-0715
website

There’s no better way to spend a rainy, sleety, slushy winter afternoon than going bowling. Wilmette Bowl is a neighborhood hidden gem tucked away on a quiet residential side street. It’s a kid friendly, cozy 10 lane center perfect for parties for all occasions and a great place to go with friends and family. And, it finally has a liquor license to serve beer and wine.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

3001 Central St., Evanston
847-475-1030

Come on the weekend for guided kids’ craft activities:
Nov. 19 (11am-12pm) and Nov. 20 (12:30-1:30)- Woven Baskets.
Nov. 26 (11am-12pm)  and Nov. 27 (12:30-1:30) – Loom Beading

Also, don’t miss the Teaching Lodge and Wigwam exhibit to see how the native people of the Great Lakes area lived.

The Muppets Movie

Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Centrtal Ave, Wilmette
847.251.7424
website

Opens November 23 – On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbera clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, Disney’s “The Muppets” hits the big screen this Thanksgiving season!

"The Human Resources Manager" from Israel will be shown on November 17th.

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?

Daverille: I started my movie group in 2006. I was President of the Wilmette International Club at the time and really missed foreign movies. The Wilmette Theatre had just been taken over by Carole Dibo and she was open to having us start the Foreign Film Club there. After I gave up the Presidency of the International Club I retained the movie group. I love researching good movies and I love sharing them with others. Three years ago the Wilmette Library kindly offered to host us and we have been there ever since.

Anne: Tell me about the types of movies you show.

Daverille: The first movie we showed was “The Journey” by Ligi Pullappally. Ligi was a client, a lawyer who gave it all up to go to India to write and direct a movie that would give hope to the young gay community. She came and spoke of her experiences. It is an incredibly inspired movie.

"The Colors of the Mountain" from Colombia will be shown on December 15th

I try and keep the movies current and choose ones that are not out on the general circuit. We just saw  “A Screaming Man,” made in Chad. (yeah, I know you didn’t know they made movies in Chad). It is a wonderful movie about the ravages of war, yet it doesn’t show any violent sequences. Absolutely amazing. The lead was not even an actor but his acting was superb.

Anne: What’s the format of the club meetings?

Daverille: The club’s format is simple. We hold it on the 3rd Thursday of the month. We start with coffee, a little something to eat and socializing (it is a great way for people new to the neighborhood to meet others) from 9am to 9.30am. The movie starts at 9.30 sharp. The next movie (on the 17th of November) is ” The Human Resources Manager” from Israel. On December 15th we will watch “The Colors of the Mountain” from Colombia.

If you’d like to be notified about upcoming foreign films, give Daverille at call at 773-230-7346 or go here to subscribe to her e-newsletter. You can learn more about Daverille here.

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.”

The Real Thing

Extended through December 4 (see showtimes here)
Writer’s Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe

A married playwright blurs the line between reality and his dramas on the stage as his personal life unravels before his very eyes.  Deeply moving and bitingly funny, Tom Stoppard’s razor sharp drama brilliantly examines the complex nature of love, art and reality.  Artistic Director Michael Halberstam directs this multi award-winning modern classic. 847-242-6000

Season’s Greetings

November 11-December 18
Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

It’s Christmas in the Bunker household–’tis the season for bickering relatives, drunken mishaps, and an ill-conceived puppet show that no one wants to see. The holiday traditions we all love (and secretly dread) meet with disaster in this riotously funny take on a “normal” family Christmas.

Space Wars: The Panto!

November 11- December 17 (go here for times and tickets)
Piccolo Theatre, 600 Main St., Evanston

A long time ago in a theatre not so far away was a Panto about a young boy named Mark Sleepwalker, who dreamed of going off on adventures. Mark’s chance to prove himself has finally arrived, assuming his mother doesn’t get in the way. In love with the beautiful princess Ha-el, Mark is off on a journey to retrieve the legendary helmet of the Lone Spaceman. Unfortunately, the evil queen Livia, her bratty son Ben, and her android clone of Princess Ha-el intend to make sure that Mark never returns from his quest. Martians, robots and cream pies abound, and the only way Mark can survive is if he learns to “use the farce!”

Maple and Vine

Through December 4 (see showtimes and buy tickets)
Next Theatre Company, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston

Kathy and Ryu, a successful NYC couple, have become allergic to their 21st century lives. After meeting a charismatic man from a community of 1950’s re-enactors, they forgo cell phones and sushi for cigarettes and Tupperware parties. In this compulsively authentic world, Katha and Ryu are surprised by what their new neighbors – and they themselves – are willing to sacrifice for happiness.”

A Christmas Carol

November 25 – December 30 (go here for tickets and info)
West Campus Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest

Faithful to Dickens’ beautiful language, this flexible adaptation of the beloved Christmas classic tells the heartwarming story of miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge. Mr. Scrooge is always cold-hearted, and Christmas is no exception — that is, until the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, comes to warn him about the consequences of living a life of greed and materialism. Over the next three nights, Scrooge is visited by three other spirits who try to convince him that his selfishness will be his downfall. Is this enough to make the selfish old miser change his ways?

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

Halloween Happening in Wilmette

Friday, October 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette

Filled with chills and thrills, this family-friendly event features carnival games, magician, fortune teller, moonwalk, arts & crafts, face painting, mad scientist’s lab and pony rides. Don’t miss the Theater of Terror! Pizza dinner is included along with a goodie bag and a visit to the Pumpkin Patch. Wristbands will be issued upon check-in at the event and will be required to participate in all activities. Appropriate for ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum of two adults per family. Fee is per child: Resident $13/Non-resident $16.

Fairy Tale Trail

October 28 – 4:00-7:00 pm and October 29 – 10:00 am -2:00 pm
1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston

The fully accessible, fantasy-filled labyrinth is a fun non-frightening alternative to the typical Halloween open house.  Children are encouraged to join in the fun by coming in costume. $5.00/person.

Halloween Hoopla: Family Daytime Fun & Games; Evening Bonfire, Haunted House & DJ

October 28th from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm and Saturday, October 29th from 3:00pm-9:00pm
Jewett Park/Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield

Friday evening brave souls are invited to partake in the thrills and chills of our superbly scary Haunted House. Your whole family will also enjoy a bonfire, DJ and more. On Saturday enjoy family-friendly entertainment, balloon dudes, both indoor and outdoor games, and hay rides, with plenty of Halloween treats available for purchase. Children under 7 years of age may take a walk through our haunted  house with  the lights on! Then, as Saturday evening arrives, once again, enjoy a bonfire, DJ (and corn roast) in the Park. For more information on Halloween Hoopla 2010, please visit www.deerfieldparkdistrict.org, call 847-945-0650 or e-mail info@dfpd.org.