Musical comedy ‘Mame’ to play Drury Lane

“Mame” is coming to Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

The Tony Award-winning musical comedy previews Oct. 9, opens Oct. 16 and closes Dec. 21. Spanning the era of the Great Depression to World War II, the larger-than-life, forward-thinking socialite Mame Dennis becomes responsible for her orphaned nephew, Patrick. She is surprisingly overjoyed by his presence and her ability to raise him as unconventionally as possible. When the stock market crashes and squabbles over raising Patrick arise, her life takes several turns in a financial and personal roller-coaster. Based on the book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee, “Mame” features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman (“Hello, Dolly!” and “La Cage aux Folles”).

For tickets and details on lunch and dinner packages, call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

Film contest screenings set at Tivoli

The After Hours Film Society’s sixth annual Student Short Film and Video Festival will showcase the talents of amateur filmmakers from around the world at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove.

A large number of films were submitted by students of varying ages and diverse backgrounds. Film educators and professionals including Bob Fritz, John Mostacci and Tony Venezia screened each and selected their top choices. Shown will be the best in the categories of fiction, nonfiction and animation/experimental, based on level of education, from grammar school though graduate.

“We will be awarding substantial cash prizes with the hopes that our support will encourage students to continue with their filmmaking,” said Debbie Venezia of Glen Ellyn, founder and executive director of the Film Society.

It meets the second and fourth Monday of every month, except December. For film information, call (630) 534-4528 or visit www.afterhoursfilmsociety.com.

Trinity sets Irish dance open houses

Beginners and Irish dancers with some experience are welcome to attend a Trinity Academy open house.

They will take place from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at both St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3910 Highland Ave., Downers Grove, and First United Methodist Church, 4300 Howard Ave., Western Springs.

Attendees are asked to arrive at the start of each class, where children learn simple Irish dance steps in a relaxed atmosphere, led by Trinity’s teachers, while parents attend an information session. The class concludes with a performance by the children showcasing what they have learned.

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance opens its doors to boys and girls ages 4 to 12. Dancers determine their own level of participation, whether it be competitive or purely recreational. Instructors teach the beauty of the dance form, and cultural and life lessons along the way.

Trinity, whose dancers have garnered an unprecedented 32 world titles for the United States, also has academy locations in St. Charles and Elmhurst.

For more information, call (773) 529-4822 or visit www.trinityirishdancers.com.

Progressive films to screen at COD

DAWN Voter Advocates will present a free, two-day Progressive Film Festival in conjunction with the College of DuPage Human Services Department from 2 p.m. until midnight Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19, on the campus at 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, in room SRC 2800.

California filmmaker Dawn Westlake (www.dawnwestlake.com), master of ceremonies, has helped to compile films from around the world with a significant social message. She will introduce and discuss her films, along with the others selected for screening. She is the daughter of poet Donald G. Westlake of Wheaton.

The festival includes films that tackle religious intolerance, social activism, soldiers stories, war and journalism, the environment, and the tragedies of Sept. 11 and March 11 (in Spain). Many have not been seen in the country before, and have won major awards at film festivals.

DAWN is a grassroots peace and justice group based in Glen Ellyn. Its subgroup, DAWN Voter Advocates, is the largest voter registration organization in DuPage County.

A reception with music by Dean Milano begins at 7 p.m. Saturday. To download the movie schedule, visit www.d-a-w-n.org.

CYT to perform ‘Pocahontas’

Students ages 8 to 18 of Christian Youth Theater of DuPage County will present “The Legend of Pocahontas.”

The legend and history of the Algonquin Indians and their princess, Pocahontas, comes to the stage in the original CYT musical.

The show runs about two hours with one intermission, and is recommended for grades two to 12. It will be performed at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16;  9:30 and 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25; and 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Timothy Christian School Auditorium, 188 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst. 

For advance tickets, call (847) 516-2298 or visit www.cytchicago.org. They cost $2 more at the door.

Christian Youth Theater is a nonprofit, educational theater arts program for students ages 6 to 18 with groups across the region.

Pheasant Run shows announced

Two theater productions and the return of a celebrity concert series are featured at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. (Route 64), St. Charles.

“Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein” is presented through Saturday, Nov. 1, by Noble Fool Theatricals. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays, with Thursday matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 9, 23 and 30. Optional dinners can be added, and season subscriptions are available.

For the 2009 Noble Fool season, visit www.noblefool.org. It includes the Fab Fifties revue “The Taffetas”; Broadway’s recent hit musical “Altar Boyz”; the musical “Married Alive”; and the holiday edition of “Forever Plaid,” “Plaid Tidings.”

The “Late Nite Catechism” sequel, “Put the Nuns in Charge!,” will play Pheasant Run’s studio theater from Oct. 11 to Jan. 11, with shows at 6 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.
The resort’s Mainstage will present “Jersey Boys” star Michael Ingersoll in concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.

Its Mega Center will present country music duo Montgomery Gentry, whose opener will be Keith Anderson, Saturday, Nov. 1, with an after party, followed Friday, Dec. 12, by Jeff Foxworthy and his Kickin’ Country Road Show. Special packages with accommodations are available.

Call the box office at (630) 584-6342 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Tubes, Glass shows near at Hemmens

The Tubes rock group and Ira Glass, host of public radio’s “This American Life,” will be featured this weekend at The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

The Tubes, in the theatrical tradition of Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, will appear at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, and Glass will appear at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.

For tickets, call (847) 931-5900.

Play pair to open at COD

The Actors’ Theatre in the Studio at College of DuPage will present “Cinzano” and “Smirnova’s Birthday” from Oct. 10 to 26 in the Studio Theatre at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

Directed by Robert Jordan Bailey, the companion plays, set in Soviet Russia, detail how the characters momentarily escape from their chosen lives.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. For tickets, call (630) 942-4000 or visit www.atthemac.org.

‘Enchanted’ benefit nears for Heartland Voices

The Heartland Voices will present “Some Enchanted Evening,” a gala and benefit, at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, in the Elgin Arts Showcase in downtown Elgin.

Both evenings open with hors d’oeuvres and wine served by the singers, complementing separate silent auctions each night. At 7:30 p.m. follows a musical revue of songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, accompanied by dueling pianists John Slawson and Paul Satre. Both evenings include a tribute to Jack and Marlene Shales of Elgin for their community service.

Ticket cost $40 in advance, $50 at the door and may be purchased by calling (847) 429-9486 or visiting www.heartlandvoices.org. The gala will be held on the eighth floor at 164 Division St.

Struthers stars in ‘Nunsense’

In honor of the 25th anniversary tour of “Nunsense” and the return of “Lake Nite Catechism” to the Paramount Theatre, audience members dressed as nuns are invited to the theater at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. The first 100 will receive one free ticket to “Nunsense,” starring Sally Struthers, for the 3 or 8 p.m. show Saturday, Nov. 8, at 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora.

Spectators Oct. 18 can take part in the “Nunsense/Nonsense” free bingo game and visit with Sister from the show “Late Nite Catechism.” The game’s grand prize winner will receive a season subscription of two tickets to five shows at the Paramount. All who attend are eligible for half-price tickets to “Late Nite Catechism’ playing in the Copley Theatre across from the Paramount that afternoon, where it continues until Nov. 2.

For details, call the box office at (630) 896-6666 or visit www.theparamounttheatre.com.

Hypnotist Lange to play Warrenville

Comedy hypnotist and mentalist Robinn Lange will bring his national tour to his hometown of Warrenville for performances at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Omega Restaurant and Banquets, 4S40 Route 59. The late show is for adults only.

Preshow dining is offered. For details on packages or tickets, call (630) 836-9999. Tickets will be sold at the door, subject to availability.