Arts and Entertainment

Music

“Hansel and Gretel” The Degas Ballet Society, 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, Lockport High School East Campus, auditorium, 1333 E. Seventh St. All ages. $15 adults, $10 children. For tickets, call (708) 301-8181.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. For tickets, call (630) 637-7469.

Jim Guter Trio 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, The Capri Ristornate Italiano, 2155 City Gate Lane, Naperville. (630) 904-8101.

“The Nutcracker” Midwest Ballet Theatre, 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov.15 and 16 and 22 and 23, Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Guest artists are Anne Milewski and Sean Stewart, soloists with American Ballet Theatre. Tickets for Nov. 15 and 16 are $12 adults, $11 seniors and students age 12 to 18, $10 children under 12. Tickets for Nov. 22 and 23 are $14 adults, $13 seniors and students age 12 to 18, $12 children under 12. For ticket information, call (630) 971-9751.

Open mic 7 p.m. Sundays, Starbucks Coffee, 1001 W. 75th St., Woodridge. Free.

Notre Dame Undertones concert 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Benet Academy, St. Daniel Hall, 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle. All-male a cappella group from the University of Notre Dame, Ind. $5 at the door. For more information, call Ginny at (630) 577-7053.

Holiday concert “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Sweet Adelines chorus, Choral-Aires Chorus and the Brotherhood of Harmony Chorus, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Road. $18 adults, $15 seniors, children and groups. Tickets available at the door or in advance by contacting Connie Harr at ch1234@att.com.

Marshall Vente Duo 5 to 11 p.m. Mondays, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 244 S. Main St., Naperville. (630) 305-0230, www.sullivansteakhouse.com.

Concert winds invitational North Central College Concert Winds Invitational, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (630) 637-7469.

Jim Guter music Duos, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; Trio, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Timpano Martini Bar and Chophouse, 22 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (630) 753-0985.

“A Great Evening of Jazz” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. For tickets, call (630) 637-7469.

Live club music Dueling Pianos, 8:30 p.m. Thursdays; Michael Heaton, Fridays; DJ Vizza, 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, Club Mamalu, 10 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (630) 416-3310.

“A Tribute to Count Baise” Chicago Jazz Orchestra, 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. For tickets, call (630) 637-7469.

Art

Photography exhibit "The Power of Music: Photographic Portraits of Americans and their Musical Instruments, 1860-1915," through Dec. 14, Naper Settlement, Heritage Gallery, 523 S. Webster St. Photographer is musician and historian Mark Gardner. www.napersettlement.museum.

Spanish photo exhibit “The Lure of Language: A Personal Portrait of Mexico, Spain and Costa Rica,” through Dec. 23, Aurora University, Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures at Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora. Features photographer Denise Hatcher. (630) 844-7843.

“Root and Shadow” exhibit Through Jan. 2, Aurora University, Dunham Hall, Schingoethe Gallery, 1400 Marseillaise Place. Features Christian Arrecis, Myongbeom Kim and Kim Strom. Reception Nov. 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more informtion, call (630) 844-7843.

“Sacred Ecology” exhibit Nov. 16 to Dec. 19, North Central College, The Gallery of Oesterle Library, 320 E. School St., Naperville. Features watercolor paintings by local artist, Nancy Reid.

theater

“City of Angels” Theatre-on-the-Hill, weekends, through Nov. 23, Bolingbrook Performing Arts stage, 375 W. Briarcliff Ave. Performance times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. For tickets, visit www.tothbolingbrook.com.

“Seussical Jr” Christian Youth Theater, Nov. 14 to 16, Oswego East High School, Performing Arts Center, 1525 Harvey Road. Performance times are 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 6 p.m Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 to $11 in advance; $10 to $13 at the door. For tickets, call (847) 516-2298, www.cytchicago.org.

“Metamorphoses” Nov. 14 to 16 and 20 to 23, Lewis University, Philip Lynch Theatre, Route 53, Romeoville. Show times are 8 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. $10 adults, $9 seniors and students. For tickets, call (815) 836-5500.

My Three Angels” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 14 to Dec. 6, Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 S. Water St. Mall, Aurora. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students. For tickets, call (630) 897-9496, www.riverfrontplayhouse.com.

“As You Like It” Aurora University Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15, and 19 to 22, Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment, Perry Theatre, 1305 Kenilworth Place. Admission is free with donation of non-perishable food items for food pantry. Reservations required at (630) 844-4924.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Hinsdale UMC Theatre, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15 and 16, 945 S. Garfield, Hinsdale. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. $12 adults, $8 children 12 and under. For tickets, call (630) 325-1280, Ext. 14.

“The Business of Fancy Dancing: Poems, Stories, Punchlines and Highly Biased Anecdotes” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Aurora University, Crimi Auditoriuim in the Institute for Collaboration, 407 S. Calumet Ave. Sherman Alexie (Spokane/Coeur d’Alene Native American) will perform a one-man show. Sponsored by the Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures. Free. Reservations required at (630) 844-4924.

“A Christmas Carol” 10 a.m. Nov. 20 to 21, 24, 28 to 30, Dec. 1 to 4, 6, 9 to 12, and 15 to 20; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. All ages. Dinner or breakfast buffet offered before performances on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 10, 17 and 20. Show only tickets are $9. For tickets, call (630) 530-0111.

“Yohan” Silk Road Theatre Project, 8 p.m. Nov. 20 to 22; 2 p.m. Nov. 22 and 23, North Central College, Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. For tickets, call (630) 637-7469.

Bob Newhart live performance 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets are $60.50 and $50.50. For tickets, call (630) 896-6666, www.theparamounttheatre.com.

Nature events

“Going on a Gnome Hunt” 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Feb. 28, Morton Arboretum, Children’s Garden, Interstate 88 and Route 53, Lisle. Children can search for gnomes hiding among the trees. Free, drop-in activity. (630) 725-2066, www.mortonarb.org.

Fine artisan boutique “Christmas at the Mill,” Friday to Sunday, Nov. 21 to 23, Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook.  Handmade gifts, decorative items, strolling carolers and decorated Christmas trees. Friday features a wine and cheese preview party from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is $6. Saturday and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no admission charge. www.grauemill.org.

Miscellaneous

Backpack DuPage Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Greene Road, one-third mile north of 75th St., Naperville. Learn about backpacking gear and safety tips and take a guided hike through the preserve. Equipment provided. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. $10 per person. Reservations required at (630) 574-7700.

Open gym Naperville Park District, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, River Woods School gym, 2607 River Woods Drive, Naperville. Ages 18 and up. All participants must show an I.D. when they sign in. $4 residents, $6 non-residents, collected at the door. (630) 848-5000, www.napervilleparks.org.

Weekly themed storytimes 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 47 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.

Dancing in Naperville Swing lessons, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; Salsa lessons, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Frankie’s Blue Room, 16 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (630) 416-4898.

Bar trivia Myles Above Productions Inc., 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Spats Bar, 28331 Dodge St. Warrenville. Comedy show and interactive trivia questions. Prizes awarded. (630) 728-3813.

Thanksgiving Day cinnamon rolls class Naperville Park District, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, A Kid’s Kitchen, 1603 N. Aurora Road, Naperville. Ages 7 to 12. Learn to make cinnamon rolls from scratch. $39 residents, $58 non-residents. Registration required at (630) 848-5000, www.napervilleparks.org.

Rock Star in Me Party Naperville Park District, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Craft Room 205, 305 W. Jackson Ave. Ages 5 to 10. Girls receive a pop star makeover and perform in a rock show including an imitation microphone to sing along with favorite songs. $36 residents, $54 non-residents. Registration required at (630) 848-5000, www.napervilleparks.org.

Breakfast Club openings Lewis University invites community residents age 55 and older to join its Breakfast Club at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, Route 53, Romeoville. Participants are able to utilize the center’s facilities and socialize with others. Membership is $40 every three months or $150 annually. For more information or to join the club, call Jill at (815) 836-5277.

Clubs

DuPage Area Older Women’s League 12:30 p.m. every third Saturday except July and August, National Lewis University Lisle Campus, room 201, 850 Warrenville Road, Lisle. For women 40 and older. (630) 971-0661.

Woodridge Rotary Club Noon Tuesdays, Seven Bridges Golf Club, Route 53, Woodridge. Call John Carey, (630) 960-5417, www.woodridgerotary.org.

Questioning Youth Center Social group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth ages 16 to 20, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Naperville. For specific location, call (630) 415-2053.

Chorus of DuPage All-male barbershop chorus, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville. Call Jerry Broz, (630) 964-3139.

Woodland Aero Modelers 7:30 p.m. every first and third Tuesday, Downers Grove VFW Century Post, 5101 Belmont Road, Downers Grove. (630) 852-5831, www.woodlandaeromodelers.org.

Rotary Club of Lisle 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Lisle Hilton, 3003 Corporate West Drive. Contact gmiller@lislerotary.org.

Lisle Kiwanis Club 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Hilton Lisle-Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. (630) 964-5282.

League of Women Voters Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Downers Grove Fire Department, 5420 Main St. Speaker is Barbara Yong, founding member of the Illinois Wage Hub. Topic is “The Wage Gap: Does It Still Exist?” Call Nancy, (630) 968-8706.

Alpha Omicron Pi Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter, every third Wednesday, September through May. New members welcome. Call Karen, (630) 309-9046, www.aoiicws.com.

Naperville Networkers Business networking, 7:01 a.m. Thursdays, Big Apple Pancake House, 2799 Maple Ave., Lisle. Call Matt Ewald, (630) 678-1700.

WildOnes Greater DuPage Chapter, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Naperville Municipal Building, Room C, 400 S. Eagle St. Speaker is Debbie Maurer, a restoration ecologist for the Lake County Forest Preserves. Program is “The New Invasives Watch List.” Visitors welcome. Call Pat Clancy, (630) 964-0448.

Naperville Area Stamp Club 7:30 p.m. every first and third Thursday, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle. (630) 257-7430, philaburn@aol.com.

Woodridge Jaycees 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday, Shanahan’s Irish Food and Spirits, 1999 W. 75th St., Woodridge. www.woodridgejaycees.org.

United Child Care Network 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, United Methodist Church, 2700 75th St., Woodridge. Program is “Two Hot Topics in Speech/Language Development: Baby Signs for Everyone and an Autism Update-Red Flags and How to Get Help.” Presenter is Susan Raad, speech pathologist. New members welcome. Call Kathy Manderfield, (630) 985-3323, www.uccn.org.

Support groups

Mental health and substance abuse Support group, 10 to 11:30 a.m. every third Saturday, Breaking Free, Suite 102B, 800 W. 5th Ave., Naperville. Call Michael Morgan, (630) 897-1004, Ext. 224, or John Kalmus, Ext. 212.

NarAnon Family Group “Stepping into Serenity,” support for family and friends who are close to someone with a drug addiction problem, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays, Linden Oaks Hospital, Room 105, 852 S. West St., Naperville. For more information, call the NarAnon Helpline at (312) 409-0598.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Chapter 0910, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, call Barb, (630) 724-1209; Chapter 2265, 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays, (630) 969-2430; both at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 75th St., Woodridge.

Naperville AWAKE Sleep apnea support group, 7:30 to 9 p.m. every third Monday except December, Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville. (847) 622-3687, awake@apneanet.org.

Overeaters Anonymous Noon Tuesdays, Evangelical Free Church, Room 3101, 1551 Hobson Road, Naperville. Baby-sitting available. Call Peggy, (630) 369-1753.

Teen-Parent Connection Support group for teens with or expecting children, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, DuPage Township Office, 241 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook. Contact Pam DiGioia, (630) 790-8433, Ext. 307, pamelad@teenparentconnection.org.

New Beginnings Support group for divorced, separated and widowed, 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Raphel’s Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville. www.newbeginnings-il.com.

Adult Children of Alcoholics 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1313 N. Mill St., Naperville. www.acoa-chicagoland.org, debbiem6@aol.com.

National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders of Glen Ellyn Eating disorder support group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 751 Roosevelt Road, Building 7, Suite 115, Glen Ellyn. Bilingual services offered. For more information, call Dana Castellano, (312) 882-0494, www.anad.org.

Spouse loss support group 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sunrise Assisted Living, 960 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Call Inger Erickson, (708) 234-2850.

Questioning women Questioning Youth Center social group specifically for women, 6:30 to 9 p.m. every first and third Wednesday. For specific location, call (630) 415-2053.

Caregivers support group 7 p.m. every third Wednesday, Sunrise Assisted Living (North), 535 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville. (800) 272-3900.

Grief support program “Journey to Wholeness,” 10 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Edward Hospital Education Center, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 527-5056.

Gam-Anon Gambling problem support group, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle. (708) 802-0105, www.gam-anon.org.

seminars/classes

Early childhood workshop Bolingbrook Park District, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, Bolingbrook High School. Presented by Lisa Murphy, “Ooey Gooey Lady.” Discusses children’s learning patterns and how to maximize their potential. For educators and administrators, parents of children ages birth to 8 and family daycare providers. $49. To register, call (630) 739-1700.

Community symposium 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Aurora University, Dunham Hall, Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, 1400 Marseillaise Place. Native American author Sherman Alexie is features. For more information, call (630) 844-4924.

Fortune’s Best Local Employers program 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Aurora University Foundation Center for Community Enrichment, 1305 Kenilworth Place. Meet representatives from five local employers on Fortune’s Best Employers list. Open to the public. Networking and refreshments begin at 7:30 a.m. Free. (630) 844-5150.

Managing stress workshop 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, Kendall College, Wood Mode Auditorium, fifth floor, 900 N. North Branch St., Chicago. Topics include managing life, budgeting your money, protecting your savings and safeguarding your career. Free. For more information or reservations, visit www.discoverkendallcollege.com/workshops.

“Ethics and Medicine” seminar The Executives Breakfast Club, 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s campus, 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook. Discussion and question and answer session. Public invited. $50, $40 for guests of members. Members of the club are free. For more information or registration, visit www.ebctoday.com.


fundraisers

Barbershop cabaret The Chorus of DuPage, 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Cash bar and buffet. Entertainment includes barbershop chorus concert and a special appearance by Vocal Menu, the 2004 Illinois Novice Quartet Champion and 2007 Illinois District Quartet Finalist. $20. For reservations, call (630) 968-0821.

Holiday Magic craft show and bake sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, Homer Township Hall, Cedar Road, one-quarter block south of 159th St., Homer Glen. Proceeds support Tender Loving Care animal shelter. (708) 301-1594.

Pie auction fundraiser Senior Services Associates, 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Asbury Gardens, 210 Airport Road, North Aurora. Pies of all kinds will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Unlimited wine and appetizers will be served. $5 admission fee. For tickets, call (630) 897-4035.

Lazarus House benefit 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Artavo Galleries, Design Pointe Center, corner of Route 459 and Brookdale Road, Naperville. Art auction and raffles. $25 includes one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the event. For reservations, call (630) 922-5400.

Luncheon and fashion show fundraiser “Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” Lisle-Naperville Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Saturday, Nov. 22, Hilton Hotel, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for shopping in the “Sugar Plum Shops,” made up of a variety of crafters with jewelry, purses, clothing, candy, music boxes and books. Tickets are available from any member of the chapter, or by calling Marva Maxwell, (630) 964-4692.

Brandon T. Bringas benefit dinner 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville. Dinner, silent auction, talent show. Proceeds support the Brandon T. Bringas Memorial Fund. Spaghetti dinner, dessert table, raffle to win a Chevy HHR. $5. For more information or to volunteer, call Tammy Thomas at (630) 470-9678 or Michelle Bringas at (815) 761-9793.

special events

Promenade Bolingbrook lighting ceremony Symphony of Lights Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by the official lighting at 7 p.m., Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road. Nightly shows run every hour from 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. Other activities include carriage rides from 1 to 5 p.m.; children’s storytelling from 3 to 6:30 p.m.; Danceforce performance at 3:30 p.m.; ice sculpture demonstrations from 4 to 5:30 p.m.; Santa’s arrival at 3 p.m.; and Santa’s reindeer from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by holiday carolers and free hot chocolate and cookies. For more information, visit www.thepromenadebolingbrook.com.

Exempt Our Elevators Advocate Group meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, United Methodist Church, 7970 Lake St., River Forest. Group is advocating exempting condominium elevators from state regulations that mandate expensive upgrades to existing elevators. Meeting open to condo owners and apartment dwellers. For more information, e-mail Al Popowits at algailpopowits@earthlink.net.

Interest groups

Christmas decorations contest Forest City, owner of The Promenade Bolingbrook, sponsoring a competition seeking the best multi-media home holiday displays with lights syncopated to music. Grand prize is a weekend trip for two to downtown Chicago to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert. Contest runs through Dec. 12 and winners will be announced on Dec. 22. Entries must be digitally-recorded images of the participant’s home light display uploaded to www.symphonyinlights.com. Judges will visit each home prior to judging. Visit www.symphonyinlights.com for contest rules and requirements.

Crafters wanted Crafters needed for the Jane Addams Band Boosters Association’s annual craft show and cookie walk on Dec. 6 at Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook. For more information and application, call Tiffany at (630) 378-4680.

religion

World War II speaker 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, 11 W. Maple. Chemist and author, Wesley Adamczyk, will discuss his book, “When God Looked the Other Way,” about the forced exile of thousands of Poles by the Soviet government in the opening weeks of the war. (630) 323-2885.

“Caring for Aging Parents” 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Christ Church of Oak Brook, Room 264, 31st St. and York Road. Discussion of the financial and psychological dimensions of choosing in-home assistance or an assisted care facility. For more information, call Lorri Winter, (630) 321-3936.

Comedy show 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Evangelical Free Church of Naperville, 1551 E. Hobson Road. Comedians are Taylor Mason and Thor Ramsey. Suitable for whole family. $12 general admission, $15 Gold Circle admission. Tickets available at the church; at Family Christian Bookstore, 936 S. State Route 59, Naperville, or through I-tickets.com.

Movie screening and discussion 7:301 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, 11 W. Maple. Movie is “Children in Exile.” Special guests include Wesley Adamczyk and Christopher Swider, film’s director/producer. (630) 323-2885.