There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at what’s coming up this season in our many arts venues.
September
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Presents “LIGHT”
Through Nov. 5, Mon. 5-11 p.m., Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. The gardens and conservatory provide a stunning backdrop for eight light sculptures, including a monumental globe suspended inside the conservatory and a playful homage to pink lawn flamingos. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.
The Invented Worlds of Della Wells
Through Nov. 19. Wells is a true storyteller, blending her personal experiences with explorations of culture through colorful collages, drawings, dolls and quilts. Wright Museum of Art, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, (608) 363-2702, beloit.edu/wright.
Rooftops: Second Nature
Through Nov. 19. Photographs by Brad Temkin draw poetic attention to an important movement to counter the heat island effect caused by city life. Wright Museum of Art, Beloit College, Beloit, (608) 363-2702, beloit.edu/wright.
Mark Twain and the Laughing River
Sept. 1-Dec. 9, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m. Inspired by the little-known fact that Mark Twain sang tenor and played banjo, guitar and piano, Jim Post makes Twain come alive, blending his skills as storyteller, actor, historian and musician. One Eleven Main, 111 N. Main St., Galena, Ill., (815) 777-8030, oneelevenmain.com.
“Church Basement Ladies”
Through Sept. 10, Wed.-Th., Sat-Sun. 10:30 a.m.; Th. 5:15 p.m.; Sat. 4:45 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. A heartwarming, down-to-earth musical comedy about church basement kitchens and the women who work there. The Fireside Dinner Theatre, Business Hwy. 26 South, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
Concerts on the Creek: Sparky and Rhonda Rucker
Sept. 2, 7 p.m. Enjoy a free, family-friendly concert in a beautiful auditorium. Singing and telling stories from the American folk tradition. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Art in the Park
Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This exciting event features activities throughout Krape Park: fine art displays, performing arts, demonstrations of various art media and children’s hands-on activities. Experience outdoor cuisine at various food vendors on site. Krape Park, 1799 South Park Blvd., Freeport, artintheparkfreeport.com.
Tunes on the Terrace: Reed & Waddy
Sept. 6, 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy light rock, classic pop and blues along the banks of the Rock River. Food and beverages available beginning at 5 p.m. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.
AE: “Steel Magnolias”
Sept. 7-24, Th.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The story of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor whose interactions reveal deep strength of character. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
Music on the Mall: Swingbilly Rockford
Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m. Experience live music at its best. Food and drinks from Mary’s Market available. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765, edgebrookshops.com.
“Million Dollar Quartet”
Sept. 8-17, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. Relive the night when a twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together for one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Timber Lake Playhouse, Timber Lake Road, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Concerts on the Creek: Illusionist/Mentalist
Sept. 9, 7-9 p.m. Master illusionist-mentalist Arch Smith and Ukelele artist John Lindhort entertain.
Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
For Love & Rock ‘N’ Roll
Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. Musical tribute to the women of rock. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Grand Detour Arts Festival
Sept. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Village of Grand Detour hosts one of the oldest art festivals in Illinois. The artwork is enhanced by the beautiful grounds, picturesque gardens and music throughout the day. John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour, Ill., (815) 652-4551, thenextpictureshow.com.
AJG Strings on Sunday
Sept. 10, 2-3:30 p.m. Featuring The Miyumi Project. Enjoy chamber-style music with a contemporary twist. Performances include a mix of popular show tunes, pop, bluegrass and classical selections. Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG), 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Benjamin Whitcomb
Sept. 12, 7:30-9 p.m. The talented musician returns to perform his annual cello concert. Light Recital Hall, UW-Whitewater, 800 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-1566, events.uww.edu.
Tunes on the Terrace: Kevin Earlywine
Sept. 13, 6-8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music by Rockford singer-songwriter Kevin Earlywine, whose work is inspired by classics from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Food and beverages are available beginning at 5 p.m. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.
Walkin the Line 2017
Sept. 13-15, 11:30 a.m. This tribute performance features Bernie Wheels of Dallas, Texas, who bears an uncanny likeness to Johnny Cash. White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
“$38,000 For a Friendly Face”
Sept. 14-24, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A heartfelt comedy set in a small town where Bronwyn Bain lived out her last years. Her estranged daughters arrive for a Celebration of Life which may be poorly attended, due to their mother’s disagreeable nature. On this journey, relationships disintegrate and are renewed. Stage Coach Players Theatre, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Elvis Lives
Sept. 14-Oct. 29, Wed.-Th. & Sat.-Sun. 10:30 a.m. matinees; Th. & Sat. 5 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. Champions and finalists from the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, a live band with singers and dancers entertain in the iconic style of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Fireside, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
Music on the Mall: Ken E. Curtis
Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m. Experience live music at its best. Food and drinks from Mary’s Market available. Edgebrook Shops, Rockford, (815) 394-0765, edgebrookshops.com.
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”
Sept. 15-24, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The bawdy story of a Roman slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 408 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
“Off’ed at the Bake-Off”
Sept. 15-Oct. 1, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In this comedic whodunit, baking contestants have gathered at the Jersey Shore’s Knotting Inn, hoping to win the coveted blue ribbon. When a gaggle of bratty students is poisoned, it seems that someone’s dessert is more deadly than tasty. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
Concerts on the Creek: Dennis Warner
Sept. 16, 7 p.m. Minnesota folk Americana singer-songwriter Dennis Warner blends ballads, up-tempo songs, audience participation and humor into his performance. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
RSO: “Star Wars” & More
Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with Rockford Symphony Orchestra, featuring selections from more than 60 years of John Williams’ scores, including tunes from “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” “Harry Potter,” and more. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Greenwich Village Art Fair
Sept. 16-17, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. Held rain or shine, this annual two-day outdoor event features original artwork from up to 155 juried artists from across the nation, along with live music by local musicians, regional vendors, children’s art activities, plus food, drink and more. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Music Mosaics
Sept. 17, 7:30-9 p.m. Featuring Myung Hee Chung, pianist, performing Mozart, Schubert and Peter Mennin’s Five Pieces. Light Recital Hall, UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-1566, events.uww.edu.
LaBamba’s ‘50s Tribute
Sept. 20-22, 11:30 a.m. Direct from Branson, Mo., this show features Sting Ray Anthon in a tribute to the late, great Ritchie Valens. Enjoy the music that started the rock ‘n’ roll revolution. White Pines Inn, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Quintet Attica
Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. This dynamic wind ensemble prides itself on innovative, cutting-edge, but accessible programming. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
“Self-Help for Dummies”
Sept. 22-24, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. When a self-absorbed psychologist is late for work, the ever-growing collection of patients in his waiting room begins to interact with hilarious results. Mighty Richland Players, IOOF/Masonic Hall, 203 W. High St., Orangeville, Ill., (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplayers.com.
Theodore Robinson Plein Air Competition
Sept. 22-Oct. 1, daily. Artists paint outdoors (en plein air) and submit their works of art for prizes and auction. The contest is named for an Evansville native who was a contemporary of Monet’s. Eager Free Public Library, 39 W. Main St., Evansville, Wis., (608) 882-0598, ecp-wi.org.
Chicago Garage Band Music
Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. The original legends of Chicago garage band music, featuring the New Colony Six, Ronnie Rice, and Jimmy Sohns and the Shadows of Knight. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Post Comedy Theatre
Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. The multi-talented Robert Post fills the stage with hilarious sketches, one moment portraying a bungling burglar, the next a physics-defying stunt pilot. Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Cline, Orbison, Denver, Diamond: Four Icons
Sept. 24, 3 p.m. Local musicians Jannie Nelson, Ron Holm, Chip Messiner and Denny Diamond revive the voices and performances of Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, John Denver and Neil Diamond, respectively. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets/Info: (815) 979-1949, fouricons.brownpapertickets.com.
UWW Wind Ensemble
Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. Well-known cellist Tess Remy-Schumacher performs David Maslanka’s “Remember Me” for cello and wind ensemble. Light Recital Hall, UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-1566, events.uww.edu.
“Making God Laugh”
Sept. 28-Oct. 7, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. Follow one typical American family over the course of 30 years’ worth of holidays, family rituals and the occasional flare-up of old tensions. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.
October
Spirits in the Night: A Tallman Thriller
Oct. 5-28, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Prepare for a Victorian thriller where history and horror converge, and unearth a killer’s true identity. Age 13 and up. Rock County Historical Society, 426 N. Jackson St., Janesville, (608) 756-4509, rchs.us.
Fall ArtScene
Oct. 6-7, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. The Rockford Area Arts Council presents the 30th Annual Fall ArtScene, showcasing original works of art at 40 locations across Rockford. Enjoy works in varied media of watercolor, acrylic, wood, sculpture, pottery, furniture, jewelry, photography and multimedia. Various locations, Rockford. Info: Rockford Area Arts Council, (815) 963-6765, artsforeveryone.com.
Family Tradition: Marty Haggard, Georgette Jones and Tommy Cash
Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Marty Haggard (son of Merle), Tommy Cash (brother of Johnny) and Georgette Jones (daughter of George Jones and Tammy Wynette) join forces to present a memorable evening of great music and family stories. Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St., Monroe, Wis., monroeartscenter.org.
RSO: The Universe at an Exhibition
Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. A science and symphonic multimedia production featuring the work of renowned astronomer and filmmaker Dr. José Francisco Salgado, with Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Coronado PAC, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Twenty Dirty Hands Pottery Tour
Oct. 13-15, Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. Tour the beautiful Galena countryside, enjoy the fall colors and visit some of the best-known pottery and sculpture studios, featuring special art exhibits that allow visitors a unique view of their kilns, forges and work spaces. Various Studios in Galena & Elizabeth, Ill. Info: twentydirtyhands.com.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
Oct. 13-21, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Tennessee Williams’ classic story of a southern family in crisis, especially Brick and his wife, Maggie, and their interaction with Brick’s family over the course of one evening gathering at the family estate in Mississippi. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Misfits
Oct. 13-Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A survey of 1960s biker subculture through film, literature and a photography portfolio, exploring the influence the movement made on filmmakers, authors and artists. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Italian Night: Vince Chiarelli
Oct. 14, 7 p.m. Join Rockford’s own Vince Chiarelli and his band for an evening of music that is truly authentic to the Italian-American culture. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Heartache Tonight
Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. A tribute to the Eagles. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
AART Along the River
Oct. 14-15, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. At this premiere art show in a picturesque park with a background of nature surrounded by history, discover the amazing talent of the Tri-State area with painters and potters, jewelrs and photographers, plus woodcarving, glass, sculpture, crochet, knitting, mixed media, silk and plein air painting, and metalworks. Depot Park, 91 Bouthillier St., Galena, Ill., (563) 581-6225, arrtalongtheriver.com.
The Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. The 45th Anniversary Tour of TMT, known for its tight harmony, performing rhythm and blues, Brazilian jazz and pop music. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
“Young Frankenstein”
Oct. 19-28, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Enjoy your favorite moments from the classic film in this stage adaptation, which includes brand-new numbers including “Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Caminata: A Journey Through Latin America
Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Music, dance and poetry come together in an artistic journey through Latin America as a diverse group of regional performers draws on the rhythms and melodies of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Brazil and Argentina. MPAC, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Shawn Klush
Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. Tribute artist Shawn Klush brings Elvis to the stage. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Shaun Hopper
Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. Acoustic “fingerstyle” guitarist Shaun Hopper plays original music and covers performers from Chet Atkins and Andre Segovia to the Beatles and Queen, weaving in humorous tales from his small-town Georgia roots along the way. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
“Dirty Dancing”
Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Great music, romance and sensational dancing surround the story of Baby and Johnny, teens from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
BJSO: Dr. Frankenstein Meets Dr. Tomaro: Film & Concert
Oct. 27-28, 7:30 p.m. Get in the Halloween spirit with conductor/music director Dr. Robert Tomaro and the rest of the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra. Friday concert in Beloit. Saturday concert at JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org. Tickets: (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.
RSO: Wizard of Oz
Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. The RSO performs the soundtrack to the 1939 classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” New technology allows the original vocals and dialogue to remain intact while the score is performed. CPAC, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
“The Emperor’s New Clothes”
Oct. 29, 2 p.m. After the emperor refuses their request for money to rebuild their theater after a fire, young Nicholas and his mother devise a plan to appeal to the emperor’s vanity and pretend to be make him an extraordinary robe out of exceptional cloth. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
November
“Miracle on 34th Street”
Nov. 2-Dec. 23, see website for times. A musical version of the classic Christmas tale about Kris Kringle, a jolly old man who claims he’s the real Santa Claus. Kris has to prove his claim in court and teach those around him to believe in the goodness and love that is Christmas. Fireside, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
Think Floyd USA
Nov. 3, 8 p.m. Tribute to the one and only Pink Floyd band. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
“The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church”
Nov. 3-12, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The roads are flooded and the bridges are washed out, but it takes more than a little rain to keep the ladies of the Charitable Sisterhood from fulfilling their mission of organizing a small mountain of community donations for homeless Guatemalans and solving a mystery or two in the process. Janesville Little Theatre, 906 W. Racine St., Janesville, (608) 756-4172, janesvillelittletheatre.org.
Fall Arts & Craft Show
Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Uncover delights at more than 100 booths in two schools and three gyms with folk art, wood, glass, ceramics, pottery and consultant booths. Brodhead Elementary & Middle Schools, 2100 W. 9th Ave., Brodhead, Wis., (608) 295-9698, brodheadjaycees.org.
The Classics IV: The Legacy Continues
Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. Join this group as it performs classic hits such as “Spooky,” and “Stormy,” adding the best music of the era, blending the old with the new. MAC, Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Monroe Swissfest
Nov. 5, 2 p.m. A longtime Monroe tradition, this program features an afternoon of Green County’s finest Swiss folk choirs and performers. Turner Hall of Monroe, 1217 17th Ave. Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-3461, turnerhallofmonroe.org.
Peppa Pig’s Surprise
Nov. 9, 6 p.m. Life-sized puppets and costume characters from the popular animated television series entertain with songs and dances, games, and surprises. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
The Price is Right Live
Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. “Come on down” to be a member of the audience or a contestant on television’s longest-running game show. For a chance to be a contestant, register at the box office three hours prior to show time. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Sunshine on My Shoulders
Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Enjoy a John Denver tribute concert with Chip Messiner. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
RSO: Mendelssohn & Brahms
Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. The Mendelssohn Chorale performs Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 5 (Reformation)” and Brahms’ “A German Requiem.” Coronado PAC, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Music on Main: Lyrical Conversations
Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m. The intimate parlor of the historic Emerson House is the setting for a chamber music performance by the Dolce Duo, playing violin and piano. MPAC, Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Pinkalicious the Musical
Nov. 17-19, Fri. 6:30 p.m.; Sat. noon, 1 & 4 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Based on the beloved children’s book, Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. She must find a way out of the predicament of turning pink from head to toe. The Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville, (608) 755-4123, janesvillearmory.com.
“Little Women”
Nov. 17-Dec. 3, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. In an adaptation of the classic novel, the four young March sisters and their mother struggle to keep their family going while their father is away in the Civil War. Pec Playhouse Theatre, Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
The Whiskey Belles
Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. This traditional country and Americana female trio from Milwaukee features pitch-perfect, three-part harmonies and their own hot fiddle, guitar and bass playing. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Avalon String Quartet
Nov. 19, 3 p.m. Returning to MPAC’s main stage for a seventh season, the Avalon String Quartet plays Shubert, Beethoven, Shostakovich and more. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
RDC: “The Nutcracker”
Nov. 25-26, Sat. 2 & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Sugarplum fairies, nutcrackers and delightful dancers will dazzle in Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Rockford Dance Company, Rockford University, Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.org.
Rockford Choral Union: “Messiah”
Nov. 25-26, Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Enjoy the 72nd annual presentation of “Messiah,” performed by the Rockford Choral Union. The event features internationally known soloists, a large regional chorus, a chamber orchestra and a harpsichord. Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st St., Rockford, rockfordchoralunion.org.
The Annual Original Christmas Show
Nov. 25-26, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The annual Christmas Show is filled with comedy and songs with a holiday theme. Mighty Richland Players, IOOF/Masonic Hall, Orangeville, Ill., (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplayers.com.
“A Christmas Carol”
Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Charles Dickens’ story of a bitter old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, and his transformation into a kinder, more gentle man after being visited by several ghosts on Christmas Eve. Monroe Theatre Guild, 910 16th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-1111, monroetheatre.com.