The 630 | January 2016
By Naperville Magazine
January 2016 View more 630
A Christmas Story –The Musical
Through January 3
Continue enjoying the holidays at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora as one of the most iconic holiday movies ever made is transformed into a larger-than-life musical blockbuster, through January 3. Brimming with dynamite performances and overflowing with comedy and heart, A Christmas Story—The Musical is the adaptation of the 1983 indie cult film which became a Broadway musical spectacular in 2012. Who doesn’t love 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, a typical boy growing up in 1940s Indiana? With Christmas right around the corner, Ralphie has his bespectacled sights set on one thing, a Red Ryder BB Gun. But at every turn, the young daydreamer hears those five words that are the bane of his existence: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” The music is energetic, unforgettable and ranges from gentle ballads to full-on, show-stopping numbers. The imagery takes audiences back to an easier time we often long for, but the message remains the same: family, friendship, love—the holidays are nothing without them. Bring your family and enjoy this beloved story of a department store Santa, a Leg Lamp, a snow suit and friends that will never leave your side—even if your tongue is stuck to a flag pole. Regular performances continue through January 3. Show times are Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday at 7 p.m. Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd., in downtown Aurora. For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com or call 630.896.6666.
Bridal Showcase
January 8, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
January 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Don’t let planning a wedding overwhelm you. The Bridal Showcase at Naper Settlement is a great place for busy brides and grooms to find out how to make your special day one to remember. In the historic setting of the Pre-Emption House and Century Memorial Chapel, brides and grooms have one-on-one personal consultations with the best in the bridal business including photographers, florists, DJ’s, ministers, musicians, bakers, caterers and more. See how Century Memorial Chapel can be the perfect, romantic setting for your wedding. There are rooms at Naper Settlement available for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers or even your reception. Call 630.420.6010 to book your wedding at the Chapel or for information about parties and receptions.
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Ongoing through January 10
Celebrating 15 years, Navy Pier’s annual indoor winter carnival returns with activities that include a toboggan tunnel, winter mini golf and a 15-foot snow tubing hill. New attractions this year include the Polar Extreme, a double-sided inflatable slide and obstacle course, interactive Arctic Peaks Climbing Walls and an expanded, more challenging Winter Rules mini golf course sure to offer an additional layer of friendly competition and frozen holiday fun. Returning attractions include the 170,000 square foot Blackhawks ice-skating rink and more than 25 carnival rides including an indoor Ferris wheel. Bring your family for a nice and toasty winter wonderland. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. With hundreds of thousands of guests visiting Navy Pier each year during PNC Bank Winter WonderFest, this annual event has truly become a Chicagoland tradition. All guests are required to purchase a ticket to enter. Activity tickets are $23 online, $25 at the door. General admission tickets are $9 online, $10 at the door. The general admission ticket is designed to help by enhancing and improving the comfort, safety and overall experience for guests. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more info, www.navypier.com.
Naperville Park District and Magical Starlight Theatre present Mary Poppins
January 15–17 and 22–24
The Banks family, a family fraught with frustrations, is touched by the cook and confident, Mary Poppins. Together they traverse adversity and adventures to rediscover the magic of their love for one another. Rich with images of this magical and mysterious nanny, Mary Poppins, the story joins the 1910 Edwardian Era of societal priorities with the fanciful adventures only Mary Poppins can create. London and its parks come alive, day and night, from bankers to birds the story touches a note of familiarity for all ages. Tickets may be purchased over the phone, online at www.napervilleparks.org or at a Park District facility. Physical tickets will not be given out. When you register, a confirmation will be sent to your email. The confirmation will act as your ticket so please bring the confirmation to the performance for admittance. Online purchases will only be available until 5 p.m. the Thursday before the weekend performances. Tickets purchased at a Park District facility or over the phone will be available for purchase until 4 p.m. on the Friday of the performance weekends. After that time, tickets must be purchased at the performance. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. The show will run for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15-minute intermission. Naperville Central High School Auditorium, 400 W. Aurora Avenue, Naperville.
Jim Peterik & World Stage Show
January 16, 8 p.m.
North Central College presents the Jim Peterik & World Stage show in Wentz Concert Hall. Peterik’s career has spanned five decades as a consummate composer and performer. Peterik has been responsible for many unforgettable songs that have sold millions of albums worldwide and garnered numerous awards including Grammy and Oscar nominations. As founding member of Survivor, Peterik and the group’s songs “Eye Of The Tiger” and “The Search Is Over” have become modern classics and instantly recognizable. This is the 16th consecutive year that Peterik will mount his now-legendary World Stage shows. Peterik will once again bring this event to Wentz Concert Hall, and it promises to be another powerhouse of hit songs, virtuoso playing, stunning vocals and unexpected twists and turns. World Stage began as a CD of Peterik exploring new styles of music-written and sung with some of his friends and colleagues. The template was cast by having Peterik and his guests perform their collaborations, along with their own hits, in front of Peterik’s handpicked band featuring the hottest and most versatile musicians he could find. The celebrity lineup for the January show is still being finalized, but here are some past World Stage alumni: Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi and Donnie VanZant from .38 Special; Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon; David Pack from Ambrosia; Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy and Joel Hoekstra from Night Ranger; Cathy Richardson from Jefferson Airplane; Mike Reno from Loverboy; The Ides of March; and Rik Emmett from Triumph. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $75 and $65; call 630.637.SHOW or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
Chicago Sinfonietta: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King
January 17, 3 p.m.
North Central College welcomes Chicago Sinfonietta for its Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, in Wentz Concert Hall. Tickets are $60, $48 and $10; call 630.637.SHOW or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. The themes associated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are well known, and nearly 50 years after his death, still timely and relevant. Brotherhood. Struggle. Adversity. Triumph. Love. Dr. King’s life and work continue to inspire all. This concert begins and ends with gospel and spiritual music courtesy of friends from the Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir. The orchestra and bass virtuoso Victor Wooten perform the Illinois premiere of “The Bass Whisperer,” composed by Wooten and Conni Ellisor, and Michael Gandolfi’s “Fourth Chickasaw Variations” also gets its premiere. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.
The Osmonds
January 17, 5 p.m.
The Osmonds are no strangers to show business. One of the most well-known entertainment families in the world, their example of an unfailing belief in God and family, along with a wide-range of talent, creates the unique combination that has led to the tremendous success of the Osmonds. The Osmond family has spent more than 50 years working together entertaining audiences all over the world, with music historians noting them as the longest running group in history, having never been disbanded. Their spirit of dedication and loyalty to the craft is felt and reciprocated by their equally dedicated and loyal following. It is this same spirit they bring to their many music styles. Arcadia Theatre, 105 E. Main Street, St. Charles. www.oshows.com.
Hairspray: The Broadway Musical
January 20–February 21
Tracy Turnblad is a plus-size teen with plus-size hair, and she has one big plus-size dream—to dance her way onto Baltimore’s smash hit TV show, “The Corny Collins Show.” Every day after school, she and best friend Penny bee-line home to watch the cool kids shake the rafters to the hottest tunes on Collins’ program. When a dance slot opens on the show, Tracy gets help from her friend Seaweed, who puts enough groove in her step to win that dream role and life is never the same again. But Tracy doesn’t rest on her stardom, instead she uses her new celebrity to racially integrate the TV show and change the lives of Baltimore folks forever. Based on the John Waters hit movie, Hairspray is a high-octane ride with thrilling choreography, rockin’ tunes and explosively colorful costumes plus some really cool hairdos. More importantly, under all the glitz, Hairspray reminds us of the importance of individuality and the acceptance of one another: a wonderful message to share with everyone. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com.
Naperville Park District Building Extravaganza Featuring LEGO
January 23, 1 to 3 p.m.
Let your imagination run wild with tens of thousands of LEGOs. Try your hand at building projects like skyscrapers, vehicles, boats, towers, bridges and even a motorized project. With more than 200,000 LEGO pieces, you’re bound to enjoy this extravaganza with endless creative possibilities. Trained, expert instructors will lead all projects. Each child attending must register. Last year, all the sessions filled up quickly so you are advised to register early. Designed for kids 5–12. Visit napervilleparks.org or call 630.848.5000 to register.
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Gala
January 29, 6 p.m.
The Inaugural Gala serves as a formal welcoming to usher in the new members of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. Join the Chamber as they recognize the leadership roles of the new members of the board who will serve for the next three years working to improve the relations of business and the community. The Gala also commemorates the success and dedication of outgoing board members and thanks them for their years of continued service to the Chamber of Commerce and the Naperville community. The event features a hyper-local craft beer tasting, dueling pianos, Draw Down, dinner and open bar. With hundreds of the region’s top business executives in attendance, the Inaugural Gala is a wonderful opportunity to gain exposure for your business. This year’s event will take place at Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville.
Sinatra Forever: Salute to Frank Sinatra
January 30, 8 p.m.
Sinatra Forever: Salute to Frank Sinatra is a concert that pays homage to perhaps the greatest singer of all time. This is not an impersonation show, but an interpretation performed by Rick Michel paying homage to Sinatra. Michel is one of Las Vegas premier singers, whom the show business bible Variety said: “He is the closest thing to Frank Sinatra we have ever heard.” Michel, a master impressionist for more than 40 years, has been touring his Sinatra Forever show around the country as well as internationally. More than half the members of his orchestra are musicians who played with Sinatra. They will back Michel in his 22-song set that will cover everything from Sinatra classics such as a Witchcraft lesser-known hits such as “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” from the musical Guys and Dolls. Audiences recognize many of the song selections in the show. Sinatra Forever is a timeless concert and part of the American Songbook with all the original arrangements. Pfeiffer Hall, North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville.