Elm Leaves

Arts and entertainment calendar for April 12

Updated: April 10, 2012 1:07PM

Stage

“Angels in America,” “Part One: Millennium Approaches” and “Part Two: Perestroika,” through June 3 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago. Tickets: $45-$65. Call (773) 753-4472 or visit www.CourtTheatre.org.

“Beyond the Fringe” will be presented by Oak Park Festival Theatre through May 6 at the Madison Street Theatre, 1010 W. Madison St., Oak Park. Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 5 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25; $20 for students and senior citizens. Visit www.oakparkfestival.com.

“Enfrascada (A Hoodoo Comedy of Jarring Proportions),” through May 12 at 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. When a terrible split turns Alicia’s world upside down, she turns to folk magic to heal her suffering. With the help of her friends and some enchanting magi, Alicia mines the underworlds of Brujeria, Santeria and Hoodoo for magic recipes, age-old traditions and ancient jar spells, looking for a cure. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets: $18. Call (708) 795-6704 or visit www.16thstreettheater.org.

The Free Readers Ensemble performs at 3 p.m. the third Sunday of the month, unless noted otherwise, in the second floor Veterans Room of the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. Free admission. www.freereaders.com. April 15: “Bug” by Tracy Letts. May 20: “Letters, We’ve Got Letters,” a compilation of letters between famous historical and theatrical persons.

“Hairspray,”through June 17 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The performance schedule is 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $35-$46, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. Lunch and dinner packages available for $49.75-$68. Call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

“Marvin’s Room” will be presented May 4-13 in Triton College’s Cox Auditiorium, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $12 for general admission; $10 for senior citizens. Call (708) 456-0300, ext. 6932. to reserve tickets.

“The Night of the Iguana,” by Tennessee Williams, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. April 13-14 and 3 p.m. April 15 in the Martin Recital Hall at Dominican University’s Performing Arts Center, 7900 Division St., River Forest. General admission tickets are $15; $5 for students. Call (708) 488-5000 or visit www.dom.edu/pac.

“Nunsense — The Mega Musical!” will be presented by The Rising Stars Theatre Co. at 7:30 p.m. April 20, 21 and 28 and 2 p.m. April 22 and 29 at the Stahl Family Theatre, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. Tickets: $17; $15 for children 14 and under and senior citizens. Order tickets online at www.risingstarschicago.com or call (773) 736-2490.

“Train Is Comin’” will be presented through May 20 at Open Door Repertory Company, 902 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park. In 1870 a white professor and his choir of nine freed slaves set out to raise money for their nearly penniless institution, Fisk University. By singing the “slave songs” of their most recent past, the Fisk Jubilee Singers raised more than $120,000 for their school and were responsible for the emergence of the Negro spirituals in American culture. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. $23 for general admission; $20 seniors; $17 students. Call (708) 342-0810 or visit www.opendoorrep.org.

“The Turn of the Screw” will be presented by First Folio Theatre through April 29 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. A young governess left to care for two recently orphaned children in a lonely English manor begins to see the specters of the former governess and her lover. Are the ghosts real, or merely a product of her own fevered mind? Curtain at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $26-$37, with discounts for students and seniors. Call (630) 986-8067 or visit www.firstfolio.org.

Classical

The Avalon Quartet performs the Beethoven String Quartet Cycle at 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Each concert will benefit a designated local organization for which free-will donations will be accepted. Suggested minimum donation is $10. For information, call (708) 386-2729 or visit www.19thcenturycharity.org. May 16: “Epic Journey,” Op. 131, benefiting Oak Park River Forest Symphony. May 23: “Russian Feast Part 1,” Op. 59, benefiting the Hemingway Foundation. May 30: “Russian Feast Part 2,” Op. 59, benefiting the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society.

Chicago a cappella performs at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. Tickets are $35 for preferred seating, $28 for general admission, $22 for seniors; and $12 for students. For tickets, call (773) 281-7820 or see www.chicagoacappella.org. April 15, 4 p.m.: “All About the Women,” starring actress Barbara Robertson.

Chicago Choral Artists presents a concert for Earth Day, with music by Sibelius, Brahms and Whitacre and a Midwest premiere of Robert Kyr’s “On the Nature of Creation,” at 4 p.m. April 22 at First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St., Oak Park. A pre-concert talk by Robert Kyr will be at 3:30 p.m. $20; $15 seniors; $10 students; Conductor’s Circle $40. Visit www.chicagochoralartists.org or call (708) 848-1762.

Harold Washington Library Center’s Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St., Chicago. April 15, 2 p.m: Chinese Fine Arts Society presents “Melodies of Love and Loss,” a showcase of music by Chinese composers. Featured performers include pipa virtuoso Yang Wei, as well as Jennifer Woodrum, clarinet, and Melissa Snoza, flute, both members of Fifth House Ensemble. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.chinesefinearts.org.

Heritage Chorale presents Benjamin Britton’s “Saint Nicholas,” at 7:30 p.m. April 14 and 3 p.m. April 15 at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 W. Division St., River Forest. The chorale will joined by Concordia University Chicago’s Chamber Orchestra and Laudate Choir and the Pro Musica Youth Chorus. The program also includes rarely heard works by Herbert Howells, Arthur Honegger and Pierre Villette and a new setting of the Lord’s Prayer by Maurice Boyer. Tickets: $18; $15 for seniors; $10 for college students. Free admission for students through high school. For information, visit www.heritagechorale.com.

The Michael Teolis Singers will present “Chicago Originals,” featuring works by composers who have a connection to the city of Chicago, at 7:30 p.m. May 5 at First United Methodist Church, 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Brass, organ and percussion will accompany the ensemble. Tickets: $18; $12 for seniors and students, cash only. Call (708) 366-2889 or visit www.mtsingers.org.

Oak Park Concert Chorale presents Randall Thompson’s “The Peaceable Kingdom” at 4 p.m. April 29 at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 W. Division St., River Forest. General admission is $18; $10 for seniors and students. Call (708) 383-4742 or visit www.OakParkConcertChorale.org.

The Orion Ensemble performs in Roosevelt University’s Ganz Memorial Hall, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $26; $23 for senior citizens; $10 for students. Free for children 12 and younger. (630) 628-9591 or www.orionensemble.org. May 9, 7:30 p.m.: “All That Jazz!” featuring a world premiere by guest pianist Miguel de la Cerna, a Fauré quartet and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Triton College Performing Arts Center, located in the Robert M. Collins Center, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 456-0300, ext. 3506. www.triton.edu. May 14, 7:30 p.m.: Triton College Community Band plays works by Percy Grainger, Gordon Jacob and Karel Husa. Admission is free.

Pop/folk/jazz

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. (800) 982-ARTS (2787). www.auditoriumtheatre.org. May 12, 8 p.m.: Andrew Bird, performing with his band, will celebrate the release of his new album,”Break It Yourself.” Special guest is Mucca Pazza. $29.50, $39.50, $49.50.

Dominican University Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. (708) 488-5000. www.dom.edu/pac. April 21, 7:30 p.m.: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives (country). $21-$30.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111. www.drurylaneoakbrook.com. May 21-22, 1:30 p.m.:The Glenn Miller Orchestra. Tickets are $50-$55; lunch is available preceding the performance for an additional $16. June 22-23, 8 p.m., and June 24, 2 p.m.: Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Loretta Lynn. Tickets are $65. A 6 p.m. dinner is available for an additional $19 on Friday and Saturday; noon lunch is available on Sunday for an additional $19.

Elmwood Park Public Library, 1 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park. www.elmwoodparklibrary.org. April 18, 7 p.m.: Frank Fiore presents a jazz piano concert.

FitzGerald’s,6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 788-2118. www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Open mic in the SideBar. April 12, 8:30 p.m.: Carolyn Wonderland (roots). $15. April 12: Exposure with Johnny & the Beloveds, The Welcome and Dave Kay, in the SideBar (rock). $5. April 13, 9 p.m.: The Velvet Jimis plus the Bono Brothers (rock/funk). $10. April 14, 7 p.m.: Cede Delapaz Buck in the SideBar, $10. April 14, 9 p.m.: Heartsfield (country/rock). $15. April 14, 9 p.m.: Ralph Covert’s Acoustic Army in the SideBar (rock). $10. April 15, 6 p.m.: Stage Door Canteen Band (jazz). $10; $5 for youth 17 and under. April 18, 7:30 p.m.: Jazz Consortium Big Band, $10. April 19, 9 p.m.: Expo ‘76 in the SideBar (rock). No cover. April 20, 9 p.m.: Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys (rockabilly/swing). $15. April 21, 9 p.m.: Reely Dan (Steely Dan tribute). April 22, 6 p.m.: John Burnett Orchestra (jazz). $10; $5 for youth under 17. April 25, 7 p.m.: Ella Gill and Scott Daniel benefit concert for Walk-In Ministry, $25 in advance; $30 at the door. April 26, 8 p.m.: Country Night in Berwyn with Decoy Prayer Meeting, Lisa DeRosia & Lush Budgett, Tangleweed, in the SideBar. $5. April 26, 8:30 p.m.: The Waco Brothers with Paul Burch (roots/rock). $15. April 27, 9 p.m.: Yarn plus Go Long Mule (roots/rock). $10 in advance; $12 at the door. April 28, 9 p.m.: Willie Nile with Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra (rock). $15. April 29, 6 p.m.: Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. May 3, 8 p.m.: Leon Redbone (jazz/blues). $20 in advance; $25 at the door. May 4: Wishbone Ash in two shows with two different set lists. CD release for “Elegant Stealth” at 7:30 p.m., $25 in advance; and 10 p.m., $25 in advance; both shows for $40 in advance. May 5, 8:30 p.m.: Cinco de Mayo Festival with Tributosauras as Santana (rock tribute). $20. May 5, 9:30 p.m.: The Red Elvises (rock). $15. June 1-2, 9 p.m.: Sonny Landreth CD release show for “Elemental Journey” (blues). $25. June 9, 9 p.m.: Kelly Hogan “I Like to Keep Myself in Pain” CD release (roots). $15. June 14, 9 p.m.: Reckless Kelly (roots), $15. June 15, 9 p.m.: Cathy Richardson Band (rock). $15.

Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. April 30, 7 p.m.: Folk music concert by My Sweet Patootie.

Salt Creek Wine Bar, 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield. May 8, 7:30-10:30 p.m.: Jazz by Lady T. with Jim Pierce, guitar, and Ben Paterson, organ. For information, visit www.ladytjazz.net.

Triton College Performing Arts Center, located in the Robert M. Collins Center, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 456-0300, ext. 3597. www.triton.edu/tcpac. April 14, 7:30 p.m.: Triton College Jazz Spectacular. General admission is $7; $5 for senior citizens. May 10, 7:30 p.m.: Triton College Jazz Band performs. Admission is free. May 13, 4 p.m.: Triton College Concert Choir performs. Admission is free.

Unity Temple Concert Series at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park, presents concerts to raise money for the restoration and upkeep of the historic Frank Lloyd Wright structure. Call (708) 445-8955 or visit www.utconcerts.com. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$33. April 28: Grazyna Auguscik and Paulinho Garcia play contemporary Brazilian jazz.

Art galleries

Expressions Graphics, 29 Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 356-3552. www.expressionsgraphics.org. Gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. April 13-May 11: “Nicolas de Jesus: New Works — Dreams of Freedom,” a series of engravings (etchings and aquatints). Opening reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. April 13.

Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co., 7348 W. Madison St. Exhibits are co-sponsored by the Oak Park Area Arts Council. For more information, call (708) 358-5693 or visit www.OakParkAreaArtsCouncil.org. Through April: Works by Elsa Anaya, a Peruvian artist and muralist.

Gallery Pink, 149 Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 648-3131. www.gallerypink-elkinsstudio.com. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through April 29: “Richard Shipps: Paper Visions.”

North Riverside Mall Theatre, 7501 W. Cermak Road, Riverside. www.classiccinemas.com. April: An exhibit of ceramics, sculptures, photos, paintings and drawings created by Riverside Brookfield High School students enrolled in art classes taught by Suzanne Zimmerman.

Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. April 12-16: Guest exhibition by paper cut artist Richard Shipps. A reception for the artist will be held from 7-9 p.m. April 13. The gallery will be open from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April 15, in addition to regular hours.

Prairie Title Company, 6821 W. North Ave., Oak Park. Exhibits are presented by the Oak Park Area Arts Council. For information, call (708) 386-9853 or visit www.opal-art.com. Through May 8: Works by Laura Young, Gina Lee Robbins, Greg Philips and Piotr Antonow.

Tamale Hut Cafe, 8300 W. Cermak, North Riverside. April 21, 7-10 p.m.: Opening reception for “Revealed,” an exhibit of abstract oil paintings by Phil Malhiot. The paintings will be on display through June. Visit www.malhiot.com.

Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. www.triton.edu. Through April 13: Works by Mark Nelson, including drawings, paintings, sculpture, installation art and video, will be displayed in the art gallery on the first floor of the J-Building. A reception for the artist will be from 6-9 p.m. April 12. For information, call (708) 456-0300, ext. 3589. April 25-May 11: Spring Student Art Show, featuring drawings, paintings, sculpture, video presentations, photographs and more, will be on exhibit in the art gallery on the first floor of the J-Building. A reception for the artists will be held from 6-8 p.m. May 9.

Auditions & opportunities

The Oak Park Concert Chorale is holding auditions for its 2012-13 season, which will feature performances of compositions ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century, as well as works commissioned by the chorale. Seeking singers for all voice parts — sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. Rehearsals are held from 7:30-10 p.m. Tuesdays in Oak Park. For more information or to schedule an audition, call (847) 420-9200 or visit www.oakparkconcertchorale.org.

The Oak Park Arts District is accepting applications for its annual What’s Blooming on Harrison art walk, to be held May 18-19. For information, visit www.oakparkartsdistrict.com.

Benefits

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park, will host its annual Scholarship Benefit Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. April 16. Entertainer/book reviewer Barbara Rinella will perform a dramatization of The Paris Wife, Paula McLain’s novel about Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley Richardson. Cost is $45 for the luncheon and program. Proceeds provide four-year scholarships to graduating young women from Oak Park-River Forest High School. Reservations are required; call (708) 386-2729 or visit www.19thcenturycharity.org.

Ella Gill and Scott Daniel will perform “Songs of Hope & Struggle” as a benefit concert for the Oak Park/River Forest Area Walk-In Ministry at 7 p.m. April 25 at FitzGerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Val Camilletti of Val’s Halla Records will serve as master of ceremonies. Admission is $25 in advance, $15 for students; $30 at the door. Call (708) 386-1946, ext. 908, or visit www.walk-in-ministryoprf.org.

Books & poetry

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243. www.centuriesandsleuths.com. April 14, 2 p.m.: G.K. Chesterton Society of Chicago discusses Magic (A Play Reading for Real) by G.K. Chesterton. April 15, 2 p.m.: Dickens Fellowship of Chicago will discuss chapters 13-27 of Great Expectations. April 16, noon: The Great Mystery Bus Tour, with authors John Connolly (Burning Soul); Liza Marklund (Last Will); M. J. Rose (The Book of Lost Fragrances) and William Kent Krueger (Northwest Angle). April 21, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group will discuss Death of the Mantis by Michael Stanley. April 22, 1 p.m.: Mystery Writers of America Midwest Chapter meeting with guest speaker Howard Dean, a crime scene investigator, discussing blood stain evidence. April 29, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (The History Discussion Group) will discuss Queens’ Consorts by Lisa Hilton. May 5, 2 p.m.: Libby Fischer Hellmann discusses and signs A Bitter Veil and Clare O’Donohue discusses and signs Life Without Parole. May 26, 2 p.m.: Craig Cleve discusses and signs The Green Hornet Street Car Disaster. May 27, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (The History Discussion Group) will discuss The Reformation: A History. June 2, 2 p.m.: John McEvoy discusses and signs Photo Finish, the fifth book in the Jack Doyle Race Track Mystery series; and Jack Fredrickson discusses and signs Hunting Sweetie Rose, his third Dek Elstrom Mystery. June 9, 2 p.m.: G.K. Chesterton Society of Chicago discusses The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton. June 10, 2 p.m.: Dickens Fellowship of Chicago will discuss chapters 28-44 of Great Expectations. June 16, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group discusses Easy Thing by Paco Ignacio Taibo. June 24, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (The History Discussion Group) discusses The Imperial Cruse by James Bradley.

Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park. April 26, 10:30 a.m.: Park District of Oak Park’s Book Worms Book Club for senior citizens will discuss Join the Club: How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World by Tina Rosenberg. Fee is $1 for Active Adult members; $2 for nonmembers. Copies of the book are reserved for the club at the Oak Park Public Library Main Branch.

Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. April 18, 1 p.m.: Discussion of Sovereign Ladies: The Six Reigning Queens of England. April 18, 7 p.m.: Jeffrey Gusfield will discuss and sign Deadly Valentines. April 25, 7 p.m.: Phat Fiction group will discuss One Day It’ll All Make Sense by Common at the Lake Street Kitchen Bar, 1101 Lake St., Oak Park. April 26, 7 p.m.: Young @ Heart Book Discussion Group, for adults who read Young Adult literature, will discuss The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.

Oak Park Public Library, Dole Branch, 255 Augusta, Oak Park. (708) 386-9032. www.oppl.org. April 17, noon: Brown Bag Book Group will discuss The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths. Bring a lunch. April 20, noon: Read & Reflect Book Group will discuss Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture by Ellen Ruppell Shell.

Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. April 17, 7 p.m.: Discussion of In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik Larson.

Child’s play

Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Day Off School Workshops, $20; $25 for nonmembers — April 27, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.: Art and Science. Summer art camps available for children ages 5-12 years, 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. Tuition is $265 per two-week session; $250 for OPAL members. Camps include June 11-22: Papier Mache Madness; June 25-29: Book & Papermaking; July 9-20: Fabulous Fabrications; July 23-Aug. 3: “I Love Summer,” painting and sculpture; Aug. 6-17: Jewelry Making.

Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 452-3420. www.oppl.org. April 14, 10 a.m.: Dinosaur Donuts with Dads, a storytime for children ages 3 and up and their parents. No registration required.

Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. April 14, 2 p.m.: Kids Film Screening of “Hugo,” rated PG. No registration required. After-School Movies series, no registration required — April 18, 2:30 p.m.: “Happy Feet,” rated PG. S.D. Studios,

224 N. Elmwood, Oak Park, offers the Summer Slime Time Camp, for ages 4-11, from 9:30 a.m.-noon Monday-Thursday, June 4-21. The theme is Africa, and participants will make African masks using papier mache and mixed media, African animal fetishes, Senufo stylized paintings, hand-crafted beaded keychains and necklaces, book cover illustrations for African fables and folktales, and Maasai self-portraits. Fee is $160 per week or $450 for all three weeks of camp. For information, e-mail sandradawson@comcast.net.

“The Wizard of Oz,” April 25-June 16 at Drury Lane Theatre Theatre for Young Adults, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Performances are at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday (excludes May 2, May 5, June 6-7, June 13-14). Performances at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 28, May 12, 19 and 26, and June 16. Tickets are $12. A breakfast buffet with the cast is offered April 28, May 12, 19 and 26, and June 16 at 11:30 a.m., with the performance at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Breakfast buffet package price is $25 for adults; $22 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

Wonder Works, A Children’s Museum, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park, provides a hands-on environment intended to strengthen the social, emotional and intellectual development of children up to age 10. The 6,400-square-foot museum includes exhibits, educational programming, a retail store and a children’s party room. Memberships are available. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 per person; free for members and children under age 1. For information about field trips, birthday parties and after-hours parties, call (708) 383-4815 or visit www.wonder-works.org.

Dance

The Joffrey Ballet presents “Spring Desire” April 25-May 6 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 27 and May 3-4; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 28 and May 5; and 2 p.m. April 29 and May 6. Tickets: $25-$149. Call (800) 982-2787 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Chicago Dance Chapter of USA Dance, the national organization representing amateur ballroom dancers. Lesson begins at 7:30 p.m.; dancing from 8:15-11 p.m. Admission: $8 members; $10 nonmembers; $6 for students with ID. Dance music for all swing, Latin and ballroom dances. Partners not required - singles welcome. Beginning dancers encouraged. For information, call (847) 577-9014 or visit www.usadancechicago.org. April 14: “Swing Into Spring” at The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park, featuring an East Coast Swing lesson with Amanda Doerr of May I Have This Dance Studio.

Intuit Dance Studio 2, 7515 W. Madison St., Forest Park. www.intuitdance.org. Through May 27, 3-4 p.m. Sundays: Beginning flamenco classes for adults, including basic footwork patterns, arm and hand movements, hand clapping rhythms, and Sevillanas choreography. Instructor and Oak Park resident Jean Foley has been studying flamenco since 2003. $15 per class. Drop-ins welcome. For information, call (708) 524-0500.

The Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-2729. www.19thcenturycharity.org. April 16, 7:30-10 p.m.: English Country Dances, with music played by Old Fezziwig’s Band. No partner needed; all dances are taught and called. Suggested donation is $10; $5 for those under 18 and over 65.

Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. www.willowbrookballroom.com. (708) 839-1000. April 14, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Tejano Dance — A Baile “Una Noche Tejana” with music by Grupo Maldad from San Antonio, Texas, Tejano Express, and DJ Armando E. $20 per person before 9 p.m.; $25 after 9 p.m. April 15 and May 20, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Teddy Lee Orchestra, $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. April 17 and 24 and May 1, 8 and 15, 7:30-10 p.m.: Country and western lessons and dance, $8. April 18 and 25 and May 2, 9 and 16, 7:30-11 p.m.: Salsa lessons and dance, $10. No partner needed. April 27, 7-11 p.m.: “Boppin at the Brook” country and western dance, $8. April 29, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Steve Anthony Orchestra, $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. May 6: Tango lesson from 12:30-1:30 p.m., $20 per person. Ballroom dancing to music by the Steve Anthony Orchestra, 2-5 p.m.. $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes.

Film

Dominican University, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. April 16, 7 p.m.: Screening of “La Tuna” (“The Prickly Pear”) and “Neotnato” (“Neonatal”) in the Martin Recital Hall. The films, part of the 28th annual Chicago Latino Film Festival, will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles. Admission is free.

Oak Park Arms Retirement Community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. (708) 386-4040. www.oakparkarms.com. “Journey Through History … Hollywood Style” film series, hosted by radio announcer Dan Kane. All films are shown at 3:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month and are followed by a discussion. Admission is free. April 13: “The Lion in Winter,” starring Katherine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole. May 11: “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. June 8: “Luther,” starring Joseph Fiennes. July 13: “A Man for All Seasons,” starring Paul Scofield and Robert Shaw. Aug. 10: “Elizabeth,” starring Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes. Sept. 14: “Waterloo,” starring Rod Steiger, Christopher Plummer and Orson Welles. Oct. 12: “Amistad,” starring Anthony Hopkins. Nov. 9: “The Alamo,” starring John Wayne. Dec. 14: “Love Actually,” starring Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson.

Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. April 15, 2 p.m.: Kurosawa Samurai Film Series presents “Sanjuro.” April 25, 1:30 p.m.: Bogie! Film Series features “To Have and Have Not.” Reel Abilities Chicago Disabilities Film Festival,

April 25-29, features screenings of films at several Oak Park venues. Panel discussions with experts in disabilities and the arts will be offered after each film showing. Tickets are $10 per film; $7 for seniors and students. For tickets or information, visit http://chicago.reelabilities.org. April 25, 7 p.m.: “Snow Cake,” a drama about the struggles associated with autism, at the Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St. The film stars Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman and Carrie-Ann Moss. April 28, 7 p.m.: “Praying with Lior,” at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. Lior, who has Down Syndrome, has spent his entire life praying with utter abandon — prompting those around him to call him a “spiritual genius.” April 29, 1:30 p.m.: “Among the Giants,” at the Academy of Movement & Music (MOMENTA), 605 Lake St. The film tells the story of the Adaptive Design Association, a nonprofit organization that builds customized equipment for people with disabilities. April 29, 5 p.m.: “Crooked Beauty,” a tale that reshapes mental health stigmas, and “Shooting Beauty,” the story of fashion photographer Courtney Bent, whose career takes an unexpected turn when she turns her attention to people living with significant disabilities, at FitzGerald’s SideBar, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. www.triton.edu. April 19, 7 p.m.: Screening of “Green Fire,” a documentary about conservationist Aldo Leopold in Room B-204/210, on the second floor of the Student Center (B-Building). Free. For more information, visit www.triton.edu/sustainability.

Lectures

Dominican University, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. April 19, 7 p.m.: Daniel Dinello, professor of film and video at Columbia College Chicago, will present “Dr. Frankenstein’s Footsteps: A Critical Look at Some Key Films” in the Bluhm Lecture Hall of Parmer Hall. Free. For more information, visit the www.dom.edu/siena or call (708) 714-9105.

Open Door Repertory Theatre, 902 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park. www.opendoorrep.org. (708) 342-0810. April 17, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: Musical theatre historian Charles Troy presents “The Creation of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” using film clips, recordings and other materials to tell the story behind the making of film classic. $10 per person.

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation presents break :: the :: box, a lecture series exploring creative nonconformity across architecture, art and culture, in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. For tickets, call (708) 383-8873 or visit www.utrf.org. April 20, 7:30 p.m.: “Gordon Gill, AIA :: Form Follows Performance.” Gill, an award-winning architect at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, will discuss his philosophy of utilizing form as a contributor to building and planning performance in large-scale mixed-use projects around the world. Admission: $15; $12 for UTRF members, students and seniors. May 8, 7:30 p.m.: “Jack Quinan :: Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House: Breaking the Box in Buffalo.” Jack Quinan is a historian of architecture and the senior curator of the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo, N.Y. Admission: $15; $12 for UTRF members, students and seniors.

Organizations

Oak Park Photography Club meets at 6 p.m. April 23 at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. All skill levels are welcome. Call (708) 383-8200 or visit www.oppl.org.

Singles

CAC (Catholic Alumni Club of Chicago) Single Catholics. (708) 450-8280 or www.caci.org/chicago.html. April 13, 7 p.m.: Dinner at Giordano’s, 10410 W. Cermak Road, Westchester. Reservations to (708) 788-3352. April 28, 7 p.m.: “Sunset Boulevard” at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 Central Ave., Cicero. $16. Reservations by April 27 to (708) 788-3352. April 29, 10:30 a.m.: Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 4314 Oak Park Ave., Stickney, followed by breakfast at Alexander’s Pancake House, 6725 W. Pershing Road, Stickney. Reservations to (708) 788-3352.

Tours & outings

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust will host April After Hours at Robie House from 5-8 p.m. Fridays, April 13, 20 and 27, at Wright’s Robie House, 5757 S. Woodland Ave., Chicago. The evenings feature live music, drinks, and light hors d’oeuvres. The interior spaces of the Robie House and its many private balconies will be open (weather permitting) for guests to explore. Admission is $35; $30 for Preservation Trust members. Advanced tickets are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit www.GoWright.org.

The Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest will present its ninth annual housewalk, “Glimpses of Oak Park: Then and Now,” from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 21. The tour focuses on the Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District and will spotlight seven houses in the western section of the district. Pre-paid reserved tickets are $30; $25 for members. Reserve by calling (708) 848-6755 or online at www.oprfhistory.org. Pick up and purchase tickets for $35 the day of the event at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Ave., Oak Park. Tickets are also available in Oak Park at the Oak Park Visitors Center, 1010 Lake St., The Book Table, 1045 Lake St., and Frame Warehouse, 346 Harrison; and at the Forest Agency, 7310 Madison St., Forest Park.

Parenthesis Family Center will host its 27th annual Kitchen Walk from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 28, featuring 10 newly remodeled Oak Park and River Forest kitchens. Tickets are $40 in advance; $45 day of the walk. Visit www.parenthesis-info.org.

Wright Plus 2012 housewalk, showcasing rare interior tours of private homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries in Oak Park, will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2. The walk features eight private homes, three designed by Wright, and three public buildings designed by Wright. Guests will enjoy interpretations based on in-depth research of the homes’ history and architecture, including discussions of the original occupants’ lifestyles. Tickets are $100 $85 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members. Along with the housewalk tour, the Preservation Trust also offers the Ultimate Plus Weekend, May 31 to June 3, including a reception at the 1905 Wright-designed lobby of The Rookery Building in downtown Chicago, a Friday Excursion to Wright-designed buildings on Chicago’s North Shore, a private luncheon and lecture and Exclusively Wright Dinner on Saturday, and a behind-the-scenes Tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House on Sunday. For information, visit www.GoWright.org.

Workshops & classes

Expressions Graphics, 29 Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 356-3552. www.expressionsgraphics.org. April 14, noon-4:30 p.m.: Etching workshop; fee is $60.

Senior Citizens’ Center of Oak Park and River Forest Lifelong Learning Center, 414 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, offers classes and workshops. For information or to register, call (708) 848-5251. Book Binding with Marcia Palazzolo, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, starting April 14. $20 members, $50 nonmembers, for the four-week course. Scrapbooking with Nancy Grayson, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, starting April 14. $10 members, $40 nonmembers, for the four-week course. The Patchwork Bag with Wendy Hartz, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, starting April 18. $10 members, $40 nonmembers, for the four-week course.

The World of Rhythm and Dance series, an ongoing project of The Contemporary Music Project, is held at the 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. For musicians and the general public, the master classes explore the drum and dance traditions of international artists living in the Chicago area. Upcoming classes include April 29: Quentin Shaw, North African percussion and dance. May 20: Toque Chicago, Batá drumming. For more information, visit www.contemporarymusicproject.com or call (708) 524-8605.

Et cetera

Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. April 18, 7 p.m.: “Art, Paper, Scissors.” Make a collage from old magazines and ephemera. All materials are provided. April 19, 7 p.m.: Historian/actress Lynn Rymarz portrays “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Co-sponsored by the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest.

Triton College’s Cernan Earth and Space Center, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 583-3100. www.triton.edu/cernan. Earth and Sky Shows, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; laser concerts, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; children’s shows, 2 p.m. Sundays; Sunday Sampler, 3 p.m. Sundays. Cost is $8-$10; $4-$5 for senior citizens 55 and older and children ages 2-12. Through April 29: Earth & Sky Shows include Stellar Extremes. Laser concerts include Legends laser show, with music of The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, and Beatles 2 mini laser show. Children’s shows (best for children from preschool through second grade) include Our Place in Space and The Friendly Stars mini show. Sunday Sampler includes More Than Meets the Eye, Skywatcher’s Guide mini show and Legends mini laser show.





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