A&E

DuPage, Will and Cook to offer singing valentines, nature events, art, theater

JAN. 30

"LITTLE WOMEN – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL": Now through Feb. 9, Wheaton Drama's Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton. Performances are Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 1, 2, 6 to 9. Based on Louisa May Alcott's 1869 novel, it is a musical storytelling of the adventures of the four March sisters and their beloved Marmee, while their father is serving in the Civil War. An American Sign Language-interpreted performance is planned at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31, plus an audience/cast-and-crew talk-back Feb. 2. Cost: $21 to $24. Information: tickets@WheatonDrama.org, www.wheatondrama.org, 630-260-1820.

"ALABASTER" AT 16TH STREET THEATER: Jan. 30 to March 1, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. The rolling world premiere of the play by Audrey Cefaly is directed by Artistic Director Ann Filmer. It's a darkly comic Southern drama about love, art and the power of women. After a tornado barrels through North Alabama leaving nothing but death and destruction, only June and her wisecracking pet goat Weezy live to tell the tale. When Alice, a prominent photographer, arrives to take pictures of June's scars, all are tipped to the breaking point in the beautiful story of life after death. It plays various Thursdays through Sundays. Cost: $22 to $30. Information: www.16thstreettheater.org, 708-795-6704.

DUPAGE ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT: 7:30 a.m. to noon, Northern Illinois University Naperville Meeting and Conference Center, 1120 E. Diehl Road, No. 150, Naperville. How climate change affects the local ecosystems, urban green space and bird migration is the focus of guest experts. Presented by The Conservation Foundation, the summit also will feature an environmental exhibit area opening at 7:30 a.m., offering coffee, juice and light breakfast snacks. The program starts at 8 a.m. Cost: Free. Information: Register at theconservationfoundation.org.

EXPLORE WAYS TO VOLUNTEER WITH DUPAGE FOREST PRESERVES AT INFORMATION SESSION: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., district headquarters, 3S5800 Naperville Road, Wheaton. Volunteers are needed for year-round programs and one-time workdays. Information: Call Volunteer Services at 630-933-7233; www.dupageforest.org.

JANUARY'S FEATURED ARTIST MARY YEZEK: Through January, Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive. Information: woodridgelibrary.org, 630-964-7899.

WEST CHICAGO'S CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION SEEKING SUGGESTIONS FOR PUBLIC ART MASTER PLAN'S ART INSTALLATIONS: Online through Jan. 31. Information: form.jotform.com/RosemaryMackey/-public-art-survey-form-question-3.

JAN. 31

"CAUSELESS JOY": 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, Trinity Lutheran Church, 3S460 Curtis Ave., Warrenville. In response to realizing she is suffering from chronic discontent and motherhood-overload, Theresa takes a month-long hiatus, diving head-first into the vibrant culture, tradition and mystery of India. The critically acclaimed solo show is written and performed by Theresa Puskar. Cost: $15 to $20. Information: Tickets at tinyurl.com/wpb2qyl; www.causelessjoyshow.com.

BLACK HISTORY PLAY – "LUCK OF THE IRISH": 7 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, Downers Grove South High School, 1436 Norfolk St. Cost: $5 to $10. Information: csd99.org.

EARNEST & TROUBLED: 8:15 p.m., Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Songwriters James Curly and Ilsabe O'Connell feature harmony vocals, guitars, banjo and ukulele bass. Cost: $10. Information: twowaystreet.org, 630-969-9720.

TERRAPIN FLYER 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR AT BRAUER HOUSE: 9 p.m., Brauerhouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. It's a Grateful Dead band. Information: ww.brauerhouse.com.

DRURY LANE PRESENTS "AN AMERICAN IN PARIS": Jan. 31 to March 29, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Information: drurylanetheatre.com, 630-530-0111.

COMEDIAN CHRIS JOHNSTON: 8 and 10:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, CG's Comedy Club at The Promenade Bolingbrook, 619 E. Boughton Road. Comedy open mic begins at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and 13. Comedian Todd Thomas will headline Feb. 7 and 8. Information: cgscomedyclub.com, 630-410-8906.

FEB. 1

ALL ANIMAL EXPO: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Cost: $5. Information: dupagecountyfair.org, 630-917-0366.

BREWERS ROCK FEST: Doors open at 3 p.m., The Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Ten local brewery bands will raise money for the Alliance for Great Lakes ["we can't make great beer without Great (Lakes) water"]. Cost: $45, $15 for nondrinkers. Information: Tickets at tinyurl.com/sv6bqqe; www.wireismusic.com, 708-669-9473.

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT TRAINING: 3 p.m., Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count is easy to do, fun for families and individuals, and helps wild birds. Cost: $7 per person or $20 per household or group. Information: Email education@cosleyzoo.org to register; 630-665-5534.

BAGS FOR WAGS: 5 p.m., Visitation Valentino Center, 851 S. York Road, Elmhurst. A benefit bean bag tournament honors the life of late student Brian E. Wagner. Information: brianewagnerfund.org.

VALENTINE CRAFT AND VENDOR SHOW: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chateau Orleans Banquets at Chuck's Cafe, 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien. More than 40 crafters and vendors offer gift items. A beignet breakfast is available. Cost: Free admission. Information: shawurl.com/3cbw.

"FIRESIDE STORIES": 2 to 3 p.m., Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville. The program will feature interactive stories from the natural winter surroundings, Native Americans and historical French colonies. Participants will sing songs, with hot chocolate and tea provided. It's for ages 12 and younger. Cost: Free, with registration due by Jan. 30. Information: ReconnectWithNature.org, 815-886-1467.

FEB. 2

DOG ADMISSION DAY: 7 a.m. to sunset, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Visitors can hit the Arboretum trails with their leashed canine companions. Information: mortonarb.org, 630-968-0074.

FOTOMUSES EXHIBIT AT EAG GALLERY PLUS RECEPTION: Feb. 2 to 28, Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild will host an exhibit by the fotoMuses, a group of 15 women photographers from the Chicago area. A reception is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 7. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Information: elmhurstartistsguild.org, 630-279-1009.

FIRST SUNDAY TEA & TALK ART LECTURE: 2 to 4 p.m., Komechak Art Gallery on the fifth-floor of Benedictine University's Kindlon Hall, 5700 College Road, Lisle. It's the sixth annual free "For the Love of Chocolate – The Taj Mahal – The Eternal Love Story of Shah Jahan and Mumtz Mahal." The presenter is Teresa J. Parker, curator of the Komechak Art Gallery. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.ben.edu/komechak-art-gallery/index.cfm, 630-829-6000.

FEB. 4

THE NICK MOSS BAND FEATURING DENNIS GRUENLING: 7 p.m., FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. They recently received four 2020 Blues Music Award nominations. Cost: $10. Information: 708-788-2118, www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

HINSDALE TOASTMASTERS: 7:15 p.m., Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St. If you are looking to build your confidence and improve your communication and public speaking skills, attend an upcoming Hinsdale Toastmasters club meeting. Information: 4888.toastmastersclubs.org.

GLEN ELLYN WOMAN'S CLUB CELEBRATES HEART HEALTH MONTH: 1 p.m., Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. A program by the Edward Hospital cardiology staff will be presented. Guests are welcome. Information: Reservations requested at 630-363-5327.

FILM NEWS PLUS WEEKLY BINGO AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 80: 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Alexander Bradley Burns Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove. Doors open at 4 p.m. There will be a variety of games and progressive jackpots, with food and refreshments available. Now playing is the Vietnam war film "The Last Full Measure," which has a connection to a Westmont native son, posthumous Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. James William Robinson Jr. Cost: Free admission to bingo. Information: 630-968-9710, www.post80.org.

FEB. 5

UNWINE WEDNESDAY: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club, 800 Oak Brook Road. The fundraiser is organized by the Oak Brook Park District Foundation. Cost: $50 until Feb. 1, and then $55. Information: obparks.org.

EMANCIPATION TO INAUGURATION – THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN CHICAGO: 7 p.m., Westmont Public Library, 428 N. Cass Ave. Celebrate Black History Month with Chicago historian Clarence Goodman as he takes the audience on a journey from Chicago’s first settler to the nation’s chief executive. Information: westmontlibrary.org.

SIX-PART GLOBAL FLICKS FILM FESTIVAL OPENS WITH "FRIDA" ON ARTIST FRIDA KAHLO: 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Screenings continue Wednesdays through March 11. Films are shown in their original language with English subtitles, and each screening concludes with a moderated discussion. On Feb. 12, it will be “Sky and Ground” (Syria/Germany). Cost: Free. Information: 630-942-4000.

WATER EXERCISE TECHNIQUES: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays now through March 11, Riverside Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road. The community, adult-level class is designed to elevate heart rate and muscular strength, utilizing water as resistance, with no swimming involved. Information: www.rbhs208.net, and click on community, swimming pool, WET class; or email Noelle Bajohr at bajohrn@rbhs208.net.

FEB. 6

THURSDAY@NOON WITH DUO PIANISTS AARON STAMPFL AND ELENA CHOLOKOVA: Noon, Armerding Center for Music and the Arts Recital Hall, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave. on Wheaton College campus. People can bring their brown bag lunch. The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music presents a duo piano concert titled "Rite of Spring." Cost: Free. Information: shawurl.com/3cbx, 630-752-5099.

NAMI DUPAGE INFORMATION TABLE: 1 to 3 p.m., Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St. Representatives from NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) DuPage will be at an information table on the main floor to answer questions about their services. Information: wheatonlibrary.org, 630-668-1374.

TELECAST OF BRITISH PRODUCTION OF "KINKY BOOTS" MUSICAL: 7 p.m. Feb. 6 and 2 p.m. Feb. 9, McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Cost: $24. Information: atthemac.org, 630-942-4000.

THE MOTHER CLUCKERS COMEDY NIGHT: 8 p.m., Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. The show "That's Not as Cute as You Think It Is" features the all-female comedy troupe. There's an after-party at Barrel House Social. Information: Reservations at shawurl.com/3cbz.

FEB. 7

ANDINA & RICH: 8:15 p.m., Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. The duo features singer-songwriter Sandy Andina and the “old vaudevillian” Stephen Lee Rich playing traditional and contemporary music. Cost: $10. Information: twowaystreet.org, 630-969-9720.

"NINE THE MUSICAL IN CONCERT": 8 p.m. Feb. 7 and 8 and 3 p.m. Feb. 9, The Bartley and Maricela Madden Theatre at North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. BrightSide Theatre, Naperville's downtown professional theater, will transform the theater into a cabaret room with a live orchestra and a cast of actors performing a concert version of the Tony Award-winning musical based on Fellini's film "8-1/2." Cost: $30, $25 for students and seniors. Information: www.brightsidetheatre.com, 630-447-TIXS (8497).

"ROMANTIC NIGHT HIKE": 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 7, 8, 15 and 16, DuPage Forest Preserve District’s Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. People ages 18 and older can take a self-guided hike on lantern-lit paths through an oak forest, pausing on bridges to listen to Salt Creek and at historic shelters along the way. Then warm up at the end of the trail with hot chocolate and a fire for roasting marshmallows. Cost: $10 per person. Information: Register at 630-850-8110, dupageforest.org.

WESTMONT RESTAURANT WEEK: Jan. 30 to Feb. 9, Westmont. Information: www.westmontchamber.com.

ICE FESTIVAL: Feb. 7 to 9, Downtown Downers Grove. Information: www.downtowndg.org/whats-happening.

HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN: 7:30 p.m., McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Information: www.atthemac.or, 630-942-4000.

C.J. CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND: 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Information: www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com, 708-788-2118.

THE FLAT CATS WITH MORRY SOCHAT & THE SPECIAL 20'S: 9 p.m., Brauerhouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. Information: www.brauerhouse.com.

TRIBUTOSAURUS BECOMES EARTH, WIND & FIRE: 9 p.m., Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Information: www.wireismusic.com.

THE NEXT FULL MOON TROLL HIKE FOR ADULTS: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. It's a special opportunity to see the trolls – mysterious forest protectors – under the light of a full moon along the west side trails. A guide will share stories about the trolls’ origins, their message of conservation, full moon lore, and what the trees and wildlife are up to during the long dark nights. It will be repeated March 10. Cost: $20. Information: Register at 630-719-2468 or mortonarb.org.

FEB. 8

PLANK ROAD FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY'S OLD-TIME BARN DANCE: 8 p.m. Feb. 8, Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. A string band will play at the informal dance; partners are not required. Cost: $5. Information: plankroad.org, 630-325-7764.

STARTING A ROCK COLLECTION AMONG LIZZADRO MUSEUM PROGRAMS: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 8, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook. Bring your own egg carton to repurpose into a collection box. Decoration materials are provided. Each child can choose several rocks, minerals and fossils to start or fill in their collection carton. Rocks from home can be brought for identification. Rockin' Jewelry for Kids will be offered at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 8 for ages 8 to 16. Reservations are required for both. "Shifting Chicago: A Tale of Ice and Water" is offered at 2 p.m. Feb. 15, with reservations recommended. Roy Plotnick, earth science professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago delves into the geologic influences on Chicago's development. Information: 630-833-1616, dasher@lizzadromuseum.org, www.lizzadromuseum.org.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AND SNOWSHOE RENTALS: Daily in snowy conditions, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. After 4 or more inches of snow, people can embrace the season and trek through 1,700 acres of The Morton Arboretum’s winter wonderland. Information: mortonarb.org; call first to confirm availability at 630-968-0074.

FEB. 9

THE JULIAN CHIN TRIO IN "THE JOY OF JAZZ": 3 p.m., Community Presbyterian Church, 39 N. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills. Chin uses the instrumentation and idioms of the jazz piano while focusing on contemporary repertoire. The eclectic program will showcase his whimsical and innovative arrangements of jazz standards and musical theater tunes, as well as his original compositions. Cost: Free-will offering. Information: www.chcpc.org.

FEB. 11

STORY TIME AND FUN WITH AUNT TILLY: 10:30 a.m., Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. The stories are geared to children ages 2 to 5, presented by Maria Bakalis from Curtain Up Classroom, who includes a craft project. No reservations are required. Cost: Free. Information: 630-469-1867.

ELMHURST ART MUSEUM SHOWS: Through April 12, Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. It presents a broad survey exhibition showcasing the works of the late artist-curator Sandra Jorgensen, plus "Could Be Architecture – McCormick AfterParti." The collaborative duo of Joseph Altshuler of Chicago and Zack Morrison of Elmhurst designs “seriously playful spaces, things and happenings that celebrate what your world could be.” Information: www.elmhurstartmuseum, 630-834-0202.

RAIL EXHIBIT: Through March 29, Elmhurst History Museum’s Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave. The exhibit titled "On the Right Track – By Rail to Chicago & Beyond" explores local railroad history through artifacts including photos, maps and models of stations, locomotives and railroad cars. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: elmhursthistory.org, 630-833-1457.

ART SHOWS: Through Feb. 22, Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St. The Andrei Rabodzeenko exhibit is titled "Energy, Frequency and Vibration – Life-trembling line." It's an audio/video meditation on the dynamic nature of drawing, and an interactive installation of stone, chalk and charcoal, to enable visitors to experience firsthand the primal satisfaction of drawing on stone. The Freeark Gallery presents a two-person exhibition by Diana Gabriel and Azadeh Gholizadeh, who hail from Bogota, Colombia, and Tehran, Iran. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: 708-442-6400, riversideartscenter.com.

CLASSES AND EVENTS AT LIZZADRO MUSEUM OF LAPIDARY ART: Varied dates, in its new location at 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook. Information: dasher@lizzadromuseum.org, 630-833-1616, www.lizzadromuseum.org.

DOWNERS GROVE MUSEUM'S VAULT TREASURES ON SPECIAL DISPLAY: Through June 6, museum in Wandschneider Park, 831 Maple Ave. "From the Vault" features unique artifacts the museum collection holds that haven't been on display – including a selection of the museum’s favorite items, bizarre finds and interesting histories. Hours through May are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Information: dgparks.org/calendar/events/from-the-vault-exhibition, 630-963-1309.

THE 2020 WINTER ART CLASSES: Various start dates, La Grange Art League, 122 N. Calendar Ave. The nonprofit league welcomes all levels and ages in a variety of mediums. Classes are held on the second floor and are accessible by stairs only. Information: lagrangeartleague.org, 708-352-3101.

FEB. 13

DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: Ongoing activities, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Information: dupagechildrens.org.

SENIOR SINGERS INVITED TO JOIN LILAC TOWN SENIOR CHORUS: 10 a.m. to noon most Thursdays, Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road. It is presented by the Lombard Park District as a free, friendly and informal setting for people to sing. Information: Call Patti Plomb at 630-620-7322.

FEB. 14

"FOR THE LOVE OF BROADWAY – AN EVENING WITH KLEA BLACKHURST": 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15, Drury Lane's Cabaret Room, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. She's a New York theater and cabaret star. There is a $25 food and beverage minimum per person. Cost: Tickets at $75 to $85. Information: 630-530-0111, www.DruryLane.com.

AMERICAN LEGION BINGO: 7 p.m., 123 Main St., West Chicago. Weekly bingo, raffles and pull tabs on Fridays for ages 18 and older. Proceeds help veterans and the community. Check out additional dates. Information: wchicago.mhsoftware.com.

FEB. 15

BIRD WALKS: 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Search the woods, fields and edges of the Arboretum for birds. Learn about migrants and year-round resident birds with an expert guide. Cost: $14. Information: Register at mortonarb.org or 630-719-2468.

FEB. 17

AFTER HOURS FILM SOCIETY PRESENTS "HONEYLAND": 7:30 p.m., Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. The highly lauded documentary is about Macedonian beekeepers. Cost: $6 to $10. Information: afterhoursfilmsociety.com, 630-534-4528.

ENCHANTED RAILROAD: Through Feb. 23, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Children and families can experience trees and trains as they enjoy the intricate model railroad. It's open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost: Included with admission. Information: mortonarb.org, 630-968-0074.

COSLEY ZOO: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Information: cosleyzoo.org, 630-665-5534.

CHORAL-AIRES CHORUS GUEST NIGHTS: 7 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 345 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst. A noted a cappella barbershop harmony chorus, the Choral-Aires Chorus of Sweet Adelines International usually meets to rehearse Monday nights. Information: choral-aires.com.

ELMHURST HARMONIE REHEARSALS: 7 p.m. most Mondays, Elmhurst Elks Lodge, 711 W. St. Charles Road. Formerly the Elmhurst Men's Chorus and Elmhurst Ladies' Chorus, the group invites everyone who loves to sing to join rehearsals. Information: elmhurstharmonie.com.

FEB. 20

TWO BROTHERS TRIVIA!: 7 to 9 p.m., Two Brothers Tap House, 30W315 Calumet Ave. W, Warrenville. It's offered every first and third Thursday. All ages are welcome. Cost: Free. Information: twobrothersbrewing.com.

FEB. 26

LEAFING THROUGH TIME BOOK CLUB: 6:30 to 8 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month through March, Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville. People discuss works of fiction or nonfiction that connect to natural and cultural history. The club is BYOB (beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages only). Light refreshments will be served. The featured books are Feb. 26 – “The Last Voyageurs – Retracing LaSalle’s Journey Across America – Sixteen Teenagers on the Adventure of Lifetime” by Lorraine Boissoneault; and March 25 – “The World Without Us” by Alan Weisman. It's for people age 21 or older. Cost: Free, but register by the Tuesday before each program. Information: Register at ReconnectWithNature.org or 815-886-1467.

MARCH 14

AAUW USED BOOK COLLECTION: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 14 and May 9, Eagle Storage, 555 Rogers St., Downers Grove. It's conducted by the American Association of University Women - Downers Grove Area Branch. Information: downersgrove-il.aauw.net/book-sale.