Pure magic would describe “Corteo,” a fantasy-filled production by Cirque du Soleil, whose signature circus artistry is paired with absorbing theater and live vocalists and musicians sharing the performance space. It is playing through June 4 in the western suburbs.

The acclaimed, mixed-voice chamber choir will perform its season-finale program, “Sing, My Soul,” before taking the music on the road to performances in Spain and Portugal.

This show and iambe theatre ensemble’s very existence fill me with a great deal of optimism for the future of small theater and superb quality productions.

Beyond the lure of high-flying zip lines and climbing adventures, The Forge: Lemont Quarries this summer will be home to a summer concert series with national headliners and an array of festivals and special events.

Cirque du Soleil returns to northern Illinois for the first time since 2019, presenting “Corteo” from June 1 to 4.

The Downers Grove Park District's lineup will provide entertainment paired with food trucks Tuesday evenings all summer long in the heart of town, beginning May 23.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author will be featured at a discussion, Q&A and book-signing event at 7 p.m. May 16 at Frugal Muse Books, Music & Video in Darien.

West Towns Chorus, a 35-member mens’ a cappella barbershop-style singing group that rehearses in Downers Grove, is celebrating its 75th year.

Folksinger and songwriter Mark Dvorak will lead a special “Pete Seeger Birthday Celebration Sing-Along Concert.”