Beyond chemistry

Single or in a relationship, it doesn't matter: The dating game can get pricey.

For even a meager dinner date, couples will likely face a $30 check.

And extravagant outings like theater trips to Chicago or even suburban comedy clubs can push the price tag well past $100 for one night.

But does saving money mean surrendering to Saturdays at home on the couch?

Nope. It just means you've got to get creative and think like a cash-strapped college student (if you aren't already one).

No matter what your age, suburban Community Colleges offer theater, dance, comedy, dining and art exhibits that won't break the bank -- and that rival top-notch shows at large commercial venues.

Bill Paige, spokesman for Oakton Community College, says the art, entertainment and even the scenery at Oakton's Des Plaines campus are well-kept secrets.

"The people who come here for the first time are amazed," Paige says. "The campus stands in the middle of the forest preserve, there's a lake in the back, there's sculpture everywhere, so it would be the perfect place to come."

Of course, some couples are already savvy to these bargain finds, like the lunches and dinners offered by the Hospitality Administration program at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.

Culinary arts professor Chris Thielman says the program attracts a loyal crowd who knows they are getting a great date for less.

"You really get high-quality food, and everything is made fresh to order," Thielman says. "You get an outstanding meal for a great price and people just keep coming and coming and coming."

Here's our guide to what fits your budget:

Free

Art: Find almost 400 pieces of paintings, sculpture and drawings displayed both indoors and out on the main campus at Oakton Community College, thanks to its Koehnline Museum of Art.

The main museum, at 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, also offers temporary exhibits that change monthly.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through May. Summer hours June through August are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Call (847) 635-2633 or visit oakton.edu/museum.

$7 to $10

Dance: Even if you have two left feet, that's no reason to miss out on the most romantic dance in the world.

Next month professional dancers will perform in "Tango Fantastico! A Night of Latin American Music and Dance" at 7:30 p.m. April 12 at Harper College's Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.

Special guest artists Alma de Tango Quartet, featuring Uruguayan bandoneonist Gerardo Perez, will provide the music, along with Harper faculty members playing the music of Astor Piazzolla and his contemporaries.

Tickets cost $10 and $7 for Harper students with a valid ID, $8 for other students with ID and senior citizens. For details, call (847) 925-6100 or visit harpercollege.edu.

$5 to $12

Macbeth: OK, so maybe a tragic play isn't exactly romantic, but Shakespeare's tale of blind ambition will give you a chance to show off your smarts.

This week's shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday at Oakton Community College's Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines.

Tickets cost $12; $10 for students and senior citizens. For details, call (847) 635-1900 or visit oakton.edu.

Comedy: With its Laugh Shack program, Harper College transforms its student center lounge into a comedy club one Friday each month.

Next up is comedian Jen Kober, who's performed with famous funnymen (and women) like Damon Wayans, Carlos Mencia and Roseanne Barr. She'll take the stage with her guest Tom Sharpe at 7:30 p.m. April 4.

Tickets for Harper students with an ID are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. The cost for others is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For details, call (847) 925-6100 or visit harpercollege.edu.

$20 to $50

Dining: If high-end French restaurants are way beyond your budget, that doesn't mean you have to settle for the local greasy spoon.

From January through May, culinary students at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn cook up international foods, French cuisine and traditional, four-course dinners for anyone who makes a reservation. Depending on the menu, dinners run from $19.50 to $50.

The program is so popular that it has already sold out for this semester, but will resume next year. On April 22, though, couples willing to spend a few extra bucks can still get a lot for their dollar.

The college will host its Traditions in Excellence fund-raiser, featuring food by 20 top local chefs, drinks from area beer and wine companies and musical entertainment. Tickets cost $75, but proceeds will benefit the school's culinary arts program.

For more details, call Chris Thielman at (630) 942-2720 or e-mail thielman@cod.edu.