The go guide
Freebie
Sunday, Nov. 16 is the final day for the Christkindlmarket Oakbrook, a traditional German market with a history dating back 500 years. Shop for unique holiday gifts including cuckoo clocks, glass-blown ornaments, beer steins and European chocolates. When you get hungry, sample some German fare including bratwurst and sauerkraut.
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at Oakbrook Center, Route 83 and 22nd Street, Oak Brook. Free admission. (630) 573-0700 or oakbrookcenter.com.
This afternoon
'You'll shoot your eye out!"
Get into the early holiday spirit with Ralphie, Randy and the whole gang from "A Christmas Story." Based on the famed 1983 film and Jean Shepherd's memoir, this 1940s All-American Christmas tale concerns the misadventures of a boy who wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB gun.
2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $27-$38. (630) 584-6342.
Ahoy, matey
The Improv Playhouse Young Actors Workshop showcases "Treasure Island," a children's version of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel about a boy and a pirate searching for a hidden treasure.
2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Improv Playhouse Studio Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. $7-$10. (847) 968-4529 or improvplayhouse.com.
Facing 50 years
The Kirk Players star in "HATS!" a musical inspired by the Red Hat Society about a woman nervously facing her 50th birthday.
2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Cuneo Museum and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. $15-$18. (847) 362-3042 or cuneomuseum.org.
How many carrots can he eat?
TownSquare Players present Mary Chase's Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy "Harvey," a tale of a man who befriends an oversized rabbit that no one else can see.
3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $22-$25. (815) 338-5300.
This week
Bob is in town
Legendary comedian and actor Bob Newhart brings his own brand of humor to the Genesee Theatre.
8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $37.50-$65. (312) 559-1212 or geneseetheatre.com.
Moving to the music
Northwestern University's New Movement Project features its "Fall 2008 Dance Concert," a performance of student-choreographed works.
8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 22, and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center, Northwestern University, 10 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. $5-$10. (847) 491-3741.
Ladies of the Canyon
Ladies of the Canyon, a group known for their musical tributes to female singers and songwriters, present a program dedicated to the music of 1980s rocker Pat Benatar.
8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $10. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
A funny night in Schaumburg
The Schaumburg High School Very Interested Parents Club presents "Comedy Relief," a comedy show featuring Jimmy McHugh's Chicago Comedy All-Stars with comedians Sonya White, Dobie Maxwell and Mike Preston. The show is rated PG-16 and is suited for ages 21 and older.
8:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $25. Call (847) 895-3600 or visit prairiecenter.org for tickets. Tickets are also available at the door. Visit shs.d211.org for information.