From jazz nights to improv laughs: Oakton College showcases spring performing arts
Step into the spotlight with Oakton College’s spring 2025 performing arts lineup, featuring gripping historical dramas, world-class music and vibrant student showcases. Performances span from February to May, offering ample opportunities to experience the magic of live performance and the transformative power of the arts.
“With thought-provoking dramas and breathtaking performances, the spring 2025 performing arts season will bring the community together through exceptional performances,” said Bob Gynn, professor of speech and theater and chair of the performing arts department at Oakton. “The events showcase the many talents of our students, faculty and guest artists, celebrating the arts’ power to inspire, enlighten and entertain.”
All performances will be held at the college’s Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road.
February
Jazzin’ Around
8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at Footlik Theater
A night of jazz favorites performed by Oakton’s music faculty and the Loyola Academy band. General admission tickets are $8 or $6 students and seniors.
Jane: Monologues from the Underground
12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Footlik Theater
Discover the powerful stories of the Jane Collective in a staged reading, excerpted from Paula Kamen's documentary play. This underground Chicago network provided safe, affordable abortions to over 11,000 women from 1969 to 1973. Directed by Mary Ringstad-Gagliano, the reading shares their fight for bodily autonomy, told through moving monologues based on actual interviews. A Q&A with Kamen, an Evanston resident, will follow the reading. General admission tickets are $8 or $6 students and seniors.
March — April
“Indecent”
7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 27 to April 6, Studio One Theater
Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel's “Indecent” traces the true story of the 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s “God of Vengeance.” Hailed by some as a cultural landmark and condemned by others, the play follows the artists who risked everything to bring a controversial work to life. General admission tickets are $10 or $8 for students and seniors.
April
Oakton Six Piano Ensemble
3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Footlik Theater
Conducted by professor Glenna Sprague, this annual favorite features a symphony of six pianos performing classical and contemporary works. General admission tickets are $15 or $10 for students and seniors.
May
String Ensemble Concert: Creation and Re-Creation
8 p.m. Monday, May 5, at Footlik Theater
A mesmerizing evening of jazz and Brazilian-inspired rhythms. General admission tickets are $8 or $6 for students and seniors.
Speaker Showcase
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at Footlik Theater
Oakton's best speech students and speech team members present the finest of the semester's public speaking. Join Showcase Director Bob Gynn and listen up as our students showcase their presentation skills on topics that span the spectrum from enlightening to inspiring to comical. Free admission
Guitar Ensemble Concert
8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Footlik Theater
A global journey through jazz, classical, rock and world music. General admission tickets are $8 or $6 for students and seniors.
Choral Concert: The Sun, the Moon and the Stars
8 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Footlik Theater
Join the Oakton Choir, led by Mallory Harding, for a celestial-themed concert featuring works like “Hymne au Soleil” and “Ad Astra.” General admission tickets are $8 or $6 for students and seniors.
Jazz Concert
8 p.m. Friday, May 9, at Footlik Theater
Celebrate spring with jazz classics and big band hits. General admission tickets are $8 or $6 for students and seniors.
OMG Improv
7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Footlik Theater
Experience laughter and awe with Oakton’s student comedy troupe. General admission tickets are $10.
For more information about the performing arts events, visit Oakton’s website, oakton.edu/about/performing-arts-center/. Tickets for all performances are available at oakton.edu/tickets or by calling (847) 635-1900.