Things to do April 17-23: Rick Springfield, Central States Numismatic Society Convention, Earth Day events and more

Starts before Friday

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: 6, 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 16-17, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. In a dark speakeasy, four of Poe’s most famous stories will be retold and reimagined by Poe historians. A mixologist will transform the stories into a four-part cocktail experience. $55. edgarallanpoebar.com.

“Fight Girl Battle World”: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 16-18, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. College of DuPage Theatre production of Qui Nguyen’s action-packed space odyssey set in a futuristic universe where the human race is on the brink of extinction. Post-show discussion on Friday, April 17. $16-$18. atthemac.org.

Pablo Francisco: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Stand-up comedy. $33.34. improv.com/chicago.

Arena Theater’s “Well”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, April 16-25; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22; and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in Wheaton College Jenks Hall, 433 Howard St., Wheaton. Lisa Kron’s play explores themes of illness, health and family. $11.50. tickets.wheaton.edu.

“Hamlet”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 16-17, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Studio Theatre, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. College of Lake County Theatre production presents a modern translation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy through the “Play On!” initiative. $10 or $8 for seniors, military and CLC students. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

Friday, April 17

Nature Artists’ Guild Spring Exhibit: 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, April 17 (opening reception) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. This juried art exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature, hosted by Morton Arboretum’s Nature Artists’ Guild. With works featuring plants, wildlife and landscapes from the Arboretum and beyond. Many art pieces produced by local artists will be available for purchase. Included with Arboretum admission. mortonarb.org.

“safronia”: 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. A landmark musical composition commissioned from Chicago’s first Poet Laureate, the interdisciplinary artist avery r. young, “safronia” is an American story told through blues, gospel and funk that focuses on the Great Migration. Tickets start at $54. lyricopera.org/safronia.

Stuff You Should Know Live: 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. The award-winning podcast hosted by Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark. Tickets start at $49.35. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Brentano Quartet: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts Concert Hall, 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton. This acclaimed American string quartet concludes the Wheaton College 2025-26 Artist Series with a performance of expressive chamber music masterworks. $31.86-$59. tickets.wheaton.edu.

Children’s Theatre of Elgin Disney’s “Descendants The Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Grades 2-9 perform this comedy and adventure with Disney characters and hit songs from the films. Sensory-friendly performance at 11 a.m. April 18. $14-$16. cteelgin.com.

Elgin Theatre Company’s “Fade”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, April 17 through May 3, at the new Elgin Art Showcase, 18 Villa Court, Elgin. Written by Tanya Saracho, this semi-autobiographical play explores a complex friendship between a Mexican-born TV writer and a Mexican American janitor as they navigate class and ambition in Hollywood. $23-$25. elgin-theatre.org.

Heroes Off Duty Comedy Tour: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. First responders in a humorous night of stories from the line of duty. $39-$64. jamusa.com.

“Independence” by Lee Blessing: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, and Saturday, April 25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Three Brothers Theatre, 115 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Play centers on a strained reunion between a domineering mother and her three adult daughters. $20-$30. threebrotherstheatre.com.

North Central College Faculty Chamber Recital: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $7. northcentralcollege.edu.

“Nunsense”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Lodge Performing Arts Center, 18 Villa Court, Elgin. Musical in which the Little Sisters of Hoboken put on a fundraiser to raise money to bury sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook. $28. Schaumburgonstage.org.

Rock Out to Knock Out Parkinson’s with 7th heaven and Hi-Infidelity: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Joe’s Live Rosemont, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. Rock covers and originals. Net ticket proceeds support the American Parkinson Disease Association. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $30.32-$54.52. joesliverosemont.com.

Lucy’s Comedy: 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. With headliner Nick Cobb, featuring Alan Ford, and hosted by Brian Williams. Tickets start at $29. rauecenter.org.

Rick Springfield: 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The Grammy Award-winning musician returns with his “Full Band Electric” show. Tickets start at $73. geneseetheatre.com.

Saturday, April 18

The Champion of Trees 10K: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. USATF-certified 10K course. Registration includes a T-shirt and post-race party with refreshments and live entertainment. $80; register at mortonarb.org.

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Main and Liberty streets, Wheaton. The outdoor market run by Bensidoun USA offers fresh produce, flowers, handcrafted goods, specialty foods, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and more. bensidounusa.com/wheaton.

Superhero 3K Fun Run: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Sensory Garden Playground, 2751 International Road, Lisle. Superheroes of all ages and abilities are invited to don their favorite capes or masks for this untimed 3K run/walk. Participants will be cheered on by costumed characters along the route, with music, meet-and-greets and refreshments at the finish line. Registration includes a commemorative hat and key chain, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Rain or shine. $25-$35. Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Civil War, Collector Arms & Military Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds (Building 1), 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. This large-scale show and sale features a vast collection of Civil War memorabilia, collector arms and military artifacts from various eras. Enthusiasts and collectors can browse historical items, equipment and books offered by specialized vendors. $10. chicagocivilwarshow.com.

Earth Day Cleanup: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. Meet at the park shelter for breakfast snacks before heading out to clean up local parks in celebration of Earth Day. Free. southelgin.com.

Paper Shred Fundraiser for Special Olympics: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Westmont Police-Fire Facility, 500 N. Cass Ave., Westmont. The police department and Cutting Edge Document Destruction host this event to support Special Olympics Illinois. Bring documents for secure shredding while contributing to a local charitable cause. westmont.illinois.gov.

Woodland Wildflower Walks: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, and Wednesday, April 22, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Explore the trails on a guided walk highlighting ephemeral spring wildflowers. Learn to identify species like trillium and white trout lily, hear folklore, and discover how wildflowers inspire art and literature. $32. Sign up at mortonarb.org.

Earth Day tree planting: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Fabyan Forest Preserve, 517 E. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia. Volunteers join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for a tree planting, as well as giveaways, a naturalist-guided hike and environmental education. Parking is behind the recycling center off Fabyan Parkway. Free; no registration required. kaneforest.com.

Schaumburg Home Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg. Meet home improvement businesses and experts, visit vendors, get questions answered and more. Free admission and expanded free parking. schaumburghomeshow.com.

Spring Fairy Flowers: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at The Nature Center, 330 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Kids 6-12 can uncover the hidden secrets of flowers and create a whimsical flower craft and a spring-scented fairy spray to take home. Registration is required. $15-$20. crystallakeparks.org.

MLK Unity Brunch: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Abbington Banquets, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn. Hosted by the Alliance for Civic Engagement. Keynote speaker is Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and the emcees are Robin Robinson and Atiba Buchanan. The dance group Praize Productions will perform. Tickets include access to the After Brunch Social from 6-10 p.m. at Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill, 431 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Event proceeds will enable ACE to fund scholarships for students. Cost for brunch and after brunch is $150, VIP is $200, after brunch only is $50 via eventcombo.com. Contact: info@aceofbolingbrook.org. Visit facebook.com/AllianceForCivicEngagementACE.

Earth Day Celebration: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Hosted by Geneva Park District and the city’s Natural Resources Committee. Activities include small electronics recycling (additional items recycled for a fee), food vendors, paper shredding, chalk art and more. Free. genevaparks.org.

Spring Spirit Chitown Meet ’n’ Greet: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Steak ’n Shake parking lot, 290 S. Randall Road, Elgin. Kick off the automotive season at this casual open house gathering where all vehicle makes, models and years are welcome. facebook.com or oldcarsstronghearts.com.

“Real Life”: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Albert Brooks made his feature film debut with this independently produced mockumentary. Introduction and post-screening discussion with A.S. Hamrah, film critic for n+1 and author of “The Earth Dies Streaming.” $12. chicagofilmsociety.org.

North Central College Chamber Music Recital: 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $7. northcentralcollege.edu.

ArtWauk: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 18, in the Arts & Entertainment District, 2001 Belvedere Road, Waukegan. The monthly celebration of arts in downtown Waukegan and the Belvidere Mall includes art exhibits, musicians and performances. artwauk.com.

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras’ 50th anniversary: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Join all 10 of EYSO’s ensembles and programs, along with alumni from across the decades and members of the EYSO community, to celebrate 50 years of music education. A cocktail reception at 5 p.m. features heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music by EYSO’s Honors Chamber Ensembles. Concert at 7 p.m. $90 or $30 for the concert only. eyso.org.

Greenroom Improv: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Clean, high-energy, multifaceted improv comedy. $17-$24. rauecenter.org.

Jessie Mueller: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer performs a solo concert. Tickets start at $55. prairiecenter.org.

Michelle Buteau: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Standup comedy, “The Surviving and Thriving Tour.” Tickets start at $52.35. msg.com.

North Central College Opera Workshop Showcase: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $7. northcentralcollege.edu.

Uptown: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Building H, Elgin. This R&B and soul revue features vocals and choreography paying tribute to legendary Motown and soul artists. Tickets are $39 for adults and $37 for seniors. eccartscenter.org.

Copley Comedy Series: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Comedy from Vince Maranto with Steven Haas. $21; reserved seats. paramountaurora.com.

Masters of the Mic: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Featuring hip-hop legends Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Treach of Naughty By Nature, and Black Sheep. $84-$158. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Sunday, April 19

Kane County Doll & Dollhouse Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Features antique, vintage, modern and collectible dolls. Also, free doll appraisals, door prizes and a selection of accessories, including Steiff and Barbie items. Early-bird admission at 8 a.m. for $15. $8 or free for kids 12 and younger. karlamorelandpresents.com.

Mike Rylko Community Park Earth Day Celebration: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 19, at the Nature Classroom at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Celebrate the Earth with arts, crafts and a nature walk. Free. bgparks.org.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Emily Oaks Nature Center Earth Day Celebration: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie. Celebrate the life and accomplishments of Jane Goodall, primatologist and Earth champion. Earth-friendly campfire foods will be available for sale. Purchase native wildflowers and grasses at the Native Plant Sale. Free. skokieparks.org.

Sinfonietta Bel Canto Spring Chamber Music Festival: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Woodridge United Methodist Church, 2700 75th St., Woodridge. Prairie Sky Quintet and other musicians will perform Broadway and popular music. Tickets at SinfoniettaBelCanto.org or at the door.

Sounds of the Earth — Music and Nature in Harmony: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora, and 7 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Featuring the Chicago Harp Quartet, this program explores the symbiosis of music and nature through pieces like “Sun Moon and Stars” and “Cuban Dream After the Storm.” $25 or $15 for students. chambermusiconthefox.org.

An Afternoon with Levi Kreis: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Tony Award-winning singer and songwriter Levi Kreis, known for originating the role of Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s “Million Dollar Quartet,” delivers an intimate performance blending jazz, gospel and pop with storytelling. $35. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Building American Pop: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston; and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Chicago a cappella presents a musical time capsule of the Brill Building era of the 1950s and ’60s, including songs such as “Stand by Me,” “On Broadway,” “Hound Dog” and more, featuring an appearance by special guest WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer. $30-$60. chicagoacappella.org.

A Concert for Viewers Like You: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band presents a program of popular television themes and cinematic scores. Free. Reserve tickets via arlingtonheightsband.org/concerts.

Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood. Organist Jeff Neufeld performs on the church’s historic instrument. Freewill donation. fcc-elgin.org/organ-tour.

North Central College Vocal Jazz & Latin Jazz Ensembles Spring Concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $7. northcentralcollege.edu.

Elgin Master Chorale’s “That This Nation Shall Live”: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at ECC’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The performance will feature the Elgin Master Chorale and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra performing Stacy Garrop’s “Terra Nostra.” $28-$48. eccartscenter.org.

Naperville Chorus “Opera Choruses & Great Choral Classics”: 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Selections from opera, oratorio and sacred works. $28-$33. northcentralcollege.edu.

World Ballet Company’s “Cinderella”: 6 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The classic fairy tale featuring a cast of 40 international dancers and over 150 hand-sewn costumes. Tickets start at $28. geneseetheatre.com.

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. “The 10(ish) Year Reunion Concert” featuring Rachel Bloom. Tickets start at $52.25. msg.com.

Monday, April 20

Westley Art Hodges: Noon Monday, April 20, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Evanston, 1509 Ridge Ave., Evanston. Clarinetist Westley Art Hodges has been the director of music ministries at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Evanston since 2019. Free; an offering will be collected. stmarksevanston.org.

Rebecca Lehmann author visit: 6-7 p.m. Monday, April 20, at the Lake Forest Book Store, 662 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest. The author will discuss her work, including her new book “The Beheading Game.” Books available for purchase and signing. Free. To RSVP, call (847) 234-4420. lakeforestbookstore.com.

North Central College Jazz Combo Spring Concert: 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $7. northcentralcollege.edu.

Tuesday, April 21

Adam Mamawala: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Zanies Comedy Club, 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago. Stand-up comedy. $32.25. chicago.zanies.com.

Tiffany’s “All This Time” Tour: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the George Van Dusen Theatre at the North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Pop. Tickets start at $55.35. northshorecenter.org.

Wednesday, April 22

Earth Day celebration: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Lincoln Marsh Prairie Patch Play Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. Crafts and activities for all ages. Registration is free at wheatonparkdistrict.com.

“Frida — Viva La Vida”: 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Narrated by actress Asia Argento, the 2019 documentary uses Frida’s writings and reflections in a visual journey through her artwork and homeland. $12 or $10 for seniors. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Earth Day Evening: 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Nature-themed crafts and creative play for all ages in the Discovery Room and outdoor Nature Playspace. Free. cityofelgin.org.

Earth Day Hike and Plant Identification with the American Indian Center: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Celebrate Earth Day with a family-friendly hike hosted by the American Indian Center. Learn to identify trees and plants, explore sustainable practices and hear cultural perspectives on the land from Native guides. Free evening admission is included. Register at mortonarb.org.

Earth Day history hike: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Take a naturalist-guided hike while learning about the history of Earth Day and the importance it plays across the world. Free. Register: kaneforest.com.

World Ballet Company’s “Cinderella”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the Hemmens Main Stage Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. The ballet company brings the classic fairy tale to life with a cast of 40 international dancers featuring choreography by Marina Kesler. $48.50-$90.50. hemmens.org.

Living American Composers Band Concert: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake. The Round Lake Area Band performs two new pieces. Free. rlapd.org.

Thursday, April 23

Central States Numismatic Society Convention: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 23-24, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Coin collectors convention includes a 425-plus dealer booth area, educational exhibits and more. $15 for one day, $30 for three days. csns.org/convention.

NSYMCA 20th Annual Community Strong Fundraising Concert: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at StudioOne Events, 1799 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. Featuring Chicago’s “South of 80.” $175-$225. nsymca.org.

Xochitl Gonzalez, Last Night in Brooklyn: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Three Top Lounge at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave., Chicago. The New York Times bestselling author of “Anita de Monte Laughs Last” in conversation. Free. For tickets, visit chicagohumanities.org.

Uncovering Chicago Clues in Agatha Christie’s Mysteries: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Lisle Library District, 777 Front St., Lisle. As part of the Chicago Author Series, local history writer Katherine Gingold discusses the connections between the famous novelist and the city of Chicago. Follow clues found within Christie’s 1920s-era books as researched for the book “Agatha Annotated.” Free. Register: museumsatlislestation.org.

Crystal Marie Denha: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Zanies Comedy Night Club, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. Stand-up comedy. $37.95. rosemont.zanies.com.

Health & Wellness Discoveries from the Files of “Science Friday”: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. As longtime host of the podcast “Science Friday,” Ira Flatow will offer an informative discussion on topics ranging from technology to the environment, with journalist Sasha-Ann Simons, host of WBEZ’s “In the Loop.” $15; free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. RSVP: elmhurst.edu/about/special-events/.

Maddy Smith “Bad Genes Tour”: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 23-25, at The Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia. MTV’s “Wild ’N Out” star will perform a new hour of comedy material. Tickets are $31 for general admission; venue is 21 and older. comedyvaultbatavia.com.

Los Lonely Boys: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Rock, Texas blues, soul, country and Tejano, with special guest Lew Apollo. Tickets start at $37.85. geneseetheatre.com.

North Central College Jazz Big Band Spring Concert: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $7. northcentralcollege.edu.

North Central College Theatre presents “Rent”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 23-24; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. This Pulitzer Prize-winning musical follows a year in the life of young artists struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side. $14. northcentralcollege.edu.

Peter Antoniou, Psychic Comedian: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. $40. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Ongoing

The Titanic — A Voyage Through Time: Time slots from 11 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. Sundays, and noon to 6:40 p.m. Thursdays through May 31 at Germania Place, 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago. Immersive virtual reality experience that takes visitors on a journey through the Titanic. $19.99-$32.99. titanicexperiencevr.com.

Glow Wild, A Lantern Festival of Hope: 6-10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, through May 10, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield. See over 70 handcrafted, larger-than-life lanterns depicting wildlife and mythology from around the world. Features live cultural performances, global music and dance, storytelling and food. Tickets include parking and rides on the carousel and Ferris wheel. Animal habitats are closed during the event. Thursdays: $9.95-$19.95; Fridays through Sundays: $14.95-$24.95. Advance tickets: brookfieldzoo.org/glow-wild.

“Hamilton”: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays through April 26; plus 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 (no 7 p.m. show Sunday, April 26), at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. The blockbuster musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton. Tickets start at $58.45. broadwayinchicago.com.

“Heartbreak Hotel”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays, 1 p.m. Wednesdays, and 1 and 7 p.m. Thursdays through May 31 (no 5 p.m. show Sunday, May 31) at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. This official Elvis Presley bio-musical takes a look at the rock star and icon. Tickets start at $78. marriotttheatre.com.

“Private Lives”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through April 26 at the Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. BrightSide Theatre presents Noël Coward’s classic comedy of manners. The story follows a divorced couple who, while honeymooning with their new spouses, realize they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel. Their rekindled spark leads to a chaotic and hilarious escape to Paris. $37-$42. brightsidetheatre.com/private-lives.

“Ruthless! The Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through May 17; plus 1 p.m. Wednesdays, April 29 and May 13 (no show Thursday, May 14), at Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. The story of a child star who’ll stop at nothing to land the lead role in her school musical and her ambitious mother. $45. citadeltheatre.org.

“A Streetcar Named Desire”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 26, plus 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Tennessee Williams’ emotionally charged drama that explores desire, delusion and the realities of human nature. $42, $38 for seniors and students. skokietheatre.org.