“Ragtime” - a stirring, sweeping musical set during the tumultuous turn of the last century - is a portrait of an era not unlike our own and a reminder of America's promise. Based on E.L. Doctorow's 1975 novel, the musical portrays the scourge of r...

Luck be a lady BrightSide Theatre concludes its sixth season, which was devoted to classic Broadway shows, with Frank Loesser's "Guys and Dolls." Ryan Bennett stars as gambler Sky Masterson, who bets floating crap game organizer Nathan Detroit he ca...

Throwback fun A recent Throwbacks set at Durty Nellie's started with a vibrant rock vibe. Yet the guitar riffs sounded familiar. Could it be ... Elvis? Yep! The three Northwest suburban musicians in The Throwbacks - Josh Marcanti, Chris Marcanti and...

Crafty concerts The bands Savoir Adore, Blind Pilot, Saint Motel, The Way Down Wanderers, Knox Hamilton and X Ambassadors are all on the bill for the two-day craft beer-branded Two Brothers Summer Festival this weekend at RiverEdge Park, 360 Broadwa...

Orchestral forces Mickey Thomas of Starship, Terri Nunn of Berlin and Lou Gramm (formerly of Foreigner) each pair their past pop hits with a full orchestra for "A Night of Symphonic Rock" on Thursday at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Wauke...

Fitting slipper A&A Ballet presents its debut production of "Cinderella" for three performances starting Saturday at two locations: first at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville; then at the Studebaker Theatre, 410 S...

Tasty treats The Long Grove Chocolate Festival returns with a special scavenger hunt, music and lots of sweet snacks this weekend in downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. $5 daily admission; $10 three-day pass; kids ages 12 and unde...

Hometown 'Idol' “American Idol” winner and Mount Prospect native Lee DeWyze performs songs from his new album, “Oil & Water,” plus other hits on Thursday at S.P.A.C.E., 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $20-$75. (847) 492-8860 or evanstonspace.com. 8 p.m...

Jamil Khoury knows a good proposal when he hears one. And Khoury, co-founder and artistic director of Silk Road Rising in Chicago, heard what he believed was a winning pitch from fellow theater artist Nick Sandys. Sandys, artistic director of Chic...

Last December, Setting the Stage celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing opportunities for children to experience all aspects of musical theater, including acting, singing and dancing. The program still operates in the lower level of the First ...