Updated: November 19, 2012 7:08PM

HOLIDAY

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

Chicago cabaret artists Laura Freeman, Beckie Menzie and Marianne Murphy-Orland perform holiday favorites at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $25. Visit www.metropolisarts.com or call (847) 577-2121.

Holiday festival of music

Presented by Elgin Opera 7-9 p.m. Nov. 30 at Eiffel Bistrot & Wine Bar in the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, including selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” traditional carols and more. For reservations, call (847) 428-4783.

Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas

7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $40-$92.30. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000.

“Christmastide Carols”

Presented by Elgin Children’s Chorus at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Elgin Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $15; $12 students and seniors. Call (847) 622-0300 or visit www.elgin.edu/arts.

“Sing We Now This Festive Day”

Presented by Allegro Adult Choir at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $5 in advance; $8 at the door. Visit www.cuttinghall.org or call (847) 202-5222

“Christmas Around the World”

Presented by The Moscow Boys Choir at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $20-$25; $19-$24 seniors; $15 teens; $12 children under 12. Visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets or call (847) 543-2300.

“Holiday Traditions”

Presented by the ECC Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Elgin Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $9; $7 students and seniors. Call (847) 622-0300 or visit www.elgin.edu/arts.

Sanfilippo Foundation 2012 Christmas Concert

Tickets available for Dec. 7-8 at Sanfilippo Estate’s Place de la Musique, Barrington Hills, featuring theater organist Dave Wickerham on the 8,000-pipe Sanfilippo Wurlitzer and opera bass-baritone William Powers. Friday ­— 6:30 p.m. for touring of the house, concert at 8 p.m., $65. Saturday — Carousel pavilion doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m., concert at 8 p.m., $110. Suggested dress is business or formal attire. No tickets will be available at the door; online sales only. Visit www.PlaceDeLaMusique.org.

Holiday concert

Presented by the Palatine Concert Band at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $10; $7 seniors and students. Visit www.cuttinghall.org or call (847) 202-5222.

Holiday Pops

Presented by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $43, $46, $49. Call (815) 356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org.

“Away in a Manger”

Chicago Master Singers present music of the Christmas season with the Ars Viva String Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Divine Word Chapel, 2001 Waukegan Road, Techny. $28-$48; $18-$48 youth. Visit www.chicagomastersingers.org.

“The Lost Christmas Eve”

Performed by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $30, $39, $49, $59, $69. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. Parking is $20, cash only. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com.

Sing-along “Messiah”

Presented by Voices in Harmony at 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $18; $15 students and seniors. Call (815) 356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org.

Holiday Wind Ensemble Concert

Presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $4; $3 seniors. Visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets or call (847) 543-2300.

“Tis The Season”

The Lakeside Singers perform songs of the season in classical and pop styles, along with an audience sing-along, 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights.. $35; $25 seniors and students. Call (847) 577-2121 or visit www.metropolisarts.com.

“Holiday Jammin’”

Presented by the ECC Steel Bands at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Elgin Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $9; $7 students and seniors. Call (847) 622-0300 or visit www.elgin.edu/arts.

“Let it Snow!”

Elgin Symphony Orchestra presents its annual holiday concert at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. The Elgin Choral Union, Elgin Children’s Chorus and Midwest Dance Collective join the orchestra for holiday favorites and an audience sing-along. $26-$46. Call (847) 888-4000 or visit www.elginsymphony.org.

Holiday Brass & Choral Concert

Presented by the Music of the Baroque Chorus and Brass Ensemble at 3 p.m. Dec. 15-16 at Divine Word Chapel, 2001 Waukegan Road, Techny. $45-$75. Call (312) 551-1414 or visit www.baroque.org.

“A Christmas Fantasy”

A mix of traditional carols, holiday classics, and jazzy updates of Christmas favorites, presented by the Illinois Brass Band at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $12; $6 students. Visit www.cuttinghall.org or call (847) 202-5222.

Holiday sing-along

Hosted by TesserAct Theatre Ensemble at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Barrington Cultural Arts Center Gallery, Ice House Mall, 150 E. Appleby St., Barrington. Bring instruments, sheet music and caroling books. Visit www.tesseractensemble.com.

Presto! Holiday Concert

Presented by the Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $24; $15 students and seniors. Visit www.prairiecenter.org or call (847) 895-3600.

Ed Hall’s Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night

Four musicians will present arrangements for the guitar and violin, as well as popular holiday favorites, at 8 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $23. Call (815) 338-5300 or visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

Holiday Music Series

Featuring local amateur talent 5-7 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Dec. 1-23, in the Special Events Tent at Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter, 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods (Deerfield). Sunday afternoons are scheduled for family sing-alongs with holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate. Call (847) 945-0235 or visit www.orphansofthestorm.org.

Prairie Spirits Dance Troupe Holiday Concert

Presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at the College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $9; $7 seniors. Visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets or call (847) 543-2300.

“The Nutcracker”

Presented by Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble at 7 p.m. Nov. 30; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Dec. 2 in the auditorium at Barrington High School , 616 W. Main St., Barrington. $27. “Tea with Clara,” 12:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2, $20 per child (accompanying adults are free). Visit www.byde.org or call (847) 382-6333.

“The Nutcracker”

Performed by the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble Nov. 30-Dec. 9 at Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $26; $18 students and seniors. Visit www.prairiecenter.org or call (847) 895-3600.

“Nutcracker All Jazz’d Up”

Presented by the Palatine Dance Program at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $6. Visit www.cuttinghall.org or call (847) 202-5222.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $37.95-$100. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000.

“The Nutcracker”

Performed by the Ruth Page Civic Ballet at 3 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at Elgin Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $32 ; $20 children 12 and under. Clara’s Tea Party, $18, $15 children, order by Dec. 5. Call (847) 622-0300 or visit www.elgin.edu/arts.

“The Nutcracker”

Presented by Judith Svalander Dance Theatre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 9; 8 p.m. Dec. 14; and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $23; $16 students. Call (815) 338-5300 or visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

“The Nutcracker”

Performed by Ruth Page Civic Ballet at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. Dec. 16 at the College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $22-$30; $21-$29 seniors; $15 teens; $12 children under 12. Visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets or call (847) 543-2300.

“The Nutcracker”

Presented by Berkshire Ballet Theatre at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 22 and 3 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $22, $25, $28. Call (815) 356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org.

“A Christmas Carol”

Nov. 23-Dec. 24 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $28.50; $15.50 for children 12 and under. Visit www.metropolisarts.com or call (847) 577-2121.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

Presented at 8 p.m. Nov. 23-24 and 30; 4 p.m. Nov. 25; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 1; and 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. $18. Call (815) 338-5300 or visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

“It’s A Wonderful Life, The Musical”

Presented by TesserAct Theatre Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23-24 and 3 p.m. Nov. 25 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $12-$17. Visit www.cuttinghall.org or call (847) 202-5222.

“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play”

Presented Nov. 23-Dec. 15 at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $22, $25, $28. Call (815) 356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org.

“The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus”

Presented by Theatre Nebula Dec. 14-23 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $10; $6 students. Visit www.cuttinghall.org or call (847) 202-5222.

“A YuleTube Christmas”

Presented at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at North Suburban Evangelical Free Church, 200 Lake Cook Ave., Deerfield. Free. Call (847) 580-5761.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show

Nov. 23-Dec. 31 at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, a drive-through tour of the estate’s 97 acres decorated in brightly lit holiday figures. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Closed Dec. 24-25. Visitors can enhance their experience by tuning into local radio station 107.1 FM for a dual music and visual experience. $5 per car Monday-Thursday; $10 per car Friday-Sunday. Visit www.cuneomansion.org.

Madrigal Dessert

Presented by Vernon Hills High School Chamber Choir at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Sullivan Community Center, 299 Danbury Drive, Vernon Hills. The choir performs Renaissance-era madrigals, motets and part-songs, as well as familiar holiday carols. $12. Reservations required by Dec. 7. Visit www.vhhscougars.org/madrigaldessert.

Open House with Santa

Held 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 14 at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. Featuring guided tours of the mansion, a craft station and coloring contest for children, homemade wreath contest, a visit with Santa Claus and his elves in the Great Hall, a raffle and refreshments. $5 per person, free for children under 3; plus admission to holiday light show ($10 per car). Cash only at the door. Visit www.cuneomansion.org.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Starring The Rockettes, Dec. 14-30 at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $47.70-$102.55. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information about the theater, visit www.rosemonttheatre.com.

“Holidays in the Heights”

A holiday sketch comedy show presented by The Second City Nov. 23-Jan. 4 at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $29.50; $34.50 stage tables. Visit www.metropolisarts.com or call (847) 577-2121.

New Year’s Eve Runway Ball

Held 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont. The event features live music by bands Dot Dot Dot and 7th Heaven; entry to the Dance Club featuring DJ-SPIN; and access to Red Bar, where Tony Ocean performs Frank Sinatra covers and more. $79. For tickets, visit http://nyerunwayball-PR.eventbrite.com.

Steve Cochran’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Show

At 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $45; $50 after Dec. 24. Call (815) 356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org.

STAGE

“My One and Only”

Through Dec. 31 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays. $40-$48, with discounts available for students and seniors. Dinner and theatre tickets, $55, are available Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

CLASSICAL

Early Music at the Byron Colby Barn

Located at Prairie Crossing, 1561 Jones Point Road, Grayslake. All concerts are at 4 p.m. Sundays. $18 at the door; cash or check only. For information, call (847) 543-1202. Dec. 16: Gaudete Brass Ensemble.

ECC Concert Choir

“Choral Classics,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at Elgin Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $9; $7 students and seniors. Call (847) 622-0300 or visit www.elgin.edu/arts.

Opera in Focus

Rolling Meadows Park District Park Central Facility, 3000 Central Road. Puppets performing scenes from popular operas at 4 p.m. Wednesdays and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. $12, $11 for seniors, $7 for children under 12. Reservations required. (847) 818-3220, ext. 186, or www.operainfocus.com. Through Dec. 1: Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel.” All three acts of the children’s classic performed in abridged form, in English.

POP/FOLK/JAZZ

Akoo Theatre at Rosemont

5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information about the theater, visit www.rosemonttheatre.com. Nov. 23, 8 p.m.: Leonard Cohen. $27.50-$250. Dec. 7, 8 p.m.: Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy. $57.45-$180.45. Dec. 8, 8 p.m.: Johnny Mathis. $77.95-$108.70. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: Multi-platinum rock bands Daughtry and 3 Doors Down, with P.O.D. $40, $50, $60.

Allstate Arena

6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com. Parking is $20, cash only. Nov. 29-30, 7:30 p.m.: The Who: Quadrophenia and More. $39.50, $59.50, $80.50, $129.50. April 6: Maroon 5 with special guests Neon Trees and Owl City.

“Bon Jovi Inside Out”

Screened at 7 p.m. Nov. 27 in movie theaters nationwide, including South Barrington 30, 175 Studio Drive, Barrington; Century 16 Deer Park, 21600 W. Field Parkway, Deer Park; and Lincolnshire 21, 300 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets available at theater box offices and www.FathomEvents.com.

Cubby Bear North

21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire. (847) 541-4700. www.cubbynorth.com. Music at 10 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Nov. 23: Woogie Reunion, Black Cadillac, $5. Nov. 30: Almost Famous, $5. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with Lucky Boys Confusion. Opening band at 8 p.m. Ages 21-plus. $25 general admission; $60 VIP package.

Elgin Community College

Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. (847) 622-0300. www.elgin.edu/arts. Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.: ECC Vocal Jazz Ensemble presents “Cool Jazz.” $9; $7 students and seniors. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.: ECC Jazz Ensembles, with guest saxophonist John Wojciechowski, present “Winter Taste of Jazz.” $11; $9 students and seniors. Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Echoes of Pompeii presents “Tribute to Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon.” $30.

InterContinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel

Montrose Room, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. (847) 544-5300. www.montroseroom.com. Nov. 30, 8:30 p.m.: The Neverly Brothers (rockabilly, R&B). $10, $15.

Lake County Folk Club

Events are held at 7 p.m. Sundays at In-Laws Restaurant, 720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Concert admission is $12; $10 for Lake County Folk Club members and seniors; $5 for teens. No admission charge for Open Stage and Song Circle. Visit www.thelakecountyfolkclub.org. Nov. 25: Song Circle. Dec. 2: “Behind the Song with Mark Dvorak,” an interactive session that is part concert, part song-writing workshop.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. www.metropolisarts.com. (847) 577-2121. Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.: Holly McGuire and her band perform jazz standards. $20.

Viper Alley

275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. www.viper-alley.com. (866) 463-3401. Shows are for ages 18-plus, unless noted otherwise. Nov. 30, 8 p.m.: American English (Beatles tribute). $10-$25. Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.: Jazz guitarist and songwriter John Pizzarelli. $20-$40. Jan. 9, 9 p.m: The Wailers, $25-$35. Jan. 17, 9 p.m.: LA Guns, $15-$25. Feb. 8, 8:30 p.m.: Marshall Tucker Band, $27-$70. Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.: Chicago natives Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway present “Sibling Revelry,” a cabaret act that includes show tunes, jazz and pop. $20-$50.

Woodstock Opera House

121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. (815) 338-5300. www.woodstockoperahouse.com. Dec. 22, 8 p.m.: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers. $75.

ART GALLERIES

College of Lake County

Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Call (847) 543-2240 or visit http://gallery.clcillinois.edu. Through Dec. 9: Exhibit of works by College of Lake County art faculty.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

The Northwest Cultural Council

The not-for-profit organization is now accepting applications from artists for its Corporate Gallery Program. Exhibits are displayed for three months at participating corporate spaces in the northwest suburbs. There is a $25 jury fee. Artists are responsible for installing and removing their own work, and for volunteering four hours per month to the council and making a tax-deductible donation to the council of $60 per year. Application deadline is Nov. 29. To download a prospectus, visit www.northwestculturalcouncil.org.

Midwest Young Artists

Hosting the 17th annual Walgreens National Concerto Competition, held at the MYA Center in Highwood and Bennett-Gordon Hall at Ravinia on Dec. 29-30. Prizes include an opportunity to perform with the MYA Symphony Orchestra and MYA scholarships. Now accepting applications from pre-college soloists. The deadline for registration is Dec. 1. Visit www.mya.org or call (847) 926-9898.

BOOKS & POETRY

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Nov. 28, 1 p.m.: Deby Eisenberg discusses and signs her novel, Pictures of the Past. Dec. 6, 7 p.m.: Historian Scott W. Berg discusses and signs his new book, 38 Nooses: Lincoln, Little Crow, and the Beginning of the Frontier’s End.

Volo Bog

28478 W. Brandenburg Road, west of Highway 12 between State Routes 120 and 134, Ingleside. Of Bogs & Books Reading Group meets from 10-11:30 a.m. the second Saturday of the month. The small, informal book discussion group is for adults interested in environmental, outdoor and natural history literature. Reservations are requested at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or (815) 344-1294. Dec. 8: A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There by Aldo Leopold. Jan. 12: Last of the Curlews by Fred Bosworth. Feb. 9 and March 9: Westward I Go Free: Tracing Thoreau’s Last Journey by Corinne Hosfeld Smith.

CHILD’S PLAY

“Cinderella”

Through Dec. 31 at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Performances at 10 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. $15. Visit www.marriotttheatre.com or call (847) 634-0200.

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Nov. 24, 2 p.m.: Family movie, “Brave,” rated PG.

COMEDY

Allstate Arena

6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com. Parking is $20, cash only. Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.: Standup comedian Jeff Dunham — “Disorderly Conduct” World Tour. $46.50.

The Improv Comedy Showcase and Restaurant

Located in Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. (847) 240-2001. www.improv.com. Showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Fridays; 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays. Must be 18 or older. Two-item minimum per person in showroom. Nov. 23-25: Mitch Fatel. $19, $22. Nov. 29-Dec. 2: Orny Adams. $17, $19. Dec. 6-9: Gabriel Iglesias presents “Stand Up Revolution.” $40.

Zanies Comedy Club

5437 Park Place, Rosemont. http://rosemont.zanies.com. Showtimes at 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Two-item food/beverage minimum. Nov. 23-24 and 28-29: Patti Vasquez. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1: Richard Lewis. Dec. 5-6: Lenny Schmidt. Dec. 7-8: Norm MacDonald. Dec. 12: Michael Issac. Dec. 13-14: Larry Reeb. Dec. 15: Chris Hardwick. Dec. 19-22: Kevin Bozeman. Dec. 27-28: Russ Williamson. Dec. 29: Hannibal Buress. Dec. 30: Michael Palascak. Dec. 31: Fortune Feimster.

DANCE

Dance World

Presenting dances at the Hoffman Estates Park District’s Triphahn Community Center, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. An optional one-hour lesson is offered at 7:30 p.m., followed by open dancing from 8:30-11:30 p.m. A variety of recorded music is played for ballroom, Latin, swing and hustle dance styles. Dress code is dressy casual; no jeans or athletic shoes. Adults of all ages and dancing abilities are welcome. Admission is $10; $5 for members. There is an additional $3 charge for guests participating in the lesson. Membership is $20 per year. Visit www.ballroomchicago.com/dance_world.htm. Dec. 8: Christmas party.

FILM

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Dec. 7, 2 p.m.: “Hope Springs,” rated PG-13. Dec. 15, 2 p.m.: “The Bourne Legacy,” rated PG-13. Dec. 28, 2 p.m.: “The Last of the Mohicans,” rated R.

LECTURES

Barrington Chapter Lyric Opera of Chicago

Sponsoring free lectures for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2012-13 season. Lectures are held at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington (just south of the Barrington Area Library on Northwest Highway). Each of the lectures, with musical illustrations, will precede the featured operas at Lyric Opera of Chicago. To reserve a seat, call (847) 304-1996. Dec. 2, 1:30 p.m.: “Hansel and Gretel.” Jan. 17, 3:30 p.m.: “La Boheme.” Feb. 5, 3:30 p.m.: “Die Meistersinger.” Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m.: “Rigoletto.” For information, visit www.lyricopera.org.

ORGANIZATIONS

Shutter Bugs Camera Club

Meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month, except December, at Volo Bog, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, west of Highway 12 between State Routes 120 and 134, Ingleside. Meetings include how-to workshops, members’ photos and competitions. Ages 13 to adult are welcome. Upcoming meetings are Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. Visit www.shutterbugsofvolobog.org.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Bel Canto Studios

217 Park Ave., Barrington. (847) 682-9601. Fall session through Dec. 22, offering private lessons with a voice teacher, piano teacher and acting coach. Scheduling is flexible. All ages and experience levels welcome, beginner to professional. Visit www.belcantostudios.com/registration for a print-friendly version of the studio’s fall brochure.

Northwest Cultural Council

Sponsoring poetry workshops from 9 a.m.-noon the second Saturday of the month at the Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. Cost is $15 per session. Participants are encouraged to bring 12 copies of their own work to share with the group. Register by calling (847) 991-7966 or e-mailing nwcc@northwestculturalcouncil.org. Dec. 8: Sarah Carson presents “The Sentence as Line.”

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.: Writer’s Support Group, open to aspiring novelists, poets, essayists, journalists and others.

ET CETERA

Allstate Arena

6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For information, visit www.allstatearena.com. Parking is $20, cash only. Jan. 12-13: Professional Bull Riders 2013 PBR Built Ford Tough Series, featuring the top 35 bull riders in the world. $15, $35, $50, $75 and $125.

MUSEUMS

Lake County Discovery Museum

Located in the Lakewood Forest Preserve, Route 176, west of Fairfield Road, near Wauconda. (847) 968-3400. www.LCFPD.org. Hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; and 1-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $6; $3 for senior citizens; $2.50 for children ages 4-17; free for children 3 and younger. Through Feb. 24: “Dickens: 200 Years of Celebrity,” an exhibit featuring the legendary author and his beloved characters, Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim and others. Hundreds of objects and documents from the private collection of Highland Park resident Michael A. Weinberg, together with a rare collection of first editions of Dickens’ most famous works, tell the story of how Charles Dickens and his characters became enduring cultural icons.

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