THEATRE
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf
By ntozake shange
Directed by Lamaiya Lancaster and Darius Russelle
Fearless. Ground-breaking. Beautiful. Seven women share their stories and find strength in each other’s humor and passion through a fusion of poetry, dance, music and song that explodes off the stage and resonates with all. From its inception in 1974 to its Broadway revival in 2022, this awardwinning work has excited, inspired and transformed audiences all over the country for 50 years.
Studio Theatre
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m.
CLC Theatre Student Showcase: The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
By Don Zolidis
Tickets
Buy one ticket, get one free Friday, Feb. 28 and Thursday, March 6
$10 General Public
$8 CLC/Teen/Seniors
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Thursday-Saturday, March 6, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m.
High school matinee: Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m.
The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories, including classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel. A wild, free-form comedy with lots of audience participation and madcap fun.
Studio Theatre
Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, April 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Hairspray
The Broadway Musical
Book by Thomas Meehan and Mark O’Donnell
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Tickets
Buy one ticket, get one free Saturday, April 12 and Thursday, April 17
$10 General Public
$8 CLC/Teen/Seniors
Play On! Auditions:
Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m. Mainstage Theatre (CLC students only)
Based on the New Line Cinema film, written and directed by John Waters
You can’t stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl’s inspiring dream to dance. It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable Tracy Turnblad has only one desire–to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network...all without denting her 'do!
Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.
Hairspray is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Studio Theatre
Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 20 at 2 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, July 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 27 at 2 p.m.
Tickets
Buy one ticket, get one free Friday, July 18 and Thursday, July 24
$15 General Public
$10 CLC/Teen/Seniors
Hairspray Auditions: Monday and Tuesday, May 19 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. Studio Theatre (open to the community)
Wind Ensemble Concert
Sunday, March 9 at 4 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre
Gospel Choir Concert
Saturday, April 5 at 4 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre
Jazz Ensembles Spring Concert
Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre
Wind Ensemble Spring Concert
Sunday, May 4 at 4 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre
Choral Ensembles Spring Concert
Saturday, May 10 at 4 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre
Jazz Combo Spring Concert
Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m.
Room P101, Grayslake Campus
Concert Band Spring Concert
Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre
Tickets
Instrumental Concerts
$8 General Public; $7 Senior 65+/Military/Student
Choral Concerts
$6 General Public; $5 Senior 65+/Military/Student
Jazz Combo Concert is free
48th Annual
“Art of Jazz” Concert Series with Guest Artist Kristin Korb
Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre
Kristin Korb is a rare breed of musician who effortlessly blends her talents as a bassist and vocalist, captivating listeners with her crystal-clear voice while expertly maneuvering the bass. She has taught at the University of Southern California and remains very involved in educational outreach at universities, jazz camps and festivals with young students.
Kristin Korb will be presenting a free masterclass open to the public at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, in Room P101, Grayslake Campus.
Follow the College of Lake County Music Department on Instagram @collegeoflakecountymusicdept
2025 Fear No Art Festival
Tickets
$12 General Public
$10 Senior 65+/Military/Students
$5 Children under 12
Become a fan of the College of Lake County Dance Department Facebook page
Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre
A festival like no other, the annual Fear No Art Festival is a lively celebration featuring a variety of emerging choreographers, dancers, musicians, singers, actors, photographers, artists, graphic designers and poets. This festival plays a vital role in supporting the artistic development and work of both our college students and our community artists at large. Fear No Art celebrates diverse voices in the arts and is an inclusive space where every voice finds its place and every perspective shines.
Calling artists of all disciplines! Please join us for this opportunity to share your work and meet other creatives.
2025 Fear No Art Auditions/Submissions
Tuesday, Jan. 28
P103 Experimental Theatre, Grayslake Campus
5:30 p.m. for Visual Artists
Bring samples of your work: painting, pencil, animation, etc. You do not need the completed work(s) by the submission date.
6 p.m. for Musicians/Poets/Actors/Other Artists
Be prepared to sing, play, speak or play a recording. Piano available.
7 p.m. for Dancers
Come dressed and ready to dance. No prepared dance necessary.
Note: Dance rehearsals have a minimum commitment of 2 hours a week for one piece. Rehearsal days and times vary and depend on the choreographer and dancers’ availability. All other artists: Work at your own pace with mentoring.
For information, contact: Valerie Alpert at valpert@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2432.
Follow the College of Lake County Dance Department on Instagram @collegeoflakecountydance
Visit clcdance.blogspot.com for information on performances, events and classes
Prairie Voices Reading and Reception
Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m. Room A011, Grayslake Campus Free and open to all Prairie Voices, CLC's student literary arts magazine, will hold its annual reading and reception for student writers and artists. Complimentary copies of the magazine will be available.
Visiting Author for Spring Reading Series
The Reading Series is an author reading series organized by the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts Division and the English Department. Each semester published authors are invited to share their work and join CLC students and Lake County community members for discussion. Join us this spring for inspiring reading and conversation! More details to come.
For information, contact: Miguel Jimenez at mjimenez6@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2554
Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art
The Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art at College of Lake County offers visual art experiences ranging from community group shows to contemporary artists pushing the limits of creativity. Reconnect with us by viewing or participating in our exuberant exhibitions.
Receptions and exhibits are free and open to all.
Members Show 2025
Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Thursday, Feb. 13
Reception: Friday, Jan. 24 from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
This annual exhibition showcases the latest fine art media from current members of the Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art. Join us to celebrate our talented, diverse and valued membership.
Family Stuff
Photography by Qingjun Huang
Friday, Feb. 21 – Friday, March 21
Reception: Friday, Feb. 21 from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Chinese photographer Qingjun Huang has been documenting his “Family Stuff” series for 20 years.To create these images, he gathers a family’s belongings from their home and arranges the items along with the family members, photographing them outdoors with the home as the background. Originally working in China during a time of rapid economic development, modernization and globalization, Qingjun Huang used this method of staged photographs to record environmental changes, urban expansion, technological advancements and shifts in people’s lifestyles.
Skyway Juried Collegiate Art Competition
Monday, March 31 – Wednesday, April 16
Reception: TBA
This juried competition features the work of art students from this year’s host, College of Lake County, as well as Elgin Community College, McHenry County College, Moraine Valley Community College, Morton College, Oakton College, Prairie State College and Waubonsee Community College.The exhibition showcases the best works of art including painting, photography, ceramics and digital art.
44th Annual Student Art Competition
Thursday, April 24 – Wednesday, May 14
Reception: Thursday, April 24 from 5 - 7 p.m.
The 44th annual juried exhibition of classwork from CLC students is a celebration that includes drawing, painting, design, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design and animation from Fine Art and Digital Media and Design majors.
Gallery Hours
Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday - Closed Hours vary during college breaks.
Willow Review Launch and Reading
Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
Room A013, Grayslake Campus Free and open to all
Contributors to CLC's award-winning literary magazine, Willow Review, will read from their original poetry and prose. Copies of the 52nd issue will be available. Reviewer D.E. Steward of the former Literary Magazine Review has given high praise to the CLC publication: "Willow Review is altogether a singular magazine, unlike any literary magazine in the reviewer's experience." Willow Review is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
INTERNATIONAL FILMS
CLC International Film Series
All screenings take place at 7 p.m. in Room A011, Grayslake Campus – Now on Thursdays!
Thursday, Feb. 6
La Chimera
(Italy, 2023)
Returning to 1980s Italy after a stretch in prison, Arthur is quickly pulled back into a life among the rowdy “tombaroli”–tomb raiders–who loved him and used him for his supernatural ability to find precious buried objects. For them, the party must go on, but Arthur prefers to reconnect with the family of an ex-girlfriend who has disappeared. For a film so much about death, ghosts and absences, the results are lively, amiable and deeply engaging.
“Writer-director Alice Rohrwacher melds mischief, myth and melancholy in this playful and quietly bewitching contemporary folk tale…infused with wonder.” - Empire
Thursday, March 6
Perfect Blue
(Japan, 1997)
The short but brilliant (and influential) career of Satoshi Kon, who died at 46 from pancreatic cancer, is the stuff of legend among aficionados of Anime filmmaking. It is an honor to screen his first feature as part of the CLC International Film Series. Perfect Blue establishes his interest in blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, media and private life, across his four finished films. When Mina leaves her pop music career to star in a TV crime drama, she has to navigate her frustrated fans, producers hungry for edgier content and a newly acquired stalker who may be capable of murder.
Thursday, April 3
Thursday, May 1
Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World
(Romania, 2023)
The Romanian New Wave continues its streak of bold, incisive satires with this explosion of 21st century economies, politics and sexuality. Angela is a large corporation’s videographer, interviewing subjects across Bucharest for a work-safety video. In her spare time, she’s a social media influencer, adopting a digital disguise to freely vent without care for whom she offends. Footage from a Ceausescu-era film about a female taxi driver recurs as ironic counterpoint.
“It captures what it’s like to live in this chaotic and deadening world so well it might be the movie of the year, and last year and next year too.” - Slate
The Zone of Interest
(UK/Poland, 2023)
Rudolf Höss is a loving family man with a beautiful riverside home out in the country. He also is devoted to his career with the Nazis, which currently involves operating Auschwitz. Home and camp are next to each other but separated by a wall; events inside the latter are heard but not seen. Released to great acclaim, but still worthy of debate, the film by Jonathan Glazer (Under the Skin, Birth) is an essential case study in how to depict the horrors we do to ourselves. Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, the film won Best International Feature Film and Best Sound.
Sponsored by the Center for Global Engagement
WARNING: Films have adult content and are not suitable for children. Subtitled when necessary. For information, contact Chris Cooling at ccooling@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2623. ‘
Look Who’s Coming to the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
The James Lumber Center is Lake County’s premier performing arts venue. With a wide variety of performances, there is always something to see at the JLC! Buy tickets online at: jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.
Mariachi Herencia de México: “La Nueva Generación Tour”
Friday, January 24 at 8 p.m.
The next generation of mariachi superstars presents an electrifying and unforgettable night of Mexican music and culture in this new show.
Ike Reilly Film Premiere and Concert
Saturday, February 1 at 7 p.m.
Award-winning film “Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night,” about Lake County’s Punk Rock Troubadour Ike Reilly followed by a concert from Reilly and company.
Dustbowl Revival Presents: “A Laurel Canyon Retrospective”
Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.
In this tribute to the Southern California rock and folk scene, Dustbowl Revival brings their spicy cocktail of jangly rock n’ soul to reimagine the songs of Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, The Mamas & the Papas and more.
New Orleans Songbook –A Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Production
featuring Luther S. Allison, Milton Suggs and Quiana Lynell
Sunday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
The soul of New Orleans and the spirit of Mardi Gras come to life as this stellar trio of vocalists celebrate the composers and vibrant songs of the Crescent City, the historic epicenter of jazz.
Drew Wiegman
Michael Cavanaugh: The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John
Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.
The charismatic singer and musician – and star of the Broadway smash “Movin’ Out” – performs the best-loved songs from the two piano legends’ greatest hits.
Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 at 3 p.m.
Lake County’s homegrown TikTok sensation performs his cello interpretations of beloved pop hits and movie scores, plus original music that stirs the heart and soul.
Tickets
James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
Phone: (847) 543-2300
In Person: JLC Box Office 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake
Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Online: jlcenter.clcillinois.edu
For questions, email the Box Office: clcboxoffice@clcillinois.edu
Accessibility
JAMES LUMBER CENTER
Become a fan of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts Facebook page
Follow the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on Instagram @jameslumbercenterclc
The James Lumber Center is ADA-compliant. It is wheelchair accessible and offers assistive listening devices, Braille signage and other amenities. For accessible seating, please contact the Box Office. To arrange for other accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, please contact the Box Office at least two to three weeks in advance at (847) 543-2300.
19351 W. Washington St. Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
www.clcillinois.edu
GRAYSLAKE CAMPUS
College of Lake County 40th Salute to Gospel Music Concert
Featuring Vincent Bohanan with special guest Zacardi Cortez
Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Jesus Name Apostolic Church 208 Lake St., Waukegan
Bringing people together to honor community and celebrate Black gospel music.
Tickets now on sale for $20 each $10 for all students at: jlcenter.clcillinois.edu
19351 W. Washington St. WAUKEGAN
CAMPUS (LAKESHORE) 33 N. Genesee St.
VERNON HILLS CAMPUS (SOUTHLAKE) 1120 S. Milwaukee Ave.
PRAIRIE RESTAURANT AT BRAE LOCH 33600 N. U.S. Highway 45 Grayslake
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER 7735 Grand Ave., Gurnee