ETC. To-Do List

TO-DO LIST

Through April 26 THEATER LITTLE WOMEN OPENING POSTPONED Four young women, playing in an attic, bring to life the beloved Louisa May Alcott tale of the March sisters with all of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that arise from helping to blaze new horizons for women in the 19th century. Come savor anew the tale of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy in this world-premiere adaptation, written by First Folio artistic associate Heather Chrisler. $29–$44. Various times. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook. firstfolio.org

Through May 3 EXHIBIT DOWNERS GROVE ART LEAGUE EXHIBIT Enjoy works of art by the talented members of the Downers Grove Art League. Free. Monday through Friday, 1 to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mayslake Peabody Mansion, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook. downersgroveartistsguild.com

April 2–5 SPECIAL EVENT WEED LADIES SPRING & SUMMER FLORAL SALE The spring and summer sale features beautiful silk and dried floral arrangements, perfect for the upcoming seasons. Free admission. Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Daniels House at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. napersettlement.org

April 4 SPECIAL EVENT FRANK CALIENDO TO BE RESCHEDULED Comedian, actor, and impressionist Frank Caliendo has been making

Frank Caliendo

Editor’s note: We understand that, at presstime, restaurants and large gatherings were closed as per the governor’s order. It’s with support for our theater and restaurant community that we share these events, which we are hopeful will get back to their regular schedule as soon as possible.

people laugh his entire life. He is well known for his impressions of famous personalities including Donald Trump, Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Robert De Niro, Barack Obama, and many others. Caliendo’s live shows are also clean and family friendly. $52–$62. 8 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 22 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. paramountaurora.com

April 4–October 31 FITNESS WEDNESDAY WALKING CLUB When it comes to outdoor activity, there is no better way than an active stroll around Naper Settlement’s 13-acre museum campus. After being greeted by a staff member, choose your route through the museum grounds, with an option to include the Riverwalk. After your walk, log your minutes (not miles), and enjoy a healthy treat and camaraderie with fellow walkers. There are incentive prizes at the end of the season. No registration is required. Wednesdays, from 8 to 9 a.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. napervillesettlement.org

April 4 FAMILY BUSY BUNNY Hop on over to Cosley Zoo for this fun-filled after-hours event. Tour the

zoo, play games, make a craft, meet the Easter Bunny and live animals too! Children ages 2 to 10 can dash for some eggs before the evening is done. All guests in attendance must have a prepurchased ticket. $6-$15. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. cosleyzoo.org

April 4 FAMILY SPRING TROUT SEASON OPENER Try your luck on Silver, Pickerel, or Grove Lakes at Blackwell, Pratt’s Wayne Woods, and Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserves. Anglers 16 and older must carry a valid Illinois fishing license with inland trout stamps. All ages. Free. No registration. Multiple locations. dupageforest.org

April 4–5 SPECIAL EVENT KANE COUNTY FLEA MARKET From refurbished furniture and vinyl records to sports collectibles and handmade trinkets, the Kane County Flea Market has it all. Up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles indoors and out the first weekend of every month. A country breakfast is served on Sundays. Admission is $5; children 12 and younger are complimentary. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 Randall Rd., St. Charles. kanecountyfleamarket.com

April 4–5 EXHIBIT NATURAL ARTISTS’ GUILD Enjoy more than 150 works of art celebrating nature and see demonstrations by the artists. All proceeds support Nature Artists’ Guild and Arboretum programs. Free with arboretum admission. $15/adult; $13/senior; $10/child (ages 2–17). 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte. 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org

April 5 MUSIC STRAIGHT NO CHASER TO BE RESCHEDULED The group that put a cappella on the map presents its ultimate bar song playlist. $55–$95. 1 and 6 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. paramountaurora.com

April 5 LECTURE CHICAGO’S FINEST HOUR: LOCAL MANUFACTURING DURING WWII For much of the 20th century, the Chicago area was a manufacturing mecca due to its central geographic

location and ready access to rail and water transportation. Author Austin Weber traces the origins of manufacturing in Chicago and explores the city’s proud history of making steel and shaping metal. Reservations are recommended, but not required; call 630.420.6010. 4 to 5 p.m. Members/ Naperville residents are free; nonmembers: $10/adult, $9/youth (ages 4 to 12) or student. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. napersettlement.org

April 6 LITERARY COLTON UNDERWOOD From former football player and star of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette comes a fascinating and eye-opening behind-the-scenes look at his drama-filled season on the hit reality show. Colton Underwood shares his memoir, The First Time: Finding Myself and Looking for Love on Reality TV. Each fan in line must purchase a ticket (which includes a copy of the book) to join the line. $35. 7 p.m. Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. andersonsbookshop.com April 7 LITERARY JAMES RALLISON TO BE RESCHEDULED YouTube phenomenon James Rallison presents his new book, Odd 1s Out: The First Sequel!, the follow-up to the New York Times best-selling The Odd 1s Out. This is a presentation, Q&A, and book-signing event. Each ticket includes a presigned copy of the new book and admits one person and access to the signing line. $23. 7 p.m. Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Ln. andersonsbookshop.com

April 7 LECTURE THE LAZY ENVIRONMENTALIST Josh Dorfman is a sustainability entrepreneur, innovator, and leader who first conceived the term “The Lazy Environmentalist” in a blog post in 2005. Dorfman developed the brand into an award-winning reality TV show on the Sundance Channel, a daily radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio, and a book series. His mission is to help ordinary Americans to easily and conveniently embrace sustainable

living. Free. noon to 1:30 p.m. Judy Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center at North Central College, 131 S. Loomis St. northcentralcollege.edu

April 9 LECTURE AUTISM: HELPING DIFFERENT KINDS OF MINDS SOLVE PROBLEMS Animal science professor Temple Grandin is a pioneer in improving the welfare of farm animals and an advocate for autism awareness and understanding. Grandin has spoken to parents and teachers throughout the U.S. about her remarkable life and growing up with autism. She is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior. The lecture will also be livestreamed to a sensory-friendly venue. $10–$20/ person. 7 p.m. Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel at Elmhurst College, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. elmhurst.edu

April 10–12 THEATER STOMP TO BE RESCHEDULED Back by popular demand, Stomp will take over Paramount Theatre for a three-night smackdown. Feel the power and energy as these talented artists use matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, lighters and more to create pulse-pounding beats, all while blending dance and performance to form one electrifying rhythm. $40–$50. Various times. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. paramountaurora.com

April 11 FAMILY EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS Hop on by and snap a photo with the Easter Bunny, who will be strolling around the Main Street Promenade (in the atrium area between Hugo’s Frog Bar & Sur La Table). Bring your camera/phone and snap a pic of your child with the bunny, who will also be passing out allergy-friendly treats (with parent approval). Free. 1 to 4 p.m. 55 S. Main St. downtownnaperville.com

April 12–18 FAMILY WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD Children ages 8 and under can enjoy several free special sports, music, and nature events in Wheaton. Venues include the DuPage County Historical Museum, Lincoln Marsh, Tooey Park, and Safety City, and Wheaton Park District Community Center. Free. Registration is required. Various times. Wheaton. wheatonparkdistrict.com

April 13–June 27 SPECIAL EVENT FOREST THERAPY WALK Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Awaken your senses and reconnect with nature during these mindful walks with a certified Forest Therapy guide. No two walks are the same; visit different locations at the Morton Arboretum and enjoy a variety of awareness-raising exercises. The three-hour walk will provide gentle invitations to open the senses and cultivate presence, with more time to deepen the healing interactions between people and the natural world. Conclude with a tea ceremony, with tea made from edible plants foraged along the trail. Check the website for dates. $29/member; $34/nonmember. 9 a.m. to noon. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte. 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org

April 15 CHARITABLE NAPERVILLE CHEF SHOWDOWN Chef Austin Fausett from Che Figata and executive chef Eddie Sweeney from Catch 35 will compete in Loaves and Fishes’ Naperville Chef Showdown, a fun evening of culinary challenges and honored guest judges. Dishes will be voted upon by a panel of select judges, including Naperville mayor Steve Chirico. Ticket includes appetizers and drinks from My Chef Catering. Proceeds benefit Loaves and Fishes. $100. 6 p.m. Loaves and Fishes, 1871 High Grove Ln. loaves-fishes.org

April 17–May 24 FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT Shake off the winter blues and come out to play this spring with a scavenger hunt at select Elmhurst parks. Visit the museum gift shop to pick up a location/ answer sheet, then make your way to three of the five Elmhurst parks listed and look for the lawn sign to answer the questions. When finished, return your answer sheet to Elmhurst History Museum, see the exhibit, and collect a prize. Free. 1 to 5 p.m. Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org

April 18 FITNESS THE FOODIE 5K Previously a timed and certified 5K course through Cantigny, this event is now a virtual race. Participants are encouraged to continue fundraising to support Northern Illinois Food Bank. Take a selfie while walking your neighborhood, rocking your treadmill, or spinning on your bike, and post using the hashtag #Foodie5K. Registrants can pick up T-shirts and finisher medals at the West Suburban Center (273 Dearborn Ct., Geneva). $15–$45. solvehungertoday.org

Forest Therapy Walk

April 18 THEATER THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF COMEDY (ABRIDGED) They’ve skewered history, the Bible, and the world’s most celebrated playwright. Now, Reduced Shakespeare Company tackles the subject it was born to reduce. From the high-brow to the low, The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) covers comedy through the ages, from Aristophanes and Shakespeare and Moliere (Is Moliere funny? Why not?) to vaudeville and Charlie Chaplin to Stephen Colbert and Samantha Bee. The show contains some strong language and sexual innuendo. $18–$35. 8 p.m. Fermilab Ramsey Auditorium, Pine St., Batavia. events.fnal.gov

April 18 FITNESS SLY FOX The sixth annual race includes options for a half marathon, a 10K, or a 5K. The route is a mix of flat to rolling terrain that will bring athletes through the beautiful shaded residential streets and the countryside of St. Charles. This course is designed for athletes from beginners to the experienced. It’s spectator friendly, offering easy to get to viewing points throughout the course. $95. 7 a.m. Downtown St. Charles, Cedar St. and 3rd, St. Charles. slyfoxhalf.com

April 18 FAMILY PARTY FOR THE PLANET During this fun-filled family event, guests will learn some of the steps to take that will make a difference for animals across the globe, participate in green-themed craft activities, help zoo employees plant flowers and a tree, and visit with representatives at the Eco Expo. Free with admission. $21.95/adult, $15.95/child (ages 3–11). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St. Brookfield. czs.org

April 18 FITNESS FUN RUN IN COLOR Runners show up in their brightest white shirts, shorts, and shoes and then are showered along the route with vibrant color made from safe,

Party for the Planet

food-grade, biodegradable cornstarch. By the time they cross the finish line, they’ll be a brilliant color palette of warm and cool hues. With wave starts, four color stations, and a final color toss at the after-party, everyone’s guaranteed to go home wearing colors they’ve never worn before. This untimed event emphasizes fun over competition; it’s open to both avid and first-time runners as well as families and children of all ages. $35–$40. 8:30 a.m. Northside Park, 1300 N. West St., Wheaton. wheatonparkdistrict.com

April 19 MUSIC SWING, SWING SWING Travel back to the age of zoot suits and the Lindy hop, as the singers take on the irresistible rhythms and sentimental ballads of the 1930s and ’40s. Hear great songs by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and more, in exciting new arrangements made just for Chicago a cappella. $20–$43. 3 p.m. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. chicagoacapella.org

April 19 FITNESS THE CHAMPION OF TREES 10K Find your inner tree champion at this 10th annual 10K race, as you run on a springtime morning surrounded by trees from around the world. Runners will find a challenging course with rolling terrain as they follow the arboretum’s road on the east side. $47–$62. 8 a.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org

April 19 MUSIC SMOOTH ROCKIN’ JAZZ TRIO Cantigny Park welcomes a musical trio playing a mix of rockin’ jazz music. Beverages, including beer and wine, and light food fare will be available for purchase at Bertie’s Bistro. This event has limited indoor seating; dancing on the dance floor is encouraged! Free with $5 parking. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Le Jardin Restaurant, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. cantigny.org

The Champion of Trees 10K

April 19 FITNESS NAPERVILLE WOMEN’S HALF MARATHON & 5K The fifth annual Naperville Women’s Half Marathon and 5K from North Central College is open to all runners and walkers. The event course will take athletes through downtown and some of the finest neighborhoods of Naperville. $40–$100. 7 a.m. North Central College, BenedettiWehrli Stadium, 455 S. Brainard St. napervillewomenshalf.events

April 23 SPECIAL EVENT SUSTAINABLE GARDENS SERIES: DESIGNING WITH RECLAIMED MATERIALS Look at “junk” with new eyes while adding sustainability, personality, and focal points to your garden using repurposed materials. Instead of heading to the landfill, old bricks, salvaged wood, and other unwanted materials can find new life as design elements in your

garden. Use them to create containers, borders, water features, and more. $29/ member; $34/nonmember. 9 a.m. to noon. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org

April 24 SPECIAL EVENTS FROGWATCH Become a FrogWatch USA volunteer— all you need is an interest in frogs and toads, a willingness to participate in a training session, and a commitment to monitor a wetland site for three minutes multiple evenings throughout the breeding season (February to August). Attend the training sessions to learn more. $7/person, $20/household. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. cosleyzoo.org

April 24 MUSIC CHRIS GREENE QUARTET Enjoy an evening of music and art with WDCB and the sounds of the Chris Green Quartet. Saxophonist and composer Chris Greene has collaborated with some of the nation’s most creative and versatile musicians. This intimate concert will take place in Water Street Studios’ award-winning gallery. Seating is limited to 70. A cash bar with beer by Solemn Oath Brewery and wine selections from the Wine Exchange will be available. $12. 6:30 p.m. Water Street Studios, 10 S. Water St. Batavia. waterstreetstudios.org

April 24–25 SPECIAL EVENT CITYWIDE GARAGE SALE This is a garage-saler’s dream! Over 100 participants open their garages for this citywide Geneva treasure hunt. Stop by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at 8 S. Third Street on April 22 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pick up maps and instructions. Sales run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. genevachamber.com

April 24 SPECIAL EVENT JEDI MIND TRICKS FOR JOB SEEKERS Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could wave your hand in front of an employer and say, “You will release the other candidates from consideration and hire me for this position”? The reality of what’s possible isn’t too far off. There are specific, involuntary facial expressions that, once you see them, will tell you what the interviewer thought of your answer. There are physical movements and word choices that have statistically proven to influence others to make 70 percent more favorable decisions about you. Learn more in this dynamic presentation sponsored by workNet Dupage. Free. 8:30 a.m. workNet Dupage Career Center, 2525 Cabot Dr., Lisle. worknetdupage.org

April 24 LITERARY DAVID BALDACCI The American novelist presents Walk The Wire, his newest thriller in the Memory Man series. This is a presentation, Q&A, and book-signing event; each ticket includes a copy of the new book and admits one or two people. $35–$46. 7 p.m. Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Ln. andersonsbookshop.com

April 25 SPECIAL EVENT HANDMADE MARKET For over 25 years, the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club has sponsored the Handmade Market, featuring Chicago-area crafters and artisans. This

year, over 80 crafters will showcase the newest trends in the handmade marketplace, from clothing and accessories to home decor, apothecary, and specialty items. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. O’Neill Middle School, 635 59th St., Downers Grove. dgjwc.org

April 25 SPECIAL EVENT EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Enjoy a variety of activities including a farmers’ market, paper shredding,

green vendors, used book giveaway, bicycle tune-ups, children’s activities, and more! Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Rd., Geneva. genevaparks.org

April 25 CHARITABLE RAINFORESTS OF THE WHIRL One of the highlights of the spring social calendar, Whirl is Brookfield Zoo’s largest annual fundraiser— attended by over 700 corporate and civic leaders—with proceeds supporting the Chicago Zoological Society’s award-winning conservation, education, and animal welfare programs. 6:30 p.m. $700. Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E. Water St., Chicago. czs.org

April 25–26 SPECIAL EVENT WOODCARVING SHOW This fine art exhibit features one-of-akind, handcrafted collectible woodcarvings, turnings, wood-burning art, ornaments, and special occasion gifts from many of the Midwest’s best woodcarvers. Free with $5 parking fee. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. cantigny.org

April 26 MUSIC BEETHOVEN’S 250TH Fox Valley Orchestra, under the direction of Stephen Squires, celebrates Beethoven by playing his Symphony No. 8, op 93, F major, and Mass op. 86, C major. $11–$20. 3 p.m. Crimi Auditorium at Aurora University, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora. foxvalleyorchestra.org

April 26 MUSIC VOICES OF HOPE Naperville Men’s Glee Club hosts its 32nd annual 2020 Spring Showcase by bringing together high energy collegiate a cappella groups, the Thundertones and Amplify from Wheaton College and the College of DuPage Chamber Singers. Fun for the whole family! $11–$17. 3 p.m. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. napervillemensgleeclub.org

April 28 LITERARY COURTNEY CARVER In Project 333, Courtney Carver— minimalist expert and author of Soulful Simplicity—takes a new approach to living simply, starting with your wardrobe. Project 333 promises that not only can you survive with just 33 items in your closet for three months, but you’ll thrive just like the thousands of women who have taken on the challenge and never looked back. Let the decluttering begin! Each ticket includes a copy of the new book and admits one person and access to the signing line. $26. 7:30 p.m. Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Ln. andersonsbookshop.com

April 30–June 14 THEATER KINKY BOOTS Charlie Price is a reluctant shoemaker. Lola is a fierce drag queen. These two could not be any more different, but when they find common ground in shoes, they see a whole new world of possibilities open up to them that will turn their small town upside down, and just might save Charlie’s failing shoe factory. $36–$74. Various times. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. paramountaurora.com

April 30–May 31 THEATER NAPERVILLE: A DRAMEDY ABOUT SECOND CHANCES It’s Naperville, 2012. Anne is working on a new project, T.C. is captaining the first shift as a new manager, and Candice and son Howard, back from Seattle, arrive at her favorite coffee spot: a Caribou. What follows is a day full of eccentricity, cups of coffee, and affecting conversation, creating a turning point that shows how a community can add to your life. $40–$42. Various times. Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. atthemac.org

April 30–June 13 THEATER SHREK THE MUSICAL An unlikely hero, Shrek is determined to reclaim his precious swamp from exiled fairytale misfits with the help of his wisecracking sidekick, Donkey. Together, they find themselves on a life-changing journey to rescue a princess who is locked away in an isolated

castle guarded by a fire-breathing, lovesick dragon. $25. Various times. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. drurylanetheatre.com

May 1 MUSIC CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN WHEATON Riccardo Muti conducts two of Beethoven’s immortal symphonies; the graceful Fourth, described by composer Robert Schumann as “a slender Greek maiden between two Norse giants,” and the mighty, driving Seventh, which many, including Beethoven himself, considered one of his greatest works. A world premiere by Mead composer-in-residence Missy Mazzoli opens the program. $55–$90. 7:30 p.m. Wheaton College, Edman Memorial Chapel, 401 E. Franklin, Wheaton. cso.org

May 2 SPECIAL EVENT NAPERVILLE FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL The second annual food truck festival features over 30 of the area’s best food trucks, live DJ entertainment, beer garden, and a vendor village featuring local businesses. To celebrate the Cinco de Mayo weekend there will be a Taco Showdown: Several trucks will be feature tacos on their menu, and guests decide the winner. DuPage Children’s Museum will provide hands-on activities for the kids at this family-friendly event. $5–$10. Noon to 7 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. eventbrite.com

May 3 MUSIC DUPAGE CHORALE Presenting their spring repertoire, featuring the music of Gounod, A. Ramirez, G. Walker, S. Kirchner, and others, DuPage Chorale is a large community chorus based at the College of DuPage under the direction of Lee Kesselman since 1981. Adult singers of all voice types and ages are welcome. $15/student; $17/adult. 7:30 p.m. Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. atthemac.org

May 3 THEATER THE PASSION: A MODERN MUSICAL DRAMA NEW DATE Since its premiere in 2004, The Passion has become a Palm Sunday tradition. The Passion powerfully tells the story of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection through song. This 50-minute modern musical drama is presented by the 100-voice Chancel Choir, a 40-piece professional orchestra and professional soloists, conducted by Noelle Combs, and featuring tenor William Combs of Lyric Opera of Chicago in the role of Jesus. This family-friendly event includes a multimedia presentation. 9 and 10:45 a.m. Christ Church Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Rd., Oak Brook. christchurch.us

May 3 FITNESS WALK FOR WELLNESS HOUSE Cancer survivors, families, friends and volunteers will gather in support of people living with cancer at this annual fundraiser. Participants may choose between a 3K walk or a 5K run. Proceeds benefit Wellness House, a place offering cancer patients programs in exercise and nutrition, stress management, support groups and counseling, information, and education and child/ family programs. $30–$40. 7 a.m. Wellness House, 131 North County Line Rd., Hinsdale. wellnesshouse.org