Updated: April 29, 2013 4:14PM

HOLIDAY

“Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells”

Presented at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 and 16; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 10 and 17; 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18 at Northwestern University’s Mussetter-Struble Theater, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston. $10; $8 children. Call (847) 491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu.

“Madeline’s Christmas”

Nov. 24-Dec. 2, 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, at Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. $12. Visit www.gorillatango.com or call (773) 598-4549.

Handel’s “Messiah”

Performed by chamber choir Bella Voce and period instrument ensemble The Callipygian Players at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston. $40-$45; $15 students. Visit www.bellavoce.org or call (312) 479-1096.

Handel’s “Messiah”

Performed by the Apollo Chorus of Chicago at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $45, $55. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northshorecenter.org.

“A Christmas Carol”

Chicago actor and musician Frank Babbitt presents the holiday classic as a solo performance with musical underscore at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. Free-will donations and canned goods will be accepted to help support the Maine Township Food Pantry. Visit www.stlukespr.org or call (847) 825-6659.

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 SWEET”

Music Institute of Chicago’s family open house, 9 a.m. Dec. 8 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. At 10 a.m., a performance of “The Nutcracker SWEET” showcases the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of the holiday favorite. $10 per family (up to six family members). Call (847) 905-1500, ext. 108, or visit www.musicinst.org.

“The Nutcracker”

Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $31.50, $39.50. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northshorecenter.org.

Holiday Pops Fantasy

Presented by the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect, Park Ridge. $25; $20 students and seniors. Visit www.parkridgecivicorchestra.org or call (847) 692-PRCO or (847) 823-8861.

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.

“Candles and Carols”

The Park Ridge Chorale presents its holiday concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect, Park Ridge. Advance tickets $16, $14 seniors; at the door $18, $16 seniors; free for children under 18. Call (847) 825-2216 or (847) 823-3958.

“Polish Carols, Song & Dance”

Presented by the Lira Ensemble at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $35, $45, $55. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northshorecenter.org.

An Evanston Symphony Christmas

Presented at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Evanston Township High School auditorium, 1600 Dodge, Evanston. The event features North Shore Choral Society, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Evanston Children’s Choir and the ETHS Concert Choir and A Capella Singers. $25-$40; $10-$15 children under 18; Family Package $70-$100. Visit www.evanstonsymphony.org.

“Holiday Delights”

Presented by a cappella choral ensemble Bella Voce at 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston. $30-$38; $15 students. Visit http://bellavoce.tix.com or call (877) 755-6277.

“Starlight, Songs and Candles Bright”

Presented by Youth Choral Theater of Chicago at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. $9-$26. www.youthchoraltheater.org/tickets.

STAGE

“Chekhov Shorts, An Evening of One-Acts”

Old World Theatre Company presents works by Anton Chekhov at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 and 17 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18 at Congregation Kol Emeth, 5130 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie. $22; $10 students. Call (312) 857-8487 or visit http://bit.ly/oldworldtheatrecompany.

“Damn Yankees”

Presented by Rising Stars Theatre Co. at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9-10 and 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Stahl Family Theatre 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. $17; $15 seniors and children. Visit www.risingstarschicago.com or call (773) 736-2490.

“Dirty”

The world premiere of Andrew Hinderaker’s “blend of humor, Hendrix and hardcore porn,” through Nov. 18 at The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. $25-$30. Call (773) 283-7071 or visit www.thegifttheatre.org.

“Evanston, Which Is Over There: A Tale of Men and Women in the Modern World”

Curious Theatre Branch presents a new play by Beau O’Reilly at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 9-Dec. 16, at The Side Project, 1439 W. Jarvis, Chicago. No performance Nov. 23. $15 or pay what you can at the door. Visit www.curioustheatrebranch.com.

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Nov. 9-Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m. Fridays: “The Tale of Danny Tanner: A Full House Musical.” $15. Nov. 24-Dec. 15, 6 p.m. Saturdays: “Sleeping Indoors,” a play about a family that adopts a homeless man for the holidays. $15.

“The Odd Couple”

Northlight Theatre presents the Neil Simon comedy through Dec. 9 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Performances are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (except Nov. 13 and 27); Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (except Nov. 21); Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (except Nov. 22); Fridays at 8 p.m. (except opening at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9); Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except Nov. 11, 18 and Dec. 9). Tickets: $25-$72; $15 students. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org.

“Sandlot”

The musical adaptation of the classic family movie will be presented at 8 p.m. Nov. 9-10 and Nov. 15-17 and 3 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18 in the Notre Dame College Prep Little Theatre, 7655 W. Dempster St., Niles. For information and tickets, visit www.nddons.org.

“Twelve Angry Women”

Performed at 7 p.m. Nov. 15-17 at Resurrection College Prep High School, 7500 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago. $5. Call (773) 775-6616, ext. 110, or visit www.reshs.org.

“You Can’t Take It With You”

Performed at 8 p.m. Nov. 9-10 and 16-17; 2 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at Northwestern University’s Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. $25; $22 seniors; $10 students. Call (847) 491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu.

CLASSICAL

Chicago Chamber Musicians

“Austrian Elegance,” a concert exploring the chamber music of Schubert, Haydn and Albrechtsberger, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $25-$45; free for college students. Call (312) 225-5226 or visit www.chicagochambermusic.org.

Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players

“Russian Masterworks,” 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. $15 in advance, $10 seniors; $20 at the door, $15 seniors. Free admission for students. Call (866) 811-4111 or visit www.chicagophilharmonic.org.

Da Corneto Opera

Presents Verdi’s “Nabucco” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $30, $35, $40. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northshorecenter.org.

Music of the Baroque

“Bravura Bach,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1427 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Nicholas Kraemer leads the Music of the Baroque Orchestra in a program of instrumental works by Johann Sebastian Bach. $27-$75. Call (312) 551-1414 or visit www.baroque.org.

Music Institute of Chicago

Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500. www.musicinst.org. Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Ensemble-in-residence WarnerNuzova — American cellist Wendy Warner and Russian pianist Irina Nuzova — play works by Beethoven, Janáček and Prokofiev. $30; $20 seniors; $10 students.

The New Northshore Chamber Orchestra

Performing at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Unitarian Church, 1330 Ridge, Evanston. The program includes works by Glinka, Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky. $15; free for ages 18 years and younger. Call (847) 864-2288 or visit www.northshorechamberorchestra.org.

North Shore Choral Society

“Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving,” 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Vineyard Christian Church, 2495 Howard Street, Evanston. The Choral Society and the Oakdale Christian Academy Concert Choir from Chicago’s south side will perform spirituals, gospel and inspirational songs. $25; $22 seniors; $15 students. Visit www.northshorechoral.org or call (773) 956-8400.

Northwest Symphony Orchestra

“An Evening at the Ballet — Music that Inspires the Ballet,” 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Maine West High School, 1755 S. Wolf Road, Des Plaines. Pre-concert commentary by Carolyn Paulin, WFMT program host, at 2:30 p.m. $20; $15 seniors; $10 students. Children under age 14 admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Visit www.northwestsymphony.org.

The Orion Ensemble

“A Night at the Opera,” 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The program includes works by Carl Maria von Weber, Franz Liszt and Giuseppe Verdi. $26; $23 seniors; $10 students; free for children 12 and younger. Call (630) 628-9591 or visit www.orionensemble.org.

Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra

Performing selections from “The Nutcracker” and works by Prokofiev and Borodin at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $30-$35; $27-$32 seniors; $14 students; $41 box seats. Visit www.svso.org.

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. 17, 8 p.m.: Australian Pink Floyd. 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 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. Dec. 8, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents “The Lost Christmas Eve.” $30, $39, $49, $59, $69. April 6: Maroon 5 with special guests Neon Trees and Owl City.

Bluegrass Legends Concerts

Held at the American Legion Music Hall, 1030 Central St., Evanston. www.chicagobluegrass.com. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $20; $15 for children 16 and under and seniors. Nov. 9: The Boxcars.

Ethical Humanist Society Second Saturday Coffeehouse

7574 N. Lincoln Ave. (at Howard), Skokie. (847) 677-3334. www.ethicalhuman.org/coffeehouse. Nov. 10, 8 p.m.: Folk singer/songwriter Andrew Calhoun. $8.

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Nov. 18, 4 p.m.: The Ryan Erik Adamsons Medium Ensemble, a 12-piece modern jazz ensemble based in Chicago. $10.

InterContinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel

Montrose Room, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. (847) 544-5300. www.montroseroom.com. Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m.: “Peace by Peace, Tango, Jazz & More” benefit concert, with performers iAN&ANi and Robert “Baabe” Irving III. $24. Nov. 30, 8:30 p.m.: The Neverly Brothers (rockabilly, R&B). $10, $15.

Mayne Stage

1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. (773) 381-4554. www.maynestage.com. Nov. 9, 8 p.m.: Sons of the Never Wrong with Al Rose (folk). $15-$25. Nov. 16, 8 p.m.: Jamaican Oldies Weekend with Pat Kelly with Green Room Rockers and DJ Chuck Wren. One-day pass $25; two-day pass $40. Nov. 17, 8 p.m.: Jamaican Oldies Weekend with Stranger Cole with The Prizefighters, Soul Radics and DJ Chuck Wren. One-day pass $25; two-day pass $40. Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Bow Wow Wow and Men Without Hats (‘80s new wave). $32. Nov. 21, 8:30 p.m.: The Rezillos with Tutu & the Pirates and Regal Standard, $25. Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m.: New Year’s Eve with JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound. $65 reserved VIP seating includes champagne toast at midnight, party favors and signed poster; $45 general admission.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Nov. 10, 8 p.m., and Nov. 11, 2 p.m.: Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone. Actor, playwright and pianist Hershey Felder portrays George Gershwin, performing the composer’s best-known songs, from “The Man I Love” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” through passages and songs from “An American in Paris” and “Porgy and Bess,” to a complete performance of “Rhapsody in Blue.” $50, $60. Dec. 6, 8 p.m.: Jazz artists Chick Corea (piano) and Gary Burton (vibraphone) are joined by the Harlem String Quartet to present fused jazz and classical chamber music. $60-$80.

S.P.A.C.E.

1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Shows at 8 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Nov. 9-10: Slide guitarist Sonny Landreth (blues). $27/$30/$46. Nov. 11, 7 p.m.: Anat Cohen Quartet (jazz). $22/$25. Nov. 12: Bowerbirds (indie/folk). $15/$18. Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Pieta Brown & the Sawdust Collective and Sean Rowe, $12/$15. Nov. 14: Catherine Russell (jazz). $17-$30. Nov. 15: Willy Porter ( folk/blues). $18/$28/$38. Nov. 16: Unknown Hinson (country/rock). $17/$20. Nov. 17, 7 p.m.: Duncan Sheik (pop). $22-$42. Nov. 17, 10 p.m.: Jeffrey Lewis & the Junkyard. $10/$12. Nov. 18: Kris Delmhorst (folk/Americana). $15/$18/$26. Nov. 21: Syl Johnson: Legend of Chicago Blues, $15/$18. Nov. 23: Rickie Lee Jones, $38-$84. Nov. 24, 7 p.m.: Nicholas Barron in The Studios at SPACE, $20. Nov. 24: Tommy Castro & the Painkillers (blues/rock). $17/$20. Nov. 25, 7 p.m.: Tuck & Patti (jazz). $20/$30/$40. Nov. 27: Billy Martin & Wil Blades Duo, featuring Billy Martin of Medeski, Martin & Wood (experimental jazz/funk). $15/$18/$25. Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Dan Bern and Robbie Fulks with Jenny Scheinman (rock/country). $20/$24. Nov. 29: Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom featuring Myra Melford, Jenny Scheinman and Todd Sickafoose (jazz). $12/$15. Nov. 30, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Irma Thomas (soul). $25-$65. Dec. 1-2, 7 p.m.: Guitarist Leo Kottke, $30-$62. Dec. 3: The Last Bison (indie/folk). $10/$12. Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Judith Owen & Harry Shearer’s Holiday Sing-A-Long. $22/$25. Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.: Celtic Tenors, $30-$70. Dec. 6: Melissa Ferrick (folk). $25/$30. Dec. 7: Bonnie Koloc (folk). $20-$40. Dec. 9, 3 p.m.: Christine Lavin and Uncle Bonsai (folk). $15/$18. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: Raul Midon (Latin). $18/$20. Dec. 10: Foiled Again (jazz/folk). $15/$20. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Adrianne Gonzalez, Maia Sharp, Garrison Starr (pop/rock). $12/$14. Dec. 12: Dave Specter Holiday Blues Party with Tad Robinson. $12/$15. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Mindy Smith (country/alternative). $18/$22. Dec. 15: Mud Morganfield (blues). $12/$15. Dec. 16, 7 p.m.: The Klezmatics (klezmer). $18-$36. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Raul Malo (country/salsa). $22-$42. Dec. 21: Delbert McClinton (blues/rock). $40-$85. Dec. 29: Ezra Furman & His Band (pop). $12/$15. Dec. 31, 10 p.m.: Alejandro Escovedo (roots/rock). $65-$95. Jan. 4: Susan Werner (folk). $20-$40. Jan. 5: Otis Clay CD release show (soul). $15-$35. Jan. 6, 7 p.m.: Eric Michaels Organ Trio (blues/jazz/rock). $10/$12. Jan. 11: Chris Smither, $22/$25. Jan. 12, 7 p.m.: Megon McDonough & Friends performing the music of Dan Fogelberg. $15/$20. Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Kelly Joe Phelps (blues). $15/$18. Jan. 18: Booker T Jones (blues/rock). $28-$68. Jan. 19: Eddy The Chief Clearwater (blues). $15/$18. Jan. 26, 7 p.m.: The Jill & Julia Show. $18-$38.. Jan. 27, 7 p.m.: Sixpence None The Richer (pop/rock). $22/$25. Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Tift Merritt (folk). $22/$25. Feb. 8, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Judy Collins (folk). $40-$85.

ART GALLERIES

DoubleTree Hotel

9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Simply Chicago Art Holiday Show. Visit www.SimplyChicagoArt.com.

Oakton Community College

Koehnline Museum of Art, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. (847) 635-2633. www.oakton.edu/museum. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Through Nov. 21: “ID Show 2012,” featuring paintings, photography, ceramics, and digital art by Oakton Community College’s art faculty members.

Skokie Art Guild

“Members Only” fall exhibit, on display through Nov. 17 throughout the Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St. Call Steve Gal, (847) 673-4450 or visit www.skokieartguild.org.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Music Institute of Chicago

Seeking submissions for its Generation Next Young Composer’s Competition, open to ages 10-18. Prizes range from $75 to $350. In addition, winners will hear their works performed live at Nichols Concert Hall and become eligible for scholarships to participate in the Music Institute’s Composer’s Lab. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 15. Call Sue Polutnik, (847) 905-1500, ext. 122.

Canzonetta Youth Orchestra

Seeking musicians to audition for the 2012-13 music season. Directed by Hilel Kagan, Canzonetta is a chamber orchestra that offers specialized instruction for children interested in developing their orchestral skills. Training Orchestra, for 7- to 10-year-olds with beginning orchestral experience, meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. The Intermediate Orchestra, for 10- to 13-year-olds with more advanced training, meets from 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays. The Senior Orchestra, for high school students who are advanced musicians, meets from 1-3 p.m. Sundays. All three orchestras rehearse at the Wilmette Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road. There will be at least four concerts throughout the year. To make an audition appointment, call Helia Schramm, (847) 328-0570.

Norwood Park Historical Society

Accepting applications from crafters, artists, and high-quality chefs/bakers to fill positions at the 25th annual Victoria’s Holiday Boutique, a fund-raiser for the nonprofit organization, to be held Nov. 28-Dec. 2 at 5624 N. Newark Ave., Chicago. Fee is $35-$65 per space, and each seller must donate 15% commission on sales. During the event, crafters must commit to a minimum of five hours to working the sale. Handmade or homemade items only. Call (773) 631-4633 or e-mail info@norwoodparkhistoricalsociety.org.

Christmas in Park Ridge Boutique

Seeks crafters for the event, to be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7-8 at Park Ridge Presbyterian Church, Crescent and Delphia. Space rental $20-$80, plus 10% of sales. Call (847) 823-0920. Application deadline is Dec. 1.

BENEFITS

Park Ridge Fine Arts Society

52nd annual Symphony Benefit, 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Park Ridge Country Club, 636 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. The black-tie-optional gala begins with a reception, followed by a candlelight dinner and dancing to the music of Brian Patti and his Orchestra. $100. Proceeds fund the organization’s free summer concert series in Park Ridge’s Hodges Park. E-mail grimly@mac.com or visit www.prfas.org.

BOOKS & POETRY

Lincolnwood Public Library

4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Nov. 12, 11 a.m.: Discussion of Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks.

CHILD’S PLAY

“Cinderella”

Presented by Petite Opera at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9-10 and 16-17 and 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, 306 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. $25; $22 seniors; $15 students; free for children 5 and under. Call (847) 553-4442 or visit www.petiteopera.org.

Fall Youth Circus

At 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and 17 and 3 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18 at the Actors Gymnasium at Noyes Cultural Art Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. $12.50, $15. Visit www.actorsgymnasium.com.

“Fools Tango”

A selection of short comic puppet plays will be presented by Theatre Zarko at 2 p.m. Nov. 10-11 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Recommended for children ages 4 and up. $15; $10 children. Call (847) 350-9275 or visit www.theatrezarko.org.

Lincolnwood Public Library

4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Nov. 19, 3:30 p.m.: “Madagascar 3.”

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Nov. 14, 16 and 18: Chicago Children’s Theatre presents “Harold & the Purple Crayon.” Performances at 10 a.m. and noon Wednesday; 10 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. Friday; and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday. $16.50, $27.50, $37.50 and $42.50.

Play On

Holding auditions for “Beauty and the Beast,” open to youth in grades K-8, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Open Studio, 903 Sherman Ave., Evanston. Rehearsals will be mostly Saturday afternoons, with performances the week of Feb. 8. Those cast pay a $200 fee. For audition appointment, e-mail info@playonltd.com or call (847) 337-9614.

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.

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Through Dec. 29, 9 p.m. Saturdays, except show starts at 11 p.m. Nov. 10, Dec. 1 and 15: “Holy Bouncing Boobies! A Batman Burlesque.” 18 and over. $20. Nov. 10 and Dec. 15, 9 p.m.: “The Meshuganas,” a stand-up comedy revue featuring Hollie and Steve Himmelman. $20.

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. 8-10: Bret Ernst. Nov. 14-15: Butch Bradley. Nov. 16: Drew Carey and Butch Bradley. Nov. 17: Drew Carey. Nov. 21, 23-24 and 28-29: Patti Vasquez. Nov. 30: Richard Lewis.

DANCE

Chicago Dance Chapter of USA Dance

Hosting “Tribute to Veterans” Nov. 10 at The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park. Waltz lesson at 7 p.m.; social dancing, 8:15-11 p.m. $10; $8 members; $6 students. Visit www.usadancechicago.org or call (847) 577-9014.

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Nov. 17, 7 p.m.: Young Choreographer’s Showcase, hosted by Suburban Dance Collection. $20.

Leikarringen Heimhug Norwegian Folk Dancers

Meet weekly, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Norwood Crossing, 6016 N. Nina, Chicago. New members, age 16 and older, welcome. No dance experience needed, just interest in Scandinavian folk dance. Call (847) 823-7596 or e-mail kronmo815@gmail.com; or (847) 692-6616 or karlp57@aol.com.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

Presented by Evanston Dance Ensemble at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 1-2 at Northwestern University’s Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. $22; $15 children, students and seniors. Call (847) 491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu.

Line dancing

For all ages, held from 7-10 p.m. every Tuesday at the White Eagle Banquet Hall, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Beginner lessons are at 7:30 p.m. and new dance or review at 8 p.m. Admission: $7; $5 for ages 17 and under. Call (847) 965-6353 or e-mail at somedaydd@att.net.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Arts & Craft Fair

Held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Resurrection College Prep High School, 7500 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago. Admission: $5; $2 seniors; free for children under 10. Visit www.reshs.org.

Winter Arts & Crafts Expo

Held Nov. 16-Dec. 19 at the Evanston Art Center, 2603 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Expo hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Closed Thanksgiving. Preview party, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 16, $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Silent auction, Nov. 16-18. Family Open House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24. Girl’s Night Out, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 29. Jewelry Fest, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 1. “Shop Your Cause” Night, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5. Men’s Shopping Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15. EAC Student Expo, Dec. 1-19. Visit www.evanstonartcenter.org.

Art Encounter’s Holiday Market

Held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 17 in a historic Evanston home, 1100 Ridge Ave. $5 admission (can be applied to purchase). Visit www.artencounter.org.

FILM

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Nov. 9, 9 p.m.: Screening of the raunchy comedy “ThanksKilling 3.” $10.

Lincolnwood Public Library

4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Nov. 9, 1 p.m.: “Moonrise Kingdom.” Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m.: “Safety Not Guaranteed.” Nov. 15, 1 p.m.: “Them!” Nov. 16, 1 p.m.: “Prometheus.” Nov. 29, 10:30 a.m.: “Shakespeare High.” Nov. 29, 1 p.m.: “An American in Paris.” Nov. 30, 1 p.m.: “The Amazing Spider-Man.”

Northwest Chicago Film Society

Classic Film Series is held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, unless otherwise noted, at the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Admission is $5. Visit www.northwestchicagofilmsociety.org. Nov. 14: “Sand” (1920) with live organ accompaniment by Jay Warren. Plus the short “High on the Range: The Deadly Weed” (1924). Nov. 21: Comedy double feature, “Monkey Business” (1931) and “The Man on the Flying Trapeze” (1935). Nov. 28: “The Beguiled” plus The Three Stooges in “Uncivil Warriors” (1935). Dec. 5: “Upstream” (1927) with live organ accompaniment by Jay Warren. Dec. 12: “The Saga of Anatahan” (1953). Dec. 19: “The Night of the Hunter” (1955) plus the cartoon “Holiday Land” (1934).

Northwestern University

Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Nov. 12, 7 p.m.: Screening of the 1938 film “You Can’t Take It With You.” $10; $5 students. Call (847) 491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu.

LECTURES

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Nov. 14, 1 p.m.: “The Creation of Fiddler on the Roof,” presented by musical theatre historian Charles Troy. $12 in advance; $14 at the door. Dec. 5, 1 p.m.: “Making a List: The Secular Songs of Christmas,” presented by musical theatre historian Charles Troy. $12 in advance; $14 at the door.

ORGANIZATIONS

International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 43

Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in the auditorium at Saint Francis Hospital, 355 Ridge Ave., Evanston. Oscar Munoz, award-winning illusionist and humorist, will perform and teach. Guests $15 which can be applied to membership. Contact Robert K. Miller at (847) 272-3850 or visit www.ring43.org.

Skokie Photographic Society

Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., Skokie. All levels of photographic skill are welcome. Call (847) 677-8324 for information.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Oakton Community College

7701 North Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Nov. 13-Dec. 18, 10 a.m. Tuesdays: Emeritus Program presents Love, Death, and Carpeting: Woody Allen’s Roots and His Films (HUM S22-61). Course fee is $100. To register, call (847) 635-1414.

Skokie Art Guild

Offering figure drawing workshops from 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood, Skokie. Live models; no instructor. Fee per session is $20; $12 for members. Call Steve Gal, (847) 673-4450, or visit www.skokieartguild.org.

ET CETERA

“The Art and Music of Nature”

A collaborative presentation and performance, 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Oakton Community College’s Performing Arts Center lobby, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Free admission. For information, call (847) 635-1900.

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. Through Nov. 11: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Dragons. $17.60-$101.75.

MUSEUMS

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. (847) 967-4889. www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Admission: $12; $8 for students and senior citizens; $6 for children ages 5-11. Special exhibitions are free with museum admission. Through Jan. 6, 2013: “Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America,” a creation of the International Spy Museum. The exhibit explores how the United States should balance civil liberties and individual rights during times of conflict, crisis and fear. At interactive stations following the themes of the exhibition — revolution, sabotage, hate, radicalism, world war, subversion, protest, extremism and terrorism — visitors are able to record their opinions on issues of national security and civil liberties and compare their reactions to those of past Gallup polling results. Nov. 9, 10 a.m.: Program of Remembrance, screening “Names Not Numbers: A Movie in the Making,” produced by the eighth-grade class of Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School. Free; reservations recommended. Nov. 10-11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Annual holiday bazaar. Nov. 11, 1:30 p.m.: “Honoring Rescuers, Remembering Kristallnacht.” Featured speakers will focus on Greek Jewry, and the program concludes with remarks from November Pogrom survivor Ernest Fruehauf, who will recall the horrors of 1938. Free; reservations required. Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m.: “Civil Rights in Perilous Times.” Alison Cuddy, WBEZ’s arts and culture reporter, discusses past and current civil rights challenges with Geoffrey Stone of the University of Chicago Law School. Free with museum admission; reservations recommended.

Skokie Heritage Museum

8031 Floral Ave., Skokie. (847) 674-1500, ext. 3000. www.skokieparks.org. Through Dec. 28: “The Art of Hal Foster.” The exhibit, from the collection of Skokie resident Sid Weiskirch, presents the work of comic book artist Hal Foster.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030. www.mitchellmuseum.org. Admission is $5; $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Free admission for Mitchell Museum members and tribal members; and on the first Friday of every month. Admission includes all exhibits and events, unless stated otherwise. Nov. 10, 3:30 p.m.: American Indian journalist, entrepreneur and political activist Paul DeMain presents “American Indians and the Tipping Point: No Longer a Miner’s Canary” at the Skokie Public Library. $20; $15 students. Through Jan. 6, 2013: “Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art.” Through Aug. 25, 2013: “The War of 1812: Fighting for Their Homeland.” Through maps, timelines, document reproductions, and graphics, the exhibit will provide an overview of the causes and significant events of the War of 1812, including Chicago’s Battle of Fort Dearborn.

---