Arts and entertainment calendar for Jan. 19

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Updated: January 17, 2012 11:18AM

Stage

“Accidental Rapture,” a comedy about faith, friendship and the end of the world, will be presented through Feb. 18 by 16th Street Theater at the Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. Richard and Kim believe in God. Amy and Paul don’t. So when they all get together to hang out the same weekend the world happens to end, things get kind of awkward. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets: $18. Visit www.16thstreettheater.org.

“The Baker’s Wife,” at 8 p.m. Jan. 20-21 and 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at Circle Theatre, 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park. Tickets: $24-$28. Call (708) 660-9540 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

The Free Readers Ensemble performs at 3 p.m. the third Sunday of the month, unless noted otherwise, in the second floor Veterans Room of the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. Free admission. www.freereaders.com. Feb. 19: “Six Degrees of Separation” by John Guare. March 18: “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza. April 15: “Bug” by Tracy Letts. May 20: “Letters, We’ve Got Letters,” a compilation of letters between famous historical and theatrical persons.

“Gypsy,” based on the 1957 memoirs of burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee, through April 1 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The performance schedule is 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $35-$46, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. Dinner packages available for $49.75-$68. Call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

“Invisible Man,” through Feb. 19 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $40-$60; $30-$40 for previews, through Jan. 20. Student and senior discounts available. Call (773) 753-4472 or visit www.CourtTheatre.org.

“Unnecessary Farce” will be presented by First Folio Theatre Feb. 1-March 4 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., just off Route 83, Oak Brook. When Billie and Eric, a pair of inept police officers, set up a sting operation to trap the crooked mayor, nothing can go wrong — unless everything goes wrong. Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $30-$37, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. Call (630) 986-8067 or visit www.firstfolio.org.

Classical

The Avalon Quartet performs the Beethoven String Quartet Cycle at 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Each concert will benefit a designated local organization for which free-will donations will be accepted. Suggested minimum donation is $10. For information, call (708) 386-2729 or visit www.19thcenturycharity.org. Jan. 25: “Song of Heavenly Thanks,” Op. 74 and Op. 132, benefiting Oak Park Festival Theater. Feb. 22: “Radical Form,” Op. 18 #6 and Op. 133, benefiting the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. March 14: “Signature Beethoven,” Op. 18 #4 and Op. 127, benefiting The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Scholarship Trust. April 11: “Dissolution,” the Quartet in B-flat Op. 130, benefiting the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation. May 16: “Epic Journey,” Op. 131, benefiting Oak Park River Forest Symphony. May 23: “Russian Feast Part 1,” Op. 59, benefiting the Hemingway Foundation. May 30: “Russian Feast Part 2,” Op. 59, benefiting the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society.

Chicago a cappella presents “Wade in the Water,” a celebration of African-American spirituals, at 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. The program includes the world premiere of a new commission, “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” by Grammy Award-winning arranger Joseph Jennings; Jonathan Miller’s new cycle, “Old Testament Spirituals; and arrangements by Robert Morris, Moses Hogan, and Oak Park composer Paul Carey. Tickets: $28 and $35; $22 senior citizens; $12 students. Call (773) 281-7820 or visit www.chicagoacappella.org.

The Chicago Chamber Musicians showcases two of its founding members — hornist Gail Williams and violinist Joseph Genualdi — in “Twilight Music,” CCM’s Signature Series concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Gottlieb Concert Hall, 38 S. Peoria St., Chicago. The program includes Franz Schubert’s Rondo in B minor, D. 895, Op. 70; John Harbison’s “Twilight Music” and Mozart’s Divertimento No. 17 in D Major for two horns and string quartet. Tickets: $25-$45; $10 for students. Call (312) 225-5226 or visit www.chicagochambermusic.org.

Lake Theater, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park. www.classiccinemas.com. Jan. 26 and Feb. 1, 7 p.m.: Screening of “3 Superstars in Berlin.” Soprano Anna Netrebko returns to Berlin’s Waldbuhne, joined by her husband, baritone Erwin Schrott, and tenor Jonas Kaufman in a program that includes duets from Bernstein’s “West Side Story,” Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” and Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut,” as well as works by Mozart and Gounod. Accompanying the singers, Marco Armiliato conducts the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. $18.

The Orion Ensemble presents “Celebrating Women Composers” at 7:30 p.m. March 14 at Roosevelt University’s Ganz Memorial Hall, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The program includes works by Stacy Garrop, Louise Farrenc, Phyllis Tate and Fanny Mendelssohn. Tickets: $26; $23 for seniors; $10 for students; children 12 and younger are free. For tickets or more information, call (630) 628-9591 or visit www.orionensemble.org.

Schubertiade Chicago, a marathon festival celebrating the music of Franz Schubert, will be hosted by the PianoForte Foundation from 3-9 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. More than 30 Chicago artists will perform in honor of the anniversary of Schubert’s birth, Jan. 31, 1797. With repertoire ranging from solo piano to chamber works to lieder, the event will also feature arias from Schubert’s little-known operas, as well as his 5th Symphony, performed by the Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra. $10 suggested donation. Visit www.pianofortefoundation.org.

The West Suburban Symphony, conducted by Peter Lipari, performs selections from “Show Boat” and “Porgy & Bess” at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at York High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. The program features the symphony’s chorus along with soloists soprano Elizabeth Norman, tenor Christopher Joyner, and baritone Robert Sims. $22; $18 seniors; $5 teens; children free. For more information, visit www.westsubsymphony.org or call (630) 887-7464.

WFMT-FM radio presenter Carl Grapentine kicks off Oak Park’s Handel Week Festival with a free lecture, “The Magnificent Mr. Handel featuring The Oratorio, Semele,” at 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park. Handel Week Festival 2012 features concerts performed at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St., Oak Park. The schedule includes Concert I: “The Grand Handel: Music of the Soul,” 3 p.m. Feb. 19, with a pre-concert lecture at 2:30 p.m.; Concert II: “Sing and Play in Dulcet Tone: The Intimate Handel — Music for Soprano, Recorder & Basso Continuo,” 3 p.m. Feb. 25 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, with pre-concert lectures at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Concert III: “The Oratorio Semele HWV 58,” 3 p.m. March 4, with a pre-concert lecture at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per concert; with free admission for children and teens between the ages of 8-18. Order tickets at www.handelweek.com.

Pop/folk/jazz

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. (800) 982-ARTS (2787). www.auditoriumtheatre.org. May 12, 8 p.m.: Andrew Bird, performing with his band, will celebrate the release of his new album,”Break It Yourself.” Special guest is Mucca Pazza. $29.50, $39.50, $49.50.

Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival, 2 p.m.-midnight Jan. 21 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $39.50-$59.50. For tickets or information, visit www.cbbfestival.com.

Dominican University Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. (708) 488-5000. www.dom.edu/pac. Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Post-classical string quartet ETHEL, with guest performer Native American flautist Robert Mirabal. ETHEL, the Julliard-trained strong quartet known for blending classical strings with contemporary music, will team up with Mirabal to present a program inspired by the sun mythology of Native America. $24.

FitzGerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 788-2118. www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Open mic in the SideBar. Jan. 19, 8 p.m.: Exposure, hosted by John Fancher with Kristin Cotts & What About Rosiland, Sara Holtschlag & the Crosscuts, Benton Harbor Lunchbox and Bunkertown (rock). $5. Jan. 19, 9 p.m.: Expo ‘76 Dance Party (rock) in the SideBar. Free. Jan. 20, 9 p.m.: Ana Egge Band, plus The Black Labs and the Black Willoughbys (roots/rock). $10. Jan. 21, 9 p.m.: Webb Wilder & the Nash Vegans, The Hoyle Brothers open (rock). $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Jan. 21, 9 p.m.: The Swinging Chandeliers in the SideBar (country/swing). Free. Jan. 22, 6 p.m.: John Burnett Orchestra (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m.: Gina Knight Orchestra (jazz/swing). $10. Jan. 26, 8 p.m.: Country Night in Berwyn with Decoy, Prayer Meeting, Jason & the Haymakers and Moonshine Honeysuckle, $5. Jan. 27, 9 p.m.: Rico (rock), $10. Jan. 27, 9 p.m.: Cannonball in the SideBar (rock). Free. Jan. 28, 9 p.m.: Otis Clay (blues/soul). $15. Jan. 29, 6 p.m.: Prohibition Jazz Orchestra, $10 adults; $5 for ages 17 and under. Feb. 3-4, 9 p.m.: CJ Chenier (zydeco). $15. Feb. 8, 8 p.m.: Chicago Singer Spotlight, $10. Feb. 11, 9 p.m.: This Must Be The Band (Talking Heads tribute).Feb. 12, 7 p.m.: Leon Redbone (jazz/blues). $20. Feb. 16: Expo ‘76 Dance Party (rock). Feb. 17, 9 p.m.: Joe Ely plus Go Long Mule (roots). $20. Feb. 18, 9 p.m.: Joe Ely (roots). $20. Feb. 19, 6 p.m.: Grandstand Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Feb. 20: “Lundi Gras” with the annual Jamalaya Cookoff. Feb. 25, 9 p.m.: Eilen Jewell (roots). $15.

Grounds for Appeal, 3242 S. Oak Park Ave., Berwyn. (708) 749-CAFE. Jan. 21, 3 p.m.: Open Mic, hosted by Steve Justman. Signup at 2:30 p.m. $5 covers performance time and first drink.

The Sushi House, 1107 Lake St., Oak Park. (708) 660-8899. Jan. 28, 8 p.m.: Singer/songwriter Kevin Durr performs contemporary folk-pop music. All-ages show. No cover.

Unity Temple Concert Series at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park, presents concerts to raise money for the restoration and upkeep of the historic Frank Lloyd Wright structure. Call (708) 445-8955 or visit www.utconcerts.com. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$33; three-pick packet is available for $90 and allows subscribers to choose the three performances they most want to see. Jan. 28: Guitarist Robbie Fulks performs alt country music. Feb. 25: Chamber music by the Metropolis Quintet. March 31: The Ying String Quartet. April 28: Grazyna Auguscik and Paulinho Garcia play contemporary Brazilian jazz.

Art galleries

Dominican University, O’Connor Art Gallery, fourth floor of Lewis Hall, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Jan. 25-Feb. 25: “First Love,” an exhibit of works by five art curators. The exhibit will open on Jan. 25 with an artist panel at 3 p.m., followed by a reception from 4-7 p.m. The five exhibitors are: Edmund Chia, director of Peregrine Program in Chicago; Michelle Grabner, director of The Suburban in Oak Park; Diego Leclery, director of Julius Caesar in Chicago; Leeza Meksin, independent curator; and Liz Nielsen, director of Swimming Pool Project Space in Chicago.

North Riverside Mall Theatre, 7501 W. Cermak Road, Riverside. www.classiccinemas.com. January: Paintings and collages by Morton College students Kathryn Budd and Jose Jimenez.

The Oak Park Art League is celebrating its 90th anniversary with an exhibit, “A Special Exhibition of the Permanent Collection of the Oak Park Art League,” through Jan. 30 at the Oak Park Public Library Gallery, 834 Lake St., Oak Park. The exhibit will feature select pieces from the League’s collection, made up of works donated by artist members from as early as 1912. For information, visit www.opal-art.com.

Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Through Feb. 3: “Anything Goes,” artwork by Oak Park Art League members.

Prairie Title Company, 6821 W. North Ave., Oak Park. Exhibits are presented by the Oak Park Area Arts Council. For information, call (708) 386-9853 or visit www.opal-art.com. Through March 8: Works by Gloria Rigoni and Karen Gubitz, as well as OPAL’s Advanced Drawing students, Faith Humphrey Hill, Suzanne King, Beth Kordick, Max Lyles, Werner Meier, Dominika Paschak, Ann Primack, Jim Sweitzer and Alice Tulley, taught by Jesse Howard. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 19.

Auditions & opportunities

The Triton College Performing Arts Department will hold auditions for “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” from 7-9:30 p.m. Jan. 24-25 on Triton’s River Grove campus. Director Linda Kravitz is looking for one male and five females, ranging in age from their 20s to 30s. Those who audition are asked to prepare two contrasting monologues. Auditions are open to Triton students, faculty, staff and community members. Callbacks will be held Jan. 26. Production dates are March 9-18. For an audition appointment or more information, contact Amy Fenton of the Performing Arts Department at afenton1@triton.edu.

Classic Cinemas and the North Riverside Mall Theatre, located at 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside, are seeking local artists to exhibit their work in a prominent and secure space located in the theatre’s lobby. Artwork would be exhibited for a one-month period, and artists may include a price list and their contact information. No commissions would be taken by the movie theatre. Artists residing in North Riverside, Oak Park/River Forest and the surrounding areas will be given preference. For information, e-mail claire@falkpr.com or call (847) 675-2580.

Benefits

Oak Park Women’s Guild will present a benefit screening of “How to Train Your Dragon,” rated PG, at 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St., downtown Oak Park. Proceeds will help support the family of the late Bill Figatner, an Oak Park resident who died Dec. 29. Tickets are $5 per person; free for children under 2 years old. Visit www.oakparkwomensguild.org.

Books & poetry

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243. www.centuriesandsleuths.com. Jan. 21, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group discusses Skull Mantra by Eliot Pattison. Jan. 29, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (the History Discussion Group) discusses The Ghosts of Cannae: Hannibal & the Darkest Hour of the Roman Empire by Robert L. O’Connell. Feb. 3, 7 p.m.: Kenneth K. Koskodan discusses and signs No Greater Ally: The Untold Story of Poland’s Forces in World War II.

Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-2729. www.19thcenturycharity.org. Jan. 23, 1:15 p.m.: Author Libby Fischer Hellmann discusses “What Keeps Us Turning the Pages?” In addition to her recent novel, Set the Night on Fire, Hellmann is the author of six other suspense novels and nearly 20 short stories. Her presentation will be followed by a tea. $10 suggested donation.

Park District of Oak Park Book Worms Book Club will discuss Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See from 10:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 26 at Longfellow Center, 610 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park. Fee is $2. Copies of the book are reserved for the Book Worms Book Club at the Oak Park Public Library Main Branch. Visit www.oakparkparks.com.

Third Saturday Coffeehouse at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. (708) 660-9376. Sign-up at 7:30 p.m.; open mic at 8 p.m.; featured artist at 9 p.m. Open mic limited to five minutes. Donation $3-$5. Jan. 21: Haiku master Randy Brooks.

Child’s play

Magic Tree Bookstore, 141 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. (708) 848-0770. www.magictreebooks.com. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m.: “Stories & More” with Tanya Califf. Free.

“Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” will be presented by Christian Youth Theater Feb. 16-20 at the Arts Center of Oak Park, 200 N. Oak Park Ave. Performances are at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Thursday; 9:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $9-$12 in advance; $11-$14 at the door. Call (847) 516-2298 or visit www.cytchicago.org.

Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Winter session of art classes for children, Jan. 22-March 10, and spring session, April 1-May 19, include Discovering DaVinci, Inspired Creations, Tweens the Greatest Story Ever Told, Starring Me, Sculpture for Kids, Many Clays, 2D Connection and Basic Weaving Skills. Download the full winter and spring schedules at www.opal-art.com/classes.

Wonder Works, A Children’s Museum, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park, provides a hands-on environment intended to strengthen the social, emotional and intellectual development of children up to age 10. The 6,400-square-foot museum includes exhibits, educational programming, a retail store and a children’s party room. Memberships are available. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 per person; free for members and children under age 1. For information about field trips, birthday parties and after-hours parties, call (708) 383-4815 or visit www.wonder-works.org.

Dance

The Joffrey Ballet presents “Winter Fire,” Feb. 15-26 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 17, 23 and 24; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and 25; and 2 p.m. Feb. 19 and 26. Tickets: $25-$149. For tickets, call (800) 982-2787 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For information, visit www.joffrey.org.

Halau i Ka Pono - The Hula School of Chicago, 38 Lake St., Oak Park. www.halauikapono.org. (708) 297-6321. Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Hula workshop. The first hour of the workshop is suitable for beginners and intermediate hula dancers wanting to improve technique. The third hour is good for hula dancers with at least six months of experience. Fee is $30/$45.

Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. www.willowbrookballroom.com. (708) 839-1000. Jan. 20, 8 p.m.: Winter Dance Party, a tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. $25 reserved seating; $20 general admission. Jan. 22, 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music of the Steve Anthony Orchestra, $14. Jan. 24 and 31 and Feb. 7, 7:30-10 p.m.: Country and western lessons and dance, $8. Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 7:30-11 p.m.: Salsa lessons and dance, $10. No partner needed. Jan. 28, 7 p.m.: Chicago Salsa Championship and Dance Party; $13 before 8 p.m., $15 after 8 p.m. Jan. 29, 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Teddy Lee Orchestra, $14 per person. Feb. 3, 7-11 p.m.: “Boppin at the Brook” country and western dance, $8. Feb. 5, 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Steve Anthony Orchestra, $14. Feb. 10, 7 p.m.: Chicago Old School Valentine’s Dance featuring The Gentlemen of Leisure Band, Latin Satin Soul Band and DJ Joe Cool Rodriguez. VIP Tickets $30; reserved seats $25; general admission $20. Feb. 11, 6 p.m.: Valentine’s Day dinner and dance, with swing music by the Outcast Jazz Band. $35-$40 for dinner and dancing; $15 for dance only, at 8:30 p.m. Dinner reservation deadline is Feb. 6. Feb. 12: Ballroom dance lesson featuring the cha cha, 12:30-1:30 p.m., $20. Valentine’s Day dinner dance, with big band music by the Teddy Lee Orchestra, $35-$40 for dinner and dancing; $14 for dance only, from 2-5 p.m. Dinner reservation deadline is Feb. 6.

Lectures

Lyric Opera Lecture Series will be presented at Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., and the River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop. The free lectures have been scheduled to precede opening night performances at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. For information, call the Oak Park Public Library, (708) 383-8200, or the River Forest Public Library, (708) 366-5205, or visit www.lyricopera.org. Jan. 29, 2 p.m.: “Showboat,” with music by Jerome Kern, at Oak Park Public Library. Feb. 22, 7 p.m.: “Rinaldo” by George Frideric Handel at River Forest Public Library.

Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Jan. 22, 2 p.m.: Art historian Jeff Nigro will present “Estimating Lace and Muslin: Dress and Fashion in Jane Austen’s Work and World.” The free program is co-sponsored by the Art Associates of Oak Park and River Forest.

Singles

CAC (Catholic Alumni Club of Chicago) Single Catholics. (708) 450-8280 or www.caci.org/chicago.html. Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m.: Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 4314 Oak Park Ave., Stickney, followed by breakfast at Alexander’s Pancake House, 6725 W. Pershing Road, Stickney. Reservations to (708) 788-3352.

Thunderbird Singles, (847) 266-2706 or www.thunderbirdsingles.com. Events held at the Diplomat West, 681 W. North Ave., Elmhurst, unless noted otherwise. Jan. 20, 8 p.m.: Name Tag singles party. $8; $6 before 8:15 p.m.

Tours & outings

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation, 875 W. Lake St., Oak Park. (708) 383-8873. www.utrf.org. Self-guided tours from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Photography for personal use is permitted. Admission: $10; $8 for senior citizens; free for children 5 and under. Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m.: “Wine, Chocolate & Architecture: The Perfect Valentine Trio,” featuring wine, hand-made chocolates, and tours of Unity Temple. $30 per person in advance; $35 at the door. Proceeds benefit the restoration of Unity Temple.

Wright Plus 2012 housewalk, showcasing rare interior tours of private homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries in Oak Park, will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2. The walk features eight private homes, three designed by Wright, and three public buildings designed by Wright. Guests will enjoy interpretations based on in-depth research of the homes’ history and architecture, including discussions of the original occupants’ lifestyles. Tickets are $100 $85 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members. Along with the housewalk tour, the Preservation Trust also offers the Ultimate Plus Weekend, May 31 to June 3, including a reception at the 1905 Wright-designed lobby of The Rookery Building in downtown Chicago, a Friday Excursion to Wright-designed buildings on Chicago’s North Shore, a private luncheon and lecture and Exclusively Wright Dinner on Saturday, and a behind-the-scenes Tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House on Sunday. For information, visit www.GoWright.org.

Workshops & classes

Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Winter session of art classes for adults, Jan. 22-March 10, and spring session, April 1-May 19, include oil painting, pen and ink, Sculpting the Figure From Life, Portrait Sculpting From Life, Unlimited Color/Limited Palettes, portrait drawing, and Mix In Metal: Collage Painting. Download the full winter and spring schedules at www.opal-art.com/classes.

Et cetera

Triton College’s Cernan Earth and Space Center, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 583-3100. www.triton.edu/cernan. Through Dec. 23: Earth and Sky Shows, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; laser concerts, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; children’s shows, 2 p.m. Sundays; Sunday Sampler, 3 p.m. Sundays. Cost is $8-$10; $4-$5 for senior citizens 55 and older and children ages 2-12. Through Jan. 29: Earth & Sky Shows include The Pluto Show, Mars 2012 mini show and the Orion mini show. On Saturday, Jan. 28, the 7:30 p.m. shows will be replaced by the Monthly Skywatch. Laser concerts include the Beatles Laser Anthology and the Legends of Rock mini laser show. Children’s shows (best for children from preschool through second grade) include Zip! Zoom! Whiz!, a multimedia program that combines stars, panoramic scenes, photographs, video clips and a variety of planetarium special effects to take young viewers on an imaginary trip into space. Sunday Sampler includes Bad Astronomy, the Powers of Ten mini show and Beatles 1 mini laser show. Feb. 3-26: Earth & Sky Shows include Journey to the Stars and We Came in Peace mini show. On Saturday, Feb. 18, the 7:30 p.m. show will be replaced by the Monthly Skywatch. Laser concerts include Best of Pink Floyd and the Pop Rock 1 mini laser show. Children’s shows (best for children from preschool through second grade) include Dinosaurs in Space and There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars mini show. Sunday Sampler includes the Pluto Show mini show, Mars 2012 mini show and Orion mini show.