Cook County

The Theatre of Western Springs launches its next Cattell Lecture Series with “A Conversation with Joseph Drummond.” He is the recipient of the Jeff Award for Lifetime Achievement after 25 years of stage management at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. The free lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, in the Cattell Wing of TWS, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs.
 
Most recently serving as production stage manager for the Goodman Theatre’s production of “Animal Crackers,” Drummond is in his 36th season with Goodman Theatre, having stage managed numerous shows at Goodman, as well as the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. He also teaches stage management at Roosevelt University and has been a guest speaker at several area universities.
 
Named for the founder and first artistic director of the Theatre of Western Springs, Mary Cattell, the lecture series is an ongoing program featuring Chicago-area theater professionals in a conversational exchange about the craft of theater.
 
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call TWS at (708) 246-4043 or visit www.theatrewesternsprings.com.

HOLIDAY MAGIC
Brookfield Zoo’s 28th annual Holiday Magic is a celebration of the holiday season with family and friends. Holiday Magic will feature nearly one million twinkling lights illuminated the zoo’s walkways. Ice carving demonstrations, live musical performances, magicians and the new Wild Lights Spectacular light show at Roosevelt Fountain will take place at the event each weekend throughout December.
WHERE Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield
WHEN 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-31
COST: $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and children; Tuesdays and Thursdays is free admission; parking is $8
CONTACT Brookfield Zoo, (708) 688-8000, www.brookfieldzoo.org

An aerial view of festive trees, sponsored by local corporations, surround Roosevelt Fountain during Brookfield Zoo’s 28th annual Holiday Magic. Spotlights add to the spectacular display with the city of Chicago in the background. SUBMITTED PHOTO

As an antidote to stressful schedules and solitary online pursuits, family game nights are back in a big way.

Whether they feature board game classics or playful new offerings, they stand ready to sharpen minds at any age.

“Game nights are more about staying close to family; people are enjoying the quiet, family moments,” says Rosaleen Tully, co-owner of Learning Express of Homer Glen.

She says Gather ‘Round Dinner Game is specifically designed to keep kids at the dinner table longer.

Meet jewelry designer Falcher Fusager of MAGICK Fusager Design, Inc. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14, at Hursts' Berwyn Jewelers, 6418 W. Cermak Road, during a special event.

A trunk show of the artist's work will also go on those two days at the jewelry store, followed by a reception and workshop on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the store and will be by appointment only.

For times, contact Hursts' Berwyn Jewelers at (708) 788-0880.

Your vote counts at the Holiday Hues Fine Art and Gift Gallery at the LaGrange Art League Gallery and Studio.

During a one-night-only preview party on Friday, art perusers can cast their vote for the People's Choice Award out of various local artists, who will be present at the preview party. Individuals can enjoy refreshments, wine tasting and music by Kust/Blazie violin-guitar duo. Also, with a purchase of more than $100, a person gets an original piece of artwork for free.

The party will go from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at 122 Calendar Ave. in La Grange. For more information, call (708) 352-3101 or visit www.lagrangeartleague.org.

Clarinet artist Kathryne Pirtle shares the adventuresome program for The Orion Ensemble’s next concert, featuring guest soprano Alicia Berneche, who has sung at the Lyric Opera, and Baird Dodge of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The Addison resident is a founding member of the award-winning chamber group, which offers its series in Chicago, Evanston and Geneva. Just showcased on the “Live from WFMT” broadcast, Orion returns to the radio program March 22.

The Orion Ensemble musicians are Florentina Ramniceanu (from left), Kathryne Pirtle, pianist Diana Schmück, Judy Stone and Jennifer Marlas. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Voodoo Monkey Child is part of a multi-band benefit to raise money for the repair of the historic Klas Restaurant in Cicero.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. Voodoo Monkey Child is appearing in support of its album, "Under a Crescent Moon."

For more on the Voodoo Monkey Child band, visit www.myspace.com/voodoomonkeychild. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Admission costs $12 to the all-ages show. Food and drinks will be served.
 
Klas, located at 5734 W. Cermak Road, is the oldest Czech-Bohemian restaurant still in operation in the United States. Its (in)famous patrons include Al Capone; visit www.klasrestaurant.com.

The Brookfield Zoo and Cantigny Park are just a couple of places recognizing Veterans Day (Nov. 11) with ceremonies.

The talents of 200 students, staff members and parent volunteers are coming together in “The Wizard of Oz,” which opens this weekend at Morton West High School. Janine Delmonico, the show’s director, invites the community to enjoy the entertainment. The production features 50 performers, supported by 25 crew members and a 10-piece pit orchestra. 

The Scarecrow (Justin Wych, front left), Dorothy (Izis Mollinedo) and fellow Morton West High School cast members, including The Tin Man (Rafael Gutierrez), rehearse a dance number for “The Wizard of Oz.”  STAFF PHOTOS BY BILL  ACKERMAN

DO IT
Don’t let the end of summer and the start of chilly weather keep you out of the swimming pool. Take a plunge into water aerobics, a physical activity that gets you into shape and into the pool.

Water aerobics is a year-round activity for the Downers Grove Park District. The park district recently started its fall season water aerobics, but its winter season sessions, open to adults, begins mid-January.

Michelle Ochs, recreation supervisor for aquatics at the Downers Grove Park District, says the resistance of the water is what sets water aerobics apart from land aerobics. “It’s a little bit easier on the body because you still get that intensity, but there’s not as much pounding,” she says. “The resistance of the water builds strength.”