Things to do in Illinois, United States: The Best Concerts & Shows

Remarkable among area theatres, Big Noise Theatre remains an independent entity, not affiliated or supported by any Park District. Competing for an audience with TV and movies, we firmly believe in the importance of live theatre, not only as an outlet for the creative talent in the community, but as an artistic enterprise capable of entertaining, informing, and inspiring its audience.

In 1992, Writers Theatre was founded in order to create an environment where the written word and the nurturing of artists were the foundation of all productions. We opened our first venue that year in the ante-room of a newly opened bookstore in Glencoe on the North Shore of Chicago. The limited space available gave way to a new aesthetic that has been a company hallmark ever since-intimacy. Under the artistic leadership of Founding Artistic Director Michael Halberstam, who continues in that role to this day, Writers became a welcome addition to the already vibrant Chicago arts community. The Theatre quickly garnered significant critical acclaim and established a reputation as a home for world-class art and artists, opening a second performance space in 2003. Our inviting 108-seat Tudor Court space continued the company's trademark level of intimacy while allowing for a new scale of production and affording the opportunity to expand audiences, programming and educational outreach. Acclaimed by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top half-dozen regional theatres in the country, Writers has offered more than 90 productions, including 16 world premieres. We have garnered numerous awards and accolades, including 110 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 25 Awards, as well as multiple citations of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam for excellence and contributions to the field, including The 2010 Zelda Fichandler Award. In 2007, Writers debuted nationally with a New York premiere of Crime and Punishment, followed in 2011 by a Lincoln Center production of A Minister's Wife-the musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Candida, conceived and directed by Halberstam. In November 2013, Writers Theatre announced the launch of the $34 million On to a New Stage Campaign to establish the company's first permanent home in a new theatre center in downtown Glencoe, designed by the award-winning, internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by Founder and Design Principal Jeanne Gang, FAIA, in collaboration with Theatre Consultant Auerbach Pollock Friedlander. This allows the Theatre to continue to grow to accommodate its audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. The new facility resonates with and complements the Theatre's neighboring Glencoe community, adding tremendous value to Chicagoland and helping to establish the North Shore as a premier cultural destination.

"One of America's Best Magic Shows!" Enjoy the mysteries of an ancient art as presented by Galena's master magician, P.T. Murphy. The setting is Murphy's private theatre located in the heart of historic downtown Galena, IL. Murphy is known for his personable style, mischievous sense of humor and sophisticated sleight of hand that the Chicago Reader called "An evening that shows magic to its best advantage, up close and personal." Advanced purchase is suggested. Run Time: 65 minutes. No intermission. Theatre rentals are available for your tour group, or private parties. Schedule is subject to change. Please call for current schedule of performances. *Masks are required.*

Corn Stock Theatre: friendly musicals in the summer under the outdoor Tent, contemporary plays and dramas during the winter at our indoor Theatre Center, and youth productions & workshops. A Peoria tradition since 1954. Join us. See you at the Tent!

Quincy Community Theatre (QCT) produces numerous major productions, touring performances, and a variety of workshops and classes throughout the year. QCT uses the combined talents and resources of the Tri-States to advance theatre in our region by producing accessible, professional quality performances and providing first-rate educational opportunities for all. Volunteer participation is encouraged at all levels of the organization. FOUNDED: 1923