We saw this new and on-going production at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. It's been a long time…read moresince we have seen a Cirque du Soleil show. We saw the only other two (for us) both times decades ago in Las Vegas with one being a water theme and the other a Beatles tribute theme. This OVO show had an insect theme, and it was a colorful, dynamic, acrobatic, amazing, musical, and funny circus-like show - all very entertaining! It was a 2 hour show including a 20 minute intermission. Even after all these years, they still come up with some new routines and gadgetry, and of course have retained many of their acrobatic favorites. This time they also had three clown characters for some comic relief between amazing acrobatic routines, and they were hilarious lol. They also had some live musicians performing as part of the show. This show apparently is only in Chicagoland for the Valentine's Day weekend and I really enjoyed it. I didn't really like the tight seating in the NOW Arena but that's a different story. Kids would enjoy it as well particularly with the insect costumes and clown routines. BTW, any photos I have included here are all legit - photography was actually encouraged, just no flash photography. I highly recommend the show if you have the opportunity to go!

Children's Theatre of Elgin was a wonderful and enjoyable acting experience for our daughter from…read moreage 8-15 I think. They learn the satisfaction and all the elements of putting on a great musical theatre performance. It helps build confidence for all their future endeavors in life. I highly recommend it!

From the owner: Children's Theatre of Elgin (CTE) provides exciting performing arts experiences by and for children…read moreand youth through full-scale musical theatre productions.

I went to watch Les Miserables by Schaumburg On Stage as I'd recently missed the national tour in…read moredowntown Chicago. Realizing that Drury Lane and Paramount had done their version a few years back and Marriott Theatre had done it a bit before that, I wanted to watch a live version in case I can't make the next big stop in Milwaukee. I watch quite a bit of theatre, both professional and amateur. Not sure why, but until this show -- I wasn't aware of Schaumburg on Stage which has been around since 2016. To my surprise, the quality of the production was similar in quality to other highly acclaimed groups like the District 214 all-district group (which recently did The Wedding Singer). Here were my thoughts on various aspects of the show: Staging: It really surprised me how many sets were used in the show and how they were fully functional. They were designed and painted well and items were hardly reused. They also did a very good job of quickly changing sets to make sure the showtime was kept to a reasonable length. Vocals: Two things I like about this. One is how they kept the complex harmonies -- which worked great in group songs. The overall balance lacked baritone and bass voices, but that's expected with younger actors. I also liked how they did not shy away from the challenge of the very high notes for male or female leads. They could have easily changed the key, but it's great to see them embrace the challenge. Orchestra: A bit smaller, not sure if it's due to space limitations or that's the way the school version is written. A bit more reliant on piano and common woodwind/string instruments than the full version. I did like how they played at a level not to overpower the vocals. Lighting and fog: I liked all the varieties of lights used. Not just in general stage lighting from the top, but also from lights on the side and spotlights. There were quite a bit of variations on lighting, which helped to tell the story. I did not like the excessive use of stage fog though, which tended to linger for more than a single scene. Overall, a great group to watch a show from. It's much better than the typical amateur group and prices are very reasonable. It's also great how they incorporate actors and actresses from all different ages and help them to build interest in theatre. Based on the quality of this performance, I can't wait to watch another show when they get a new digital microphone system.

The experienced people at SOS really see the value and potential in each kid. They are like family…read morein that they really connect and care, but they also hold the kids to a high standard and help them achieve it. This is definitely a step up from park district community theater in both production quality and experience.

Was here to see a local theatre production. The ushers were extremely friendly. The seats were…read morecomfortable and I felt we had a good view of the stage even sitting on the side.

Food was good Service was good…read more Too loud We had big group and we were seated To the right of the stage near speakers

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is absolutely phenomenal! A powerful performance, moving, and…read morebeautifully executed. The musicians are incredibly talented!

Let's go over theatre etiquette. Turn your dang phone off. Don't video like you're at a rock…read moreconcert. And don't wear so much perfume that people 5 rows ahead can smell you. Gross I didn't even know that Elgin had a symphony, but someone gave me free tickets and I was game. I really enjoyed it. The symphony has so many very talented musicians and the theatre small enough that there isn't a bad seat in the house. Would I drive all the way to Elgin again for another concert? That's undecided. But I wouldn't discourage anyone from going. It really was a beautiful evening

We saw a ten act horror show. It was fantastic. The actors were really good and engaging in their…read moreroles. The studio was small but cozy. We sat in the front row, so we literally a few feet from the actors. About 20 people in attendance. The cost was pay what you want, so I gave $30 each for my wife and I. Afterward, you could give more for the actors, so I threw in an extra $20. The theater is a little tucked back from the street. It's small, and you have to go up a flight of stairs to enter the studio. All the people who worked there were nice and helpful. You could buy alcohol at a reasonable price, but I passed, as I didn't want to have to use the restroom in the middle of the performance. I plan on looking up more shows as they come out. I like the small setting and with only 7 actors performing, you could really sense their skills for each story. They also have art you can bid on in the studio, although we didn't place a bid. I'm not an artsy person but I like plays, and the theme was right up my alley. To the actors that performed that night; bravo!!!!

If you want to go to the coolest little art place in Elgin come here! I have seen bands here, seen…read moreart here - and I m pretty sure that they have art classes. I love this place and every time I stop in (a lot) they have new events and new art on the walls. Love this place!!

We specifically went to dinner at the speakeasy at the Club Arcadia to hear Frank Sinatra songs…read more The private elevate and secret door held great promise of a different time. Our level of anticipation evaporated almost immediately when we were assaulted by the sound. The singer on stage accompanied by a bass so loud that my bones vibrated. Was the singer good? Couldn't tell because his voice was overpowered by the music. And even though the night was advertised as a Sinatra night....Elvis entertained as much as ole blue eyes. Our group of six were jammed into a booth meant for 4 people against a wall directly in line with the speaker. That means the sound hit us, then the wall, hitting us again as sound travels. We asked if it was possible to lower the volume. No one could talk or communicate during the performance. It was temporarily lowered and then the singer signaled the sound man to up the volume again. How was the food you ask? Three of us had the fish and it was excellent. The Chacuterie tray was well appointed but the salads that followed were bland and the seasonal vegetables consisted of mostly bell peppers with a carrot thrown in. Again..perhaps we would have enjoyed our meal more without the vibrations and incredibly loud music. I downloaded a decibel meter. It said that music in a restaurant should range between 50-65 decibels; my meter averaged 90+ during the show. We spoke with a kind and understandable waiter but not the manager. Management should know from us; this was a one and done. I'm still trying to figure out why other patrons were applauding loudly when you really didn't hear the music. I'd like to say you should try it for the experience but DON'T waste your money to be attacked by sound for 2 hours.

Club Arcada is such a neat place. It is fun to step back in time. Take the elevator upstairs and be…read moretransported. There is a very small bar. The main dining room with live entertainment is pretty big. The decor is awesome. The food and drinks are basic. And kind of expensive but I think it is worth an experience you don't see anymore. We did not wait long for drinks or food and the staff was friendly. I would go back for a special occasion or girls night out.