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.

Went to see a band playing oldies and they were great. A little crowded but that's a good thing…read more Very entertaining and reasonably priced. Beverages and snacks available. Wine, beer, water etc., general seating.

Off square music is a wonderful musical community of live shows and open mics and all forms of art…read more There is a solid core of performers here and a welcoming spirit amongst the performers which many are regulars. They take this venue seriously and honor those that choose to share by having the best experience possible..sound is fantastic if you are performing.. Wonderful music venue

This was a fantastic art fair! Apparently St. Charles has hosted this event for almost three…read moredecades, but I don't think I've ever heard of it before--even when I lived here for a brief period, just a few blocks away. But luckily I learned about it now; it takes place every year on Memorial Day weekend. It's going on my calendar to visit annually. This festival is a juried show, so all the artists are of really high caliber. You'll find just about every genre represented here. I didn't actually come intending to spend any money, but the joke was on me and I happily parted with some cash. I bought a few pieces of garden art from two different booths. One artist named Debbie Radke makes outdoor art pieces made primarily of copper, sometimes with glass balls or beads or other ornamentation included, and I found of hers I like; the next door booth also had pieces for outdoors, and I got a few pieces of blown glass art that along with the copper piece will look lovely in my yard. A jeweler who was exhibiting had some really unique pieces that were double sided. Not all of them, but a good number. You know how when you wear a necklace it often gets flipped around? Well, Eye Candy by Amy (@eyecandybyamy--check her out) makes some pieces that can be worn either way. Really so cool, something I've never seen before. I bought a different piece from her but will be keeping an eye on her insta for what other creations she comes up with. If only I had an unlimited bank account I could have continued buying. There was an artist whose medium is watercolor felting; another who does something called pulp painting; painting on birch bark; a chair maker; an artist who makes hinged rings that will fit over arthritic knuckles. And of course those are just the more unusual of the art. There was no entrance fee to the show, which was nice. They had an activity area where kids could create, and there was also a demo going on nearby--when we were here, there was a woman on a loom, and I don't think I've ever actually seen anyone use a loom before. They also have a car that people can paint, and there was a little boy who was having a blast doing just that. They had some partnership with the Arcada Theatre called "Artcada", where if you spent $350 or more you could visit the Information booth and claim a voucher for tickets to a show at the Arcada. And something I thought was especially cool was that they had free reusable bottles of water (they are in aluminum bottles, so reusable) that has as the label a painting by a local student. Really cool and clever idea (and they had a water refill station, and even a water bowl set out for the pups wandering round). Parking is okay; though we had to go around a couple times we found a spot in the city parking complex about a block away and it was free. There's also street parking around.

It's a wonderful way to spend time outdoors and enjoy different types of art. Wide price range…read morewhich works out great! We come every year!

Evil Intentions has now moved to a new location called Forsaken Hollow…read more The haunt has moved from the old Elgin casket company into this new farmland location in Maple Park. I for sure miss the original location in the casket company, there was just something about the building that felt more "evil", and it made you feel additionally uneasy going in (the old location is supposed to be actually haunted). Evil Intentions in its new home is still an excellent haunt. I believe we were in the haunt for about 30-40 minutes when it was our turn. The haunt begins outside in a corn maze, which was actually really cool and creepy- you feel like someone is watching you in every part of it. After you find your way out of the corn maze, you enter the indoor part of the haunted house. Great effects/performers and design inside. I would recommend a visit to Evil Intentions and keeping an eye on their multi-year project in the location "Forsaken Hollow", it sounds really fun - a Halloween themed bar, coffee shop, a diagon alley type town square (for those of you that have been to Universal Studios) and more.

My family went to the previous location and really enjoyed it; this year I joined in. I have no…read moreprevious experience at the other location. We bought VIP tickets (typical price for VIP at most locations) to skip the line. The line went quick too. I really liked how they broke up the line with the maze. However, the maze was lacking--it seemed like they were either missing scare actors or they simply did not have enough. The haunted house itself was really well put together aesthetically and the makeup/costumes of the actors were great. Once again though, it seemed like there were more mannequins than actors. This haunted house is more creepy vs scary. A lot of the girl actors stayed in my face for far too long , to the point I had to stop walking and my husband stayed behind with me as my group moved along. There is only so many seconds being in someone's face and in their way is acceptable. It became more annoyance than scary. Overall, if I hadn't been in the area I wouldn't make the trip this year, but I think this place has huge potential for following seasons.

Haven't been since last summer but excited to visit again. Very cute museum with lots of input from…read morethe community, cool art and lots to learn about the surrounding area.

I've never woken up and thought, "Gee, I'm feeling good, I might go buy some art today." But that's…read morebasically how my day ended up unfolding this past Saturday. While doing the Groundhog Day walking tour, we decided to check out the Old Courthouse/current Arts Center just for the hell of it. I'm not really into art unless it involves renderings of cute animals or my favorite celebrities (I wouldn't mind a nice over-the-fireplace portrait of Bill Murray or Bernie Mac or David Letterman), but for the most part, when I hear people talk about art I just have to drift off to another place to keep myself from rolling my eyes at the pretension, but here, I didn't get that... at all. We walked around and were shocked with the collection of works here as well as the quality and lessn't we forget price. They had handmade unique pottery that was unlike any pottery I'd ever seen before and pretty much priced for a limited budget person such as myself. There were many rooms to roam though, leading in a circle around the main room with register and beautiful older ladies with long, stringy grey hair - exactly the way you'd picture older, artsy, free-spirited women. In the second to last room in the round-about gallery, I found something that basically stopped me in my tracks. It was titled 'Fortune Teler' and it was a relatively giant framed canvas, full of color, it had hanging beads, mini-lightbulbs, little sequins set into the partial gold-filigree'd frame with a the work itself being completely covered in bright but shadowy colors that had an orange/yellow-haired boy flipping over two unreadable tarot cards for a big, green cat and a magenta rhino (that at first I admittedly though was an aardvark - my favorite animal next to manatees). I couldn't be torn away from it. And it was only (and normally I would've shit my pants over this price) $150. I took a pics of it, spent another 4-hours with it on my mind while we walked the town and went back 15 minutes before close to seal the sale. The woman said she was sad to see that painting go but could tell from looking at me that we were a right match, which may have all been pillow-talk, but it really does feel like it was made for me. I do wish they'd had a bit more information on the artist and painting but, it was right on the dot when they were closing and they were able to take down my info so hoping I'll hear back, and if not, I'm fine with just having the painting, too.

I'm not really an art gallery person, but this was one of only a couple places open on a Sunday…read moreafternoon, so my husband and I walked around. The historic building holds several rooms with assorted paintings and sculptures from local and national artists. Some are landscape paintings while others are strange mobiles made of wood. One display was a large photo of a naked obese woman laying on a pile of books, along with an actual pile of books below the photo! It was kind of cool walking around and seeing some of the local talent, plus some part of the building itself (we found a heavy metal door that said "McHenry County Records" from the 19th century. If you're around, drop in for a few moments. You'll be entertained.

Truly a wonderful organization. The owner and his wife are the nicest, and pure hearted persons…read more Though my child isn't currently participating, unfortunately because of other commitments. Her memories of the time spent there, were that she had an awesome experience. We will in the near future, seek out other opportunities to return.

A gem of a theater that deserves more notice! I have seen several productions at Vero Voce and I…read morecan honestly say that they are doing all the right things. As an adult theater - the shows range from safe to edgy, which is great to see as it appeals to a broad audience. I'd like to see more edge but all theaters have to keep the lights on, you know? They attract talented actors and directors. The black box is minimal in all senses of the word, but it never hurts the quality. I'd rather see a bare bones set if the show is done well than big budget designs with terrible direction or acting. As a children's theater - all efforts are made to teach their young performers more than just how to stand and look cute. The shows are fun and less "cheesy" than your average kids' productions. You can tell how much work goes into these shows, both on and off stage. Parking is free, there are plenty of refreshments that aren't priced to break the bank, and the staff is warm and welcoming. Sure, there is room for improvement. But for a theater company just now in the end of their second season, they are running like a well oiled machine. Seasoned professionals are behind this operation, and it shows. Check them out!!!

There are/have been several mini Renaissance and fantasy festivals at Vasa Park over the recent…read moreyears, and Faeries of the Forest strikes a nice balance of "enough but not too much". It's not too expensive to get in; there are a variety of vendors selling everything from art to jewelry to tea to tarot readings; there was an array of musicians including the Harp Twins and the Secrets of the Beehive. It was also fun that lots of people were dressed in costumes/garb! Overall, a lot of whimsical fun; would return!