I had an amazing experience at the Paramount Theater! I went to see The Full Monty, and it exceeded…read moreall my expectations. The venue itself is beautiful, with great acoustics and a classic atmosphere that really adds to the overall experience. The performance was fantastic, funny, energetic, and surprisingly heartfelt. The cast did an incredible job, and the production quality was top-notch. You could tell a lot of effort went into every detail. Staff were friendly and helpful, and everything from entry to seating was smooth and well-organized. I can't wait to come back for another show!

I was here for the first time in a looong time--I think the last time I was here, my daughter was…read morein kindergarten, I believe, and now she is a Sophomore in high school. The venue and the surrounding area was much nicer than I recall! The building is beautiful and reminiscent of the same Neo-Baroque French Revival style as the theatre district in Chicago proper. We ate dinner before our long drive so we didn't purchase anything from the bar, but the prices looked reasonable and the people who were purchasing items were commenting out loud that the snacks were delicious! The merch was very reasonable and I was happy they allowed me to pay in cash for a $5 Dear Evan Hansen magnet. We were in the double letter rows through a Chicago League of Theatre purchase, but the seats were still wonderful, especially at that price point! They do have the stadium seating where the rows are not flat, but I wish with the renovation that they would have configured the seats to be in between one another as well. We happened to have an extra seat because my daughter's Speech tournament was waaay over time due to judge difficulties, so we were able to scootch over when a tall man sat in front of my mom at the last second before the show started. The seats were comfortable (Dear Evan Hansen is not a short musical!), and I appreciated how they have cup holders, even if I did not purchase a drink this visit. I never know where to stick my soda cup, lid or not, if there is no cupholder. The set was very technologically advanced, but not so much that it took away from the show. The sound and lighting quality was good as well! Affordable parking not too far away was also a giant plus. $2 for the first hour, $1 for every subsequent hour, with a cap of paying no more than $5 for your visit. I was afraid to offer my 79 year old grandmother the extra ticket because the parking garage is a couple of blocks away from the theater and I didn't see immediate handicapped parking near the theater. They do offer valet for, like, $35?, but I don't see why because my grandmother has a handicapped placard that I would need to pay 7x more for parking. The area around the theater is also very "artsy"--we saw a cake decorating class, numerous small theaters, and a performing arts school on our short jaunt. I definitely would make the trip again, especially if they are offering shows that are not in the regular rotation! I think I saw "Sunday in the Park with George" for their next season?

Brilliant ! My non dancing daughter is a very confident dancer today thanks to Bhagya She induced…read moresuch confidence and support, I have never seems anything as such or anyone like her. Nice environment, my both girls have found great friends and we moms always look forward to Wednesdays Thanks for everything Bhagya .

Until I'd come to the Bollywood Rhythms class and had met this beautiful, fun-loving,…read morefull-of-energy crowd, I didn't realized that I needed some fresh air in my life, shall we say, a new bold move :-) People are just great and the instructor is fantastic! Routines she creates and teaches are amazing, really fun to learn and challenging. I would say she teaches not only moves, but the dancer attitude as well and it really matters. Never thought that in so no time I can get so much dancing skill, fun, energy and so many new awesome friends! Dancing is my passion and Bollywood Rhythms completes my search for the perfect platform to express myself through dance. I love the classes and the people. I've been to one of their dance shows (Annual Recital Program) and it was awesome experience to witness it. The coordination they had between close 100 dancers was eye pleasing. This is the best dance studio in Chicago..

I cannot speak highly enough of Clint and the Swing Assembly band, but I'm going to try…read more From the moment we booked them, every question, every concern, every comment was answered within 24 hours. They were prompt with responses and knowledgeable with their recommendations, and very accommodating to our (many) requests (even going as far to lend us a microphone and speakers for the ceremony). As for the night itself... I think every single wedding guest made it a point to compliment us on the band. Their song selection was spot on, keeping interest from all the generations present and the keeping the dance floor packed until the night ended. And while it probably goes without saying, they are all outstandingly talented musicians (and how awesome is it to have both a male and female lead singer?). I highly recommend this band for anyone looking to liven up an event at what I think is a steal of a price.

This band is incredible!! If I could give them more stars, I would! My husband and I decided to…read morehave a 1920s themed wedding and were looking for a band that would help create the swanky atmosphere that we envisioned for our event! Once we heard Swing Assembly, we knew our search was over! Our guests entered the venue to the sounds of the most exquisite jazz trio, were escorted through dinner by a jazz quartet complimented by a muted trumpet, and danced the night away to the swinging sounds of the incredibly talented ensemble and the two epic singers!!! Their music kept our dance floor packed all night (from the older aunts and uncles to our college friends to the tweens) and our guests are still talking about the band! I have to also mention that Cliff was incredibly easy to work with and super professional!! He had the band arrange a special song for my dad and I and he was a great MC!!! If you are looking for an amazing band for any event, look no further!! As Cole Porter would say, "They're the tops!"

Our family members in Illinois treated us to seeing Million Dollar Quartet for Christmas & it did…read morenot disappoint. The immersive experience into the evolution of Sun Studios & the birthplace of Rock n' Roll did not disappoint. Our group included 4 kids ages 6-11 & 10 adults ages 30's to late 70's. Everyone had a great time. I was the only one with prior knowledge of Sun & its legacy, but everyone learned something new. The actors/ musicians playing Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins & Johnny Cash were amazing (and a few were even understudies). The guy who played Sam Phillips was brilliant. Everything about it was well done & I highly recommend it. Theater is nice & right by River. This play was very limited seating(100 or less people). Parking garage is right next door (they beware the parking spots are very tight for SUVs!).

Stolp Island Theatre is an amazing and intimate venue. The casting of Million Dollar Quartet was…read morespot on, an absolutely amazing troupe of performers and musicians. It's more than just attending a play, it's an immersive experience. One feels transported back in time, to the Sun Recording Studio witnessing lightning in a bottle unfold before your eyes and ears. Two tickets is all it takes to experience this wonderful performance . I highly recommend attending Million Dollar Quartet!

Friendly staff and a variety of show options! Forget the high cost of going to a downtown Chicago…read moreshow, check out a locally owned comedy spot! Friends invited me to my first Improv show here and it was laughs the whole time! They have a full bar and fresh popcorn and snacks too. Lots of good restaurants nearby too. Already have plans for our next visit so hope to see you there!

The Improve was so good! Cute theater, cast was amazing…read more The way they feed off each other Never skipped a beat! My friends volunteered at the audience participation portion. Definitely a must see and volunteer!!! They do have a small bar in the theater but also partner with the next door restaurant and you can order from your seat and have it brought to you. We were able to meet the cast afterwards They are so friendly and appreciative of the support. This place does offer lessons for adults and kids.

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

This is a small one room museum on the history of St. Charles. They really need some more space;…read morethey're set up in an old gas station. One enters through the gift shop; there is a timeline set up that one follows through the room, with several standalone glass cases, and a few cases shoved up against the walls behind the railing showing the timeline. A few costumes (half a dozen) are featured, including a reproduction Civil War uniform and some authentic World War 1 uniforms, a flapper dress and a dress Miss USA 1977 wore during her reign. Standout pieces include an old dentist's chair with various items from a dental office and a beautiful woven cane baby carriage with beautiful lace trim on the canopy. Do spend a minute to stop at the tiny pickle display to read about how St. Charles was the Pickle Capital of the World, even though no pickles were ever made there. There's also some very nice cut glass in a small display. A couple of pianos and a traveling trunk are jammed into the foyer. When there are visitors they turn on several different documentaries; one, from WTTW, includes a fairly interesting bit on Garfield Farm down the road on the 38. There's a lot of information jammed in here, and I came away with an appreciation for all the various industries that once called St. Charles home, but not a good overall picture. They just need more space. Still, donations are voluntary only,they're not getting any support from the city, and they're only asking for two bucks.

Stopped by the St. Charles Heritage Center this afternoon and checked out the museum and store…read more Pretty cool! Lots of history in a compact space, but well documented. Gives you a deeper appreciation of how the Fox Valley has changed in the last 150 years -- from American Indian paradise to new frontier for folks from Vermont and Massachusetts to industrial powerhouse to cultural destination for folks all around. Check it out -- highly recommended! TIP: They have lots of well-priced St. Charles souvenirs in the store!

Last Saturday, September 12th, I rented the Banys Hall at the Lithuanian World Center for a small…read moregathering. I was impressed at the cleanliness and the beauty of the hall as well as the Center. My attendees, non Lithuanian, were very impressed with the entire Center. Everything was ready for us. I am so grateful for the professionalism of all of the workers at the Center. They made planning this event easy. Definitely will continue to use them for all of my events.

I don't have much experience with the Lithuanian culture, scratch that, I don't have ANY experience…read morewith the Lithuanian culture so I was intrigued by this place with signs in a very unfamiliar language. This was the ceremony site of a friends wedding and it was a great choice. Very cute little cathedral with very high ceilings that connected at an angle. The father speaks Lithuanian so he can perform a dual language ceremony for you (and apparently they have classes in the language here as well). Beyond the cathedral this place is huge! Classrooms, bathrooms, a bathroom with a tub and shower, a kitchen, a beautician on site, a banquet hall, and a dining room that leads out onto a lawn with extra seating. We had the rehearsal dinner here with traditional Lithuanian food, wine and beer catered in (so alcohol is allowed). Definitely a place to keep in mind if you are looking for traditional Lithuanian. i sveikata!

We spent the day at Blackberry Farm in Aurora and it honestly felt like a mini vacation without…read moreleaving the suburbs. It's perfect for kids -- pony rides, train ride, paddle boats, playgrounds and little farm animals to see. My kids stayed busy the entire time and there's enough space that it never felt overcrowded or stressful. Super stroller friendly too which I appreciated. Everything was clean and the staff were patient and kind with the kids. It's a calmer vibe than big amusement parks so parents can actually relax while the kids play. Great for younger ages especially. Such a good spring/summer activity and worth the price for how long you can stay and how much they can do. We'll definitely keep this in our regular rotation

We visited on the 4th of July. I appreciate that it was open during the holiday…read more This was the perfect place for my 4 year old son. He could do every activity. We were there for 3 hours and could easily spend more time there if we wanted. Activities: Paddle boats Tractor ride Train ride Large play ground Carousel Pony rides Historical Museums Petting zoo It is $10 per person for non residents including adults. It wasn't that busy when we went so it made paying $30 less bad. The concession stand was reasonably priced and they had a decent amount of options. Hot dog, burger, chicken strips, nachos, slushies, popsicles, fries, etc. The food was pretty good. I would definitely come back!

The Union is an amazing little nook in downtown Naperville. You would never suspect that hiding…read moreinside of this old white church is one of the best music venues in the area. They bring in really talented local and non-local bands. It is a small place with a very personal feel. If you want to meet the band, you'll be able to. The cafe is cheap, the music sounds great, and it has a warm atmosphere. What's best is that they focus on social change, and act on it through the products they sell, the coffee they brew, and the bands they bring in. You must check this place out!!