Looking for something to do? We have suggestions ranging from the Broadway-bound musical "Beaches" to a kids musical, giant nature-related LEGO sculptures at The Morton Arboretum, and a hot lineup of concerts including a free Lakeside Pavilion series.
LEGO IMITATES NATURE
WHERE: 4100 Route 53, Lisle
WHEN: Through Nov. 1
COST & INFO: Regular admission; www.mortonarb.org
ABOUT: A whimsical Morton Arboretum's exhibit – Nature Connects: Art with LEGO – features 13 larger-than-life, nature-themed displays crafted entirely from LEGO bricks by award-winning artist Sean Kenney. The world’s first LEGO Certified Professional, Kenney used nearly half a million bricks to create the new works. Young visitors will find LEGO-themed events and activities including a play-and-stay area.
'BEACHES' MUSICAL
WHERE: 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
WHEN: Now to Aug. 16
COST & INFO: Varies; 630-530-0111, www.drurylane.com
ABOUT: Drury Lane Theatre President Kyle DeSantis (shown) has teamed with a New York creative team to present a Broadway bound new work. The musical "Beaches" is based on the hit novel and film about two women and their enduring friendship. “This is one of the most exciting seasons that we’ve ever presented in our 31-year history,” DeSantis said. "We believe that we have a responsibility to help cultivate the development of new works, and this season marks our renewed commitment.”
DEBUT KIDS SHOW
WHERE: Field Elementary School, 295 Emroy Ave., Elmhurst
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, July 24; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25
COST & INFO: $8 at the door; 630-832-0667; www.elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com
ABOUT: For its first-ever summer production, Elmhurst Children’s Theatre will stage "Once on This Island Jr.," a one-act musical that blends elements of "Romeo and Juliet" and the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Little Mermaid." Actors range from grades five through nine, and represent schools from all parts of Elmhurst. The show is about a peasant girl in the Caribbean who uses the power of love to bring together people of different social classes.
JAZZ SIZZLE
WHERE: FitzGerald’s SideBar, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 24
COST & INFO: $10; 708-788-2118, www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com
ABOUT: Celebrated for authentic 1920s era music, The Hot Jazz Alliance is coming off two Australian tours. The all-star band's music is inspired by Bix Beiderbecke, the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Johnny Dodds, Austin High Gang and Louis Armstrong’s Hot Seven. In the lineup are young American jazz stars Andy Schumm and Josh Duffee, joining Australians Michael McQuaid, Jason Downes, Leigh Barker and John Scurry.
HOT LAKESIDE LINEUP
WHERE: Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, July 24 to Aug. 21
COST & INFO: Free; 630-942-4000, www.atthemac.org
ABOUT: The outdoor concert series continues with Scot Bruce in an Elvis tribute; Billy Joel's hits played by the original band from the Broadway musical "Movin' Out"; New Philharmonic pops; The Magic of Motown; and The Hit Men. Thursdays in August bring jazz and more, capped by Buckwheat Zydeco on Aug. 20. Blankets and picnics are suggested, with food, beverage and bar available.
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