It's time to mark calendars for upcoming seasons of entertainment coming to theaters near you.

The nationally recognized American Players Theatre delivers a comic treat just over the Illinois border in Wisconsin. "Fallen Angels" is one of the nine plays presented in repertory this summer into fall.

It's time to mark calendars for three free performances on the Woodstock Square of “A Bit O’ The Bard: Something Wicked" at 6 p.m. Saturdays, July 26 and Aug. 2 and 9, plus an earlier Wisconsin show July 19.

As the theater troupe's president, Jocelyn Adamski has plans to grow ETC and elevate the excitement over its offerings.

The circus-inspired concept for this production creates an exhilarating, enlightening experience that's simply purr-fect.

Elgin Theatre Company brings to the stage three unique and dysfunctional sisters attempting to move into a shabby apartment in New York City.

Director Kurt Naebig has cast well and keeps the show’s pacing fluid and intense in this active and intriguingly suspenseful play.

Marriott Theatre continues its 50th anniversary season celebration with “Titanic: The Musical.”

Back for its second summer, the Raue Center School For The Arts' Summer Camp Program and Production for youth ages 7 to 13 will turn Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” into an immersive experience.

Musical’s pie-maker plot serves up deep-dish delights in a story that deftly mixes drama and comedy.

Marvelously cast, this is an engaging show for the entire family.

This is a magnetic, engaging and captivating production, dramatizing the world of work.

Music On Stage, a community theater begun in 1957, offers a stellar production of the beloved musical.

April Noel is a playwright, actress and comedy improv founder about to step into another realm – that of film screenwriter and producer.

A wide range of musicals will warm up winter for theater lovers.

Fight cabin fever with anticipation of theater productions under the stars in just a few months, presented by American Players Theatre and Peninsula Players.

The new musical comedy cabaret gets creative with nostalgic inspiration from the television specials of those "happy golden days of yore."

Stephen Connell reprises his role as Ebenezer Scrooge in this holiday treasure.

A truly unique theatrical production is playing through Nov. 17 at The Black Box Theatre at McHenry County College. The Tony-winning play literally dives into Ovid's mythology.

The cast's initial attraction to the play was the sharp, witty, often hilarious dialogue of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.

Janus Theatre Company stages dramedy that takes creative liberties with famous real-life women during the French Revolution.

The adult musical comedy – with puppets – can be outrageous, it can be real, as well as truly unique and astonishing. A production worth seeing.

Elgin Theatre Company has a captivating production for its 73rd opener – both hilarious and thought-provoking in a fictionalized account of the pressured trio of talents reworking the screenplay for "Gone With The Wind."

The hit show is the season opener for the Paramount's 13th Broadway Series, whose popularity has turned the venue into the nation's largest musical subscription house.

The invigorating, satirical comedy focuses on middle age, life, love and hope.

Paramount's Copley Theatre has launched its third BOLD Series season with a wildly entertaining play with music for all ages.

The irreverent comedy is presented by Williams Street Repertory, Raue Center For The Arts’ in-house professional theater company.

Audiences are in for a treat with professional theaters’ new seasons offering everything from comedy to recent Broadway shows.

The dynamic cast is simply stellar, as they sing, dance, act and play their own instruments.

Joy is palpable as new community theater seasons approach in Woodstock, Crystal Lake, Elgin, St. Charles and beyond.

The play can’t be pigeonholed. Is it a drama? Is it a comedy? It’s compelling and not to be missed.

Looking for a theatrical diversion this summer? Just north of the Illinois border and a scenic car ride away are three professional theater companies whose seasons are about to raise the curtain and light the sky.

The newly formed Woodstock Shakespeare Players will present two free performances of “A Bit O’ The Bard” this summer in the Woodstock Square.

“Mary Stuart” has two delicious roles for women: Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots.

Excellent acting underscores new play exploring thought-provoking territory.

Special Gifts Theatre provides an opportunity for students with disabilities to have a voice and to shine in a safe and inclusive place.

The three leads, all making their Paramount debuts in its BOLD Series at the nearby Copley Theatre, are exquisite.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical” is so new that Raue Center School For The Arts is one of the very first venues to produce the show. Youth will star with professional actors in staging it.

Noel Coward’s wit shines bright in The Black Box Theatre production.

In this outstanding stage comedy, the “Native Gardens” cast sows the seeds of relevant, at times tense, social issues that will grow on you in a very entertaining way.

“Billy Elliot: The Musical” is a stellar, emotional show.

April Noel of Crystal Lake has written the drama “Shutter Speed,” with a read-through planned Feb. 24 in Crystal Lake. Her improv comedy troupe will perform Feb. 17 at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles.

Featuring a special cast and director, the benefit production of “Love Letters” will be an expression of affection for audiences and for Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles.

The musical is a blockbuster of compelling joy. The Marriott audience’s enthusiastic standing ovation was lengthy, full of cheers and most deserved.

A dramedy, “The Cake” is topical and compelling entertainment.

Rikki Lee Travolta has been racking up awards for his imaginative screenplay creating an alternate history for Elvis.

We raise the curtain on two individuals who play an important offstage role for two of the region’s premier performance venues: Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake and Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

Two exceptional professional resident summer theater companies present high-quality productions of contemporary and classical theater in serene locations.

Tragedy, comedy and drama – from Shakespeare to Sondheim – are all potential enjoyment encounters for area theatergoers in 2024.

Kudos go to the Northwest Herald's theater reviewer Regina Belt-Daniels, who switches to the role of director in her production of this charming holiday adaptation filled with heart.