2009-10 Season

Emerald City Theatre Company presents
If You Take a Mouse to School>
Based on the popular series that began with If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, this “world premiere” adaptation follows the hijinks of a young boy who brings a mouse to school. Throw your homework in a backpack, run to catch the bus, and get ready for a day of adventure like no other. Recommended for all ages.
Saturday, September 12, 3 p.m.
Footlik Theater, Des Plaines campus
$7 general admission; $5 children under 12; $4 group rate
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Music In Person Series: Benjamin Verdery Concert
Guitar virtuoso Benjamin Verdery is an ’American original,” according to The New York Times. Chair of the Guitar Department at Yale University School of Music, Verdery has released more than a dozen acclaimed classical recordings and performed throughout the world with artists including John Williams, Leo Kottke, and David Russell.
Sunday, October 4, 2 p.m.
Footlik Theater, Des Plaines campus
$5 general admission; $3 students and seniors

Don’t miss
Benjamin Verdery’s free “Master Class”
Saturday, October 3, at 6 p.m.
For information, call 847-635-1900.

The American Pilot – A Staged Reading
By David Greig
Directed by Charlene Acasili
When his plane crashes in a distant land divided by civil war, an injured pilot finds his fate being debated by the local rebel leader and a group of villagers. One side argues that ransom would financially benefit their cause. Others advocate for the pilot’s execution, as a way to elevate the conflict to the world stage. This dark comedy explores the dehumanizing influence of civil and global discord on its coincidental victims.
Saturday, October 10, 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 11, 2 p.m.
Studio One Theater, Des Plaines campus
$8 general admission
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Honey Brown Eyes (MIDWEST PREMIERE)
By Stefanie Zadravec
Directed by Margaret Knapp
In Bosnia circa 1992, two soldiers in two different kitchens try to recover some of what they’ve lost during the war. A Serbian paramilitary officer faces the consequences of his own brutality, while a Bosnian resistance fighter, crippled by the limits of his own courage, seeks refuge with a kindred soul. This emotionally charged play explores the disastrous effects of conflict, not just on nations, but on each of us individually.
Thursday, October 15, 8 p.m. ($5 Preview)
Friday, October 16, 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 17, 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 18, 2 p.m.
Thursday, October 22, 8 p.m.
Friday, October 23, 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 25, 2 p.m.
Studio One Theater, Des Plaines campus
$10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; $6 group rate
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Jazz Lounge
Chill out in the Performing Arts Center’s transformed “Lakeview Lounge.” Enjoy an evening of jazz standards—and a few surprises—performed by Oakton students under direction of Carey Polacek.
Friday, October 30, 8 p.m.
Performing Arts Center Lobby, Des Plaines campus
$5 general admission; $3 students and seniors
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Brunch and Concert Series: Say It With Music
Master vocalist Eileen Berman and special guests return for this popular brunch and concert series. From Mozart and Rachmaninoff to Gershwin and Rodgers and Hart, your appetite for delicious food and delightful music is certain to be satisfied.
Sunday, November 1, 1 p.m.
TenHoeve Center, Des Plaines campus
$25, includes brunch buffet.No discounts apply. Reservations required.
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Smash
By Jeffrey Hatcher
Directed by Mary Ringstad
Twenty minutes after saying, “I do,” millionaire socialist Sidney Trefusis abandons his bride, fearing that his passion for her will inhibit his efforts to overthrow the British government. He takes up hiding at a girls’ finishing school, hoping to sow impressionable young minds with the seeds of radicalism. This plan hits a snag, however, when one enthusiastic rabble rouser falls hopelessly in love with Sidney and his politics.
OPENING NIGHT BENEFIT
Saturday, November 14, 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 and include post-show party.
Proceeds benefit Oakton student scholarships.
Thursday, November 12, 8 p.m. ($5 Preview)
Friday, November 13, 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 14, 8 p.m.  (Opening night benefit)
Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m.
Thursday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 20, 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 21, 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 22, 2 p.m.
Footlik Theater, Des Plaines campus .
$12 general admission; $10 students and seniors; $8 group rate
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Storytellers: We Have More in Common Than You Think
Join artist-in-residence Arif Choudhury—storyteller, filmmaker, and stand-up comic—as he shares a tapestry of stories about growing up in one of the Chicago area’s few Bangladeshi-Muslim families. Focusing on issues of ethnic and religious identity, immigration, assimilation and diversity, Choudhury explores the humor in how we think about and relate to one another. Don’t miss this intimate and important event showcasing what the Chicago Tribune called “kernels of universal relevance.”
Sunday, December 6, at 2 p.m.
Studio One, Des Plaines campus
$5 general admission
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Choral Recital
Selections of popular Broadway shows including Rent, Miss Saigon and Phantom of the Opera, as well as classical compositions by Schubert and Dvorak, highlight this celebratory vocal extravaganza. The Oakton Community Choir, featuring student soloists, performs under the direction of Eileen Berman. 
Thursday, December 10, 8 p.m.
Footlik Theater, Des Plaines campus
Free admission
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Jazz Invasion
The legendary Oakton Jazz Band is now under the direction of Mr. Bob Evans — and they're better than ever! Featuring piano, drum and saxophone soloists, the group turns out timeless tunes by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Oliver Nelson and Horace Silver. If you dig jazz, you’ll dig Jazz Invasion.
Friday, December 11, 8 p.m.
Footlik Theater, Des Plaines campus
$5 general admission; $3 students and seniors
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Christmas with Rudolf
Back by popular demand! What better way to spend the holidays than with popular family entertainer Dave Rudolf? Whether elves have placed your name on Santa’s “naughty” or “nice” list, Rudolf’s interactive show offers something for everyone, from jolly parodies including “Candy Cane Twist’ and ’Frosty the Slow Man,’ to traditional songs of the season. Recommended for all ages. 
Saturday, December 12, 3 p.m.
Footlik Theater, Des Plaines campus
$7 general admission; $5 children under 12; $4 group rate
For information, call 847-635-1900.

Guitar Recital
Six-string serendipity makes this one of the North Shore's most unique musical events. Oakton guitar students showcase their talent under the direction of Tom Clippert, a Yale University School of Music graduate who has performed with the Northwest Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Northwest Chicago String Quartet, L'Opera Piccola, CUBE and Heartland Voices. 
Sunday, December 13, 2 p.m.
Studio One Theater, Des Plaines campus
Free admission
For information, call 847-635-1900.

COMING IN SPRING 2010
The Tempest
by William Shakespeare
A classic tale of magic and mayhem.

Fiddler on the Roof
A musical tradition presented as never before.

Six-Piano Ensemble 
Celebrates its 30th anniversary in style, with perennial favorites and a surprise or two from Glenna Sprague, founder and conductor.

Seating is at the discretion of the house manager. Seating in Studio One is on a first-come, first-served basis.