Oakton Welcomes the Community to a Season of Concerts, Plays and Showcases

Des Plaines, Ill. (Jan. 29, 2026)— A night of jazz, thought-provoking theater and the return of Oakton College’s celebrated Six Piano Ensemble has you keyed up for an unforgettable spring season! Explore the lineup and mark your calendar so you don’t miss your favorites. All events are open to the public.

“Our spring lineup includes variety, energy and storytelling that resonates,” said Bob Gynn, chair and distinguished professor of Oakton’s Speech, Theater and Performing Arts Center. “Whether you’re drawn to jazz, new works on stage, or our signature ensemble concerts, there’s truly something here for everyone.”

All events are at the Oakton College Des Plaines campus at 1600 E Golf Road.

Jazzin' Around
Feb. 6, 8-10 p.m., Footlik Theater

During the day, Oakton’s music faculty will lead a series of jazz workshops for the Evanston Township High School Jazz Band. In the evening, the band will take the stage alongside Oakton faculty for a special joint performance. Led by music instructor Mark Olen, the concert will feature a mix of classic and contemporary jazz favorites, offering something for everyone.

$8 general admission, $6 students and seniors, Footlik Theater

[title of show]
By Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, directed by Jason Fleece
Feb. 26-28 and March 5-7, 7:30 p.m., Studio Theater
March 1 & 8, 2 p.m.

Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the submission deadline is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new. Eventually, Jeff suggests they write about what to write about. They make a pact to write up until the festival’s deadline and dream about the show changing their lives. In the span of 90 minutes, they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists.

$10 general admission. $8 students and seniors

Boulevard of Bold Dreams
March 12, 12:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Studio Theater
By LaDarrion Williams, directed by Veronda Carey

On Feb. 29, 1940, the Oscars are set to make history in Hollywood, but the night takes an unexpected turn when bartender Arthur Brooks and his best friend Dottie Hudson find themselves at a crossroads. As Academy Award nominee Hattie McDaniel unexpectedly opts out of the night’s grand event, Arthur and Dottie are thrust into a frantic mission to convince her to attend and seize her historic victory. This gripping play delves into themes of race, class, gender and the shifting dynamics of Hollywood's golden age.

$8 general admission, $6 students and seniors

Killer Joe: A Staged Reading
By Tracy Letts, directed by Michael Berkson and John Frisco
April 18, 7:30 p.m., and April 19, 2 p.m., Studio Theater

Killer Joe tells the story of a young drug dealer, Chris, who finds himself in desperate need of cash. He and his father come up with the idea to murder Chris’s mother for her life insurance policy. They hire a part-time hit man to do the job, but complications arise when he demands payment in advance. Because the two men obviously can’t pay him before they receive their own dividends, Chris draws up a plan that snares his innocent sister, Dottie, into this wild scheme.

$8 general admission, $6 students and seniors

Oakton Six Piano Ensemble
April 26, 3-4 p.m.

Founded and conducted by Glenna Sprague, Oakton professor and coordinator of music, the Six Piano Ensemble has amazed and delighted sold-out audiences throughout the country. The group performs classical, ragtime, jazz and popular music, as well as symphonic repertoire transcribed for six pianos. The rich, layered sound of the Ensemble is comparable to that of an orchestra as the melody transfers from pianist to pianist. Widely acknowledged as one of the most unique musical groups in the world, critics from Vienna to Glasgow hail the Six Piano Ensemble as "innovative," technically superb" and “musical." A reception will follow the concert.

$15 general admission, $10 students and seniors, $8 groups

String Ensemble Concert
May 11, 8-10 p.m., Footlik Theater

Distinguished harpist Ben Melsky joins the Oakton String Ensemble for two stirring romantic works: the “Adagietto” from Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus.” This unique concert, directed by Daniel Golden, will also include film music by John Williams and Alexandre Desplat as well as David Bowie songs.

$8 general admission, $6 students and seniors

Speaker Showcase
May 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Footlik Theater

Don't miss some of Oakton's top speech students and team members as they present the finest presentations from the semester's public speaking. Join Showcase Director Bob Gynn and listen as Oakton students display their presentation skills on topics that range from enlightening to inspiring to comical.

Admission is free.

Guitar Ensemble Concert
May 13, 8-10 p.m., Footlink Theater

Under the direction of Thomas Clippert, the Oakton Guitar Ensemble will perform a wide-ranging program that spans both time and the globe. Familiar favorites will be heard alongside fresh sounds. Enjoy an evening celebrating the guitar's diverse offerings, featuring jazz, classical, rock and world music!

$8 general admission, $6 students and seniors

Choral Concert
May 14, 8-10 p.m., Footlik Theater

Join the Oakton Choir, under the direction of Mallory Harding, for a journey across the Americas, celebrating the diverse musical traditions from Canada to South America. This concert will feature folk melodies, spirituals and contemporary works from across the western hemisphere.

$8 general admission, $6 students and seniors

Jazz Invasion
May 15, 8-10 p.m., Footlik Theater

Under the direction of music instructor Mark Olen, the big band and smaller combos will delight you with jazz classics and big band hits. There’s no better way to welcome spring!

$8 general admission, $6 students and seniors

OMG Improv
May 16, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Footlik Theater

Laugh your head off as Oakton’s student improvisation group takes the stage. Frequent performers at popular Chicago comedy venues, OMG Improv invites the audience to join the fun by suggesting unique situations the players will explore.

$10 general admission

Don’t wait, get your ticket today! Tickets are available for purchase at Oakton’s website or by calling 847.635.1900. For more information about Oakton’s events, please visit Oakton’s website.