2025 Lake County Fall-Winter Theatre Schedules Are Released
By: Stephanie Wylie 08/08/2025
The curtain is rising on a season of theatrical and artistic performances across Lake County, offering a diverse array of shows for all ages this fall and winter. From Broadway-style musicals and classic ballets to stand-up comedy and immersive art festivals, local venues are showcasing a wide range of talent. This guide highlights some of the many opportunities to experience the vibrant arts and culture scene in the area.
For more information on Lake County arts, don't forget to check out all the things happening at ArtsLink North, an alliance of arts and cultural organizations dedicated to connecting the public to the region's rich cultural scene.
For over 20 years, the Improv Playhouse in downtown Libertyville has been a staple for comedy and theater. The venue offers both adult-rated comedy and family-friendly entertainment, including stand-up, musical theater and improv. The Playhouse also provides acting classes for all ages. The MainStreet Libertyville production stages two shows on Saturdays: a family-friendly show at 7:30 p.m. and an adult show at 8:30 p.m. Both shows are BYOB. Tickets are available online at ImprovPlayhouse.com or for cash at the door. Patrons ages 21 and older who bring alcoholic beverages will be charged a $5 corkage fee per person.
The Marriott Theatre will present the world premiere of "Always Something There...A New 80's Musical" from Wednesday, June 18, through Sunday, Aug. 10. The show, by Sandy Rustin, is a modern musical homage to 1980s teen films. It tells the story of a 45-year-old woman who wakes up in her 18-year-old life with a chance to rewrite her past. The musical features a score of '80s hits from artists such as Madonna, Whitney Houston and Culture Club.
The Marriott Theatre will present "Arthur and Friends Make a Musical!" from Friday, July 11, through Sunday, Aug. 10. The new musical follows Arthur as he and his classmates at Lakewood Elementary School are tasked with writing and performing a big show for all of Elwood City. Feeling nervous about the performance, Arthur learns the importance of being his unique self with the help of his friends and family.
ArtWauk, a monthly celebration of art and community, takes place every third Saturday in downtown Waukegan. The event offers free admission to art galleries featuring paintings and sculptures, along with film, theater, comedy, live music, and other performances. Attendees can stroll along Genesee Street to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, local food and a variety of artistic expressions.
The Marriott Theatre will present "Catch Me If You Can" from Wednesday, Aug. 27, through Sunday, Oct. 19. Based on the hit film and a true story, the musical comedy follows charming con man Frank Abagnale Jr., who posed as an airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer before he turned 22. Pursued across the globe by an FBI agent, Frank must confront his lies in this tale about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. The production features a swinging score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Wayfarer Theaters, in partnership with The Art Center of Highland Park, will present a special screening of "Michelangelo: Love and Death" from the "Exhibition on Screen" series on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. Following the film, The Art Center's James Lynch will lead a discussion about the artist. Encore performances will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24.
Step back in time to the summer of 1776 with "1776" at the Marriott Theatre. This Tony Award-winning musical brings the birth of America to life, as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson work to draft the Declaration of Independence. With courage, humor, and tension, "1776" reveals the human side of these iconic figures—proud, frightened and determined. Blending drama and wit, this compelling production offers a fresh perspective on one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
Illusionist Billy Blagg brings his "Family Magic" show to the Gorton Community Center on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 7-8:30 p.m. The high-energy, interactive show is designed to entertain all ages with jaw-dropping illusions, hilarious comedy and audience participation. Blagg, one of the nation's top touring illusionists, creates the impossible by making ordinary objects disappear, come to life and defy gravity. Audience members may even get a chance to be part of the act and float in mid-air.
The Woman, Life, Freedom Film Festival will be held at Wayfarer Theaters from Thursday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 21. Hosted by the Association of Iranian Film and Theatre Artists Abroad, the annual festival celebrates the resilience and creativity of women through independent cinema. The event features powerful narratives that spotlight women's struggles and achievements, promoting freedom of expression and gender equality.
The College of Lake County Theatre will present "Charlotte's Web" at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts from Thursday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 28. The show, based on E.B. White's classic story, follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who devises a plan to save Wilbur from being sold. Performances are scheduled for Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m., Friday evening at 7 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Ballet 5:8 will present "La Llorona" at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. Choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager, the ballet reinterprets the Mexican myth of Maria, a new mother struggling with postpartum depression. The production aims to shed light on the silent struggles faced by new mothers, fostering empathy and understanding.
The "Disney '80s-'90s Celebration in Concert" is coming to the Genesee Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m. Talented Broadway vocalists will perform fan-favorite hits from Disney and Pixar films from the two decades, including "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin" and "The Lion King." The concert will feature show-stopping performances, rock-concert lighting and larger-than-life animation.
Emmy Award-winning actor John Cleese will celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" at the Genesee Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. The event, titled "Not Dead Yet! John Cleese and the 'Holy Grail' at 50," will feature a special screening of the film, followed by a conversation and audience Q&A with Cleese. The actor will share behind-the-scenes stories and wit about the beloved cult classic. VIP ticket holders will also have an exclusive post-show photo opportunity with Cleese.
Rus Anderson will perform his tribute to Elton John, "The Rocket Man Show," at the Genesee Theatre on Friday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Anderson, who was chosen by Elton John himself as his '70s body double, will pay homage to the music legend's arena rock days of the decade. The show will feature a live band, fierce piano playing, fun theatrics and extravagant costumes.
The Marriott Theatre will present "Disney's Finding Nemo" from Friday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Jan. 4. The Theatre for Young Audiences adaptation of the Pixar movie features music by the award-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The story follows an anxious clownfish named Marlin who embarks on an epic ocean adventure to find his son, Nemo, after he is captured and taken to Sydney.
The World Ballet Company will present a new, original production of "The Great Gatsby Ballet" at the Genesee Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. The Broadway-style ballet will transport audiences to the Roaring Twenties with a multinational cast, lustrous handcrafted costumes and sweeping Art Deco-inspired sets. The production brings F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless novel to life, showcasing the glitz, glamour and tragic romance of the era. The two-hour performance, which includes a 20-minute intermission, is recommended for ages 8 and over.
Stand-up comedian and WGN Morning News host Pat Tomasulo will perform at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. Tomasulo, also a podcaster, will bring his observational and absurdist humor to the stage, with witty commentary on life observations, topical news and sports.
The "America's Got Talent" hit sensation iLuminate is coming to the Genesee Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m. The family-friendly show features dancers in digitally controlled LED suits performing captivating choreography to high-energy music on a darkened stage. The production, known for its glowing reviews in Las Vegas and New York, combines music, dance, illusion and comedy for an exhilarating experience. From the moment the stage goes dark, audiences are transported to another world. It's a show for all ages, offering a fun and dynamic blend of visual spectacle and sound
The annual Day of the Dead celebration will be held at the Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach on Friday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. The free event will celebrate the culture and traditions of Dia de Los Muertos with folkloric dancers, traditional altars and children's crafts. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best Catrina or Catrin sugar skull costumes. The celebration will also feature food and vendors. A show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Classical Arts Entertainment will present Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" at the Genesee Theatre on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. The production, featuring ballet stars from around the world, tells the story of a young prince working to free a beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell. The full-scale show includes iconic moments like the "Dance of the Little Swans" and the black swan's 32 fouettés. Hand-painted sets and beautifully sewn costumes were created in the tradition of great masters to bring this grand production to life. The show is suitable for a family outing or a romantic evening.
The College of Lake County (CLC) Dance Concert will be held at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts with performances on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The performances feature powerful movement, emotion and artistry from the CLC Dance program.
For more information about shows, concerts and the Lake County fall theatre schedule, continue here.
For more information on ArtsLink North, click here.
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