Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Shulamit Ran will speak at Des Plaines’ Oakton College on Wednesday as part of the school’s Distinguished Lecture Series.
Ran’s atonal works have been performed by such groups as the Israel Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. She is composer-in-residence with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and teaches at the University of Chicago.
Ran will talk about contemporary and classical music and answer questions starting at 7:30 p.m. in Room 1540, 1600 E. Golf Rd., Des Plaines. Free admission. Call 708-635-1900.
– Dave Specter and the Bluebirds showcase material from their new record “Fortune Tellin’ Man” (Delmark) on Friday at Slice of Chicago, 36 S. Northwest Highway, Palatine. Guitarist Specter backed such blues performers as Buddy Guy and the late Valerie Wellington before forming his own band, which features Tad Robinson on vocals and harmonica. Music begins at 9 p.m. Cover charge is $3. Call 708-991-2150.
– Christopher Durang’s absurdist black comedy “Beyond Therapy” can be seen at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Harper College in Palatine. The play, which contains explicit language, tracks the fates of several eccentric characters seeking psychiatric help. The show takes place in Building J, 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine. Tickets are $7. Call 708-397-3000.
– Several area homemakers will participate this weekend in the Mrs. America Pageant at Hemmens Auditorium, 150 Dexter Ct., Elgin. Pamela Peete of Schaumberg, Tara Anderson of Palatine and Sally Gantowsky of Barrington are among the contestants. The national finals will be televised next fall. Activities begin at 8 p.m. Saturday ($12 admission) and Sunday ($15). Call 708-931-5900.
– “The Adventures of Goldilocks,” a musical version of the classic fairy tale, will be performed on Saturday and April 3 at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. The children’s show is being staged by Papai Players and features Glenn Lindemann of Lake Zurich as the Big Bad Wolf and Carolyn Papai as the narrator. Show time is 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $4. Call 708-359-9556.
– “The Front Page,” Ben Hecht’s colorful story about tabloid reporters during the 1920s, runs through April 4 at Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. The production, presented by TownSquare Players, plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $12 or $7, with $1 discounts for senior citizens and students. Call 815-338-5300.
