Elgin Theatre presents ‘Love, Loss and What I Wore’
The Elgin Theatre Company will present “Love, Loss and What I Wore” weekends through Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street, Elgin.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the troupe’s website. Tickets are $25, with a $2 discount given to students and people 62 or older.
The play is based on Ilene Beckerman’s book of the same name, which explores women’s lives through the lens of their clothing and the memories the items evoke. It features monologues and ensemble pieces where women share stories about pivotal moments in their lives, like first bras, prom dresses, and wedding gowns, all connected to the clothes they wore.
For tickets and more information, go to elgin-theatre.org/the-season.
Elgin Sing-Along Messiah being held at Second Baptist
Tickets are on sale for the fourth Elgin Sing-Along Messiah, which will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Second Baptist Church of Elgin, 1280 Summit St.
At the event, the audience is invited to sing the chorus in selections from Handel’s famed “Messiah” while accompanied by musicians and vocalists from the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and members of the Elgin Master Chorale. Soloists will include soprano Maria Kanyova, tenor Eric Wassenaar, and baritone Jonathan Wilson.
Proceeds benefit the Well Child Center, according to a news release. The nonprofit will use the money to fund its Food for Families emergency food pantry. Since 2022, the Elgin Sing-Along Messiah has raised $17,000 for various Elgin nonprofits.
All tickets must be purchased in advance. Seating is general admission and by vocal range. Tickets are $7, which includes a $2 handling fee. Children 12 and under can attend for free.
For tickets and more information, go to www.ElginSing-AlongMessiah.org.
Dixon deputy chief saved man’s life at Elgin Portillo’s
The Dixon City Council recently honored Deputy Police Chief Aaron Simonton for saving the life of a man who was choking at the Elgin Portillo’s.
According to a report from the Daily Gazette, on Oct. 19, Simonton noticed a man choking while eating lunch with his family at a Portillo’s along Randall Road in Elgin. Simonton was able to dislodge the item, saving the man’s life.
“This event took place in front of several children who were visibly shaken,” Police Chief Ryan Bivins said at the city council meeting, according to the report. “While you (Simonton) weren’t on duty, you understood the importance of acting quickly and without hesitation. You showed them what wearing the badge at all times really means.”
Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra concerts set for Sunday
The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will present three concerts on Sunday, Nov. 16, in the Blizzard Theater in the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive.
The 1:30 p.m. concert will feature a prelude, sinfonia, and the sinfonia percussion ensemble, according to the orchestra’s website. The second at 4:30 p.m. will feature a flute choir, brass choir, philharmonia and the philharmonia percussion ensemble. The 7:30 performance will feature the youth symphony and the youth symphony percussion ensemble.
For information on musical selections being performed, go to www.eyso.org/concert-2.
Tickets are $27 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $7 for students. They are available at the ECC box office, by calling 847-622-0300 or online at eccartscenter.org/tickets/eventdetails.aspx#event-26EYS1. The shows will also be available to stream on the EYSO’s YouTube channel.
ECC holding events to celebrate International Week
The public is invited to attend free events Elgin Community College is holding to celebrate International Week on Monday, Nov. 17, and Thursday, Nov. 20, on campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
International Week promotes global education and recognizes the contributions and achievements of more than 80 international students representing 37 countries, according to a news release.
Events include:
- An opening reception from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, in the Jobe Lounge, Building B, will feature an address from ECC President Peggy Heinrich, a Bollywood dance performance, and light refreshments being served.
- ECC international and study abroad students will share stories about their experiences while learning in different countries from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in Community Room 181, Building B.
- Local filmmaker Griffin Hammond will screen his documentary “Sriracha” from 4 to 5:30 Thursday, Nov. 20, in Community Room 181 Building B. The film follows David Tran, a Vietnamese refugee who brought the iconic hot sauce to the U.S. and turned it into a household name. Snacks and light refreshments will be served.
For more information, go to elgin.edu/student-services/student-life/international-week.
