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Editor’s note: The information below is correct to the best of our knowledge, but it’s recommended that you call ahead to ensure certainty.

applause

Peoria artist Roland Millington was selected for exhibition at the Orlando Science Center in Orlando, Fla., as part of the 10-day ARTronica exhibit.

The Peoria Park District received a $41,190 grant from the Illinois Arts Council and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for Mural in the Park—Summer Project 2006. The grant will fund a guest artist to work with fine arts campers and Proctor Center campers on the Islamic Tile Mural, which will be displayed permanently at Proctor Center.

Peoria Ballet Academy selected a team of students to compete in one of the most prestigious dance competitions in America, the Youth American Grand Prix, February 10 to 12 in the Chicago area. Competitors included Lauren Pschirrer, Toby Lewellen, Rebecca Bruch, Reagan Fairfield, Olivia Moore, and Hayley Salmon.

dance

ICC presents Frula, a Balkan Folk Dance Company, at 7:30 p.m., March 10, in the Performing Arts Center. $14, $16. 694-5136.

Illinois Ballet performs Don Quixote at 7:30 p.m., March 18, at the Peoria Civic Center Theatre. 671-1222 or 686-6898.

Peoria Ballet presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 8 p.m., March 31 and April 1, and at 2 p.m., April 2, at Peoria Players Theatre. $17 to $37. 690-7990.

The Springfield Ballet Company presents Cinderella at 2 p.m., April 22 and 23, at Sangamon Auditorium. $16, $18. (800) 207-6960.

exhibits

Bradley University hosts the “Bunn Lectureship in Photography Exhibition” March 1 to 31 in the Hartmann Art Center gallery. Free. 677-2988.

Bradley University hosts the “Marshall University Faculty Exchange Exhibition” March 2 to 31 at the Heuser Art Center gallery. Free. 677-2989.

United Methodist Church in Peoria presents Jeanette Kosler photographs through March 3. Free. 673-3641.

The Peoria Art Guild hosts “A Tribute to Nita Sunderland” March 3 to April 1. Nita Sunderland’s public sculpture can be seen throughout the Peoria area; this exhibit celebrates those works and the contributions she’s made to our community. 637-2787.

The Peoria Art Guild hosts “African Influences-Works by Nana Ekow Maison” March 3 to April 1. Born in Ghana, Maison received an MFA from Bradley University and is currently an instructor at Bradley University, Illinois Central College, and the Peoria Art Guild. 637-2787.

The Illinois Art League Gallery in Peoria Heights hosts the “Members 7th Exhibit” through March 16. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.

A Jason Watson printmaking/drawing exhibit is on display through March 17 at ICC’s Performing Arts Center Gallery. Free. 694-5531.

McLean County Arts Center sponsors the “Spring Bloom Art Show,” featuring up to 100 artists, March 18 and 19 at the Bloomington Sale Barn.

A Michelle Grabner exhibit, “Remain in Light,” featuring paintings, wall installations, videos, and more, is exhibited at Illinois State University’s Center for the Visual Arts through March 26. 438-5487.

Luthy Botanical Garden hosts its Lily Show April 1 to 23. “Springtime in Paris” is the theme, and the City of Lights provides the perfect backdrop for this stunning show. Conservatory admission. 686-3362.

The Peoria Art Guild hosts the “ArtSmart Education Exhibit” April 14 to 29. This is an annual exhibit of work from the Peoria Art Guild Studio School students and instructors. 637-2787.

The McLean County Museum of History presents “Presence, Pride & Passion: A History of African American in McLean County,” through May 25. 827-0428.

Lakeview Museum presents “Tech City” through May 28. These interactive exhibits present real-world problems that can be solved through engineering. $3.50, $5. 686-3000.

Sommer Park hosts Pioneer Days from 1 to 4 p.m., April 30. Pioneer Days allows visitors to relive the daily life of the first European settlers of central Illinois. $2. 681-2838.

festivals

Shorty’s Strickly Bluegrass Festival comes to Peoria March 3 to 5 at the Ramada and Conference Center. The family event includes musical entertainment from across the country, the Flying Feet Cloggers, and workshops. 671-0175.

The River City Blues Society hosts the Winter Blues Fest from noon to midnight, March 11, at Exposition Gardens. Ronnie Baker Brooks headlines the event, with the 2006 International Blues Challenge winners to be the featured act. $15, $20. 267-4425.

films

ICC hosts a foreign film festival at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., April 10, 11, and 12, in the Lecture/Recital Hall; and at 1 p.m., in the North Campus auditorium. Free. 694-5136.

for children

The Peoria Public Library celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday March 2, when kids are invited to hear Seuss stories and make a Seuss craft. Free. 497-2142.

The spring 2006 semester of Kindermusik begins March 6 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. The musical program, “Family Time,” is for families with children ages newborn and up. 676-4609.
The Peoria Park District’s Franciscan Rec Complex hosts a “Story Book Party with Mother Goose” for ages four to 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., March 12. The magical afternoon includes storytelling, crafts, and much more. $12, $15. 677-6705.

Homeschooled students are invited for a book discussion of A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park at 3 p.m., March 14, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2200.

The Peoria Public Library Downtown hosts a Cinderella Tea at 11 a.m., March 21. Children ages four to six can enjoy stories, a craft, sandwiches, “tea,” and a chance to win tickets to see Cinderella April 6 at the Peoria Civic Center. Free. 497-2142.

The Eckerd Theater Company presents I Never Saw Another Butterfly at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., March 28, at Sangamon Auditorium. The play shares the hopes, fears, and beauty of the children of the Terezin Concentration Camp. $5. (800) 207-6960.

Middle school students are invited to the Talk About Good Book Club to discuss Jade Green by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor at 4 p.m., March 29, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2200.

Lakeview’s Leaky Cauldron Harry Potter Book Discussion Group talks about chapters 23 and 24 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at 7 p.m., March 29. 497-2200.

Sangamon Auditorium hosts Mermaid Theatre’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Favorites at 10 a.m., March 30 and 31; at 12:30 p.m., March 30; and at 7 p.m., March 31. $5, $10, $15. (800) 207-6960.

Sangamon Auditorium hosts America! We, the People! at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., April 4. The program is designed to promote understanding of and respect for cultural and physical differences through the writings, language, music, and history of Americans. $5. (800) 207-6960.

The Peoria Civic Center’s YouTheatre presents Romeo and Juliet at 1 and 7 p.m., April 5. This production of the classic has a rock score and is set in a futuristic urban wasteland called Verona. $6, $7, $10. 680-3551.

The Peoria Civic Center’s YouTheatre presents Cinderella at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., April 6. Cinderella and her friend, Mortimer Mouse, sing and dance their way from the kitchen of her stepmother’s house to Prince Charming’s Ball. $6. 680-3551.

The Home School Book Club discusses From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg at 3 p.m., April 11, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2200.

The Talk About Good Book Club for middle schoolers discusses Gib Rides Home by Zilpha Keatley Snyder at 4 p.m., April 26, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2200.

Lakeview’s Leaky Cauldron Harry Potter Book Discussion Group talks about chapters 25 and 26 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at 7 p.m., April 26. 497-2200.

The Peoria Park District’s Franciscan Rec Complex hosts a Spring Tea Party for Girls ages six to 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., April 30. Enjoy spring punch and a scrumptious snack, listen to music and stories, and make a fancy accessory craft. $12, $15. 677-6705.

lectures

ICC’s Travels Through Literature Series hosts “Kevin Stein: Illinois Poet Laureate and Local Guy,” presented by Jim Sullivan, at 7 p.m., March 7, in the North Campus Auditorium. Free.

The Fine Arts Society Lecture Series presents “A Close Encounter with Thomas Hart Benton, Regionalist Painter and Master Muralist” by Dr. William Worley at 10 a.m., March 9, at Lakeview Museum. Appearing in the guise of Benton, Worley discusses the life of this popular Missouri-born artist. $5, free for members. 688-7860.

Joyce Tenneson of Bradley University’s Bunn Lectureship in Photography Exhibition lectures at 6:30 p.m., March 23, in the Horowitz Auditorium of the Caterpillar Global Communications Center. Free. 677-2989.

The Illinois Arts Council stops in Peoria on a leg of its statewide “Public Listening Tour” March 23. The public gathering session takes place at the Peoria Art Guild and includes public feedback on what the arts mean to people, how people support the arts, and how the arts support them.

ICC hosts “The Changing Face of Today’s Women” as part of its Lecture Arts Series at 10 a.m., March 29, in the Lecture/Recital Hall. Free.

ICC’s Travels Through Literature hosts “Join in as Peoria Reads!,” presented by a panel of ICC English Department faculty, at 7 p.m., April 4, at the North Campus Auditorium. Free.

The Fine Arts Society Lecture Series presents “Chicago: Birthplace of Modern Architecture” by Timothy Wittman at 10 a.m., April 13, at Lakeview Museum. This lecture is an introduction to Chicago’s place in the history of architecture. $5, free for members. 688-7860.

literature

A Little Romance Book Club discusses The Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts at 2 p.m., March 5, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2141.

The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club discusses Pastwatch: the Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Orson Scott Card at 7 p.m., March 13, at the Peoria Public Library Downtown. 497-2141.

The Pekin Public Library begins a new book group series at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., March 15. Participants will discuss Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. 347-7111, ext. 2.

The Junior League of Peoria Book Club meets at 7 p.m., March 15, at Flat Top Grill to discuss Sarah by Marek Halter. Members only.

Book ‘Em Mystery Book Club discusses two books, Inside Out and Upside Down by John Miller, at 2 p.m., March 19, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2141.

Several events are planned in conjunction with the Peoria Reads! selection of Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. Terie Dreussi-Smith speaks on “Bridges Out of Poverty” at a luncheon and workshop at noon, March 21, at Lakeview Museum. $15, $20. 674-3315. She speaks on the same topic at 7 p.m., March 21, at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Peoria. Free. Dave Koehler leads a panel discussion on the topic, “Are We Nickel and Diming in Peoria” at 7 p.m., March 23, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. Free. Dr. Samuel Betances speaks on “Poverty’s Effect on Success” at 5 p.m., March 29, at Bradley University, and at 9:30 p.m., March 30, at Illinois Central College. Free.

Club Read discusses Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie at 6:30 p.m., March 22, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2141.

Read On Book Club discusses All My Tomorrows by Rochelle Alers at 5:30 p.m., March 28, at the Lincoln branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2141.

The Peoria Park District’s Mature Readers Book Club discusses My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult at 2 p.m., March 29, at the Lakeview branch library.

A Little Romance Book Club discusses Temptress by Lisa Jackson at 2 p.m., April 2, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2141.

The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club discusses Deed of Paksenarian by Elizabeth Moon at 7 p.m., April 10, at the Peoria Public Library Downtown. 497-2141.

The Junior League of Peoria Book Club meets at 7 p.m., April 19, at Jonah’s in East Peoria to discuss Amber Room by Steve Berry. Members only.
Book ‘Em Mystery Club discusses Sign of the Book by John Dunning at 2 p.m., April 23, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2141.

The Read On Book Club discusses Changing Faces by Kimberla Roby at 5:30 p.m., April 25, at the Lincoln branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2141.

The Peoria Park District’s Mature Readers Book Club discusses Sign Talker: The Adventure of George Drouillard on the Lewis and Clark Expedition by James Alexander Thorn at 2 p.m., April 26, at the Lakeview branch library.

Club Read discusses Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama at 6:30 p.m., April 26, at the Lakeview branch of the Peoria Public Library. 497-2141.

music

The Sun Foundation hosts a Suzuki Play-A-Thon from 6 to 7:30 p.m., March 1, at First Baptist Church in Peoria. 246-8403.

The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: The Bird Dogs (rockabilly) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 3. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.

Flutist Rebecca Stuhr and Guitarist Jorge Torres perform at 8 p.m., March 4, in Illinois State University’s Kemp Recital Hall. Free.

The Irish Rovers, a fun-loving Celtic band, perform at 8 p.m., March 4, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. This season marks the band’s 40th anniversary. $21.50, $28.50, $33.50. 676-8700.

Illinois State University’s concert choir and madrigal singers perform at 7 p.m., March 5, in the Center for the Performing Arts. $4, $5, $6, free for children under six. 438-2535.

The Peoria Symphony Guild Tuesday Musical Mornings features the Children’s Home student singers at 10 a.m., March 7, at Lakeview Museum. $5, free for members. 637-2787.

Illinois State University’s chamber orchestra performs at 8 p.m., March 7, in the Center for the Performing Arts. $4, $5, $6, free for children under six. 438-2535.

Illinois State University’s symphonic band performs music from the Renaissance through the 21st
century at 8 p.m., March 8, in the Center for the Performing Arts. $4, $5, $6, free for children under six. 438-2535.

The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: 6V6 (blues) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 10. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church hosts the Lund Chamber Choir from Sweden at 7:30 p.m., March 10. The choir is one of Europe’s best. 676-4609.

Forest Park Nature Center hosts the Mike and Amy Finders Band in concert at 7 p.m., March 11. The band plays bluegrass, blues, old-time country, and folk music. $5, $6. 686-3360.

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra performs at 8 p.m., March 11, at the Peoria Civic Center. The concert, “Glorious Youth,” features 14-year-old Ji-Yong as a piano soloist. 671-1096.

Illinois Chamber Orchestra performs “Mozart in Mexico!” at 7:30 p.m., March 11, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Celebrate Mozart’s 250th birthday with popular Spanish Songs. (217) 522-2838.

Old Time Folk & Country Jams take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m., March 12, 26, April 9, and 23. Free. 686-3360.

The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: Preston Jackson & Friends (jazz) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 17. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.

The Central Illinois Jazz Society and the Dave Hoffman Quartet play from 6 to 9:30 p.m., March 19, at the Radisson Hotel in Peoria. $5, $7. Peoriajazz.com.

The Prairie Wind Ensemble, in residence at ICC, performs at 2:30 p.m., March 19, in the Performing Arts Center. $5, $7. 694-5136.

Illinois State University’s Kemp Recital Hall hosts Jay Carter and Jeff Noonan in concert at 7:30 p.m., March 20. The program consists of early music for voice accompanied on period instruments. $5.

The ICC Jazz Band performs at 7:30 p.m., March 21, in the Performing Arts Center. Free. 694-5136.
Illinois State University’s Kemp Recital Hall hosts The Linden Duo at 8 p.m., March 21. They will perform Ourkouzounov’s “Sonatine,” Giuliani’s “Sonate, Op. 85,” Tower’s “Snow Dreams,” and more. Free. 438-7123.

The Pekin Concert Association presents the Synergy Brass Quintet at 7:30 p.m., March 21, at Pekin Community High School. The quintet provides a wide variety of music ranging from early Renaissance and classical to modern, jazz, and rock. Admission by seasonal membership. 346-6468.

Anne Murray performs with a 20-piece orchestra at 7:30 p.m., March 22, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. $33.50, $43.50, and $49.50. 676-8700.
Chung-Ha Kim performs a piano concert at 8 p.m., March 23, at Illinois State University’s Kemp Recital Hall. Free. 438-3470.

The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: South Side Cindy & the Slip Tones (blues, pop, rock) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 24. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.

As part of its Subscription Series, ICC presents Red, Hot…& Blue! at 7:30 p.m., March 24, in the Performing Arts Center. $14, $16. 694-5136.

A Roomful of Blues Concert takes place at 8 p.m., March 25, at the New Lafayette Club in Bloomington. Roomful of Blues has earned critical acclaim, popular appeal, and Grammy nominations. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 438-8910.

The Illinois State University choir and the women’s choir perform at 3 p.m., March 26, in the Center for the Performing Arts. $4, $5, $6, free for children under six. 438-2535.

The Illinois State University faculty brass quintet performs at 8 p.m., March 28, in the Center for the Performing Arts. $4, $5, $6, free for children under six. 438-2535.

The Illinois State University faculty strings perform at 8 p.m., March 29, in Kemp Recital Hall. Free. 438-3458.

Pianist Alexandra Mascolo-David performs at 8 p.m., March 30, in Illinois State University’s Center for the Performing Arts. $4, $5, $6, free for children under six. 438-2535.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church presents Jonathan Wessler on organ in “Praise Him With Pipes…” at 7:30 p.m., March 31. Wessler will perform “Magnificat” versets and “Litanies,” as well as music by Dupre and Bach. 676-4609.

The Contemporary Art Center hosts Live at the Five Spot: Basement Chemistry (jazz, funk fusion) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 31. $3, $5, $8. 674-6822.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra presents “Masterworks 4: Symphonic Seas” at 8 p.m., March 31, at Braden Auditorium in Bloomington. The concert includes the ISU Civic Chorale, the Illinois Symphony Chorus, and guest soloists. (217) 522-2838.

Sangamon Auditorium presents “Our Sinatra” at 8 p.m., April 2. This is a full-length celebration of the music of the late Frank Sinatra features tunes the legendary singer made famous, as well as anecdotes about his life and career. $25, $29. (800) 207-6960.

ICC hosts a music student recital at 7:30 p.m., April 4, at the Lecture/Recital Hall. Free. 694-5136.

The Sun Foundation’s Suzuki Formal Solo Recitals take place at 6 p.m., April 4 and 5, at First Baptist Church in Peoria. 246-8403.

Forest Park Nature Center presents Dan Zahn with special guest Kate Moretti at 7 p.m., April 8. Dan Zahn is an entertaining singer/songwriter. Kate Moretti, whose rhythm guitar and lead vocals add life to favorite Swing standards, joins Zahn later in the evening. $5, $6. 686-3360.

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra performs at 8 p.m., April 8, at the Peoria Civic Center. The concert, “Opus Beethoven,” features Jennifer Frautschi, violin soloist. 671-1096.

The Bradley Community Chorus presents Handel’s “Belshazza” at 3 p.m., April 9, in Dingeldine Music Center. $5, free for students. 677-2650.

The Knox College Jazz Band and the Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band perform from 6 to 9:30 p.m., April 9, at the Radisson Hotel. $5, $7, children 14 and under are free with an adult. 692-5330 or 691-3259.

ICC’s vocal jazz ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m., April 25, in the Lecture/Recital Hall. Free. 694-5136.

The Pekin Concert Association presents The Four Freshman at 7:30 p.m., April 27, at Pekin Community High School. The group focuses on the beautiful vocal harmony that made them so popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Admission by seasonal membership only. 346-6468.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra presents “Masterworks 5: Orchestra Spectacular!” at 8 p.m., April 28, at Braden Auditorium in Bloomington. This concert features the orchestra members performing their own musical favorites. (217) 522-2838.

Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church presents the Lutheran Summer Music Academy Recital at 3 p.m., April 30. The concert features faculty and students of the Lutheran Summer Music Program. 676-4609.

Dr. Edward and Janet Kaizer present “From Classics to Jazz” at 3 p.m., April 30, in Bradley’s Dingeldine Music Center. $5, free for students. 677-2650.

opportunities

The Peoria Park District hosts a One-Act Playwriting Competition, with winning plays being performed this summer at Camp OnStage. Deadline for submissions is April 7. 681-2861.

Auditions for the Peoria Park District’s Great Expectations Show Chorus take place at 1 p.m., April 22, in Owens Center Rec. Room B. Applicants should be between 12 and 18. 681-2841.

social events

African Adventure, a grand celebration and fundraiser for the new zoo campaign, takes place at 6 p.m., March 3, at the Hotel Pere Marquette. The event features TV personality Jack Hanna and his exotic animals. 686-3365.

Peoria Ballet hosts the third annual Festival of Bacchus wine tasting from 5 to 7 p.m., March 3, at InPlay. More than 100 varieties of wine will be provided by The Wine Experience, along with appetizers. $25. 690-7990.

In celebration of its 140th Anniversary, Children’s Home is partnering with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the milestone prior to the symphony’s performance March 11 at the Peoria Civic Center. Children’s Home hosts a pre-performance cocktail party from 6 to 8 p.m. 685-1047.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria host the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser March 17 at Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery. 685-6007.

The Central Illinois Youth Symphony hosts a 40th Anniversary celebration with a theme of “Grow the Music—Forty Years of Harmony in the Heartland” at 6 p.m., March 18, at Mount Hawley Country Club. $75/person, $125/couple. 663-9131.

Lakeview Museum hosts a Masquerade at 7 p.m., April 1. The fundraiser features auctions, a judged dessert event, entertainment, and more. $50. 686-7000, ext. 147.

The Creve Coeur Club hosts its annual George Washington Banquet, with keynote speaker Secretary of Energy Sam Bodman, April 6.

Prairie State Legal Services hosts “Legal Aid Featuring the Shysters” at 6:30 p.m., April 28, at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom. 674-9831.

Crittenton Centers hosts “Blue Ribbon Night” April 29 at the Country Club of Peoria. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail buffet. Guests can bid on “dinner with an experience” ranging from a trip package in Chicago to a cocktail cruise down the Illinois River. The evening also includes dancing to the “Blue Skillet” band. $100. 674-0105.

The Tri-County Urban League’s “Black & White Gala” takes place April 29 at the Civic Center. The entertainer for this year’s gala is Jeffrey Osborne. 672-4354.

theatre

ICC presents The Masque of Beauty and the Beast at 7:30 p.m., February 24, 25, March 3, and 4; and at 2:30 p.m., February 27 and March 5, in the Performing Arts Center Theatre. $5, $7. 694-5136.

Illinois State University presents The Normal Heart at 7:30 p.m., March 1 to 4, in the Center for the Performing Arts Theatre. This landmark play by Larry Kramer is about activism at the dawn of the AIDS crises.

The Peoria Civic Center’s Broadway Theatre presents the musical 42nd Street at 7:30 p.m., March 1 and 2. This backstage Broadway story features naïve young actress Peggy Sawyer, who auditions for a Broadway extravaganza. $35, $44, $48. 673-3200.
Sangamon Auditorium presents “An Evening with Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood” at 8 p.m., March 3. Mochrie and Sherwood are stars of the Emmy nominated Whose Line Is It Anyway?. $30, $35, $40. (800) 207-6960.

Corn Stock Theatre presents the comedy Uncoupling at 7:30 p.m., March 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11; and at 2:30 p.m., March 5. A funny and tender-hearted look at the joys and pitfalls of married life as examined though one couple’s journey. $7, $8. 676-2196.

Sangamon Auditorium presents The Barber of Seville at 7 p.m., March 7. Barber was Beaumarchais’ first comic work and successful play. $34, $38. (800) 207-6960.

Peoria Players Theatre presents Neil Simon’s Rumors at 7:30 p.m., March 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18; and at 2:30 p.m., March 12. A New York party, a gunshot, and a cover up lead to door slamming and confusing hilarity. $10, $15. 688-4473.

Heartland Theatre Company presents Brilliant Traces March 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, and April 1. Two lost souls meet for the first time in Alaska. $6, $10, $12. 452-8709.

The Peoria Civic Center hosts Broadway Junior On Tour at 7 p.m., March 20, and at 10 a.m., March 21. The tour is designed to educate and empower teachers about the process of putting on a musical in schools. $7, $10, $15, $20. 680-3551.

The Peoria Prairietellers Storytelling Guild hosts the 9th Annual Liars Contest at 7 p.m., April 1, at the Contemporary Art Center in Peoria. Entry fee is $10, and deadline for entries is March 25. $5 in advance, $7 at the door. 691-0508.

The Peoria Civic Center’s Broadway Theatre Series continues with the musical Hairspray at 7:30 p.m., April 12 and 13; at 2 p.m., April 13 and 15; at 8 p.m., April 14 and 15; and at 5 p.m., April 16. Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair, wins a spot on a TV dance program and is transformed from outsider to teen celebrity. $50, $65, $75. 673-3200.

Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre hosts The Mating Game through April 15. This farce is a sassy romp at a bachelor party where anything goes. Performances take place Thursdays through Sundays. $27.50, $29.50, $31.50. 965-2545.

Bradley University presents Love’s Labor’s Lost by William Shakespeare April 20 to 30. Shakespeare’s wacky and witty battle of the sexes celebrates the awkward game of falling in love. 677-2650.

Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre presents Everybody Loves Opal, starring Mike Dentino, April 1 to June 1. Performances take place Thursdays through Sundays. $27.50, $29.50, $31.50. 965-2545.

Opera Illinois presents Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte at 7:30 p.m., April 21, and at 2 p.m., April 23, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. In this light-hearted opera, mayhem ensues when devotion between sweethearts is put to the test. 673-7253.

ICC Theatre Department presents All the Great Books (abridged) at 7:30 p.m., April 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, and 29; and at 2:30 p.m., April 23 and 30, in the Performing Arts Center. $5, $7. 694-5136.

Heartland Theatre Company presents The Speed of Darkness April 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, and May 4, 5, and 6. The play centers on what happens when a Vietnam vet’s old war pal shows up. $12, $10, $6. 452-8709. a&s

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