By Jennifer Berosek ’08 M ’21, North Central College Associate Director of Fine Arts
Fortunately for Naperville and surrounding area residents, it’s easy to get dinner and enjoy a live performance without the hassle of driving far. You can have a great night by dining in downtown Naperville, then attending a show just steps away on the North Central campus.
Each year, the College hosts a Fine and Performing Arts Performance Series that is open to the public, drawing patrons of all ages to campus from across the Chicago area. The lineup includes a variety of artists, bands and ensembles from a range of genres, including pop, rock, jazz, classical, family and cabaret.
The College recently announced its 2023-24 season schedule. Shows take place at on-campus venues Pfeiffer Hall at 310 E. Benton Ave.; Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at 31 S. Ellsworth St.; Kotel Chapel at 329 E. School St.; and Wentz Concert Hall and Madden Theatre at 171 E. Chicago Ave. Wentz Concert Hall is hailed as a premier destination to appreciate performances of classical, jazz and contemporary music. The venue has hosted renowned performers, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, jazz legends Herb Alpert and Herbie Hancock, and contemporary artists Colbie Caillat and Los Lonely Boys. The hall is also the west suburban home of the Chicago Sinfonietta and the DuPage Symphony Orchestra.
The upcoming season will begin on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a family show: “Cinderella,” produced by Panto Company USA. Enjoy a fresh take on the classic fairy tale, with original modern songs that burst with hilarity — all culminating, of course, in a happy ending.
Other season highlights include:
- Pop crooner Frankie Avalon will take the stage at Pfeiffer Hall on Saturday, Dec. 2. Known for his hit singles “Venus” and “Why,” Avalon rose to fame in the 1950s as a teen on the television show American Bandstand.
- On Sunday, Jan. 14, the award-winning orchestra Chicago Sinfonietta will perform its annual Martin Luther King Jr. tribute concert at Wentz Concert Hall — a curated symphonic experience with community and celebration at its heart.
- On Saturday, Feb. 17, The Drifters — known for songs such as “Under the Boardwalk” and “This Magic Moment” — will bring their reunion tour to Pfeiffer Hall for an evening of classic tunes.
Tickets for individual performances and season subscriptions are on sale now. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/show to purchase or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469). You can also stop by the box office, located in the Fine Arts Center at 171 E. Chicago Ave.
Also watch for the slate of student performances that will be scheduled during the 2023-24 academic year. Often open to the public, student shows offer an affordable way to enjoy the performing arts. We hope to see you soon!
