Above / The North Central College Fine and Performing Arts Center is home to Wentz Concert Hall, Madden Theater and Schoenherr Art Gallery, located at 171 E. Chicago Avenue, just steps from downtown Naperville where there’s an array of restaurants to whet every appetite. Think dinner and the show!
7PM Feb. 11 Music: Honors Choral Invitational Festival Concert. This year’s annual Honors Choral Invitational Festival features guest choirs from Lockport High School, directed by Chad Goetz, Kaneland High School, directed by Bryan Kuntsman, and Plainfield East High School, directed by Ali Kordelewski, as well as the Concert Choir, Chorale, and Chamber Singers of North Central College, conducted by Ramona M. Wis and accompanied by Robert Saul. Each choir will sing its own set of music and close with a finale by the massed chorus of nearly 200 singers. The concert begins at 7PM in Wentz Concert Hall. Tickets are $7.
Feb. 19–22 Theatre: Department of Theatre presents Everybody Thrashing. It is 1518, July, Strasbourg. A woman begins to dance and cannot stop. Over the next two months, around 400 people will join her, and roughly a fourth will dance until they die. This is the Dancing Plague of 1518. In this new play with music incorporating original text, Medieval writings, and devised moments created by the ensemble, Everybody Thrashing explores this historical moment of group hysteria and how it connects with contemporary moments of group fervor, madness, and in some cases exaltation. Performances are 7:30PM Feb. 19, Feb. 20 & Feb. 21 as well as 2PM Feb. 21 & Feb. 22 in Madden Theatre. Tickets are $14.
7:30PM Feb. 21 Music: Department of Music Honors Recital. The Honors Recital is an annual celebration of musical excellence, showcasing the most outstanding student performers from North Central College. Selected through a rigorous audition process evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges, these talented musicians represent the highest standard of artistry and dedication within the College’s music program. This concert begins at 7:30PM in Wentz Concert Hall. Tickets are $7.
7:30 Feb. 26 Music: Jazz Big Band Winter Concert. Join the North Central College Department of Music for an exciting performance by the Jazz Big Band, under the direction of Tim Coffman. The band will be showcasing compositions from the libraries of Stanley Turrentine, Art Blakey, Duke Ellington, Kenny Dorham, Thelonious Monk, and many others. This concert begins at 7:30PM in Madden Theatre. Tickets are $7.
FREE 7PM Feb. 28 Music: Chords for Kids Concert. Chords for Kids is a concert designed for children with special needs and their families. This judgment-free concert allows attendees to enjoy the performance without worrying about traditional concert etiquette. “Wigglers Welcomed” is the concert’s motto. Performed by North Central College’s Concert Winds under the direction of Dr. Larry Van Oyen, the music includes selections such as “YMCA,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and the “Chicken Dance,” and audience members are encouraged to sing and dance along. This concert begins at 7PM in Wentz Concert Hall. Admission is FREE, but a ticket is required by calling the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
Feb. 28–March 1 Dance: Department of Theatre Spring Dance Production. This original production fuses several forms of dance as performers engage the audience in action and story. Devised by the ensemble, the production explores contemporary themes through movement. Performances are 2PM & 7PM Feb. 28 as well as 2PM Mar. 1 in Pfeiffer Hall, located at 310 East Benton Avenue. Tickets are $14.
Thanks for supporting the arts!
North Central College’s 2025–2026 Fine and Performing Arts Season is partially supported by the following sponsors and partners: City of Naperville Special Events and Community Arts Fund, Dommermuth, Cobine, West, Gensler, Philipchuck and Corrigan, Ltd.
These upcoming events are among many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues that accommodate a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public.
For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
