The Feature Series at the North Shore Center is your spot on the map to get a broad spectrum of
top-notch theater, comedy, music, dance and family entertainment. We offer a variety of performing arts
representative of every genre and mix in world-class artists with local productions and flavor.
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FEATURE SERIES | 2022-23 SEASON
Darlingside
Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30pm
If Darlingside’s first album, Birds Say (2015), focused on the past through nostalgia, and their second, Extralife (2018), contemplated uncertain futures, their latest album, Fish Pond Fish (2020), stands firmly in the present, taking stock of what’s here and now. The band has long been praised for their harmonies and intelligent songwriting, described by NPR as “exquisitely-arranged, literary-minded, baroque folk-pop,” and their dynamic presence (crowded tightly together onstage) have made them a live-performance favorite.
Lewis Black
Friday, March 24, 2023 at 8pm
Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 8pm
Known as the King of Rant, Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and animated finger-pointing to skewer anything and anyone that gets under his skin. His comedic brilliance lies in his ability to make people laugh at the absurdities of life, with topics that include current events, social media, politics and anything else that exposes the hypocrisy and madness he sees in the world.
Classical Kids Live! and Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
Tchaikovsky Discovers America
Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 3pm
This delightful concert performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and recommended for audiences ages six and up. Please join us after the performance for fun musical activities in the lobby, including an actor meet & greet and an instrument petting zoo!
Based on actual historical events, this story tells of the great composer’s arrival in New York for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891 and his famous trip to Niagara Falls. A surprise encounter with a young American girl, Jennie, reveals much about Tchaikovsky—his life in Russia, his love of music and his fears of conducting. This is a poignant story of the meeting of old-world influences and new world experiences; a tale of contrast, courage and classical music.
Paula Poundstone
Saturday, April 01, 2023 at 8pm
A master of observational comedy, Paula Poundstone is a rare comedic talent that engages her audience with witty impromptu dialogue and produces rapturously roaring results. Each one of Paula’s shows is completely unique and unrepeatable.
Paul Reiser
Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 8pm
Paul Reiser has spent over thirty years acting in Oscar and Emmy award-winning movies and TV shows. Known for creating and starring in the critically acclaimed NBC series, Mad About You, he currently appears on Hulu’s new critically acclaimed comedy series Reboot as well as Netflix’s recent smash-hit, Stranger Things. Paul is back to his roots for a rare night of stand-up.
Hot Tuna
Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 7:30pm
The name Hot Tuna invokes as many different moods and reactions as there are Hot Tuna fans — millions of them. To some, Hot Tuna is a reminder of some wild and happy times. To others, that name will forever be linked to their own discovery of the power and depth of American blues and roots music. To newer fans, Hot Tuna is a tight, masterful duo that is on the cutting edge of great music.
All of those things are correct, and more. For more than four decades, Hot Tuna has played, toured, and recorded some of the best and most memorable acoustic and electric music ever. And Hot Tuna is still going strong — some would say stronger than ever.
The Lightning Thief
Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11am & 2pm
When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riodan’s bestselling book, The Lightning Thief, features an exciting rock score.
Micky Dolenz
Friday, May 05, 2023 at 8pm
Micky Dolenz IS the voice of The Monkees. The unmistakable performer that moved a generation and led this pop culture phenomena to a dozen Top 20 singles, four #1 albums, and two Emmy awards. Having entertained audiences his entire life, Micky brings a one-of-a-kind presence to the stage, drawing on his background in television, film broadcasting, and Broadway. Actor, singer, director, producer, writer, radio DJ, inventor, and all-around performer extraordinaire, Micky Dolenz stands tall as a paragon of taste and accomplishment in the rough-and-tumble world of show business and entertainment. And oh, by the way – he remains a believer…
Past Productions
J.B. Smoove
Friday, September 23, 2022 at 8pm
Best known for his beloved role as Leon on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, J.B. Smoove glides onto the North Shore Center stage for a night of hilarious stand-up comedy!
Steven Wright
Thursday, October 06, 2022 at 7:30pm
One of the true visionary and widely influential stand-up comedians, Academy Award winner, Steven Wright is a prototype comedian that many others continually try to follow. Wright and his deadpan delivery were an unexpected revelation when he hit stages in the 1980s and quickly rose to star comedian status.
The Manhattan Transfer
with special guest the DIVA Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 8pm
The Manhattan Transfer remains a cornerstone for great pop and jazz hits, has been awarded ten Grammy Awards of twenty nominations and has been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In celebration of their 50th anniversary, they will be joined by special guest The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble of 15 extremely talented and versatile musicians who just happen to be women, as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Friday, October 28, 2022 at 8pm
Join #1 Billboard Blues Artist Joanne Shaw Taylor and her amazing band as they perform songs from her highly acclaimed latest studio release “The Blues Album”, as well as fan favorites. Taylor has become one of the hottest live acts on the modern Blues scene, and soon you’ll see why. You don’t want to miss Blues Rock Phenom, Joanne Shaw Taylor in this unforgettable night of soul and blues music!
Canadian Brass
Friday, November 18, 2022 at 8pm
Celebrating their 50th Anniversary, Canadian Brass has a uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences. Their concerts show the full range from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to new compositions created especially for them—from formal classical to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects. A Canadian Brass performance means entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and, most of all, fun—but never at the expense of the music.
Fleetwood Mask
Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 8pm
In 2012, Fleetwood Mask was formed to honor the legacy of Fleetwood Mac. Upon meeting with Mick Fleetwood in Maui several years ago, Fleetwood Mask humbly and proudly carries the auspicious gift of having Mick Fleetwood’s only endorsement in America. Fleetwood Mask brings audiences the very best of Fleetwood Mac’s 50-year history with a focus on the 1975 forward five-piece version of their lineup that catapulted them to super stardom. Fleetwood Mask has played nationally for a decade to music lovers from all corners of the US and each group member provides their character’s select equipment, persona, and performance bringing audiences a truly authentic Fleetwood Mac experience.
Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Friday, December 02, 2022 at 7pm
Saturday, December 03, 2022 at 1pm & 5pm
Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker marches back onto the North Shore Center stage with an affordable full-length holiday production performed in the grand tradition by a professional company with exceptional guest soloists! Salt Creek’s production is the perfect way to introduce children to the power and beauty of dance.
Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular
Saturday, January 07, 2023 at 8pm
Come toast Elvis Presley’s 88th birthday with the annual Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular concert that celebrates the era-by-era musical career of the King. The concert begins with the early Rockabilly years, then the military years, the movie years, the ’68 Comeback special in black leather and the show closes with the Las Vegas concert years.
DC’s Reflecting Fools
Friday, January 27, 2023 at 8pm
Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 2pm
The stairway to heavenly political satire originally laid by the Capitol Steps continues upward with DC’s Reflecting Fools, the musical parody group created a year ago by the performers and co-writer from the Capitol Steps, providing hilarious song parodies and “foolish reflections” that continue to inspire your belly-laughter.
Chicago Philharmonic presents
Songs of a Wayfarer
Saturday, February 04, 2023 at 7:30pm
Join Chicago Philharmonic and renowned Mahler specialist, Mezzo-Soprano Susan Platts for Gustav Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, or Songs of a Wayfarer. The music and text of this Lieder cycle was written by a young Mahler, with many of the lines reminiscent of heartbreak, beauty, and the end of a season. Also on the program is living composer Libby Larsen’s Deep Summer Music, offering an intimate taste of Americana.
BritBeat: A Tribute the the Beatles
Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 8pm
Take a trip back in time with a fantastic journey through the days of Beatlemania with BritBeat’s multimedia concert journey through Beatles music history. See why this nationally acclaimed Beatles show is captivating audiences and generating rave reviews from critics and Beatles’ fans from around the world.
Tab Benoit w/ JD Simo
Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 8pm
Tab Benoit is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has built a remarkable 30+ year career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues, acquiring a devoted legion of fans along the way, as well as 5 Blues Music Awards, including BB King Entertainer of the year (twice) and an induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He has recorded and/or performed with Junior Wells, George Porter Jr, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Billy Joe Shaver, Maria Muldaur, James Cotton, Cyril Neville, Kenny Aronoff, Allen Toussaint, Kim Wilson, Jimmy Thackery, Charlie Musslewhite, Kenny Neal, Chris Layton, Ian Neville, Jimmy Hall, Jim Lauderdale, Anders Osbourne, and Alvin Youngblood Hart to name a few.
Health Safety Measures & Policies
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie prioritizes the health and safety of our patrons, staff, volunteers and visiting artists. Please be patient, understanding and kind to others in this health safety environment.
Face masks are welcome, but not required.
When in doubt, bring a mask so you are prepared if asked to wear it inside the Center.
All productions are seated at full capacity.
As always, policies can change based on health guidance from the CDC and Illinois Department of Health.
Please read current health safety policies at NorthShoreCenter.org/Health
We continue to follow health guidance from the CDC and Illinois Department of Health. The Center has taken enhanced health safety and cleaning measures to protect artists and patrons and reduce transmission risks of the coronavirus. Please understand your own personal health risks and take proper precautions. An inherent risk of COVID-19 transmission exists in any public place where people are present. By attending, participants assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
