Elgin Theatre Stages ‘Love, Loss and What I Wore’ as Community Events Flourish

Elgin Theatre Company is set to present the play “Love, Loss and What I Wore” during weekends through November 23, 2023. The performances will take place at the Elgin Art Showcase located at 164 Division Street, Elgin. Showtimes are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are priced at $25, offering a $2 discount for students and seniors aged 62 or older.

The play, adapted from Ilene Beckerman’s book, delves into women’s experiences through the lens of their clothing, connecting personal memories to significant life moments. Audiences will experience a rich tapestry of stories, including reminiscences about first bras, prom dresses, and wedding gowns. For ticket purchases and further details, visit elgin-theatre.org/the-season.

Community Events Highlight Elgin’s Vibrant Culture

In addition to the theatre production, the fourth Elgin Sing-Along Messiah is scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 4, 2023, at the Second Baptist Church, located at 1280 Summit Street, Elgin. This event invites the audience to join in singing selections from Handel’s renowned “Messiah,” accompanied by musicians from the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, and members of the Elgin Master Chorale.

Performers include soprano Maria Kanyova, tenor Eric Wassenaar, and baritone Jonathan Wilson. Proceeds from this event will support the Well Child Center, which utilizes the funds to maintain its Food for Families emergency food pantry. Since its inception in 2022, the Elgin Sing-Along Messiah has raised $17,000 for various local nonprofits. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $7, with children under 12 granted free admission. For more information, visit www.ElginSing-AlongMessiah.org.

In a display of heroism, Dixon Police Deputy Chief Aaron Simonton recently received recognition from the Dixon City Council for saving a man’s life at a Portillo’s restaurant in Elgin. On October 19, 2023, while off duty, Simonton intervened when he spotted a man choking during lunch. His quick action dislodged the obstruction, preventing a potential tragedy. “You showed them what wearing the badge at all times really means,” stated Police Chief Ryan Bivins at the council meeting.

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra to Perform This Month

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will host three concerts on November 16, 2023, at the Blizzard Theater within the Elgin Community College Arts Center, located at 1700 Spartan Drive. The first concert begins at 1:30 p.m., featuring a prelude, sinfonia, and percussion ensemble. The second concert at 4:30 p.m. will showcase a flute choir and brass ensemble, while the final performance at 7:30 p.m. will highlight the youth symphony along with its percussion ensemble.

Tickets are available for $27 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $7 for students. They can be obtained at the ECC box office, by calling 847-622-0300, or online at eccartscenter.org/tickets/eventdetails.aspx#event-26EYS1. The concerts will also be streamed on the EYSO’s YouTube channel.

Elgin Community College will celebrate International Week with a series of free events on November 17 and November 20, 2023. The week is designed to promote global education and recognize the contributions of over 80 international students from 37 countries.

The festivities will kick off with an opening reception on November 17, featuring remarks from ECC President Peggy Heinrich, a Bollywood dance performance, and light refreshments. On November 20, students will share their international experiences, followed by a screening of the documentary “Sriracha” by local filmmaker Griffin Hammond. This film chronicles the journey of David Tran, a Vietnamese refugee who introduced the famous hot sauce to the United States.

For more information about these events, visit elgin.edu/student-services/student-life/international-week.

These events reflect the vibrant cultural scene in Elgin, fostering community engagement and celebrating local talent.