Dennis DeYoung and Second City Top This Weekend's Arts Picks

Beecher

Beecher Part-time Players Inc. presents Exit the Body, a wild comedy filled with little white lies and a few big ones, too. People are not who you think they are, but according to the theater release, the third act ties everything together “with a riotous chase to catch the bad guys.”

When: 7 p.m., Feb. 25-26
Where: Beecher Community Hall, 673 Penfield St.
Cost: $15 preferred seating, $12 general admission, $10 seniors
More info: Tickets can be bought at the door or in advance at First Community Bank & Trust, 1111 Dixie Hwy., Beecher 

Chicago Heights

Union Street Gallery unveils a new, national juried exhibit, Word and Numbers, with a “smart, city gallery feel," according to gallery information. Union Street Gallery exhibits always are free.

When: A reception is 6-9 p.m. March 4. Show runs March 2 through April 2. Gallery hours are noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, noon-6 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: , 1527 Otto Blvd.
Cost: Free
More info: Call 708-754-2601.

Frankfort

Under the direction of celebrated guest conductor Victor Yampolsky, the continues its performance season with Famous Fives, a program of Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D-minor. Look for a Patch.com concert preview next week.

When: The concert is 8 p.m. March 5. A free discussion beforehand will be at 7:15 p.m. 
Where: , 19900 S. Harlem Ave.
Cost: $30-$50, $15 for students
More info: Call 708-481-7774 or go to the IPO's website.  

Mokena

Local singer, songwriter and musician David Molinari will perform Song Standards from the '30s and '40s this weekend, another in the Mokena Community Public Library’s free and ongoing music concerts.

When: 1-2 p.m. Feb. 26
Where: , 11327 W. 195th St.
Cost: Free
More info: 708-479-9684 or go to the library's website. 

Orland Park

It’s unofficial, but SouthScene discovered this last weekend of February celebrates the joys of improvisation and skit comedy in Orland Park. It all starts in the heart of town with the homegrown Orland Park Comedy Improv Group performance. Parental note: The show is recommended for ages 16 and older.

When: 8 p.m. Feb. 25
Where: , 14413 Beacon Ave.
Cost: $6
More info: Call 708-403-7275 or go to the hall's website.  

Orland Park

The legendary Second City Touring Company continues the unofficial improvisation and skit comedy weekend with its often biting, always satirical but oh-so-funny look at the world in Fair & Unbalanced at Carl Sandburg High School.

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School senior Micki Burton, a Second City Teen Ensemble member, will perform with the professionals at the end of the performance. Tickets have been on sale for weeks, so if you plan to go, SouthScene suggests you act quickly.

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 26
Where: , 13300 S. LaGrange Road
Cost: $20, $15 students and seniors
More info: Call 708-745-5222. 

Palos Heights

The Southwest Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Helen Van Wyck, presents its annual spring concert. This year, it's An Afternoon with Lerner & Lowe, which includes favorites from classic musicals Camelot, Paint Your Wagon and My Fair Lady. Tickets are on sale now.

When: 4 p.m. March 6
Where: , Ozinga Auditorium, 6601 W. College Drive
Cost: $20, $15 students and seniors
More info: Call 708-802-0686 

Palos Hills

Think about what little tricks help you remember how to spell difficult words. Did you ever try to “write” the word on the floor with your big toe? One character in delightful, fast-paced musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee finds the toe technique works for him.

The Moraine Valley Community College Academic Theater Department, under the direction of Craig Rosen, presents the fun-for-all, award-winning show.

When: Through March 6. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
Where: John and Angeline Oremus Theater, Fine and Performing Arts Center, , 9000 W. College Parkway
Cost: $12, $10 seniors and students
More info: Call 708-974-5500 or go to the center's website. 

Park Forest

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery this weekend unveils its new exhibit, Half the Sky, in celebration of Women’s History Month. The exhibit title is based on a Chinese proverb, “Women hold up half the sky,” according to Tall Grass show details.

When: A reception is 6-9 p.m. Feb. 25. The show runs through May 8. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
Where: Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest.
Cost: Receptions and exhibits are always free.
More info: Call 708-748-3377.

Tinley Park

Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band, with its repertoire of concert band music and original compositions, brings its acclaimed talent to Tinley Park this weekend for a concert at Zion Lutheran Church. This musical treat is open to the public.

When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26
Where: , 17100 69th Ave.
Cost: $10, $5 students, free for students in eighth grade and lower.
More info: Tickets can be purchased at the door. 

University Park

The legendary Dennis DeYoung, co-founder, composer and original lead vocalist for the 1970s and '80s rock band Styx, will perform a concert of his Styx classics, including "Sail Away," "Lady" and "Mr. Roboto," to name a few, as well as more recent works.

A former Frankfort resident and native of Chicago’s South Side, DeYoung has changed his style from the Styx days, but his distinctive tenor vocals have only matured. DeYoung commands the stage, and the Center provides fans with a great opportunity to see and hear him, up close and personal.

When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26
Where: Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy.
Cost: $46-$56
More info: Call 708-235-2222 or go to the Center's website.