Derek Hough likely to leave ‘DWTS,’ strut his stuff elsewhere

BILL ZWECKER: The four-time mirrorball winner has acting in his past and is in a good position to try it again full time.

Stingrays easy to handle in Shedd Aquarium’s new exhibit

“Stingray Touch,” opening to the public May 17, gives visitors a chance to feel the scratchy, silky creatures swimming by. “It’s a really cool way to see the animal,” says a Shedd expert.

‘Dinosaurs,’ ‘Bugs’ invade Chicago area

Dinosaurs are big, bugs are small, right? Think again.

This Memorial Day weekend, two separate family-friendly events upend the conventional wisdom about some of history’s most fearsome and fascinating creatures.

“Dinosaur Petting Zoo,” by Australia theater company Erth, allows children to interact with a variety …

Theatre’s ‘Next Fall’ examines relationships

A play by a writer from a popular TV show will be presented in Glen Ellyn. “Next Fall,” by Geoffrey Nauffts, a former writer on the show “Brothers and Sisters” on ABC, is presented by the Village Theatre Guild May 24 to June 15 at …

Fox Valley stages ‘Side Effects May Include’

You wouldn’t think a play about a terminal illness would be funny, but a new one-man show about Parkinson’s disease will bring the laughs, as well as the tears. Andrew J. Pond of Libertyville stars in the play “Side Effects May Include,” written by former …

Adler technology revolutionizes its Sky Show

As a pulsing nebula races toward the watchful audience, a hand shoots up to touch it. More hands follow suit, straining skywards. For the kids taking in the Adler’s newest show, “Cosmic Wonder,” outer space is just out of reach. It’s an illusion created by …

5 things to do: ‘Into the Woods’

Faces of the First: The First Division Museum at Cantigny exhibit details U.S. Army’s famed 1st Infantry Division, May 25-Sept. 2. At 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Visit cantigny.org. How much: Parking is $5 “Into the Woods”: to June 9 at Wheaton Drama Playhouse 111, 111 …

5 things to do: The Department

Lockport Street Gallery: At 503 W. Lockport St., Plainfield. Call (815) 436-0370 or visit lockportstreetgallery.com. How much: Free VFW Cantigny Post 367: Live jam session with Big Dog Mercer and friends, 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday nights. At 826 Horseshoe Dr., Joliet. Call (815) 722-5395. …

5 things to do: “Black Tie”

“I’ll Be Back Before Midnight”: The Riverfront Playhouse presents this play to June 8 at 11-13 South Water Street Mall, Aurora. Call (630) 897-9496 or visit riverfrontplayhouse.com. How much: $15-$17 Paramount’s Classic Movie Mondays: Movies start at 7 p.m. “Labyrinth,” May 27. At 23 E. …

5 things to do: “Black Tie”

“I’ll Be Back Before Midnight”: The Riverfront Playhouse presents this play to June 8 at 11-13 South Water Street Mall, Aurora. Call (630) 897-9496 or visit riverfrontplayhouse.com. How much: $15-$17 Paramount’s Classic Movie Mondays: Movies start at 7 p.m. “Labyrinth,” May 27. At 23 E. …

May 24-27: St Charles Fine Arts Show, Big Run Family Day

St. Charles Fine Arts Show The St. Charles Fine Arts Show celebrates its 15th year with its largest show to date. There will be 113 artists in the show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday …

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre’s 2013 schedule

Here are the shows so far for the 2013 season at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park, (708) 614-1616.

Tickets are or will be available soon at LiveNation.com , all Ticketmaster outlets, the box office and at (800) 745-3000. Lawn and …

Culture: After Hours Film Society

AUDITIONS

Morris Theatre Guild, Inc.: The group is seeking experienced theatrical directors for the 2013-2014 season. Interested persons can attain additional information by calling the guild at (815) 942-1966 or emailing Andrea Gustafson at jegalg@sbcglobal.net or visiting morristheatreguild.com.

University of St. Francis Concert Chorale: This …

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy salutes Cab Calloway

Twenty years later, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is still swinging just as hard as they were back in the day. The nine-piece jazz- and swing-influenced ensemble performs an 8 p.m. show May 18 at Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College in Naperville. 2013 marks the …