Entertainment Best Bet: Orland Park Theatre Troupe's Madcap 'Moon Over Buffalo'
Other picks for fun in the Southland include ragtime tunes in Tinley, a tribute to the 1950s in Mokena and the Monarch Butterfly Festival in Palos Heights.
Looking for entertainment options not far from home? Here are seven good bets for a good time in the Southland:
1. Orland Park Theatre Troupe Goes Madcap: Carol Burnett is not headed to Orland Park, but the play she brought back to Broadway is. The Orland Park Theatre Troupe, under the direction of Frann Carnivele-Sidlow, presents the madcap comedy Moon Over Buffalo at the Orland Park Civic Center, Sept. 23-25. Tickets are hot, so if you want to see this riotous play within a play, now is the time to buy!
2. Ragtime Tunes in Tinley: Ragtime music is experiencing a resurgence as the Broadway hit Ragtime continues to fill stages across the country. The Tinley Park Public Library kicks off its fall concert season with the popular ragtime sounds of Sue Keller and Friends at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18. Registration continues, and those who love that sassy ragtime sound are encouraged to sign up.
3. A Killer Presentation in Frankfort: Two men surreptitiously advertised for victims, a woman plied her bloody trade in an Indiana farmhouse, and the least famous killer in this gruesome group assisted another human hunter during the 1893 Columbian Exposition Chicago. At 7 p.m. on Sept. 19, author and historian Richard Lindberg will talk about his new book, Heartland Serial Killers: Belle Gunness, Johann Hoch and Murder for Profit in Gaslight Era America at the Frankfort Public Library. Registration is required.
4. Talking Food with Cop/Author in Evergreen: Quickly moving on to something more pleasant, at 7 p.m. Sept. 20, the Evergreen Park Public Library presents Chicago Police Sgt. David J. Haynes, who will talk about his new book, The Beat Cop's Guide to Chicago Eats. Haynes will also stick around to sign copies of the food guide, which, of course, will be available for purchase. Registration is encouraged.
5. Reminisce About the Fabulous ’50s in Mokena: Rock ’n’ roll never dies, and neither do other iconic symbols of the 1950s—early television, bobby sox, DA haircuts and poodle skirts, to name several. Local historian, musician and fan favorite David Molinari returns to the Mokena Community Public Library at 1 p.m. on Sept. 17 for The Fabulous Fifties, one hour of pure fun for all ages. Registration is suggested.
6. Monarch Butterfly Festival in Palos Heights: Everyone loves the beauty and grace of butterflies, and Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights once again celebrates the delicate flying insects at the annual Monarch Butterfly Festival starting at 11 a.m. on Sept. 18. The all-day event is an all-ages gala with activities for everyone.
7. Rediscovering Houdini in Oak Lawn: Master escape artist Harry Houdini (1874-1926) has mystified millions for decades. At 7 p.m. on Sept. 21, at the Oak Lawn Public Library, Houdini expert William Peck will take his audience behind the scenes to discover the real man behind the legend of Houdini. Registration is encouraged.