North Central College in Naperville is kicking off its November Fine and Performing Arts season at Meiley‑Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth. The schedule offers a mix of theatre, music, dance and community‑focused events designed to enrich both campus and the surrounding community.
Theatre: “Fun Home” (Nov. 5‑8)
The Department of Theatre presents the musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir. Directed by Harmony France, the production follows Bechdel’s journey after her father’s sudden death, exploring her childhood, emerging sexuality and the complex legacy of her father’s hidden desires. The show tackles mature topics such as suicide, homophobia and predatory behavior. Performances run at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, 6 and 7, with matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 8. Tickets are $14; call 630‑637‑SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
Music: Jazz Organ Trio (Nov. 6)
On Friday, Nov. 6, the Faculty Recital Series offers an evening of soul‑filled jazz organ music. The trio—organist Chris White, guitarist John McLean, drummer Juan Pastor and trombonist Tim Coffman—celebrates the legacy of legends like Jimmy Smith and Joey DeFrancesco while adding their own voice. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Madden Theatre. Tickets are $15; call 630‑637‑SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
Piano Festival: Winston Choi (Nov. 14)
The Sonata Sonatina Festival welcomes Canadian pianist Winston Choi, a laureate of the Honens International Piano Competition and winner of France’s Concours International de Piano 20e siècle d’Orléans. Choi’s program moves from Schubert and Beethoven to works inspired by water, including pieces by Amy Beach, Mel Bonis, Szymanowski, Takemitsu, Debussy, Murail, Decaux and Godowsky. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall. Tickets are $7; call 630‑637‑SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
Dance: “The Naughty Nutcracker” (Nov. 14)
For a festive twist on the holiday season, the college presents “The Naughty Nutcracker,” a variety show featuring belly dance, burlesque, tap, holiday favorites and theatrical mischief. A portion of ticket proceeds benefits Mutual Ground, and the event will host a donation drive for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or gift card for children ages 0‑18. The performance begins at 7 p.m. in the Theatre at Meiley‑Swallow Hall. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at raksanna.com/Naughty.
Choral Concert: Explore the Sound (Nov. 20)
The Department of Music presents “Explore the Sound,” an annual choral showcase featuring the college’s Chorale, Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and guest instrumentalists. The concert is theatrically lit and staged, highlighting the season’s premier choral works. The performance begins at 7 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall. Tickets are $7; call 630‑637‑SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
Faculty Voice Recital (Nov. 21)
Mezzo‑soprano Jennifer Barrett (Medows ’01), a North Central alumna and voice instructor, will perform Aaron Copland’s “12 Poems of Emily Dickinson” and selections by Samuel Barber, including an unpublished early work. Pianist Jon Warfel will accompany. The recital is free, with a voluntary donation supporting the college’s Opera Workshop program. It begins at 2:30 p.m. in Koten Chapel inside Kiekhofer Hall.
Community Impact
These events are part of the 2026‑2027 Fine and Performing Arts season, supported in part by sponsors Gensler, Corrigan, Philipchuck and West, Ltd. North Central College offers a variety of venues for local and world‑class performances, inviting residents to experience cultural enrichment without leaving Naperville. For a full schedule, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630‑637‑SHOW (7469). The editor’s note suggests pairing a show with dinner at one of downtown Naperville’s many eateries.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
