Elgin Theatre Hosts ‘Love, Loss and What I Wore’ Through November

The **Elgin Theatre Company** presents the poignant play **’Love, Loss and What I Wore’** at the **Elgin Art Showcase**. The production runs on weekends until **November 23, 2023**, with showtimes at **7:30 p.m.** on Fridays and Saturdays, and **2:30 p.m.** on Sundays. Tickets are priced at **$25**, with a **$2 discount** available for students and seniors aged 62 and older.

Based on the book by **Ilene Beckerman**, the play explores women’s lives through the clothing they wear and the memories that those items evoke. The performance features both monologues and ensemble pieces where women recount personal stories related to significant moments in their lives, such as first bras, prom dresses, and wedding gowns. For further details and ticket purchases, visit the theatre’s website at elgin-theatre.org/the-season.

Community Events Highlight Elgin’s Cultural Scene

In addition to the theatre production, tickets are now on sale for the **fourth Elgin Sing-Along Messiah**, scheduled for **7 p.m.** on **December 4, 2023**, at the **Second Baptist Church of Elgin**. Audience members are invited to join in singing selections from **Handel’s Messiah**, accompanied by musicians from the **Elgin Symphony Orchestra**, the **Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra**, and members of the **Elgin Master Chorale**. Soloists include soprano **Maria Kanyova**, tenor **Eric Wassenaar**, and baritone **Jonathan Wilson**.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the **Well Child Center**, which operates a **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 are available for **$7**, which includes a **$2 handling fee**, and children aged 12 and under can attend for free. Advanced purchase is required, and seating will be assigned by vocal range. For more information, visit www.ElginSing-AlongMessiah.org.

Deputy Police Chief **Aaron Simonton** of **Dixon** recently received recognition for his quick thinking in a life-saving incident at a Portillo’s restaurant in Elgin. On **October 19**, while off-duty and dining with his family, Simonton noticed a man choking. He promptly intervened and successfully dislodged the obstruction, a heroic act witnessed by several children. During a city council meeting, Police Chief **Ryan Bivins** commended Simonton for acting decisively, stating, “You showed them what wearing the badge at all times really means.”

Musical Performances and Cultural Celebrations

The **Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra** will showcase its talent with three concerts on **November 16, 2023**, at the **Blizzard Theater** in the **Elgin Community College Arts Center**. The first concert begins at **1:30 p.m.** and will feature a prelude, sinfonia, and percussion ensemble. The second concert at **4:30 p.m.** includes a flute choir and brass choir, while the **7:30 p.m.** performance will highlight the youth symphony and its percussion ensemble.

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

Elgin Community College is gearing up for **International Week**, with free events scheduled for **November 17** and **November 20**. This celebration aims to promote global education and recognize the achievements of over **80 international students** representing **37 countries**.

The week will kick off with an opening reception on **November 17** from **12:30 to 2 p.m.**, featuring remarks from ECC President **Peggy Heinrich**, a Bollywood dance performance, and light refreshments. On **November 20**, students will share their experiences studying abroad from **1 to 2 p.m.**, followed by a screening of local filmmaker **Griffin Hammond’s** documentary **“Sriracha”**, which chronicles the journey of David Tran, who introduced the iconic hot sauce to the U.S. Snacks will be provided during the film screening. For more details, visit elgin.edu/student-services/student-life/international-week.

As the Elgin community continues to engage in cultural and social activities, these events highlight the vibrancy and interconnectedness of its residents and visitors alike.