James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts Theatre | Music | Dance Lake County, Illinois
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Amplify the Arts

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Upcoming Events at the James Lumber Center

2026-27 Marquee Series events go on sale June 17 at 10 a.m. CST
No pre-sale password? Our JLC donors get early access! Click here to find out more.

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Jagged Little Pill

July 17-19 and July 23-26

“Urgent, wildly entertaining, and wickedly funny...” – The Boston Globe

 

Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s electrifying album Jagged Little Pill, this Tony and Grammy Award-winning new musical about a perfectly imperfect American family is brimming with joy, strength, love, courage and life.

This production is recommended for mature audiences. It contains mature themes including substance abuse, sexual assault, strong language, and mental health challenges. 

Learn More About Jagged Little Pill

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Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues

Sunday, Sept. 13 at 4 p.m.

Three-time GRAMMY nominee Billy Branch is a powerhouse of Chicago blues. With more than 150 recordings, Branch has been electrifying audiences around the world with his fiery harmonica and commanding stage presence for years.  

 

Branch doesn’t just perform the blues- he brings its history, energy and soul to life on stage, captivating audiences of all generations. 

Learn more about Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues

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The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Thursday, Sept. 24 - Sunday, Sept. 27

There are two sides to every story and when the Big Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say.

But whether he’ll get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court is anyone’s guess.

Will the pigs’ splashy puppet show make a puppet out of justice or is the wolf’s catchy song and dance about a sneeze gone wrong all razzle-dazzle?

Learn more about The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

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Cracker
with special guests Ike Reilly and Shane Reilly

Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Over the years, Cracker has been described as many things: alt-rock, Americana, insurgent-country, punk and even classic-rock. But more than anything, Cracker are survivors. 

 

Despite major sea-changes in the music industry, in over a quarter of a century, Cracker has amassed ten studio albums thousands of live performances and hit songs that are still in current radio rotation around the globe.

Learn more about Cracker

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Sam Bush

Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Multi-time IBMA award winner and mandolin pioneer Sam Bush, is widely hailed as the father of “newgrass” music.

 

Once a child prodigy fiddler, Bush now continues his musical journey by blending bluegrass tradition with rock, jazz and reggae to create innovative, sounds that keep audiences entranced all show long!

Learn more about Sam Bush

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Sugar Skull!
A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure

Sunday, Oct. 18 at 3 p.m.

Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure is a touring bilingual/bicultural musical for young audiences and families that uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of twelve-year-old Vita Flores.

Learn more about Sugar Skull! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure

 

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Earth to Kenzie

Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Meet Kenzie, a fifth grader with homework, asthma, and a big imagination.

 

When she and her mother have to move into a family shelter, Kenzie finds refuge in the world of video games alongside her avatar, Edwin.

Through their imaginary space adventures, Kenzie dares to go farther than ever before.

Learn more about Earth to Kenzie

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Listen to Her Heart
The Tom Petty Experience

Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Dedicated to honoring Tom Petty and his iconic music, Listen to Her Heart: The Tom Petty Experience knows a thing or two about celebrating legendary musicianship. 

 

With their spot-on renditions and passionate performances, Listen to Her Heart captures the essence and spirit of Tom Petty’s sound, taking audiences on a nostalgic journey through his incredible career.

Learn more about Listen to Her Heart: The Tom Petty Experience

 

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Mariachi Herencia de Mexico
A Mariachi Christmas

Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays with the heartwarming sounds of Mariachi Herencia de México!  

 

In this special Christmas edition of their world tour, La Nueva Generación, the 2x Latin GRAMMY® nominated ensemble delivers a holiday concert that honors both the magic of Christmas and the cultural vibrancy of Mexico.

 

Learn more about Mariachi Herencia de Mexico - A Mariachi Christmas

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Ruth Page's The Nutcracker

Saturday, Dec. 19 & Sunday, Dec. 20

A beloved holiday tradition returns to the James Lumber Center stage!

 

Ruth Page's the Nutcracker will bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life with dazzling choreography and enchanting storytelling for audiences of all ages to enjoy this holiday season!

Learn more about Ruth Page's The Nutcracker

 

See the Full Calendar of Events

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