Spring break is the perfect time to catch some student theater.
Travel back in time to 1944 at the Badger Ordinance Works in Baraboo, Wisconsin, for College Theater’s production of “Badger.” Depicting the war effort on the homefront, the play runs March 24-April 3 at McAninch Arts Center’s Playhouse Theatre on the College of DuPage campus.
“After the start of WWII, opportunities were suddenly opened, and a sense of independence and empowerment were afforded to women,” said Director Amelia Barrett, College of DuPage theater professor and Buffalo Theatre Ensemble associate artistic director.
But change brings complications.
“With these new opportunities came a burden — balancing child care and work, pay discrimination, sexual harassment, and guilt for their work in traditionally male fields,” Barrett said. “The men who remained on the homefront were not exempt from judgment and a similar weight.”
Sixteen student actors will tackle this period piece.
“This play showcases several points of view from a cross section of men and women,” Barrett said. “It dramatizes their friendships, loss, sacrifices and triumphs within a social structure under extreme pressure during this historic period.”
All issues that are still relevant today. “Like all theater, the best part of a production is the conversation that occurs afterward,” Barrett said. “I hope the audience can discuss their own values, their own thoughts of fairness and strength, being true to our best selves, unencumbered by others’ judgments — and how we can all meet the challenge of the future together.”
With adult language and themes, this production is for mature audiences.
Stick around for a post-show discussion with the director, actors and crew April 1.
“Badger”: March 24-April 3 at McAninch Arts Center’s Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn. Tickets, $16.50-$18.50. atthemac.org/events/badger/
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.Here are four other good bets for spring break.
Go Zoo Something
Opening day at Randall Oaks Zoo: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 26, 1180 N. Randall Road in West Dundee. Tickets, $4.25-$5; children 1 and under and military with ID free. dtpd.org/randall-oaks-zoo/.
From emu and fennec fox to camels and wallabies, visit some furry and feathery friends after the long winter — and meet some new residents. Season memberships for unlimited admission and other perks are also available.
Feed some critters for $1.50/cup. Pony rides are $5 or six for $25.
Stay for lunch and more fun at the 141-acre Randall Oaks Park with three shelters, six picnic areas, one volleyball court, three playgrounds, plus a 10-hole disc golf course.
Feel Fashionable
“Thank You For Leaving The House (TYFLTH)”: 12-9 p.m. March 26-27, Black Cactus Print House, 11 E. Wilson St. in Batavia. 630-326-9191; nothingbydefault.com.
Black Cactus Print House debuts an immersive multimedia art experience titled “Thank You For Leaving The House (TYFLTH).” Created by owner Andrew Heppner, the venture is part art gallery, party repurposed vintage clothing shop.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Volunteer Restoration Workdays at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County: March 26-27, Churchill Woods and Maple Grove Forest Preserves. Free. dupageforest.org/calendar-of-events.
Looking to help Mother Nature while enjoying some fresh air and a little physical labor? Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is hosting some volunteer opportunities: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. March 26-27 at Churchill Woods in Lombard, and 9 a.m. to noon March 26 at Maple Grove in Downer’s Grove. Chores include collecting seeds and removing nonnative plants. For ages 8 and up, those under 18 must be with an adult.
Register at least five days in advance at apm.activecommunities.com/fpddc/Activity_Search?Page=2 or calling 630-206-9630.
See Some Art
“EXHIBITION: (Re)volution”: April 1-May 21, Third Floor Gallery, 20 E. Downer Place in Aurora. Free. aurora-il.org/329/Aurora-Public-Art.
“(Re)volution” is a retrospective exhibit of Aurora resident Kyle Reeves’s paintings from 1999 to 2021. Themes of his artwork include social problems like veteran neglect and substance abuse as well as the healing potential of gardening and meditation.
The opening reception is 6-9 p.m. April 1. Both the exhibit and the reception are open to the public. Gallery hours are 12-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.
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