I went to watch Les Miserables by Schaumburg On Stage as I'd recently missed the national tour in…read moredowntown Chicago. Realizing that Drury Lane and Paramount had done their version a few years back and Marriott Theatre had done it a bit before that, I wanted to watch a live version in case I can't make the next big stop in Milwaukee. I watch quite a bit of theatre, both professional and amateur. Not sure why, but until this show -- I wasn't aware of Schaumburg on Stage which has been around since 2016. To my surprise, the quality of the production was similar in quality to other highly acclaimed groups like the District 214 all-district group (which recently did The Wedding Singer). Here were my thoughts on various aspects of the show: Staging: It really surprised me how many sets were used in the show and how they were fully functional. They were designed and painted well and items were hardly reused. They also did a very good job of quickly changing sets to make sure the showtime was kept to a reasonable length. Vocals: Two things I like about this. One is how they kept the complex harmonies -- which worked great in group songs. The overall balance lacked baritone and bass voices, but that's expected with younger actors. I also liked how they did not shy away from the challenge of the very high notes for male or female leads. They could have easily changed the key, but it's great to see them embrace the challenge. Orchestra: A bit smaller, not sure if it's due to space limitations or that's the way the school version is written. A bit more reliant on piano and common woodwind/string instruments than the full version. I did like how they played at a level not to overpower the vocals. Lighting and fog: I liked all the varieties of lights used. Not just in general stage lighting from the top, but also from lights on the side and spotlights. There were quite a bit of variations on lighting, which helped to tell the story. I did not like the excessive use of stage fog though, which tended to linger for more than a single scene. Overall, a great group to watch a show from. It's much better than the typical amateur group and prices are very reasonable. It's also great how they incorporate actors and actresses from all different ages and help them to build interest in theatre. Based on the quality of this performance, I can't wait to watch another show when they get a new digital microphone system.

The experienced people at SOS really see the value and potential in each kid. They are like family…read morein that they really connect and care, but they also hold the kids to a high standard and help them achieve it. This is definitely a step up from park district community theater in both production quality and experience.

We hosted our sons 4th birthday party here from 5-7pm on a Saturday in January…read more We weren't sure how the timed stations and open play time was going to go with a group of 4 year olds but our experience was wonderful! The host was great with our son, the place was clean and organized, and it was a huge hit. The simplicity for decorating with just a banner and table clothes we brought was perfect and it was very convenient to have the rolling container to wheel all the presents out to the car. Would recommend!

Had a 3rd bday party for my son and it was a perfect venue for it. Dan was our party coordinator…read moreand he did a wonderful job. It was very organized and there was perfect amount of time in each space. The pizza was delicious and everything was so nice and prepared. The kids had an absolute blast and my son loved it.

Great Center, Staff is great. Very friendly makes you feel like family. Management is very…read moreprofessional and Carbig. Would highly recommend this center!

I would highly recommend this center. Teachers are 10/10. Very clean as well! If you're ever…read morelooking for a center, definitely check out this one.

(A review for a kid's birthday party) If you're tired of the…read moresame old kid's birthday party spots... the Kid Empires, Ball Factories, and Get Airs... then check out Whim. The kids are going to love it! We had my daughter's 8th birthday party here recently and all the kids had so much fun! Gretchen, the owner & host, has a cozy studio and checks all the boxes for a party: she has decorations, provides coloring sheets, and has the perfect balance of fun, understanding, and authority that keeps the kids on task and having fun. While booking the party you get to pick the project (from a few choices). Day of she walks/teaches the kids through every step of the creation. After, she fires the clay and you pick it up! It was such a delightful experience having a birthday party here that I will be recommending it to others as much as I can. Thank you for the great time, Gretchen!

Fiancé and I decided to get two take home clay kits for a date night. We had a blast! Can't wait to…read moredo another! Gretchen is very informative, responsive, and professional!

Manager don't know how to communicate always Fake commitments. I won't recommend this location…read morebecause of director/manager Reply to comment: Thanks for quick respond on yelp hope you have responded this quick when we called Cadence Academy@carol stream around 20+ times (always ignored us felt like discriminating), emailed on carolstream@cadence-academy.com (no respond) and visited 2 times personally.

We absolutely love Cadence Academy! Our son started pre-school in winter 2020 and has loved every…read moreminute. The teachers and staff are extremely kind, welcoming and supportive. The Director along with the teachers, go above and beyond for all of the children. The love and dedication they demonstrate definitely does not go unnoticed. The design and structure of the space is filled with fun touches, from the little village in the hallway, to the movie theater and the adorable little kitchen area. Everything is always extremely clean and well managed. The Kidsreports app is very comforting. We receive daily updates which include photos, activities and a meal/snack log. This application also allows us to communicate with the teachers and director. Cadence Academy has not only provided a great space for my son to learn and develop new friendships, but has also become such an important addition to our family. We truly love all of the staff, but wanted to personally thank Ms. Jamie, Ms. Kristen, Ms Leonora and Ms. Julie for always taking such good care of our son...you guys hold such a special place in our hearts. I definitely recommend Cadence Academy for those with littles ones.

York Center Park District has a very professional staff and team work ethic. I find they are very…read moreprofessional and sincerely caring of our children. My boys looked forward to going to camp and there was always an exciting story to tell.. unfortunately, Kai was upset that the fun always comes to an end. Looking forward to another great summer with the crew.

I am giving one star only because my kids love the summer camp teen couselors. What has been an…read moreaffordable Summer Camp has now become unfortunately out of our price range. The price increase from 2019 to 2020 is unbelievable! A $90 increase PER WEEK?? For each child?What family can budget for that? Unless the Camp activities and facilities have changed dramatically, this feels like a pure money grab. I did not think Park Districts were for profit. Upsetting, to say the very least. We miss Sarah, the old program director.

I filled out a form on their website inquiring about private lessons, followed up a week later with…read morea phone call to the front desk after not hearing back, curious about time frame. They said to allow more time. Followed up AGAIN 3 weeks later after still not hearing anything. I just wanted basic info about private lessons and waited a month with nothing. Called again and told the front desk how long I'd been waiting and they said they'd let the manager know ASAP. I received a text message that evening from Jeff Kramer that came across as very snippy and irritated, saying he never received my form (even though he later found it) etc. No apology for a month long wait. He told me he sent my inquiry to one of the trainers and it's now been another week with no word from the trainer. I'm five weeks in at this point and no closer to arranging a lesson. Unreal.

We went there and my son what to practice for upcoming game. Try looking for someone to help us and…read morecouldn't find anyone to help us out.

Small nature area tucked away in a neighborhood. Small parking and picnic area when you enter…read more Crushed limestone and wood chip walking paths. Composite boardwalk over the marsh. Good for birding or walking your dog. Suggestion...bring bug repellent.

This is a beautiful spot for a walk or bike ride. There's lots of relaxing nature to check out on…read moreyour journey. The Wheaton Park District offers classes (before COVID, not sure about now), at this location and a long time ago I brought me kids here at night to learn about creatures of the night. There was a talk and a craft and we made snores around a campfire. It was a memorable and fun time. They also have a ropes challenge course here which is a great team bonding activity. This is closed right now, so when it's open check it out. We don't take enough time to stop and smell the roses or whatever flowers there are, so visit here for some downtime!