Behind the Scenes: Bill Zwecker picks for Oct. 31-Nov. 14

Welcome to “Behind the Scenes” – a video snapshot of what’s on tap on the entertainment scene in the Chicago area.

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Please enable Javascript to watch this videoFans of John Lithgow will want to know the acclaimed actor is bringing his one-man show “Stories By Heart,” to the Elgin Community Center on Saturday, November 2 and then will perform the show at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie on Sunday, November. 3.

Speaking of one-person shows — Ronnie Spector — will be performing her own one-woman gig at City Winery on Friday, Nov. 1.

The circus is coming back to town — and for a relatively long stretch. The one and only Ringling Bros. will set down at the All State Arena beginning Friday, November 1 through Nov. 11 — and then move into the city — and the United Center for a November 20 through December 1 engagement.

Fast-rising singer Kate Nash will be at the Metro on Friday night November 1 and while we’re speaking about that upcoming weekend — the annual SOFA design show will be running at Navy Pier, beginning on Halloween — October 31 through Sunday, November 3.

Cyndi Lauper — who recently won a Tony Award for writing the music to “Kinky Boots” — which started in Chicago — will be back in town with her own show at the Chicago Theatre Friday night, Nov. 1.

Five-time Oscar winner John Williams — whose iconic movie scores have included “Star Wars,” “Schindler’s List,” “Jaws,” and “E.T.” — will be performing special concerts movie music with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra November 8 through the 11^th, and will remain as a composer in residence at the CSO for the next three weeks.

For the three decades of Johnny Carson’s reign as king of late night television on the Tonight Show, Doc Severinsen was his musical director and band leader. Doc himself will be in our area November 8 for a gig at the Rialto Theatre in Joliet.

Finally, it’s probably not likely Sinead O’Connor will take any further pot shots at Britney Spears, but the veteran singer will be performing at the City Winery, November 4, 5 and 6.

For more entertainment news check out my blog.