While Mother Nature tries to decide what type of weather to give us, how about you head to the nearest shelter offering indoor entertainment?

In the next couple weekends, an array of theatre productions is scheduled in nearby towns. Whether you enjoy laughing, crying, reminiscing or a little of everything, I’m sure you’ll find a performance that strikes your interest.

This weekend:

1.       Jake’s Women

Tonight, tomorrow or Sunday, head to the Spotlight Theater in New Lenox, located at 22032 Howell Drive, to view a performance of Jake’s Women by comic playwright Neil Simon.

Throughout this production, you will follow Jake’s mind through the inner turmoil of past choices he made and relationships he experienced, along with imaginary scenes that never really occurred. While mostly funny, this play is also said to pull on your emotional strings a time or two.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow and 3 p.m. on Sunday. The same times will be available next weekend. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. 

2.       The Trash and Recycle Show

There’s nothing quite like teaching your kids a valuable lesson through comedy that they’ll enjoy, right?

Bring them to “The Trash and Recycle Show with Steve Trash: Rockin’ Eco Hero” on Saturday at 2 p.m. This will take place at the Dorothy Menker Theatre at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Park, located at 9000 W, College Parkway.

This theater for young audiences provides a whole slew of educational opportunities throughout the year, and this is no exception. Kids can enjoy ecological illusions, eco-friendly magic tricks and much more, all while learning the importance of recycling and helping our planet.

Who knows? You might learn a thing or two yourself.

Tickets cost $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.

3.       Tad in 5th City

If you’re looking for a more serious theatrical production, look no further than Tad in 5th City on Saturday night at 8 p.m. This will be performed by students at the Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts, located at 1 University Parkway in University Park.

In this drama, you’ll witness the life of Tad Brown and his family as they struggle to deal with poverty, gang violence and other hardships following the 1968 Chicago riots.

Tickets cost $34 for adults and $28 for students.

Next Weekend:

1.       Spencers Theatre of Illusions

Take the whole family out for a night of unexplainable magic! The Spencers Theatre of Illusions is a traveling magic act performed by a husband and wife team. The Lincoln-Way area is lucky enough to have them stop here. Performances will take place Jan. 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. at the Performing
Arts Center at Lincoln-Way Central High School, located at 1801 E. Lincoln
Highway in New Lenox.

You won’t believe your eyes as this married couple penetrates walls, levitates in mid-air, vanishes and then reappears, and much more. This is one of those see it to believe it type shows. You might even get to participate! They’re big into interactive audiences.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.

2.       “Black Box” Winter Production

Experience a whole new type of theater at the up-close-and-personal “black box” productions, created and performed by the Lincoln-Way West High School’s Theater Company. These will take place Jan 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. at Lincoln-Way West, located at 21701 S. Gougar Road in New Lenox.

Each production includes five 10-minute, one act plays done in “black box” style. This means that the actors perform on a simple, scaled down stage within the staging area, with the audience close at hand. Within this short performing time, you’ll receive comedies, tragedies, dramas and more, all based on stories of average high school students.

Tickets cost $5.

3.       Second City “Laugh Out Loud” Tour

If you know comedy, chances are, you’ve heard of Second City. Now, they are coming to Palos Hills for the Second City “Laugh Out Loud” Tour on Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. This will take place at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center, located at 9000 W. College Parkway.

What do Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Bill Murray have in common? They all began their careers as standup comedians for Second City. It’ll be a full night of hilarious sketch comedy and improvisation.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 seniors and students. Be forewarned, this humor does include a PG-13 rating.