Chicago Calendar for May 11, 2012
By Kathy Russell May 11, 2012 2:58PM
Updated: May 12, 2012 10:23AM
Here is a look at top entertainment in Chicago.
Events include Will the Circle Be Unbroken — Death, Rebirth, and Hunger for a Faith; BIGart@NavyPier; Mayfest — Lake View; Neverland and Short-Film Fest.
WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN—DEATH, REBIRTH, AND HUNGER FOR A FAITH: One-night-only reading from Studs Terkel’s book at Steppenwolf Theatre’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Steppenwolf hosts the performance with the Studs Terkel Centenary Committee as part of a citywide celebration of Terkel’s birth. 7 p.m. May 21. Free, though tix are required and available in person through Audience Services, 1650 N Halsted or 312-335-1650; tix are not available online.
BIGART@NAVY PIER: The BIGart show is a free outdoor art exhibition at the Pier. Navy Pier has partnered with the Gagosian Gallery and will unveil to the public a signature Roy Lichtenstein sculpture – Brushstroke Group - at noon May 12 at Navy Pier. Another work of art to be showcased May 12 is a “Blazon,” by artist Anthony Caro. At 139 x 113 x 59 in., the steel sculpture will greet lakefront and Navy Pier visitors. In the weeks to come, sculptures and artistic works of various sizes, designs and materials from international artists will make their way to Navy Pier and welcome visitors to Gateway Park through October. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437 or www.navypier.com.
MAYFEST — LAKE VIEW: Starevents kicks off 17th Annual Summer Festival Season with three days of Mayfest, 5 to 10 p.m. May 18; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 19 and May 20, at 3100 N. Ashland Ave. at Barry Ave. Full days of activities and bands, food and drink. Entry is $10/day.www.starevents.com for additional information.
NEVERLAND: The Chicago Red Line presents “Neverland,” a twist on Peter Pan at 8 p.m. May 18 at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. Tix $23 general; $28 reserved. Box Office 773-381-4554, info@maynestage.com. 18 years and over. The Chicago Red Line is Chicago’s premiere contemporary cabaret ensemble.
SHORT-FILM FEST: Twice a year, The Original Mother’s, 26 W. Division, hosts the Indie Incubator Film Fest, now its fourteenth installment, on May 22. There is no submission fee for film makers. Films must be submitted on or before Friday, May 18, 2012 for consideration. Contact mattk@rushanddivision.com. Trailers and music videos are also accepted. Hosted by comic book creators and filmmakers, Matt Kubinski and Charles Klein, with a post party to follow for the rest of the night. Doors open at 8 p.m. 8:00pm. Admission is free. Attendees must be 21 and over. www.indieincubatorfilmfest.com, Facebook or @IndieIncubator on Twitter.
BIKE THE DRIVE: The Active Transportation Alliance today announced that Chicago’s largest bike ride, MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive on May 27, will last 30 minutes longer. The ride takes place along a car-free 15-mile stretch of Lake Shore Drive. Registered riders may start at 5:30 a.m. and bike as late as 10:15 a.m., depending upon their location on the route. Traffic to Lake Shore Drive resumes by 11:30 a.m. Registration at www.activetrans.org. Cost is $45/$40/$15. $58 day of ride. Held rain or shine. Capped at 25,000 participants. www.activetrans.org or 312-427-3325.
THE MUNCH AROUND LINCOLN PARK: It’s a new Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunt from noon to 2:30 p.m. May 19. Treat your taste buds to an exotic adventure while discovering the gourmet delights of Lincoln Park. Munch on foods like pizza, cupcakes, pretzel sandwiches, Italian ices and more while tackling witty, tricky questions. The price does not include food purchases; there is a wide range of options to suit taste, budget and diet. Cost for this hunt is $19.50, Buy tickets online: www.watsonadventures.com (Select location and hunt). Buy by phone: Call OvationTix at 866-811-4111 (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time).
Quick Notes
THE COMPOSER IS DEAD: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents The Composer is Dead, as part of its Family Matinee Series at 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. May 12 at Symphony Center. Original music by Nathaniel Stookey and text by Lemony Snicket. Tix $6 to $57 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org.
ADMIRAL EARTH — A WORKING TITLE: Flash forward to an over-polluted Chicago in 2053 as Admiral Earth attempts to defeat the evil Dr. Greenhauseffect, save Mother Earth, and the one thing he holds most dear: the Brown Line. Music by The Earthtones. 8 p.m. Thursdays, through June 7 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tix $12 to $15, at www.fb.me/admiralearth, www.stage773.com/, 773-327-5252 or www.stage773.com/tickets.
GREENHEART EARTH OLYMPICS (GEO): GEO is a fun-filled “field day” of interactive “Olympic games” and educational workshops on May 12, focusing on increasing awareness of other cultures, the environment and changing our habits for the global good. At Wicker Park (Damen, Schiller, and Wicker Park Ave.) 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.cci-exchange.org/GEO.
FIGMENTS: The Saint Sebastian Players end their 31st season with the farce Figments, which celebrates writer’s block and the power of the imagination. “Figments” runs Fridays through Sundays, ends May 20 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey. $15, $10/students with valid IDs and $7/seniors and kids younger than 12. 773-404-7922 or www.saintsebastianplayers.org.
2ND FRIDAYS: 2nd Fridays in the Chicago Arts District, 6 to 10 p.m. May 11. 30 artist run spaces along S. Halsted and 18th St. Chicago Info Center at 1821 S. Halsted St. www.chicagoartsdistrict.org.
MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL: The 90 minute, 20-song musical is a loving look at the joyous journey — the blessings and perils of being a Mom. Ends May 20 at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. Tix $48 to $65; available at www.ticketmaster.com, 800-982-2787 or at the Royal George Theatre box office, 1641 North Halsted Street. www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com. www.motherhoodthemusical.com.
RISE OF THE NUMBERLESS: Let your underground brothers and sisters open your eyes with their glam-rock inspired “Rise of the Numberless.” The 90-minute, head-banging, rage punk fest plays now at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 26 at Collaboraction Studio 300 in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee. Bailiwick Chicago, 773-969-6201, www.bailiwickchicago.com.
“JELLIES” EXTENDED: The special exhibit “Jellies,” at The Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, has been extended through the end of 2013. 312-559-0200. www.sheddaquarium.org. 1328 W. Morse Avenue Chicago, IL 60626 Box Office 773.381.4554 info@maynestage.com.
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METRA’S $7 WEEKEND PASS: Weekend passes are good for unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday for all stations. Weekend parking is available at all stations. Note: Boat taxis are available from Union Station to Navy Pier and/or the museum campus, Chinatown and other points along the river or lakefront. Reasonable pricing and fun.
