Chicago Calendar

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Chicago Calendar

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Murder for Two—A Killer Musical: A mix of Agatha Christie mystery, old-fashioned musical comedy and modern panache, this whodunit comes with a killer twist — one actor investigates the crime, the other plays all 13 suspects, and they both play the piano. Runs from May 12 to June 19 upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare in the The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-5600. www.chicagoshakes.com.

The Ugly Duckling: The Institute for Learning, Access, and Training at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform two performances of this production of The Ugly Duckling at 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. May 14 in Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center. These concerts are part of a family series designed to introduce young children (ages 3-5) to the wonders of classical music. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org.

Vivian Maier Photography Exhibition: A recently uncovered collection of vintage photographs by Chicago street photographer Vivian Maier (1926 ‐ 2009) reveals an intimate portrait of midcentury life in New York and Chicago, where she moved to in 1956. She died at 83 in a nursing home in 2009. In recent months, Maier’s incredible story and her impressive body of work has been heralded by critics and national publications alike. The collection can be viewed at Russell Bowman Art Advisory, 311 W. Superior, Suite 115, 10 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Aces: Signal Ensemble Theatre presents ”Aces,” written by Ensemble Member Jon Steinhagen. In the summer of 1975 Saigon has fallen, the Watergate scandals continue, and Bobby Fischer refuses to play chess, but in Vegas, casino employees still run their scams. Blackjack dealer named Samantha comes around and these losers are forced to take a close look at their lives. Runs Thursdays through Sundays at Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave. Street parking available. Brown line EL stops Irving Park and Addison. Tix and info at 773-347-1350 and www.signalensemble.com.

Passport to the World—India: The Children’s Museum at Navy Pier brings the sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of the city’s vibrant cultures to children and their caregivers through first-person programming that fosters appreciation for the rich diversity that defines Chicago. 5 to 8 p.m. May 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 14 and 15. 700 E. Grand Ave. www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/hours.html. Admission charged; but Kraft Free Family Nights are Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.

Chicago Attractions

Brookfield Zoo: Brookfield Zoo is located at First Ave. between Ogden Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield. Metra stop is Hollywood. 866-GoToZoo or 800-201-0784. www.czs.org.

• Stingray Bay: Get up close to cownose rays at the zoo’s seasonal Stingray Bay exhibit with more than 50 cownose rays housed in a 16,000-gallon saltwater touch pool that is landscaped with its own waterfall. Open daily through Labor Day. After Labor Day, open weekends through September. Additional admission.

Lincoln Park Zoo: 2001 N. Clark St. 312-742-2246 or www.lpz.com.

• Garden Tour: From April through September zoo visitors can enjoy a free garden tour at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Different plants and areas will be highlighted with tips and information about care and maintenance.

• Run for the Zoo: Registration is open for Run for the Zoo USATF-certified 5k and 10k chip-timed race at 8 a.m. June 5. There’s also a 5K Fun Walk, and a free event for children 10 years and younger. Registration fees (discounted until April 30) between $15 to $36 at www.lpzoo.org.

Chicago Botanic Garden: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Open every day except Dec. 25. Admission free. $15 parking. (847) 835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Navy Pier: Visit Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, east of the downtown area, at 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437 or www.navypier.com.

The Underground Poetry Jam: At a “jam,” poets are free to explore in a non-competitive environment without fear or ridicule. 10:30 p.m. Fridays at The Greenhouse Theater - Downstairs Mainstage, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. $10. 773-404-7336. www.greenhousetheater.org.

Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington St. Toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO. 312-744-6630. www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/.

Chicago Tourism Center: 72 E. Randolph, across the street from the Cultural Center. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. www.explorechicago.org.

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.

Visitor Information Centers: At Chicago Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. and the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO.

Shows/Fests/Events

Piccadilly Circus at Sears Centre Arena: The Circus Celebrates its 25th anniversary at eight performances, May 6 through 8 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Tix start at $32/adults and $13/kids at www.SearsCentre.com, 1-888-SEARS-TIX, or the arena box office. Acts include the “Elephant Extravaganza,” “Motorcycle Madness,” Katunga—“Mongolian Angels” contortionists,and much more. Piccadilly Circus is a production of Ice Capades producers.

30 Years of American Eagle: Six Flags Great America kicks off the 2011 season with a trip down memory lane. The theme park celebrates 30 thrilling years of American Eagle, the iconic racing wooden coaster. The anniversary is marked with a special Opening Day ceremony and discounted admission. In honor of the year the coaster opened, fans of American Eagle can purchase a $19.81 ticket online good for Opening Weekend, May 7 and 8. www.sixflags.com/greatamerica

Point of View: Celebrate Mother’s Day month with an exhibition of woman-made art. From abstract to representational, subtle to bold, this show encompasses varied points of view from the artists as they experience and interpret the world around them. The all female show, will display works by Logan Square artists Katie Holland, Tracy Kostenbader and Julie Sulzen. From 6 to 9 p.m. May 7 at I Am Logan Square Gallery, 2648 N. Milwaukee Ave. www.iamlogansquare.com.

Second Friday: From 6 to 10 p.m. on the second Friday of each month, this month is May 13. The neighborhood at S. Halsted and 18th Streets presents artists, performance work, and more. The multi-location event is in the format of a self-guided walking tour. The info center for maps and details is at 1821 S. Halsted St. Info on more than 30 galleries of the Chicago Arts District and a preview of the May 13 2nd Friday is at www.chicagoartsdistrict.org.

Music

School of Rock Tribute — Nirvana: The kids at School of Rock pay tribute to Nirvana and play some of their great hits at 3 p.m. May 14 and 15 at Schuba’s, at 3159 N. Southport Ave. Tix are $10 in advance and can be purchased at the School of Rock, 3043 N. Ashland. Info at 773-857-3804 or Chicago@schoolofrock.com.

Jubilant Mozart: The third program in the multi-year “Mozart Journey” series will be presented by the St. Charles Singers and chamber orchestra at 2:30 p.m. May 15, at Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road, with a pre-concert talk at 1:30 p.m. Tix are $40/$30 $20, available at 630-513-5272, www.stcharlessingers.com. or Townhouse Books, 105 N. Second Ave., St. Charles.

Some Enchanted Evening — The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s revue includes Austin Cook working with 36 of their songs, singing and playing his own white baby grand piano at the No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood. Now extended through June 5. Tix are $25/$35. Three course dinner available for $20. Free parking available. Red Line — Morse Stop. Theo Ubique Information Line: 773-347-1109. www.theoubique.org.

A Magic Carpet Ride: The Brunch and Boogie monthly series is presented by Families in the Loop (FITL), to introduce families to music from around the world. See what a difference music can make in a child’s life. 10:30 a.m. to noon May 14 at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Tix are $8 general admission; kids 2 and under are free. Mac and Cheese provided for all kids. RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/org/807242417?s=3051827 or www.familiesintheloop.com

Music Institute of Chicago: Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tix and info at www.musicinst.org or 847-905-1500 ext. 108.

• WarnerNuzova: Combining legendary training and artistry from Russia and America, cellist and MIC faculty member Wendy Warner and pianist Irina Nuzova perform at 7:30 p.m. May 7. Admission is $25/adults, $15/seniors, $10/students.

Mayne Stage: Mayne Stage is at 1328 W. Morse Ave. Red Line stop is “Morse.” Tix and Info at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554. Great venue.

• Electric Junkyard Gamelan: 8 p.m. May 7. $15.

• Karrin Allyson Trio: Jazz. Two shows. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 8. &25/advance; $30/day of.

• This is Your Brain on Comedy: Jeff Garlin, Steve Byrne, Rhythm Method, Erin Martin. 8 p.m. May 9. $50/$75.

• Steve Gibons’ Gypsy Rhythm Project and Bulbul Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. May 12. $15.

• Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble: 9 p.m. May 13. $15.

• Ensemble Dal Niente: Presents Voodoo Unbound, Part 4. 7:30 p.m. May 14. $15/$20.

• Tribute to Tin Pan Alley: 7:30 p.m. May 15. $15.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org. All concerts are at Symphony unless otherwise noted.

• Piano Series: Arnaldo Cohen. Featuring Brazilian piano works. Recital at 3 p.m. May 8. Tix $17 to $75.

• Kraft Family Matinee Series — On the Waves of Sound: Selections include Handel, Beethoven Strauss and more. Prokofiev. 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. May 7. Tix: $7 to $63.

Ravinia Summer Series: This season’s tix are on sale now. Go to the Web Site for info. Festival grounds, Lake Cook and Greenbay Road, Highland Park. Box Office: 847-266-5100. at www.ravinia.org.

Films

Indie Incubator Film Fest: The Film Fest is now receiving submissions for the 8 p.m. May 24 Indie Incubator Film Fest at the Original Mother’s, 26 W. Division St. Go to www.indieincubatorfilmfest.com for details on submissions. To submit your short film, drop a copy off/mail a DVD copy to Indie Incubator Film Fest, 8 W. Division, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60610, or contact Indie Incubator Submissions and Press Contact, Matt K, 312-664-6656 ext. 124, mattk@rushanddivision.com

Theater

Arizona, No Roosters in the Desert: Prop Thtr, in its 30th season, presents a story of four women crossing the Arizona desert from Mexico, The characters were drawn from more than 140 interviews as an investigation of U.S. immigration enforcement agents and their interactions with female border crossers. Runs Thursdays through Sundays, April 28 through May 29 at the Prop Thtr, 3205 N. Elston Ave. No shows on May 5 and 12. Tix $20/$15 at box office or www.propthtr.org.

The Hot L Baltimore: Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 2010-2011 season with The Hot L Baltimore by Lanford Wilson, directed by ensemble member Tina Landau. Through May 29 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tix $20 to $73. Available at 1650 N. Halsted St., 312-335-1650, www.steppenwolf.org.

Passing Strange: The Tony Award-winning rock musical is a coming of age story of a young black man from Los Angeles, rebelling against a loving, church-going family and breaking out on his own to fine “the real.” Fridays through Sundays through May 29 at Chicago Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA), 777 N. Green St., a block west of Halsted off of Chicago Ave. Tix $35/$25/$15, available at 312-733-6000. www.theaterland.thundertix.com, www.bailiwickchicago.com/passing-strange.

“Pony” and “Woyzeck”: About Face Theatre and The Hypocrites present a festival inspired by the classic German story from April 10 through May 22 at The Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. The Woyzeck Project will also feature a number of art and humanities. Tix, $28 per play, or $48 for both plays, at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or 866-811-4111.

Sex With Strangers: With blogs to hook-ups to dating, Sex with Strangers explores how we invent our identity – online and off – and what happens when our private lives become public domain. Through May 15 in Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tix $20 to $73. For more info and tix, box office, 312-335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org.

Stage Kiss: A romantic fantasy by Sara Ruhl and directed by long-time Ruhl collaborator, Jessica Thebus. ‘It is about the heart, and the dance the heart does when we are drawn to, or away from another person,’ Thebus. Stage Kiss begins previews April 30 (Opening Night is May 9) and runs through June 5 in the Goodman’s Albert Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tix are $25 to $78 and are available at the box office, 170 North Dearborn, by phone at 312-443-3800, or at www. GoodmanTheatre.org.

Steel Magnolias: The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) present “Steel Magnolias” for the final production of its 30th Anniversary season. In several scenes, the characters are listening to the local radio station, KPPD. The voice of the DJ will be played (via recordings) by professional radio voices familiar to Chicago listeners. Free parking in two lots. Tix $15/$10/$7. April 29 through May 22 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey. 773-404-7922 or www.saintsebastianplayers.org.

Supernatural Chicago: True Chicago stories of the paranormal, and blended with a array of elements: improv comedy, psychic demonstrations, magic shows, and haunted houses. An intimate and critically acclaimed one-man performance with Neil Tobin, Necromancer. 7:30 p.m. Fridays in the basement of Excalibur nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn at Ontario. $25, includes two free beverages and general admission to Excalibur nightclub for the evening. Seating is limited to 50 people. Check availability at Zerve and purchase tickets at www.SupernaturalChicago.com or 800-979-3370. Good value. Recommended.

Tragedy: a tragedy: The sun has set over streets, houses, government buildings and backyards everywhere. The world is dark. A news team is on the scene. Nobody knows if the sun, once set, will ever rise again. But there is a witness, and the witness will speak. Runs Thursdays through Sundays May 9 through June 4 at Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont. Tix at box office or www.redtapetheatre.org.

Comedy

South Side of Heaven: The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St. opens its 99th Mainstage revue, “South Side of Heaven,” at 7 p.m. April 10 at The Mainstage Theatre, 1616 N. Wells St. South Side of Heaven is a thought-provoking, irreverent and hilarious new show exploring the many fates that propel our world and universe. Tix are $22/$27 and are available at the Box Office, 312-337-3992 or www.SecondCity.com.

Zanies Comedy Club: 1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027 or www.ZANIES.com.

• Rising Star Showcase: May 9. $10.

• Dobie Maxwell: May 6, 7, 8. $22.

• Dennis Blair: May 10 through 15. $23.

• Aisha Tyler: May 12. $25.

The Chicago Improv: 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg, (inside Woodfield Mall). 847-240-2001 or www.improv.com.

• Loni Love: May 6, 7 and 8. $20.

Comedy Sportz Theatre: An interactive improv experience. Most of the shows are for all ages. 929 W. Belmont (Belmont and Sheffield). 773-549-8080, www.comedysportzchicago.com, www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.

• The ComedySportz Crew Meets Cinderella: Everyone knows the story of Cinderell and how it ends. But in this version The ComedySportz Crew ventures to the land of Cinderella and mayhem breaks out. And, she has help from some willing audience members. The interactive children’s play runs at 11 a.m. Saturdays, April 2 through May 28. Tix Adults/$10; kids $7.

• ComedySportz: Open run, Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m.and 10 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.. Tix: $22

• Battle-Prov: Moves from Wednesdays at 9 p.m. to Thursdays at 10 p.m. Runs through June 16. See a ComedySportz Farm Team take on local colleges and special guest teams. Your vote decides the winner. Tix $5.

Museums/Galleries

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-7827 or www.adlerplanetarium.org.

• Adler Astro-Overnights: Hands-on activities, exhibition free time, a space show and telescope viewing (weather permitting). Late night snack and continental breakfast included. Available date, starting at 6 p.m. May 6. $50/person.

• 3-D Vision — Imaging the Universe: 3-D Star Show in the 3-D Universe Theater.

• Adler after Dark: Adler’s 21+ event — cocktails, appetizers and the skyline view, plus a peek through the largest public telescope in the Midwest. April 21 Theme — Alien Planet. Music by DJ Sean Alvarez. Also, Strange New Worlds — The Search for Alien Planets and Life beyond Our Solar System. Open 6 to 10 p.m. every third Thursday. Tix include general admission, unlimited sky and space shows and more. $7/$10 advance tickets or $10/$15 on site.

ARC Gallery and Educational Foundation: 832 W. Superior #204. 312-733-2787. www.arcgallery.org.

• Beds and Beyond—Intimate Spaces: In her new works, Nancy Fritz reveals her fascination with the sense of spatial intimacy and mystery that one can find in the nooks and corners of everyday surroundings. Through May 22.

Chicago Architectural Foundation: CAF, Santa Fe Building, 224 S. Michigan Ave. at Jackson Blvd. 312-922-3432 or www.architecture.org.

• Chicago’s First Lady: The CAF River Cruise aboard the Chicago’s First Lady fleet begins the tours on April 30 and continues into the fall. Tix are now on sale at $35 for the ninety minute tour. Special pricing available for school groups and groups of 20 or more. 312-922-3432 or grouptours@architecture.org. Highly recommended.

• Travelogues and Technologies—From Small Sketches to the Biggest Book: Tales of scientific exploration and the evolution of technology that has helped preserve these extraordinary stories. A highlight of the exhibition is an up-close look at one of the largest books ever published — “Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom,” at 5 by 7 feet.

Field Museum: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-9410. www.fieldmuseum.org.

• Dozin’ With The Dinos: From 5:45 p.m. to 9 a.m. June 10, SUE the T. rex is having a sleepover. A night of family workshops, self-guided tours and fun activities. Explore ancient Egypt by flashlight, prowl an African savannah with man-eating lions and take a stroll through the Royal Palace in Bamum, Africa. The event includes an evening snack and continental breakfast in the morning. Standard Overnight: $63, $51 members and groups. Premium packages available. www.fieldmuseum.org/overnights

• Ernst and Young 3D Theater: Chicago’s only completely digital 3-D theater. Permanent Exhibition. Recommended for kindergarten through adults.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center: 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. For info on hours and admission prices, call 847-967-4800 or visit www.ilholocaustmuseum.org.

• Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow: An exhibition showing the story of Jewish professors who fled Nazism and came to America in the 1930s and 1940s, finding teaching positions at historically black colleges and universities. Daily. Through May 31. Free with Museum admission.

Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, second floor. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 312-814-5322 or www.museum.state.il.us.

• Mother’s Day Art Spree: Meet thirteen local artisans, learn about their craft, and purchase one of kind pieces from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 4 through 6. Work includes jewelry, glass, photography, silk scarves and more.

• Luminous Ground—Artists With Histories: The exhibition highlights the work and careers of eleven elder Chicago artists who are, or were, creatively active into their later decades. April 4 through Aug. 26.

Inspire Fine Art in Chicago: 435 E. Illinois St. www.thewallart.com.

International Museum of Surgical Science: 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org.

• pulling.reaching./onging: A large-scale, site-specific installation by contemporary artist Elissa Cox, from April 1 through June 24. This exhibition, the latest in the Museum’s ongoing “Anatomy in the Gallery” program, conjures a fantastical dreamscape of the body’s interior that is both grand and grotesque.

Irish American Heritage Center: 4626 N. Knox Ave. 773-282-7035 or www.irish-american.org. • Quiz Night: Test your trivia knowledge at the IAHC. $30 per team, limit of six players per team. Prizes. Food and drinks are available from the Fifth Province. Quiz Nights are at 8 p.m. May 20 For more info or to sign up, 773-282-7035 or www.irish-american.org.

Museum of Contemporary Photography: At Columbia College, 600 S. Michigan Ave. 312-663-5554. mocp@colum.edu.

• Public Works: Public Works examines geographically and chronologically diverse examples of the built infrastructure captured through the lenses of mid-20th century and contemporary artists. Photographs and videos by over 50 international artists. from the Museum of Contemporary Photography’s permanent collection and Midwest Photographers Project along with loans from other institutions and private collections.

Museum of Science and Industry: 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive. Extra charge on some exhibits. 773-684-1414 or www.msichicago.org. New: www.facebook.com/msichicago and twitter at msichicago.org/podcast.

• Suited for Space: See the creativity and ingenuity behind of the spacesuit. Through rare photography, inluding unique xray images, learn about this modern invention that keeps astronauts alive in outer space. April 6 through Sept. 25. Included in general admission.

• OMNIMAX: “Tornado Alley,” Through the end of 2011.

• Body Worlds and The Cycle of Life: The US premiere at the MSI opens March 18 and runs through Sept. 5. Requires an additional timed-entry ticket.

Notebaert Nature Museum: 2430 N. Cannon Drive. naturemuseum.org or 773-755-5100. Across the street from Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission, including special exhibitions, is $9/adult, $6/child 3-12, $7/seniors and students. Thursdays are suggested donation days. Open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Nature’s Architects: A new interactive, self-curated exhibition that investigates the creative, industrious and skillful craftsmanship of animal builders, in our own urban environment and around the world. Included in admission.

The Shedd Aquarium: Aquarium at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-559-0200. www.sheddaquarium.org.

• Jellies: Beginning April 15, Shedd Aquarium guests will be mesmerized by a new exhibit showcasing pulsing, translucent sea jellies and their mystifying natural history. More than 10 species of jellies throughout the new temporary special exhibit.

• Penguin Encounter: Have a penguin waddle up to meet you, and even touch its sleek, slick feathers during Shedd Aquarium’s new 30-minute penguin encounter. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Penguin Encounter admission and packages start at $30.

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