30 things to do in Chicago April 9-15
Theater
- “Windfall” is Tarell Alvin McCraney’s drama about a Chicago father who when his child dies in a clash with the police must decide whether to take a cash settlement and forget his grief or remain haunted by memories of the world his child fought to protect. Awoye Timpo directs. From April 9-May 31 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $20-$148.50. Visit steppenwolf.org.
- For its final production at the North Shore Center before a move in the fall to a new space in downtown Evanston, Northlight Theatre presents “The Angel Next Door,” Paul Slade Smith’s romantic comedy about an author who gathers with screenwriters and his leading lady to adapt his novel for the Broadway stage. From April 9-May 10 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $46-$98. Visit northlight.org.
- Rae Gray and Christopher Donahue star in “Job,” Max Wolf Friedlich’s psychological thriller about an employee at a big tech company who must be evaluated by a crisis therapist after video of her screaming breakdown goes viral. David Esbjornson directs. From April 9-June 14 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe. Tickets: $50+. Visit writerstheatre.org.
- Leslie Buxbaum, David J. Levin and Erin McKeown’s “Out Here” is a new musical about a woman (Becca Ayers) who is caught between what’s been and what’s next as she tries to reimagine her expectations, harmonize with loved ones and trust the process. Chay Yew directs. From April 10-May 10 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Tickets: $60-$90. Visit courttheatre.org.
- Teatro Vista Productions presents the world premiere of Paloma Nozicka’s “Both,” an examination of family, love, memory and which version of the truth is the one worth believing. Georgette Verdin directs. From April 11-May 10 at Steppenwolf 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $47. Visit steppenwolf.org.
- “Ruthless! The Musical” is the satiric story of an adorably sociopathic 8-year-old who will stop at nothing to land the lead role in her school play. Christina Ramirez directs. From April 15-May 17 at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. Tickets: $45. Visit citadeltheatre.org.
- Pride Arts presents A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” performed as an LGBTQ love story and celebration of lifelong friendships. Jay Españo directs. From April 10-19 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $25. Visit pridearts.org.
- In Theresa Rebeck’s “Poor Behavior,” a visit from old friends takes an unexpected turn when a bombshell accusation throws niceties out the window. Lauren Katz directs. From April 10-May 10 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Rd., Glenview. Tickets: $55. Visit oillamptheater.org.
- Brightside Theatre presents “Private Lives,” Noel Coward’s comedy about two former lovers who reunite while on their honeymoons with new spouses. Jeffrey Cass directs. From April 10-26 at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Center College, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. Tickets: $32-$37. Visit brightsidetheatre.com.
- Wild Door Theater stages “Maybe Tomorrow,” Max Mondi’s metaphysical puzzle that explores marriage, perception and the unnerving human need to be seen. Andrew Gallant directs. From April 13-May 24 at Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport Ave. Tickets: $29-$43. Visit wilddoortheater.com.
- Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s timeless songs are the star of “Bat Out of Hell – The Musical,” a celebration of rock, rebellion and epic love. At 7:30 p.m. April 9 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Tickets: $73+. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
- Silk Road Cultural Center and Stage Center Theatre present a workshop staging of “Full-On Cleopatra,” Yussef El Guindi’s comedic look at the dramatic finals of one of history’s great romantic couples, Antony and Cleopatra. From April 15-25 at Northeastern Illinois University, Stage Center Theatre, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Tickets: $12. Visit silkroadculturalcenter.org.
- “Concentration” is Arne Weingart’s theatrical adaptation of his poetry written in the voice of a World War II death camp prisoner. Anna H. Gelman directs. At 7 p.m. April 11 and 2:30 p.m. April 12 at Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. Tickets: $18, $36. Visit concentration26.eventbrite.com.
Dance
- Giordano Dance Chicago presents three world premieres that push the boundaries of jazz dance: Al Blackstone’s “Dumb Luck!,” Jon Rua’s “namuH” and Mike Minery’s “My Kind of Girl.” Plus works from the company’s repertoire including Blackstone’s “Sana,” Del Dominguez and Laura Flores’ “Sabroso” and more. At 7:30 p.m. April 10-11 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets: $36.80-$117.30. Visit harristheaterchicago.org.
- “Brendan Fernandes: In the Round” finds the artist-in-residence transforming the Driehaus Museum’s Murphy Auditorium into a dynamic site for dance, movement, sound and sculptural installation. From April 9-Nov. 14 with performances April 10-11 and May 6-9 at Driehaus Museum, 50 E. Erie St. Admission: $23. Visit driehausmuseum.org.
Music
- British indie rock band Florence + the Machine tours behind, “Everybody Scream,” Florence Welch’s sixth album that Rolling Stone says “is a visceral and mythical reflection on life and loss” and “a showcase for Welch’s remarkable voice.” At 7:30 p.m. April 10-11 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd. Tickets: $105+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- British post-punk band The Chameleons inspired the likes of Verve, Oasis, White Lies and The Killers. Now 24 years after its last album, the band celebrates the release of “Arctic Moon,” The Chameleons’ first album in 24 years. The Veldt opens at 8 p.m. April 10 at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $39.50. Visit lh-st.com.
- On his new album, “Evergreen,” singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes weaves together pop, country, folk, R&B and indie rock into songs with lyrics that center on themes of renewal, self-discovery and compassion. He says he wants “the music to feel like free therapy.” Franklin Jonas & the Byzantines open at 7 p.m. April 11 at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. Tickets: $15+. Visit chicago.houseofblues.com.
- R&B duo Floetry began in 1997 with singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius as “The Songstress” and spoken word artist Natalie Stewart as “The Floacist.” Their music has been called “poetry that flows.” At 8 p.m. April 15 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets: $127+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- To celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams,” BoDeans perform at 8 p.m. April 11 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. Tickets: $30.50-$70.50. Visit paramountaurora.com.
Museums
- The new exhibit “Dancing the Revolution” is the first of its kind to explore and expand the visual, political and spiritual histories of dancehall and reggaeton through contemporary art including painting, sound sculptures, installations, photographs and video. From April 14-Sept. 20 at Museum of Contemporary Art,220 E. Chicago Ave. Admission: $19 for Chicago residents, $22 for nonresidents. Visit mcachicago.org.
- Intuit Art Museum opens three new exhibits on April 9: “Life is an Art: The Collection of Jan Petry” (To March 21) “Impressions of a City: Drawings by Marvin Young” (To Aug. 23) and “Drawing with Metal: Sculpture by Bill Brady” (To Oct. 24). At 756 N. Milwaukee Ave. Admission: $20, 24 and under free. (Capping off the April 9 opening is a dance party, $75, from 8:30 p.m.-midnight April 10 at City Hall Events, 838 W. Kinzie St.) Visit art.org.
Art fairs
- Artists and galleries from around the world gather for the 13th annual Expo Chicago, the annual showcase of contemporary art alongside a diverse and inventive program of talks, installations and public art initiatives. From April 9-12 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Admission: $40+. Visit expochicago.com.
- The Other Art Fair brings together 115 emerging and independent artists. Plus interactive installations, live programming and community-driven experiences. From April 9-12 at Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. Tickets: $40+. Visit theotherartfair.com.
Movies
- Chicago Palestine Film Festival celebrates the artistic contributions of Palestinian filmmakers and filmmakers who make films on an international stage. Among the 17 films are Colette Ghunim’s “Traces of Home,” Poh Si Teng’s “American Doctor,” Hala Bou Saab’s “The Miracle of Gaza,” Rashid Masharawi’s “Passing Dreams” and Laila Abbas’ “Thank You For Banking With Us.” From April 11-25 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. Tickets: $15.50. Visit siskelfilmcenter.org.
- Disney’s classic film “Mary Poppins,” starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, is screened with live accompaniment by the Lyric Opera Orchestra performing Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman’s Oscar-winning score. At 7 p.m. April 10 and 2 p.m. April 11 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr. Tickets: $52+. Visit lyricopera.org.
- Labyrinth Film Series features the documentary work of Tom Palazzolo who captured moments of ’60s and ’70s Chicago including Riverview Amusement Park, the 1968 political environment, a backyard wedding shower and more. At 7:30 p.m. April 10 at The Labyrinth Club, 3658 N. Pulaski Rd. Tickets: $15. Visit eventbrite.com.
Family fun
Diego Vazquez Gomez (from left) jumps into the role of Bunny, with CoCo Gonzalez and Jonah D. Winston as Mama Bear and Papa Bear in a new production of “Goodnight Moon” directed by Mikael Burke April 11-June 7 at Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine St., in the West Loop.
Credit: Joe Mazza Chicago brave lux inc.
- “Goodnight Moon,” based on Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd’s beloved picture book, is an immersive musical for all ages featuring songs, dancing and the antics of a very nocturnal bunny. Mikael Burke directs. From April 11-June 7 at Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave. Tickets: $47.25. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
- “Titanic: A Voyage Through Time” is an immersive virtual reality experience about the legendary ship beginning with an encounter with the Titanic’s wreckage on the sea floor and then traveling back in time to 1912 to the ship in all its grandeur on its maiden voyage. From April 9-May 31 at Germania Place, 108 Germania Pl. Tickets $24+. Visit titanicexperiencevr.com/chicago.
- Discovery Day is an all-ages behind-the-scenes look at tree care and the green industry with tree climbing and tree planting demonstrations, interactive activities and crafts, fire trucks and police vehicles to explore, guided tours, tree sapling giveaways and more. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 11 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. Rt. 53, Lisle. Admission prices vary. Visit mortonarb.org.