Chicago Calendar

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Updated: May 13, 2011 2:13PM

Chicago Calendar

Featured

Whales—Giants of the Deep: Explore the amazing world of whales through a unique blend of science and storytelling. Hear whale songs and traditional South Pacific legends. See enormous whale skeletons and artifacts made from whale bones.Touch a whale’s tooth and take a virtual plunge into the sea to hunt giant squid. The Field Museum’s new exhibit opens May 20 and runs through Jan. 16, 2012. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-9410. www.fieldmuseum.org.

Zoo-ologie!: A cocktail party for adults only, 21 and older, in Lincoln Park Zoo, 8 p.m. to midnight May 21. Taste temptations from Chicago’s best restaurants, mixologists cool libations, a carousel ride and dancing. Hosted by The Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board and benefits wildlife conservation. Tix $110. 2100 N. Clark St. 312-742-2163. www.lpzoo.org.

Told by the Wind: The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and The Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department present Phillip Zarrilli and the Llanarth Group’s “Told by the Wind” at 8 p.m. May 20 and 21 at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. Told by the Wind, created by Kaite O’Reilly, Jo Shapland and Llanarth Artistic Director Phillip Zarrilli, is a performance fusing movement and text that “dances” an inner landscape. Tix are $20. 312-369-8330 or colum.edu/dancecenter.

Campfire Ball: The 4th annual Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. (COSI) Campfire Ball from 7 to 11 p.m. May 21 at Venue One, 1044 W. Randolph St. Favorite camp snacks, spiked bug juice served up by local celebrity bartenders, and plenty of s’mores. Dance to hot tracks mixed by DJ Phiction and sing along to favorite camp songs. Much more, including amazing auction prizes. Proceeds will go to send kids from COSI to summer camp. Tix $75/advanced, $100/door includes open-bar and heavy appetizers. 312.235.6836. www.onestepcamp.org/events/campfire-ball.php.

Indie Incubator Film Fest: The Film Fest opens its doors at 8 p.m. May 24. The Original Mother’s is 26 W. Division St. There will be at least 2 hours of running time with short intermissions throughout. Admission is FREE. $5 PBR Tallboys and $5 Yes vodka cocktails will be the featured specials. Attendees must be 21 and over. www.indieincubatorfilmfest.com.

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. 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.

• IMAX: Navy Pier IMAX movie opens May 20 with Johnny Depp in 3D in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D.” Special packages available for IMAX Theatre and Windy Sailing Pirate events during this film, 312-595-5987 to purchase after May 2. Go to www.navypier.com for more info on pirate events.

• Chicago Children’s Museum: At Navy Pier at 700 E. Grand Ave. For more info, visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/hours.html. Admission charged. Special dates:

— A Curious Collection of Tiny Treasures: Michael’s Museum opens May 13 as a permanent collection of over 100 collections of treasures, donated by founder and curator Michael Horvich. It features hundreds of thousands of tiny objects including miniatures, trinkets, artifacts and curiosities.

— Passport to the World—India: The sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of the city’s vibrant cultures. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 14 and 15.

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

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 April 8 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

School of Rock presents a Tribute to Blues Legends: The students perform songs from such legendary blues artists as: Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy and other blues legends. Performed at Buddy Guy’s Legends, at 700 S. Wabash Ave. at 2 p.m. May 21 and 22. Tix $10 in advance at the school or through any student. School of Rock Music, ages 8 to 18, 3043 N. Ashland. Info at 773-857-3804 or Chicago@schoolofrock.com.

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.

• 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.

• Rico!: Santana Tribute 8 p.m. May 19. $15.

• Alfonso Ponticelli Flamenco Project: 9 p.m. May 20. $15.

• Chicago Red Line: Contemporary cabaret ensemble dedicated to bringing a variety of musical genres to our diverse audiences. 8 p.m. May 21 and 7 p.m. May 22. $15.

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

• 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.

• Paul Lewis: The acclaimed British pianist continues his exploration of the “Schubert and the Piano: 1822-28” 3 p.m. May 22. Tix $17-$75.

• Jazz Series — Centennial Tribute to Mahalia Jackson: The tribute features Chicago Jazz Ensemble; Dana Hall, director; Jon Faddis, trumpet; Christ Universal Temple Ensemble; Fred Nelson III, director; Terisa Griffin, vocalist; Queenie Lenox, vocalist. Tix $21 to $72.

Theater

Aces: 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. Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., presents ”Aces,” Thursdays through Sundays May 14 through June 18. Street parking available. Brown line EL stops Irving Park and Addison. Tix and info at 773-347-1350 and www.signalensemble.com.

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.

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. 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.

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. Ends 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. Ends 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. Ends 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.

Fair and Unbalanced: Every Monday night and Saturday afternoon at The Second City Chicago Mainstage. Featuring original and some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from their fifty year history, No institution escapes the satiric eye of The Second City — from the blowhards of the Beltway to the Hollywood elite. Ripped from the stages of Second City’s legendary theatres in Chicago and Toronto. Tix $16/$22 at 312-337-3992. or www.secondcity.com.

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

• All-Female Funnies: May 16. $10.

• Ken Rogerson: May 17 thru 22. $23. Dobie Maxwell: May 6, 7, 8. $22.

• Crystal Pistol Showcase: Hot new Chicago Comedians. May 23. $10.

• On Your Radar: Hot up-and-coming Chicago comedians on the Zanies Radar. See them now before they leave town and become famous. 8:30 p.m. and May 1. $20.

• Giggle and Grind: With Susanna Lee. May 18 and 19. $23.

• Andy Woodhull: May 24 thru 29. $22.

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

• Bill Bellamy: May 13, 14, 15. $24.

• Steve Byrne: May 19 thru 22. $19/$22.

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.

• Smashed! The Improvised Bachelorette Party: Opening May 6 at midnight and closing Sept. 2. Tix $10. 18 and older. Replaces The Nightcap in the Friday at midnight slot.

• 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.

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

• Journey to the Stars: Images from telescopes on Earth and from space, the program is a journey through time to experience the life and death of stars in the night sky, including the Sun. Open May 21 at Definiti Space 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. 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.

Russell Bowman Art Advisory, 311 W. Superior, Suite 115. 312-751-9500. www.bowmanart.com.

• 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. 10 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The Chicago Art Department: 1837 South Halsted, www.chicagoartdepartment.org.

Chicago History Museum: Museum is at 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600 or www.chicagohistory.org.

• Abraham Lincoln: As president, Abraham Lincoln faced our nation’s greatest crisis—the Civil War. His resolve to save the Union and radical decision to end slavery transformed America. This intimate exhibition highlights Lincoln’s election in 1860, his leadership during the Civil War, and his tragic assassination.

• Unexpected Chicago: Each month stop by to see a new item on display from the Museum’s collection of more than 22 million artifacts. The selections may come from the 17,909 linear feet of archives and manuscripts, 40,000 decorative and industrial arts artifacts, 3,400 works of art, 1.5 million photographs or 50,000-piece costume collection.

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

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

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.

• 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.

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,” March 11 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.

Indie Incubator Film Fest: The Film Fest opens its doors at 8 p.m. May 24. The Original Mother’s is 26 W. Division St. There will be at least 2 hours of running time with short intermissions throughout. Admission is FREE. $5 PBR Tallboys and $5 Yes vodka cocktails will be the featured specials. Attendees must be 21 and over. www.indieincubatorfilmfest.com.

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