Things to Do in Chicago April 3-9: Theater, music, dance, movies and more

Usa today news

7 days ago

The jazz dance ensemble Giordano Dance Chicago celebrates the life and legacy of artistic director Nan Giordano with the world premiere of Al Blackstone’s “Sana,” plus “333,” “Soaring” and more from the company’s repertoire. At 7:30 p.m. April 4 and 6 p.m. April 5 at Harris Theatre, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $27-$97. Visit harristheaterchicago.org.
Evanston Dance Ensemble presents world premiere works by choreographers inspired by the theme of science and exploration. From April 3-6 at Josephine Lewis Theater, Northwestern University, 20 Arts Circle, Evanston. Tickets: $25. Visit evanstondanceensemble.org.

Victory Gardens Theater, in association with Relentless Theatre, presents the Midwest premiere of “Henry Johnson,” David Mamet’s newest play, about a middle-aged man as he navigates a series of encounters, both in the corporate world and in prison. Edward Torres directs. From April 8-May 4 at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $64-$69. Visit victorygardens.org.

“Translations” is Irish playwright Brian Friel’s drama set in 1883 rural County Donegal as members of the British Army arrive on an assignment to map the country, draw new borders and standardize local Gaelic place names into the King’s English. Braden Abraham directs. From April 3-May 4 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor, Glencoe. Tickets: $35+. Visit writerstheatre.org.
Kokandy Productions presents the 2025 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival featuring concert productions of Sarah Slipp and Bryce Palmer’s “Bend Toward the Light,” Wyatt Andrew Brownell’s “Man of the People: The Trials of Huey Long,” Scott Evan Davis and Jason Marks’ “Queen Bea,” Liam P. Mulligan’s “The Muses” and Jonathan Keebler, Ryan Korell and Bryan McCaffrey’s “Big Wig.” From April 3-6 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. Tickets: $20/performance. Visit kokandyproductions.com.
“The Da Vinci Code” is Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel’s adaptation of Dan Brown’s best-selling novel about the race against time to unlock the secrets of the title code. From April 9-June 1 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets: $75-$150. Visit drurylanetheatre.com.

Hell in a Handbag Productions presents “Scary Town,” David Cerda’s semi-autobiographical tale about growing up, seeing things differently and questioning your very existence — as told through the lens of a little brown bunny. From April 9-May 11 at The Clutch, 4335 N. Western. Tickets: $30-$43. Visit handbagproductions.org.

Bright Eyes tours in support of “Five Dice, All Threes,” the band’s tenth studio album. Decades into their career band members Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott (and a rotating list of collaborators) continue on new musical journeys with this “deeply personal and politically-charged album.” Rock trio Cursive opens at 7:30 p.m. April 5 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston. Tickets: $49+. Visit saltshedchicago.com.
Country Music Hall of Fame duo Brooks & Dunn have an arsenal of hits packed with nearly two dozen number one country nods that are now classics of the genre. Their three decade-plus partnership has earned many accolades including a 2024 CMA Award nomination for Vocal Duo of the Year. At 7 p.m. April 5 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont. Tickets: $39+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
The four women of the Ukrainian folk vocal group Yagody deliver a mesmerizing blend of centuries-old traditions with a call for resilience and freedom in their new song “BRamaYa.” Now on their first North American tour, catch them at 7:30 p.m. April 9 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. Admission is free, $30 for reserved seating. Visit oldtownschool.org.

Beth Gibbons, the singer and lyricist for the British band Portishead, is in the midst of her first solo North American tour supporting her critically-acclaimed first solo release, “Lives Outgrown.” Cass McCombs opens at 8 p.m. April 8 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets: $55+. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
Johnnyswim (Amanda Sudano Ramirez and Abner Ramirez) tour behind their new album “When the War Is Over,” which showcases the duo’s gift for crafting songs that feel both intimate and universal. Micah Edwards opens at 7:30 p.m. April 8 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield. Tickets: $40-$55. Visit jamusa.com.

The National Public Housing Museum (919 S. Ada) celebrates its grand opening weekend (April 4-6) with a variety of immersive exhibits, panel discussions, art workshops and performances. The first museum of its kind the museum highlights the histories and policies shaping public housing across the country. Admission is free, reservations encouraged. For more information on events and tours, visit nphm.org.

Chicago Latino Film Festival returns with a program featuring more than 50 feature films and a 30-film lineup of shorts. Highlights include Jayro Bustamante’s horror film Rita, “Chicago Fire” actor Joe Miñoso’s directorial debut “Paper Flower” and the Jane Fonda and Naomi Klein produced documentary, “Norita.” From April 4-13 at Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln; Instituto Cervantes, 31 W Ohio; and Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit chicagolatinofilmfestival.org.

Circus Vazquez presents its new production filled with a cast of international circus superstars who bring thrills, excitement and laughs for fans of all ages. From April 4-14 at Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand, Gurnee; April 18-28 at Yorktown Center, 203 Yorktown, Lombard; and May 2-12 at Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn, Vernon Hills. Tickets: $30, $15 for children. Visit circusvasquez.com.
Chicago Children’s Theater brings its popular staging of “The Beatrix Potter Tea Party” to Raven Theatre (6157 N. Clark) from April 5-20. Enjoy adventures with Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten and more favorite Potter friends. Tickets: $40, $20 for children under three. Visit raventheatre.com.