Theater
- “44: The Musical” returns for a limited run before it heads to New York for its off-Broadway debut. The musical is a satirical look at the rise and presidency of Barack Obama and the eccentric political characters he met along the way. T.J. Wilkins and Shanice star as the Obamas; Eli Bauman directs. From Aug. 23-Sept. 21 at The Studebaker Theater, Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan. Tickets: $44-$128.50. Visit 44theobamamusical.com.
- Terrence McNally, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s musical comedy “Catch Me If You Can” is the story of charming con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. (JJ Niemann) whose lies catch the attention of FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Nathaniel Stampley). Jessica Fisch directs. From Aug. 27-Oct. 19 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. Tickets: $73+. Visit marriotttheatre.com.
- “Things with Friends” is Kristoffer Diaz’s new play about a Manhattan couple hosting a dinner party as the George Washington Bridge collapses into the Hudson River. Dexter Bullard directs. From Aug. 29-Oct. 5 at American Blues Theatre, 5627 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $34.50+. Visit americanbluestheater.com.
- Pride Arts presents “A New Brain,” William Finn and James Lapine’s sung-through musical about a songwriter (Dakotta Hagar) diagnosed with a life-threatening brain condition who imagines the songs he’s yet to write. Jay Espano directs. From Aug. 25-Sept. 14 at Hoover-Leppen Theatre, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. Tickets: $30+. Visit pridearts.org.
- Jackalope Theatre presents the Living Newspaper Festival, which features five one-act plays inspired by recent news headlines: Paloma Nozicka’s “ABG,” Ike Holter’s “The Last Remains of the Dodo,” Jesse Jae Hoon’s “Enemies of America,” Jasmine Sharma”s “I Have to Get Off Raya” and Nora Leahy’s “Signal Down. From Aug. 21-25 at Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway. Tickets: $15+. Visit jackalopetheatre.org.
Dance
- Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater performs “Flamenco Tablao,” a suite of flamenco dances and music from southern Spain with Andalusian, Roma, Latin American and Caribbean influences. At 8 p.m. Aug. 22-23 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted. Tickets: $33-$50. Visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.
- Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project presents “Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions,” an evening of performances by Chicago companies including Hiplet Ballerinas, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, The Era Footwork Collective, Joel Hall Dancers, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Muntu Dance Theatre and more. At 6 p.m. Aug. 23 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $40 and $52. Visit harristheaterchicago.org.
Music
- After a brief stint on “American Idol” in 2021, which he left voluntarily to focus on his music, Benson Boone has since remained at the top of the charts with songs that mix pop with elements of soul and glam rock. He tours behind his new album, “American Heart.” At 8 p.m. Aug. 23 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison. Tickets: $171+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Neil Young and his band the Chrome Hearts – Spooner Oldham (organ), Micah Nelson (guitar), Corey McCormick (bass) and Anthony LoGerfo (drums) — perform songs new and old, including the recent single, “Big Change.” At 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at Huntington Bank Pavilion, 1300 S. Linn White Dr. Tickets: $158+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Chicago House Music Festival features four days of events including panel discussions, dance workshops, DJ sets from Andre and Tony Hatchett of the Chosen Few DJs, Pharris Thomas, Waxmaster, Tyree Cooper, Ralphi Rosario and more. From Aug. 21-24 at Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington; Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph; and along the Chicago Riverwalk. Admission is free. For more information, visit chicagohousemusicfestival.us.
- In honor of beloved WXRT radioman Lin Brehmer’s birthday, Metro hosts Hometown Celebration, an event featuring performances by Heather Lynne Horton, Scott Lucas (Local H), Michael McDermott, Eddie “King” Roeser (Urge Overkill), Jon Langford and more. Proceeds will benefit the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund. At 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark. Tickets: $26 and $31. Visit metrochicago.com.
Museums
- While the Illinois Holocaust Museum undergoes a yearlong renovation at its Skokie site, a downtown satellite museum at 360 N. State will present “Experience 360.” Opening Aug. 26, it showcases a sampling of the museum’s exhibitions including film experiences, interactive holographic interviews with Holocaust survivors and exhibits. Admission: $8-$12. Visit ilholocaustmuseum.org.
- The Design Museum of Chicago and Arts of Life, a studio collective of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities, present “Community on the Make,” which features works by founding artist Ronnie Cuculich and 56 other artists. To Sept. 30 at the Design Museum, 72 E. Randolph. Admission is free. Visit artsoflife.org.
Movies
- Chicago Film Society presents Technicolor Weekend, a series that showcases prints made using the Technicolor printing process. Films include Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” Charles Walters’ “Lili,” Stanley Donen’s “Arabesque,” Alan J. Pakula’s “The Parallax View,” Robert Stevenson’s “Mary Poppins” and more. From Aug. 22-24 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Tickets: $14.50. Visit siskelfilmcenter.org.
- Jump back in time with Brian Vincent’s documentary “Make Me Famous,” a portrait of the 1980s New York City art scene as seen through the experience of Edward Brezinski, an ambitious, charismatic artist hell-bent on success. Vincent and producer Heather Spore will take part in a Q&A at the 6 p.m. Aug. 22 screening. From Aug. 22-28 at Wayfarer Theatre, 1850 2nd St., Highland Park. Visit wayfarertheaters.com.
Festival fun
- Hellenic cuisine and culture are showcased at Taste of Greektown with food from neighborhood restaurants, live music, Greek dancing, family activities and more. From 4-10 p.m. Aug. 22 and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 23-24 on Halsted from Adams to Van Buren. Admission is free. Visit greektownchicago.org.
- Pizza City Fest features 14 diverse pizza options each day from area pizza chefs. Plus live music, games, panel discussions/demos, a pizza box folding competition and more. From Aug. 22-24 at 430 N. Rush. Admission: $36+. Visit pizzacityfest.com.
- You’ll find everything from traditional carne asada to creative fusion flavors at Lakeview Taco Fest where local taquerias and eateries vie for the coveted title “Best Taco.” Plus music and a family area with games, face painting and more. From 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 22-23 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 24 on Southport from Addison to Roscoe. Admission: $10 suggested donation. Visit southportcorridorchicago.com.