Things to Do in Chicago July 17-23: The Mix

Theater

• “Billie Jean” is Lauren Gunderson’s new play about sports icon and equality champion Billie Jean King who shattered glass ceilings on and off the tennis court. The play explores King’s public battles and private struggles in her battle for identity and equality that have inspired generations. Chilina Kennedy stars in the title role; Marc Bruni directs. From July 18-Aug. 10 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand. Tickets: $53-$134. Visit chicagoshakes.com.

• Kokandy Productions presents “Amelie,” Craig Lucas, Daniel Messé and Nathan Tysen’s musical based on the 2001 film about a young woman and the world of whimsy and romance that surrounds her. Aurora Penepacker stars; Derek Van Barham directs. From July 17-Sept. 28 at Chopin Downstairs Studio, 1543 W. Division. Tickets: $45-$55. Visit kokandyproductions.com.
• Tin Drum Theatre stages the Chicago premiere of British playwright Nick Payne’s “Incognito,” a play that bridges science and philosophy and redefines our understanding of self and the ever-shifting narrative of our lives. From July 17-Aug. 3 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. Tickets: $15-$39. Visit theaterwit.org.

• “Frontieres Sans Frontieres” is Phillip Howze’s comic spectacle about three stateless orphans who have built a simple life out of recreation and mischief-making until a parade of strangers introduces them to language, art and commerce. Kezia Waters directs. From July 17-Aug. 24 at Theatre Y, 3611 W. Cermak. Admission is free. Visit theatre-y.com.
• “The Real Black Swann: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen” channels the spirit of William Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved man who in the 1880s became the first known drag performer and queer activist in the U.S. Created and performed by Les Kurkendaal-Barrett. From July 18-27 at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson. Tickets: $30. Visit openspacearts.org.

Music

• Alt-pop chameleon Beck makes his Ravinia debut performing with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He’ll perform selections from his vast songbook filled with nods to rock, folk, hip-hop and electronic influences as well as works created with his father, composer and arranger David Campbell. Molly Lewis opens at 7:30 p.m. July 23 at Ravinia, 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Tickets: $49-$150. Visit ravinia.org.

• Concert Theatre Works, the company that combines classical music with storytelling, presents “Secret Byrd,” a piece that steps back in time to 16th century England for a performance of William Byrd’s “Mass for Five Voices” sung by British ensemble The Gesualdo Six accompanied by local viol consorts ViolMedium and Second City Musick. The fully immersive, candlelit experience is at 6 p.m. July 20 and 6 and 9 p.m. July 21 at Salvage One, 1840 W. Hubbard. Tickets: $65-$75. Visit concerttheatreworks.com.

• In a career that spans 14 albums, Texas legend Lyle Lovett has fused elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues into a sound uniquely his own. He comes to town with his Large Band for a show at 7:30 p.m. July 19 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets: $69+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs — singer Karen O, guitarist Nick Zinner and drummer Brian Chase along with a four-piece string section — celebrate 25 years together in a set of shows that digs into their songbook for beloved hits as well as deep cuts. At 7:30 p.m. July 22-23 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Tickets: $59+. Visit ticketmaster.com.

• Jam band favorite Phish brings its freewheeling sound to town for a trio of shows at 7:30 p.m. July 18-20 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison. Tickets: $93+. Visit ticketmaster.com.

Museums

• “Contemporary Drawings from the Stenn Family Collection” features selections of 20th century art from various movements across the world collected over five decades by Irving Stenn Jr. and his wife, Marcia Stenn. Included are works by Cy Twombly, Wayne Thiebaud, Judy Chicago, Josef Albers, Lee Bontecou, Myron Stout, Hélio Oiticica and more. To Sept. 15 at Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan. Admission: $14-$32. Visit artic.edu.
• A look into Chicago’s trading history can be found at The Chicago Board of Trade Building Museum. The museum focuses on the iconic Art Deco building’s rich CBOT history and the evolution of its trading pits. Includes a display of trading memorabilia showcasing key moments in the exchange’s history, video explanation of trader’s hand singles and memories from traders who worked in the pits. The museum is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 141 W. Jackson. Admission is free. Visit cbotbuilding.com.

Family fun

• The Goodman Theatre and Chicago Park District present “Book Up!,” which follows a traveling librarian (Jean Claudio who recently starred in Teatro Vista’s charming love story “Memorabilia”) who comes to town with a magical book cart. From July 23-Aug. 10 at various city parks. Performances are free and followed by a workshop. For a list of parks, visit goodmantheatre.org/event/book-up/.

Festival fun

• West Fest Chicago returns with music including local DJs and Empty Bottle curated bands (Les Savy Fav, Narrow Head, MAVI and more), local vendors, food and festivalgoer favorites: Kid Fest (bounce houses, pony rides, entertainment) and Pet Fest (water pools, dog activities, goody bags). From 5-10 p.m. July 18, noon-10 p.m. July 19-20 on Chicago from Wood to Damen. Admission: $10 suggested donation. Visit westtownchamber.org.
• Newberry Fest is a new event that takes over the first floor of the Newberry Library and features talks, performances, workshops, a used book sale and library exhibitions. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 19 at Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton. Admission is free. Visit newberry.org.
• Roscoe Village Burger Fest features two stages of live music, arts and crafts vendors, a children’s area and tasty burgers from some of Chicago’s top eateries. From 5-10 p.m. July 18, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. July 19-20 at 2000 W. Belmont. Admission: $10 suggested donation. Visit chicagoevents.com.