Theater
- A creative team of Black women artists from New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Toronto, including a new story and libretto by Leah-Simone Bowen and co-librettist Cheryl L. Davis, and new orchestration and arrangements by Jessie Montgomery and Jannina Norpoth, presents a reimagining of Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha,” the composer’s often-overlooked 1911 opera. Award-winning soprano Neema Bickersteth sings the title role. At 7:30 p.m. May 2, 3 p.m. May 3 and 2 p.m. May 4 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $39-$97. Visit harristheaterchicago.org.
- Jordan Harrison’s “The Antiquities” is set in the future at the Museum of Late Human Antiquities where curators are fiercely committed to bringing a lost civilization to life again. Co-directed by David Cromer and Caitlin Sullivan. From May 3-June 1 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tickets: $20+. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
- Remy Bumppo Theatre presents “Art,” Yasmina Reza’s comedy that examines the quirky dynamics of friendship and the enigmatic world of art. Marti Lyons directs. From May 1-June 1 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. Tickets: $15-$55. Visit remybumppo.org.
- Anais Mitchell’s Tony Award-winning musical “Hadestown” mixes American folk music and New Orleans-inspired jazz to reimagine the ancient love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice and that of King Hades and Persephone. Rachel Chavkin directs. From May 6-18 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe. Tickets: $40+. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
- Raven Theatre and Rivendell Theatre present the world premiere of Keiko Green’s “Gorgeous,” about two women who must find a way forward in this story that asks questions about forgiveness and accountability. Stephanie Shum and Tara Mallen star; Kirsten Fitzgerald directs. From May 1-June 7 at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark. Tickets: $45. Visit raventheatre.com.
- “R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots)” is Bo List’s adaptation of a 1920 science-fiction play by Czech playwright Karel Čapek that introduced the term “robot” and looked ahead to the wonder and dangers of artificial intelligence. Brian Pastor directs. From May 2-June 15 at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr. Tickets: $35. Visit citylit.org.
- Avalanche Theatre stages “Time Is a Color and the Color Is Blue,” Melanie Coffey’s survival drama exploring climate change, grief, forgiveness and letting go. Zoe Sjogerman directs. From May 1-24 at Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N. Clark. Tickets: $15+. Visit avalanchetheatre.com.
- Maria Burnham’s “Drink the Past Dry,” a site-specific piece set in a neighborhood bar, is about the connections we have to the past. From May 2-June 1 at Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln. Tickets: Pay-what-you-can. Visit ghostlightensemble.com.
Dance
- South Chicago Dance Theatre, a company that fuses classical and contemporary dance styles, performs a mixed repertory program featuring the world premieres of Kia S. Smith’s “In/Within” and Kate Weare’s “Folk” plus Frank Chaves’ “Temporal Trance” and Tsai His Hung’s “Under the Skin.” At 7:30 p.m. May 3 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets: $39+. Visit auditorium.org.
Music
- Most recently, Lucy Dacus has toured as part of the supergroup Boygenius with Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers. Now, she comes to town for a two-night stand promoting her new album, “Forever Is a Feeling,” which topped the Billboard Americana/Folk chart. Katie Gavin and her band open at 7:30 p.m. May 1-2 at Chicago Theatre, 1754 N. State. Tickets: $49+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Japanese Breakfast (aka Michelle Zauner) tours behind her critically acclaimed album, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women),” which sees Zauner creating a “mature, intricate, contemplative work that conjures the romantic thrill of a gothic novel.” At 8 p.m. April 30-May 2 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston. Tickets: $59+ (May 1-2 sold out). Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Chicago folk legend Bonnie Koloc has been part of the scene since 1968. At local clubs (Earl of Old Town, Orphans, Holstein’s), she made up “the trinity of the Chicago folk scene” along with Steve Goodman and John Prine. Fellow folk singer Mark Dvorak opens at 8 p.m. May 2 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. Sold-out; ticket wait list available. Visit oldtownschool.org.
- The R&B/soul songs filled with contagious hooks and stunning harmonies of the London-based trio Flo, delve into the themes of love, sisterhood and navigating life as three young Black women. At 8 p.m. May 3 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston. Tickets: $32+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Museums
- “Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom” is a survey of 25 years of work by the artist whose practice interrogates ideas of spectacle, celebrity and mass culture. Works range from his early photo and video works to his latest experiments in sculpture and installation. From May 3-Aug 31 at Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. Admission: $19-$22. Visit mcachicago.org.
Movies
- Chicago Film Critics Festival features upcoming films selected by the Chicago Film Critics Association. Among the films are Jay Duplass’ “The Baltimorons,” Angus MacLachlan’s “A Little Prayer,” James Sweeney’s “Twinless,” Alex Ullom’s “It Ends,” Matthew Shear’s “Fantasy Life” and more. Directors and cast will be in attendance for many films. From May 2-5 at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport. Tickets: $15, $18. For a complete list of films, visit musicboxtheatre.com.
Family Fun
- “Science + You” features a child-sized laboratory where youngsters can explore how scientists impact health and wellness. The immersive exhibit inspires children to learn about health and nutrition, scientific tools and scientists through problem solving, investigation and experimentation. To Aug. 31 at Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. Admission $18, $20. Visit kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
- Mexico Fest is a cultural celebration featuring music, dance, artist market and more. Performers include Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, Juan Dias from Sones de Mexico, Mariachi Estrellas de Chicago, Mundo Alterado and more. From May 2-4 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Admission is free. Visit navypier.org.
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