Chicago Sports

Cubs activate Jason Heyward, place Drew Smyly on the 15-day IL

Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward returned to the roster and the field on Wednesday, as the Cubs activated him off the COVID-19 related injured list.

With Seiya Suzuki (left ring finger sprain) on the IL and rookie Christopher Morel hitting so well and slotting into center field, Heyward started in right field Wednesday.

“I asked him, was he comfortable out there?” Ross said. “And he laughed at me. So, I think he’s good.”

Heyward has won five Gold Gloves as a right fielder. But he moved to center field this year so Suzuki could play in right.

To make room for Heyward on the 40-man roster, the Cubs recalled Manuel Rodr?guez from Triple-A and placed him on the 60-day IL with a right elbow strain. To clear a spot on the active roster, they optioned rookie Nelson Vel?zquez to Triple-A.

Vel?zquez made his MLB debut Monday and logged a hit in each of the games he played.

“It was awesome to watch him play,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “I told him things that stood out to me in his game really early on, and the things I love, and keep working. We’re trying to build a championship-caliber team here with championship players, and I think he can be a big part of that with the way he’s grown.”

Heyward spent about two weeks on the COVID-19 related IL. At first, the Cubs thought he was dealing with the effects of dehydration in Arizona.

“I always hydrate all that kind of stuff,” Heyward said. “[Artificial] turf is a different element, but then I didn’t realize my body was just letting me know, ‘You’ve got something going on right now.'”

He said when he got home that night he took a test, which came back positive. So, he isolated in his basement away from his family. The next day, a set of three tests confirmed his diagnosis.

“That part was tough, of course, not being around a newborn and your wife,” Heyward said.

It paid off. Neither contracted COVID-19.

Smyly to IL

Before Wednesday’s game, the Cubs placed left-hander Drew Smyly (right oblique strain) on the 15-day IL, retroactive to Tuesday.

“He’s going to be out a little bit,” Ross said, adding that Smyly feels better than what the imaging suggests. “He’s had a little bit of this before and feels like it it may not be that bad. But we’ll let the trainers do that their job.”

The Cubs also activated reliever Michael Rucker (turf toe) from the 15-day IL.

The streak continues

Cubs rookie Christopher Morel drew an eight-pitch walk in his first at-bat Wednesday, extending his on-base streak to 15 games. The night before he’d set the franchise record for the longest on-base streak to start a career.

“That’s awesome,” Cubs catcher Willson Contreras said when he learned Morel had broken the record Contreras set in 2016. “Morel brings the energy. He brings a lot of things to the table. What I like the most is that he’s never mad, he’s never concerned about anything. That’s one thing that lets him play the way he’s playing right now. He deserves to stay here.”

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Former Cowboys, Bears back Barber dies at 38on June 2, 2022 at 12:53 am

7:47 PM ET

FRISCO, Texas — Former Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears running back Marion Barber III has died at the age of 38, the Cowboys said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber Ill,” the team said. “Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

The cause of Barber’s death is unknown. Frisco, Texas police said in a statement that they responded to a welfare concern on Wednesday at an apartment they believed to be leased by Barber. The police said they were investigating an unattended death at the location but didn’t identify the individual in their statement.

Barber played for the Cowboys from 2005-10 and was named to Pro Bowl in 2007 despite not starting a game for a 13-3 team that finished with the best record in the NFC. He led the Cowboys with 975 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.

After he was released by the Cowboys following the 2010 season, he spent one year with the Bears. He finished his career with 4,780 yards and 53 touchdowns on 1,156 carries in 99 games. He also caught 179 passes for 1,330 yards and six touchdowns.

His hard-charging style earned him the nickname, “Marion the Barbarian,” and he was a fan favorite.

Following his retirement after the 2011 season, he was detained by Mansfield (Texas) Police in 2014 and taken in for a mental-health evaluation. In 2019, he was arrested on two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief.

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Upbeat White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson bringing energy, even from the IL

TORONTO – Tim Anderson wasn’t his usual self – a right groin strain will do that to you – but the White Sox’ All-Star shortstop was in his usual upbeat mood in the visitors clubhouse and on the field at Rogers Centre before the Sox played the Blue Jays Wednesday.

“I’m just being the biggest cheerleader there is, you know, just cheering them on and bringing my energy to the dugout and staying positive,” Anderson said.

Three days after getting hurt making a play on the outfield grass against the Cubs Sunday at Guaranteed Rate Field, Anderson, who went on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, was riding an exercise bike. He stepped up his workload another small notch Wednesday, playing catch and doing some lower body work Wednesday.

“[Sox trainer James] Kruk said his history is he heals fast,” manager Tony La Russa said. “If he could come back in 15 days we’ll be celebrating.”

It could be closer to three weeks, but even that feels like a bonus after worse was feared when Anderson went down and had to be helped off the field.

“Hopefully getting back as quick as I can but also coming back fully healthy and being smart with the body,” Anderson said. “I don’t really have a timetable. All I can do is keep rehabbing and keep working to get back.

“I’m going to do a little more today and see how I feel tomorrow and keep pushing from there.”

Asked if he was feeling discomfort, Anderson said, “No, I feel good, I feel fine. I could beat you in a race. I’m good, I’m in a good space. I feel it a little bit but other than that I feel like I’m in a good spot. Headed where I need to be to get back healthy.”

Robert returns, Moncada doesn’t start

Luis Robert, at designated hitter in his first game coming off the Covid IL, was not 100-percent stamina-wise, La Russa said.

“We’ll see how he is tomorrow,” La Russa said. “It’s good to get him back.”

Yoan Moncada, still nursing a sore right quad, “could have played today,” La Russa said but “we didn’t want to run the risk playing today and him being stiff [Thursday] because we need every left-hander we can get in the lineup against right-hander Alek Manoah [1.77 ERA].”

Eloy Jimenez returned to the lineup as the DH for Triple-A Charlotte after leaving the first game of his rehab assignment with soreness in his right hamstring area.

Back to 26

Right-hander Jimmy Lambert is with the team from Charlotte and should be activated Thursday when the Sox can replace Dylan Cease, who is on the restricted list. Lambert will be available for relief work. Cease is slated to start against the Rays Saturday. Vince Velasquez starts Friday and Lucas Giolito starts Sunday.

More Sunday Night Baseball

The Sox and Astros game on June 19 in Houston has been picked up by ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball and moved from an afternoon start to 6:08 p.m.

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Former Bears RB Marion Barber III dies

Marion Barber III, who spent his last NFL season as a Bears running back, has died, the Cowboys confirmed Wednesday. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram said he was found in his Frisco, Texas, apartment, but did not cite a cause of death.He was 38.

Barber ran for more than 500 yards in all but one of his six Cowboys seasons from 2005-10. As Julius Jones’ platoon partner in 2007, Barber made the Pro Bowl despite not starting a game.

Barber backed up the Bears’ Matt Forte in 2011, rushing 114 times for 422 yards and six touchdowns. His season was marred by a Week 11 gaffe against the Broncos. With the Bears up three and trying to run out the clock with two minutes left, Barber took a handoff left and allowed linebacker D.J. Williams to shove him out of bounds.

The Bears eventually punted and the Broncos tied it on a 59-yard Matt Prater field goal. Six plays into overtime, Barber fumbled as the Bears were setting up a field goal. The Broncos recovered and eventually won on a 51-yard field goal.

Before he ran for 4,780 yards as a pro, Barber starred at Minnesota, finishing with 35 touchdowns — two more than his father of the same name, who also played for the Golden Gophers.

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Chicago White Sox May was a mixed bag

The White Sox went 15-12 in the previous month, bringing their record on the season to 23-24. After an awful April, the team improved but continue to play average or slightly above average baseball.

With the team trailing the Minnesota Twins for first place in the American League Central Division by five games. After another good but not great month, the tension is setting in on the season. The White Sox have a lot to look forward to, but the underlying issues continued to set them back. Moreover, the issues make the upcoming month, with the season in full swing a crucial one for the team.

Kopech & Cease stepping up

The pleasant surprise throughout the first two months has been the emergence of the starting pitching. With Lance Lynn out since the start of the season and still rehabbing, the White Sox need the other starters to step up. Not only did Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech pitch well in the rotation, but the duo also carried the starting pitching to start the season.

Kopech is finally living up to the hype and potential the team hoped he’d achieve when they acquired him in the Chris Sale trade. This season, Kopech has only allowed eight runs in 42 innings pitched. However, the fastball that has been refined this season has particularly stood out and propelled the 26-year-old pitcher, making him oftentimes unhittable.

The lowest ERA (0.93) in the league belongs to Michael Kopech. https://t.co/4cLl0lWaa0

10:17 PM · May 9, 2022

Cease, meanwhile, has become the surgeon of the rotation. The fastball-slider combination is already difficult to hit but with a curveball being mixed in, opposing hitters are left guessing at the plate. Cease can pick apart hitters with the three well-located pitches, directly resulting in a team-leading 76 strikeouts. While there have been difficult outings for the right-handed starter, he has emerged as the team’s ace early on in the season.

To add to the depth, the White Sox have seen Johnny Cueto emerge as the reliable starter at the backend of the rotation. Since making his debut this month, Cueto has continued to mix in his three off-speed pitches and mix up his timing to provide strong starts for the White Sox. he is just the type of pitcher the team needed, a reliable veteran to carry the end of the rotation. The same, unfortunately, couldn’t be said about another starter.

Keuchel getting D.F.A.

The White Sox were patient with Dallas Keuchel. There were bad starts, awful starts, even pitiful starts, but the team kept hoping Keuchel would step up.

Keuchel looked promising at times, with his sinker and slider forcing weak contact off the bat. However, the inability to blow batters away with his stuff and a cutter that was left over the plate continued to cost him. The 34-year-old starter allowed 33 runs in 32 innings pitched. Eventually, management stepped in and designated Keuchel for assignment (D.F.A), putting an end to a rocky, difficult tenure.

Chicago White Sox

@whitesox

Prior to tonight’s series opener vs. the Chicago Cubs, the #WhiteSox designated left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel for assignment and recalled infielder Danny Mendick from Class AAA Charlotte.

1:00 PM · May 28, 2022

The hope was that Keuchel would provide stability to the end of the rotation. Instead, he gave the team inconsistency. With Cueto stepping up, the White Sox will move forward with the rotation they have and the one they hope to get soon.

Injuries continue to set White Sox back

In April, it was Lynn and Giolito in the rotation while Eloy Jimenez was taken out of the lineup. Once again, the White Sox played another month where injuries left them one step back, both of the Twins and as a team.

Jimenez continues to deal with setbacks while Lynn has yet to make his season debut. At the end of the month, Tim Anderson was placed on the injured list while Luis Robert was placed on the COVID-19 list. In addition, there have been a handful of key contributors who have been injured this season.

Chicago White Sox

@whitesox

Prior to tonight’s series opener at Toronto, the #WhiteSox placed All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to May 30) with a strained right groin and reinstated outfielder Luis Robert from the Covid-19 Related injury list.

1:01 PM · May 31, 2022

Injuries can’t be used as an excuse in baseball. After all, the 162-game season determines which team is the best and deepest roster. However, in comparison to the Twins, it’s clear what the difference is between the two rosters. The hope for the White Sox is that their stars, not only can get back to the roster but stay there.

White Sox Lineup heating up

The bright side to the previous month was the offensive improvement. While the White Sox are averaging only 3.66 runs per game, well below league average. However, the batting order is starting to heat up, particularly, the ball is flying out of the park.

In the game, the weather heating up has resulted in the bats getting hot as well. This couldn’t be truer about the White Sox who scored 108 runs in the 27 games played. Anderson continued to lead the batting order (before getting hurt that is) while Jose Abreu adds power in the middle. Moreover, Andrew Vaughn has stepped up to add power to the end of the lineup, slashing 291/.339/.509 with 56 total bases.

The lineup is getting hot at the right time. The hope is that they can carry that momentum for the rest of the season.

Why June is pivotal for the White Sox

The White Sox are still a significant number of games behind in the division. Considering two months of the season have already been played, it’s easy to tell what the team is good at, and where they struggle. The pitching is great, the lineup is inconsistent and the roster, as a whole, is dealing with injuries.

The problem is that it’s getting late out there early. The upcoming month might make or break the White Sox season. Simply, if the team can’t surpass the Twins or play great baseball, the trade deadline becomes difficult. In addition, the White Sox might not be the contenders many thought they’d be entering the season.

Make sure to check out our WHITE SOX forum for the latest on the team.

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Theater abounds on Chicago’s stages this summer

Summer Guide
Things To Do
Entertainment and Culture

By Mary Houlihan – For the Sun-Times

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Summer Guide 2022: Theater offerings abound on Chicago area’s stages in the weeks ahead

Shereen Ahmed plays Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady,” coming to the Cadillac Palace Theatre.

Joan Marcus

Theater fans will have plenty of new shows and revivals to check out in and around Chicago in the months ahead:

“The Little Mermaid”: Music Theater Works presents Disney’s adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale. June 2-26. North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $19.50-$106; northshorecenter.org“Mamma Mia”: The musical about a bride-to-be on a search for her father, set to the hits of Abba. June 3-19. BrightSide Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, $31; brightsidetheatre.com“Home”: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre presents Samm-Art Williams’ drama about a young man who leaves the family farm to try his luck in the big city; directed by Tim Rhoze. June 4-19. Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes, Evanston, $30;fjtheatre.com“Moonset Sunrise”: Collaboraction’s 25th anniversary production celebrates the sacred moment between the setting full moon and the rising sun with an ensemble of poets, dancers and performers. June 8-18. Beat Kitchen’s Bar Sol on Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand, $50; collaboraction.org“Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical”: Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin and Roger Kumble’s new musical laced with hits from the ’90s is based on the film about havoc at an elite Manhattan prep school. June 9-Aug. 7. Kokandy Productions at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, $40; kokandyproductions.com“In Bad Taste: Raising my son, Raising myself & Lowering the Bar”: Eunji Kim’s new solo show. June 10-11. Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted, $20; steppenwolf.org“Godspell”: John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz’s timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love is based on the Gospel of St. Matthew. June 10-July 31. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard, Evanston, $41-$75; theo-u.com“Steel Magnolias”: Robert Harling’s comedy-drama follows six women as they face life’s challenges together. June 10-July 31. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, $54-$69; drurylanetheatre.com“Tommy on Top”: Chris Woodley’s comedy about a closeted actor about to become the first gay actor to win an Oscar. June 10-July 17. Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, $35; pridearts.org”cullud wattah”: Erika Dickerson-Despenza’s drama about the effects of water lead poisoning on one Flint, Michigan, family. Directed by Lili-Anne Brown. June 11-July 17. Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, $29-$62; victorygardens.org“Paris”: Eboni Booth’s offbeat workplace comedy explores the impacts of race and economics on the wage-earners of rural America. Directed by Jonathan Berry. June 11-July 23. Steep Theatre, 1044 W. Berwyn, Free; steeptheatre.com“Life After”: Britta Johnson’s new musical about a young woman who uncovers a complicated truth about the fateful night that changed her family forever; directed by Annie Tippe. June 11-July 17. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, $25-$80; goodmantheatre.org“Choir Boy”: Tarell Alvin McCraney’s story of a young gay black man and his battle between identity and community is laced with a cappella gospel hymns; directed by Kent Gash. June 16-July 24. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, $20; steppenwolf.org

Ed Jones in “A Fine Feathered Murder: A Miss Marbled Mystery.“

Rick Aguilar Studios

“A Fine Feathered Murder — A Miss Marbled Mystery”: David Cerda’s drag whodunit inspired by Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series about an unassuming spinster with a knack for solving murders; directed by Cheryl Snodgrass. June 16-July 31. Hell in a Handbag Productions at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division; $27-$50; handbagproductions.org“Hurricane Diane”: In Madeleine George’s play, Dionysus, in the guise of Diane, a landscape gardener, is staging a comeback to save the world from the ravages of climate change. June 17-July 31. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, $18-$36; theaterwit.org“It Came from Outer Space”: World premiere of Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair’s musical adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s flying saucer tale that examines society’s fear of outsiders and embraces the wonder of what lies beyond the stars; directed by Laura Braza. June 22-July 24. Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, $50-$60; chicagoshakes.com“Pearl’s Rollin’ with the Blues”: Felicia P. Fields and Ron OJ Parson’s new music revue celebrates the great blues artists of the past including Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton, Howlin’ Wolf and more; directed by Parson. June 23-July 24. Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor, Glencoe, $35-$90; writerstheatre.org“The Billboard”: Natalie Y. Moore’s play about a woman’s clinic in the Englewood neighborhood that has its say with a provocative billboard; directed by TaRon Patton. June 23-July 17. 16th Street Theatre at Northwestern University’s Abbott Hall, 710 N. Lake Shore, $25; 16thstreettheater.org“Antigone”: Anne Carson’s adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy; directed by Christine Freije. June 23-July 31. Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr, $35; redtwisttheatre.org

Madeline Sayet in “Where We Belong.”

John Burklund/Zanni Productions

“Where We Belong”: Playwright/performer Madeline Sayet’s solo piece in which she journeys across geographic borders, personal history and cultural legacy in search of a place to belong; directed by Mei Ann Teo. June 24-July 24. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, $14-$45; goodmantheatre.org“My Fair Lady”: Lincoln Center Theater’s critically acclaimed production of Lerner and Loewe’s classic musical; directed by Bartlett Sher. June 28-July 10. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, $27+; broadwayinchicago.com“Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negros”: Using a company of Black storytellers and the backdrop of the French Revolution, playwright Terry Guest explores questions faced by Black people. June 30-July 17. The Story Theatre at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, $20; thestorytheatre.org“Fences”: August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a former star of the Negro Baseball League whose bitterness takes its toll on his relationship with his family; directed by Monty Cole. July 1-Aug. 6. American Blues Theater at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, $25-$45; americanbluestheater.com“The Playboy of the Western World”: John Millington Synge’s play follows what happens when the charming Christy Mahon comes into Flaherty’s tavern and claims to have killed his father with a shovel; directed by Brian Pastor. July 1-Aug. 14. City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, $34; citylit.org“Light Falls”: The U.S. premiere of Simon Stephens’ tale of resilience, hope and the impossibly strong bonds of family; directed by Robin Witt. July 2-Aug. 14. Steep Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, $10-$40; steeptheatre.com“Homecoming”: Albany Park Theater Project presents a program of beloved creations from 25 years of honoring the immigrant community’s real-life stories. July 6-23. Laura Wiley Theater, 5100 N. Ridgeway, Price TBA; aptpchicago.org“Elastic Mind”: Camp Fire Repertory Theatre presents Christian Alexander’s drama about a young Black couple living in 1923 Harlem who struggle to make it as artists while dealing with the pressures of society. July 7-24. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, $35, $45; greenshousetheatercenter.thundertix.com“Dear Jack, Dear Louise”: Playwright Ken Ludwig tells the poignant story of his own parents’ unlikely courtship during World War II; directed by Jessica Fisch. July 7-Aug. 7. Northlight Theatre at North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $30-$89; northlight.org“You Can Cry When You Get Home”: Dani Nicole James’ exploration of the difference between being lonely and being alone when our phones constantly keep us connected to the world; directed by Caitlin Looney. July 8-9. Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted, $15; steppenwolf.org“The Wizard of Oz”: Relive the classic tale with this one-hour musical adventure for all ages. July 8-August 7. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, $18; marriotttheatre.com

Writer-performer Nikki Lynette in “Get Out Alive.”

Carter Wright

“Get Out Alive”: Nikki Lynette’s autobiographical afrogoth musical raises mental health awareness through the lens of a hip-hop concert. July 12-Aug. 7. Haven Theatre at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee; $36, $46; thedentheatre.com“The Winter’s Tale”: Shakespeare’s tale of a king blinded by jealousy who nearly destroys his family and his kingdom; adapted and directed by Kevin Theis. July 13-Aug. 20. Oak Park Festival Theatre outdoors at Austin Gardens, 167 Forest, Oak Park, $38; oakparkfestival.comChicago Shakespeare in the Parks: Neighborhood artists, musicians and dancers will be taking center stage in collaboration with a team of Chicago Shakespeare Theater actors. July 14-23 in neighborhood parks and green spaces, Free; chicagoshakes.com/parks“Still a Quiet Afternoon”: Walkabout Theater presents a musical tragicomedy about two people in their small apartment observing a multitude of apocalyptic events through their single window. July 14-16. Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted, $15; steppenwolf.org“Roe v US”: Artemisia Theater presents the world premiere of Kelcey Anya’s play which puts on trial society’s commentary on morality and confronts the grueling real-life consequences of choice. July 14-17. Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee, $25; artemisiatheatre.org“Sister Act”: The popular musical comedy about a wannabe diva who witnesses a crime and is put in protective custody in a convent disguised as a nun. July 14-Aug. 27. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights, $35, $40; metropolisarts.com“Kitties in Space: The Saga”: In a future world where humans have vanished and pets have advanced intelligence, two cats take a trip to space in this adult absurdist misadventure. July 14-Aug. 14. Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark, $10-$20; otherworldtheatre.org“The Peter Johnson Parody”: Northern Trust Parodies packs Rick Riordan’s iconic Percy Jackson book series into two hours of crazy magic, pop-punk ballads and parody. July 14-24. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, $35, $45; greenshousetheatercenter.thundertix.com“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Midsommer Flight revisits Shakespeare’s comedy, the play that begin the company’s 10-year run as an Arts Partner with Chicago Park District; directed by Beth Wolf. July 15-Aug. 21. Free outdoor performances are scheduled in various city parks; midsommerflight.com“Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”: Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott’s musical adaptation of the movie about a glamorous performing trio who takes their show to the Australian outback; directed by Christopher Chase Carter. July 15-Sept. 11. Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, $35-$80; mercurytheaterchicago.com“The Devil Wears Prada”: Elton John, Shaina Taub andKate Wetherhead’s world premiere musical based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel and the popular film about an ambitious young writer who lands a job at a fashion magazine. Directed by Anna D. Shapiro. July 19-Aug. 21. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, $33-$110; broadwayinchicago.com

Aaron LaVigne in the title role of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Matthew Murphy

“Jesus Christ Superstar”: Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical follows the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas; directed by Timothy Sheader. July 19-31. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, $27+; broadwayinchicago.com“American Sides Efectos”: Debbie Banos’ play about a young girl trying to make sense of her mother’s mysterious medical issues as her adult self revisits her mother’s journey from El Salvador to Arkansas; directed by Esteban Arevalo Ibanez. July 22-31. The New Coordinates at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, Pay-what-you-can; thenewcoordinates.org“Fun Home”: Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori’s musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel about her family where she finds humor, secrets, anger, joy and self-revelation. Aug. 3-Sept. 18. Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena, Aurora, $64-$74; paramountaurora.com“Campaigns, Inc.”: Will Allan’s new play based on the true story of Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker, who in 1934 formed the first political consulting firm in U.S. history; directed by Nick Bowling. Aug. 11-Sept. 18. TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington, $42-$57; timelinetheatre.com“Zorro: The Musical”: Music Theater Works presents the action-packed musical with a score by the Gipsy Kings. Aug. 11-21. North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $19.50-$84; northshorecenter.org“Crazy or Nah?!”: Kellye Howard’s solo show that questions the lasting effects of emotional and psychological trauma. Aug. 18-21. Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted, $27; steppenwolf.org“Pro-Am”: Brynne Frauenhoffer’s new comedy, set in Miami’s porn scene, where a rising star and a trans performer team up to make their mark in the business. Aug. 19-Sept. 25. Sideshow Theatre at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, $30; victorygardens.org“My Brother Langston”: Rueben Echoles’ look at the legacy of poet and civil rights leader Langston Hughes set to the music of the Harlem Renaissance; directed by Echoles. Aug. 21-Sept. 18. Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark, $55; blackensemble.org“Hello, Dolly!”: Heidi Kettenring stars in Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman’s musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s play “The Matchmaker”; directed and choreographed by Denis Jones. Aug. 24-Oct. 16. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, $54-$64; marriotttheatre.com“Girlfriend”: Todd Almond and Matthew Sweet’s musical about two teens who figure out there is more to life than what high school taught them. Aug. 25-Sept. 25. Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, $35; pridearts.org“Richard III”: Babes With Blades presents Shakespeare’s drama about Richard of Gloucester who uses deception and political manipulation to attain his seat on England’s throne; directed by Richard Costes. Aug. 25-Oct. 15. The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, $20-$35; babeswithblades.org“Aztec Human Sacrifice”: Kingsley Day and Philip LaZebnik’s musical is set the night before the beginning of the Aztec’s new millennium as the Chosen One, who is to be sacrificed in order to make the sun rise, runs off with the Emperor’s daughter; directed by Terry McCabe. Aug. 26-Oct. 9. City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, $34; citylit.org“Chagall in School”: In 1920 Russia, artist Marc Chagall endeavors to realize his dream of a free school for anyone who wishes to explore their dream of artistic expression. Aug. 26-Oct. 16. Grippo Stage Company at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, $40; theaterwit.org“Murder on the Orient Express”: Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery about a puzzling death investigated by detective Hercule Poirot. Aug. 31-Oct. 23. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, $54-$69; drurylanetheatre.com“Dreamgirls”: Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger’s musical follows the Dreamettes, three women who navigate the highs and lows of life, love and fame as they try to break into the 1960s music scene; directed by Christopher Betts. Aug. 31-Oct. 16. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, $28-$79; paramountaurora.com“The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington”: James Ijames drama is a fever dream that takes us into the uncomfortable and horrific ramifications of this country’s original sin; directed by Whitney White. Sept. 1-Oct. 9. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, $20; steppenwolf.org“The Garbologists”: Lindsay Joelle’s offbeat buddy comedy pairs a blue-collar, old-school sanitation worker with an Ivy League-educated newbie in the cab of a New York City garbage truck; directed by Cody Estle. Sept. 1-Oct. 2. Northlight Theater at North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $30-$89; northlight.org“Arsenic and Old Lace”: A hilarious chain of events ensues when a nephew discovers his maiden aunts’ macabre secrets; directed by Ron OJ Parson. Sept. 2-Oct. 2. Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, $37.50-$84; courttheatre.org

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Summer Guide 2022: Music in Chicago in the weeks ahead

The sun is out, the sky is blue, it’s time to catch some live tunes!

Chicago’s vibrant music scene is amping up for a jam-packed summer with sounds from every genre under the sun. Concerts are popping up in area venues large and small, in neighborhood bars and festivals in and around Chicago.

We’ve listed some of the summer’s must-see music, from jazz to jam bands and everything in between:

All Summer Long

Ravinia Festival. Pitbull, Erykah Badu, Common, Diana Ross and Grace Potter are just a few of the artists you can listen to under the stars at the Highland Park annual extravaganza, this year running through Sept. 18. Visit ravinia.org

Grant Park Music Festival with the Grant Park Orchestra and more.June 15-Aug. 20. Millennium Park, Pritzker Pavilion, Michigan and Randolph and citywide. Free. grantparkmusicfestival.com

Jazzin’ at the Shedd with Detour JazFunk, Rio Bamba, Michele Thomas Quartet and more. June 15-Aug. 31. The Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. $14.95-$39.95; sheddaquarium.org

Naper Nights with The Prince Experience, Soul 2 the Bone, Red NOT Chili Peppers and more.June 17-Aug. 20. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. $15-$20; napersettlement.org

Chicago SummerDance with Salsa, Polka, Swing and more.June 18-Sept. 17. Spirit of Music Gardens, 331 E. Randolph St. and citywide. Free. chicagosummerdance.com

Pitbull headlines Ravinia on Aug. 25.|

Summer Breeze Concert Series with Shining Star, The Flat Cats and The Chicago Experience. July 9-Aug. 27. Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. Free. parkfun.com

Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series with The Greatest Piano Men, Magic of Motown, Frida Fiesta! and more. July 15-Aug. 5. McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Free. atthemac.org

Rockin’ in the Park with Rush Tribute Project, Bruce in the USA & Deadfest, Motley Inc. and more. Through Sept. 1. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. Free. rosemont.com

Live on the Lake! Performers TBA. Through Sept. 4. Navy Pier Beer Garden, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free. navypier.org

Jazz’n on the Steps Through Sept. 25. St. Moses The Black Parish, 331 E. 71st St. Free. southsidejazzcoalition.org

Bring a picnic blanket and listen to some classical tunes at the Grant Park Music Festival, June 15-Aug. 20. Pavilion seating also available.|

Patrick L. Pyszka/ City of Chicago

June

The Music Institute of Chicago Chorale – From AfricaJune 5. Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Free. musicinst.org/chorale

Chicago Blues Festival June 9-12. Millennium Park, Pritzker Pavilion, Michigan and Randolph and citywide. Free. chicagobluesfestival.us

Chi-Soul Fest June 11-12. Performers TBA. Navy Pier Beer Garden and the Polk Bros Park Performance Lawn, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free. navypier.org

Departure (Journey Tribute) June 16. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. Free. rosemont.com

Summer Smash with Post Malone, Playboi Carti, Young Thug x Gunna, Wiz Khalifa and more. June 17-19. Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr. $275-$450; thesummersmash.com

Lionel Richie Tribute, All Night Long June 18. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $40; metropolisarts.com

Elvis My Way Starring Brandon Bennett June 18-19. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. $55; artistsloungelive.com

Liz Callaway: Broadway and Beyond June 23. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $40-$45; metropolisarts.com

River North Live Music Festival with The Calling,Emo Night Brooklyn, Michigander,Baysikand more. June 24-26. River Park at theMART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza. $10-$12; rivernorthlive.com

Lil Wayne, Wu-Tang Clan & Wiz Khalifa at Summerfest. June 25. American Family Insurance Amphitheater, 100 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI. $66.25+; summerfest.com

Toronzo Cannon is among the artists set for the Chicago Blues Festival, June 9-12.|

Mike White/City of Chicago

Leaders of the Pack Starring the Lovettes June 25-26. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. $55; artistsloungelive.com

Pride in the Park with The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Saucy Santana, Rebecca Black and more. June 25-26. Butler Field, Grant Park, 377 E. Monroe St. $45-$300; prideparkchi.com

Catch big-name bands at Pride in the Park, June 25-26, at Grant Park.|

Courtesy Adam Alexander Photography

July

Square Roots Festival with Bob Mould, Guided by Voices, Dehd and more. July 8-10. Lincoln Ave. between Montrose Ave. and Wilson Ave. Free. squareroots.org

Michael Franti & Spearhead with Arrested Development. July 9. Ravinia Pavilion, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. $49-$110; ravinia.org

Passport Vibes: Afrobeat Street Festival Lineup TBA. July 9. The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Free. passportvibesfest.com

Ticket to the Moon (ELO Tribute) July 14. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. Free. rosemont.com

Pitchfork Music Festival with The National, Mitski, Japanese Breakfast, The Roots and more. July 15-17. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. $99-$399; pitchforkmusicfestival.com

Heatwave Music Festival with Above & Beyond, Galantis, RL Grime, Ti?sto and more. July 16-17. Douglass Park, W. Ogden Ave. and S. Sacramento Dr. $99-$448; heatwavemusicfestival.com

The Black Keys with Band of Horses and Ceramic Animal. July 17. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. $38+; tinleyparkamphitheater.com

Wicker Park Fest with Masked Intruder, Ric Wilson, Archers of Loaf and more. July 22-24. N. Milwaukee Ave. between N. Damen Ave. and N. Wolcott Ave. $10 suggested donation; wickerparkfest.com

Leslie Odom Jr. with Marin Alsop and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. July 24. Ravinia Pavilion, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. $15-$125; ravinia.org

Lollapalooza with Metallica, Dua Lipa, Machine Gun Kelly, Green Day, Doja Cat, J.Cole and more. July 28-31. Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St. $125-$4,200; lollapalooza.com

August

American English (Beatles Tribute) Aug. 4. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. Free. rosemont.com

Windy City Smokeout with Willie Nelson & Family, Tim McGraw, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert and more. Aug. 4-7. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. $44.95+; windycitysmokeout.com

Country music superstar Tim McGraw is among the lineup for Windy City Smokeout in August.|

Getty Images

Elton John Aug. 5. Soldier Field Stadium, 425 E. McFetridge Dr. $159+; chicago-theater.com

Grant Park Chorus Aug. 8. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Free. grantparkmusicfestival.com

Fitz and The Tantrums & Andy Grammer Aug. 12. RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. $35-$199; paramountaurora.com

My House Music Festival with DJ Sneak, Farley, Ralphie Rosario, Jackmaster Funk and more. Aug. 13-14. Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood St. $30-$125; myhousemusicfest.com

Ruido Fest with Cuco, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Cypress Hill and more. Aug. 19-21. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. $99.99-$599.99; ruidofest.com

Sunday in the Park with Lyric with the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Aug. 21. Millennium Park, Pritzker Pavilion, Michigan and Randolph. Free. lyricopera.org

Alicia Keys Aug. 23. Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Dr. $54+; chicago-theater.com

Leon Bridges Aug. 24. Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave. $48+; chicago-theater.com

Dreamgirls directed by Christopher Betts. Aug. 31-Oct. 16. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Ticket prices TBA. paramountaurora.com

September

The Lumineers will headline Wrigley Field on Sept. 3.|

Getty Images

Chicago Jazz Festival Sept. 1-4. Millennium Park, Pritzker Pavilion, Michigan and Randolph and citywide. Free. chicago.gov

Out of Space at Temperance with Houndmouth, Car Seat Headrest, Neko Case, Steel Pulse and more. Sept. 1-4. Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston. $35-$40; outofspaceconcerts.com

Michael Bubl? Sept. 2. Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont. $109+; chicago-theater.com

ARC Music Festival with Carl Cox, Charlotte De Witte, Fatboy Slim and more. Sept 2-4. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. $279-$999; arcmusicfestival.com

North Coast Music Festival with Armin Van Buuren, Illenium, Porter Robinson and more. Sept. 2-4. SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. $73.57-$391.50; northcoastfestival.com

The Lumineers Sept. 3. Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St. $85+; chicago-theater.com

Small Venue Must-Sees

Attend a live show at one of the many small venues Chicago has to offer.

Joshua Mellin

Tiny Moving Parts with This Wild Life and In Her Own Words. June 9. Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St. $25; bottomlounge.com

Liily with Catcher. June 29. Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. $15-$17; emptybottle.com

Umi June 30. Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. $23-$89; lh-st.com

Corinne Bailey Rae with Malia. July 5. Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. $38-$60; thaliahallchicago.com

Spirit of the Bear July 15. Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. $10+; hideoutchicago.com

Sleigh Bells Aug. 5. Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. $29-$35; metrochicago.com

Jorja Smith Aug. 25. The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. $49.50-$129.50; saltshedchicago.com

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Tony La Russa, Tim Anderson and the White Sox do things loudly

Whatever you want to say about the White Sox – that they’re mediocre, that they’re maddening, that they collect injuries like some people collect trading cards – the one thing you can’t say about them is that they’re quiet.

Now, that might not be what you’re looking for in a baseball team. You might prefer a team that lives up to its billing as a World Series contender and keeps itself to itself. You might prefer a team that enjoys victories and a glass of milk for a nightcap. You might prefer peace and quiet over toil and trouble.

And you’d be right to feel that way, as a consumer of all things ball. But you have to admit, as you stare at the specimen on the microscope slide, that there’s something about the Sox that’s fascinating. They seem to always be in the news, and controversy, though not something they seek, has its own locker at Guaranteed Rate Field. Again, you might not like it, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

The other day, a reporter asked Sox manager Tony La Russa for his opinion on Gabe Kapler’s decision to stay in the Giants clubhouse while the national anthem was playing. San Francisco’s manager wanted to protest lawmakers’ lack of action on gun control following the shootings in Uvalde, Texas, that left 19 schoolchildren and two teachers dead.

A quieter manager than La Russa, one managing a quieter team than the Sox, would have said something like: “My heart aches for all the people who died. That’s what’s important right now. Not what I think.” But not our Tony.

He praised Kapler’s stance on gun violence but said his method showed a lack of respect for military members.

“Some of their courage comes from what the flag means to them and when they hear the anthem,” La Russa said. “You need to understand what the veterans think when they hear the anthem or see the flag, and the cost they paid and their families. And if you truly understand that, I think it’s impossible not to salute the flag and listen to the anthem.”

Basically what he said was, “Have your way with me, Twitter.”

I’ve learned that it’s a waste of time trying to tell people that the national anthem and the American flag are not the property of military veterans or active duty soldiers. One of the freedoms the flag represents is the right to speak freely, even when what is being spoken isn’t popular. Even when a person is sitting out the anthem in protest. Or kneeling during it. People don’t want to be told that, either.

The point here is that La Russa, never one to shy away from controversy, was consistent with the one thing that defines the 2022 White Sox to date: They sure know how to stay in the news. La Russa was predictably excoriated for his stance, just as Kapler was by the other side, and if everyone had stopped and thought about it for a second, they’d realize that the ability to have dueling opinions is what makes the ideal of this country great. Not a flag or an anthem.

Some of this is a product of La Russa himself. What did the Sox expect when they hired a 76-year-old for a manager in 2020, an already polarizing 76-year-old because of his political views and and a couple of DUI arrests?

If they were smart, they expected all of this and more.

The only surprise about the La Russa flap was that Tim Anderson wasn’t somehow involved. He had a recent confrontation with the Yankees’ Josh Donaldson, who for some reason thought it was OK to call Anderson “Jackie” during a recent game. It was a reference to an Anderson quote in a 2019 Sports Illustrated story in which he said he wanted to change the game like Jackie Robinson did. He didn’t equate his on-field flair with Robinson’s civil-rights pioneering. He just said he wanted to be an agent for change. Donaldson, who is white, thought it funny to call Anderson, who is Black, “Jackie” during the game. He said Anderson had been in on the joke. Anderson didn’t see the humor and said there was no inside joke between them. Which eventually led to a benches-clearing encounter between the two teams.

Which became a national story because things happen to Anderson and the Sox.

When Anderson injured his groin Sunday against the Cubs, it couldn’t be just a low-level, garden-variety strain. Oh, no. The man hitting .356 had to be helped off the field by two people, a sight that surely sent Sox fans into the fetal position. And they were right to order a side of gloom with their doom: Anderson is out at least three weeks. Given that these are the Sox, would anyone be surprised if it’s more than that?

The Sox can’t even lose a game quietly. With one out in the sixth inning Tuesday, the Sox’ Danny Mendick tagged up on a sacrifice fly and was tagged out at second before teammate Reese McGuire had crossed home plate. That meant no run and, eventually, a 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays.

If all that isn’t enough, the team’s former head trainer sued the Sox last month, claiming the team fired him because of his sexual orientation, age and disability. The Sox denied Brian Ball’s allegations.

All in a month’s work for these loud Sox.

Entertainment value is no substitute for winning, but if a team is going to be .500, it might as well give you something to help you stay awake. So, thanks? I think?

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‘Grandma’s Jukebox’ review: Musical celebrates life, fabulous hit songs

In “Grandma’s Jukebox,” director/playwright Michelle Renee Bester creates a dual celebration. On the one hand, the Black Ensemble Theater production running through June 26 packs some 15 songs from a wealth of genres into the 90-minute staging. From gospel to Motown to disco to “Thriller”-era Michael Jackson and beyond, Bester delivers a grand tribute to the almighty powers of timeless, groundbreaking tunes that have endured across generations.

On the other hand, Bester didn’t title her piece simply “Jukebox.” While the titular grandmother is only seen as a framed photo, she’s also celebrated throughout, the music coming in the context of four cousins reminiscing, grieving and paying homage to their beloved matriarch.

‘Grandma’s Jukebox’

Things start slowly, as actress Jessica Brooke Seals (the actors perform under their real names, not those of characters)) sweeps up red Solo cups and paper plates, initially in silence, eventually sending the rich, a cappella refrain of the hymn “It is Well” across the stage and up to the heavens. As Seals progresses through the number, the mood is somber, reverent and feels like it’s on the verge of some kind of revelation.

We learn we’re at a post-funeral gathering where grandma’s four grandchildren and the family attorney haveconvened to read the will. Having cleaned up after the repast held in honor of their grandmother, the cousins, (Seals, Blake Reasoner, Vincent Jordan and Aeriel Williams) wait to hear the lawyer (J. Michael Wright) read the will.

When Bester’s script is overtaken by the music, it’s at its strongest. Otherwise, the dialogue reduces the cousins to a few defining crises: Jordan plays an ambitious, bright young man who desperately wants to honor his grandma by forging a career that forever leaves behind the mistakes of his youth. Reasoner plays an aspiring musician struggling with the terrifying abuse heaped on him as a child. Seals takes the part of a woman in an abusive marriage, paralyzed to inaction by the dire financial straits she’d be in were she to leave. Williams, meanwhile, is the soft-spoken, sometimes child-like cousin who discovers what magic in that deceptively nondescript jukebox shining against the living room wall (nice retro-furnishings from set designer Bek Lambrecht).

As the lawyer explains to the group, grandma’s will stipulates that the cousins must commit to family therapy before they can get their inheritances. It is quickly, preposterously decided that the family lawyer will also serve as the family therapist/mediator. That bit of deeply dubious professionalism aside (Mediation and therapy are not synonymous; If your attorney insists he can be the family therapist as well as its lawyer, you need a new attorney), the frame-work allows the audience to quickly learn the broad strokes of each cousin’s struggles.

When it comes to vocals, Bester’s ensemble has the belt, the passion and the harmonic precision of a choir of rock-and-soul-inspired seraphim — and that more than outweighs the production’s flaws.

Seals sets the bar with that glorious opening, reaffirming her vocal prowess much later in a scorching take on the Mary J. Blige hit “No More Drama.” When Reasoner slides into Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” the energy and the spark are enough to catapult the audience straight back to the early 1980s (at so it will for those fortunate enough to remember that era when “Thriller” dropped.) On Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish,” Jordan does the originator proud, filling the song with joy even as the lyrics speak to a time long since gone.

Williams knocks it out of the park with an emotive, soaring rendition “I’ll Be There,” (penned by Barry Gordy, Bob West, Hal Davis and Willie Hutch). And when the entire group joins forces for “Before I Let Go” (written by Frankie Beverly) the sound is part arena-rock singalong and part cathedral choir.

Per usual in BET’s spacious Ravenswood theater, the live, on-stage band is a group that knows its business. For “Grandma’s Jukebox,” music director Robert Reddrick has enlisted bandleader/guitarist Oscar Brown Jr., Adam Sherrod (keys), Mark Miller (bass) and Myron Cherry (drums). Perched on a platform above the stage, the band nimbly morphs between styles with a fluidity that makes it look easy.

As an expression of grief and celebration, the music in “Grandma’s Jukebox” strikes a powerful chord.

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