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Max Hansmann’s field goal gives York its first win against Glenbard West in 14 yearsMichael O’Brienon October 3, 2021 at 12:48 am

York’s Max Hansmann (18) kicks the game-winning 17-yard field goal to defeat Glenbard West. | Kevin Tanaka/For the Sun-Times

Hansmann’s 17-yard field goal clinched the 12-10 win for the Dukes.

Like most kickers, York’s Max Hansmann is used to having time to think about a big field-goal attempt.

This, however, was a little extreme.

Hansmann was getting prepared mentally for maybe the biggest kick of his life Saturday afternoon at Glenbard West. Time was winding down, the Dukes were trailing the host Hilltoppers by a point and they were in the red zone.

Then came the thunder and the officials’ decision to suspend play and clear the stadium for 30 minutes.

“I just think God was trying to ice me, you know?” Hansmann said jokingly.

When play finally resumed, York quarterback Matt Vezza ran twice for four-plus yards, putting the ball inches away from the goal line on fourth down. The Dukes lined up for a 17-yard field goal, Hansmann punched it through the uprights and York had its biggest win in years, 12-10.

It was the first win for the Dukes (6-0, 4-0) in the West Suburban Silver series since 2007 and clinched their first IHSA playoff berth since 2011.

“All we’ve been hearing about for as long as I can remember is, ‘Oh, wait till you get to high school, wait till you get to Glenbard West, they’re going to smoke you,'” said Hansmann, an Evansville baseball recruit. “They would be looking down on our program all the time.”

But the culture has changed under fourth-year coach Mike Fitzgerald. Now the school that for years has been known for its cross country success in the fall is getting some notice on the football field.

Hansmann’s second field goal of the fourth quarter capped an eventful period. His 25-yarder with 8:25 remaining gave the Dukes a 9-3 lead. But Glenbard West (5-1, 2-1), stymied offensively almost all afternoon, responded by moving 65 yards on 12 plays to go ahead 10-9 on Jack Oberhofer’s two-yard TD run and the extra point with 5:02 left.

Kevin Tanaka/For the Sun-Times
York’s Kelly Watson (1) finds a hole in the Glenbard West defense.

Then York went back to work with a heavy dose of Vezza’s running. The junior rushed 33 times for 123 yards and a touchdown. He also was 14 of 23 passing for 122 yards with one interception.

The workload was unusual.

“The past two games I’ve been around 15 carries,” Vezza said, but York coaches noted Glenbard West’s defensive scheme offered him some running lanes.

The Hilltoppers’ only scoring in the first three quarters was Enzo Diomede’s 26-yard goal at the end of the first half after a holding call wiped out an apparent 17-yard touchdown run by Jason Thomas. Joey Pope had 26 carries for 111 yards for the Hilltoppers.

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Max Hansmann’s field goal gives York its first win against Glenbard West in 14 yearsMichael O’Brienon October 3, 2021 at 12:48 am Read More »

Cubs’ COVID outbreak continues to spread as Tommy Nance lands on ILRussell Dorseyon October 3, 2021 at 12:03 am

Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

The Cubs selected right-hander Joe Biagini from Triple-A Iowa to replace Nance on the roster

ST. LOUIS — The Cubs’ long week continued on Saturday as the team’s latest COVID outbreak for the fourth consecutive day. The team put right-hander Tommy Nance on the injured list before Saturday’s game against the Cardinals.

Nance joins a long list of players who have been affected by the team’s current COVID outbreak. Infielders David Bote, Patrick Wisdom, outfielder Nick Martini and catcher Austin Romine were also placed on the injured list with no injury designation this week.

“Just hoping [head athletic trainer] PJ [Mainville] doesn’t call my cell phone,” manager David Ross said. “Like I said yesterday, you’re holding your breath. … Thank goodness he feels ok.”

While the team hasn’t announced officially that any of the players have tested positive for the virus, the only “injured list” that opens up a spot on the 40-man roster is the COVID-related IL, which all five have been placed on. At least one of the players has tested positive.

The team selected right-hander Joe Biagini from Triple-A Iowa. Biagini had been on the current road trip as a member of the five-man taxi squad. The Cubs’ right-hander was 3-8 with a 5.50 ERA this season in Des Moines.

“We’re trying to get to tomorrow and through tomorrow and try to win the two games in between and get into next year,” Ross said. “Try to learn where we can be better and try to deal with the circumstances that next year is going to present.”

Contreras leaves game with hip injury

Catcher Willson Contreras left Saturday’s game in the third inning with right hip tightness. As Contreras jogged off the field as the inning closed, he gestured toward the dugout, signaling that he would need to come out of the game.

Contreras has been bothered by lower body injuries for a while and he’s had to be checked on by Ross and Mainville several times in the last week during games, including in Friday’s loss. He’s been wearing a brace on his right knee since coming back from a right knee sprain in September.

Catcher Erick Castillo replaced Contreras behind the plate.

Cubs set National League roster record

With the addition of Biagini, the Cubs set the NL record with 66 players used this season. They are now one player shy of tying the MLB record with one game remaining this season. The Mariners set the mark in 2019 with 67 different players.

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Cubs’ COVID outbreak continues to spread as Tommy Nance lands on ILRussell Dorseyon October 3, 2021 at 12:03 am Read More »

Spring Awakening gets off to a rocky start amid fall rainSun-Times staffon October 2, 2021 at 11:36 pm

Hundreds of music fans descend on the entrance to Spring Awakening: Autumn Equinox at Addams/Medill Park after a two-hour rain delay forced the evacuation of the festival grounds. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Four stages are set up in Addams/Medill Park (1301 W. 14th Street) for the electronic music event running through Sunday.

It’s billed as the biggest incarnation of Spring Awakening in the history of the nearly 10-year history of the festival. And with more than 70 acts scheduled for this weekend’s Spring Awakening: Autumn Equinox, that’s an understatement.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Security urges Spring Awakening Musical Festival: Autumn Equinox festival goers to evacuate due to severe weather near the Addams/Medill Park in the University Village neighborhood, Saturday afternoon, October 2, 2021.

The musicmaking, however, had to wait on Saturday as severe weather forced the evacuation of the festival grounds for several hours. Social media and onsite festival staff alerted the crowds to evacuate to a temporary shelter at 15th and Wood streets around 3 p.m. Gates reopened at 5:45 and music was underway by 6 p.m.

But the rush to get back into the festival grounds was anything but a breeze as hundreds of festivalgoers converged on the entrance, creating a human traffic jam.

Four stages are set up in Addams/Medill Park (1301 W. 14th Street) for the electronic music event running through Sunday.

The lineup includes: Martin Garrix, Excision, Diplo, Galantis, RL Grime b2b Baauer, Dillon Francis, Madeon, Zomboy, AC Slater, Shiba San, Midnight Kids and a Sofi Tukker DJ Set. Other festival highlights include silent discos, laser light shows and plenty of afterparties.

And yes, attendees are required to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results. For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours of attending each day. You must be at least 18 to attend.

The festival runs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The entire schedule/lineup and festival safety protocols are available at springawakeningfestival.com.

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Spring Awakening gets off to a rocky start amid fall rainSun-Times staffon October 2, 2021 at 11:36 pm Read More »

Fall, winter serve up lots of fun, attractions for the entire familyContributoron October 2, 2021 at 10:13 pm

“Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum” returns to the Lisle park in its original format beginning Nov. 20. | Copyright 2017 Michael Hudson

From Halloween haunts to classical music, check out these things to see and do.

Gather up the family and check out these kid-friendly things to see and do in the weeks ahead. We’ve included some ghoulish fun for the older kids, too. Check individual websites for COVID protocols and age restrictions.

Morton Arboretum: Fall programming features a variety of outdoor events including the walking play “A Haunting in Sherwood Forest” (weekends through Oct. 31), Cider and Ale Fest (Oct. 23), the Glass Pumpkin Exhibition (Oct. 13-15, display of thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins), an the return of “Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum” (original mile-long walking path is back, Nov. 20 through Jan. 2). There is also a long list of other activities including wellness programs, family hikes and informational programs. 4100 Ill. 53, Lisle, $8-$16 (some events require addidtional ticketing); mortonarb.org

13th Floor Haunted Houses: “Bad Blood” revolves around an ancient feud between vampires and werewolves and in “Spirit of Halloween,” a witch casts a spell to summon the spirits of the underworld. To Nov. 13 at 5050 River Rd, Schiller Park, $19.99+; 13thfloorchicago.com

Statesville Haunted Prison: Halloween chills and thrills get underway with the final year of this haunted site featuring 30 rooms of horrifying creatures and convicts. To Oct. 31 at 17250 S. Weber, Lockport, $30, $45; statesvillehauntedprison.com

The Forge: Lemont Quarries: Fall-themed festivities include Zombie Apocalypse Laser Tag (Fridays-Sundays to Oct. 31), a screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oct. 23), “The Tale of Talcott’s Stone – A Guided Adventure Game” (Oct. 29-30), Fireside Ghost Stories with Orion Couling (Oct. 29-30). 1001 Main, Lemont. Admission is free; prices for activities vary; forgeparks.com

The Dr. Seuss Experience: The 25,000-square-foot immersive attraction experience is a multi-sensory trip through nine Seuss books including “The Cat in the Hat,” “Horton Hears a Who!,” “The Lorax” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Plus, there’s an interconnected maze with hundreds of balloons. Begins Oct. 8 at Water Tower Place in the former Macy’s, 835 N. Michigan, $23+; experienceseuss.com

Kilburn Live
There are selfie opportunities throughout “The Dr. Seuss Experience.”

Brookfield Zoo: Fall events (Oct. 9-24) include a corn maze, family photo ops, giant inflatables and more. Holiday events include a community tree trimming (Nov. 13-14), a Reindeer Run (Nov. 20) and Holiday Magic (Nov. 26-Dec. 31), the annual light show. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st, Brookfield, $17.95-19.95; czs.org

Open House Chicago: The Chicago Architecture Center’s annual festival that celebrates the city’s architecture features self-guided outdoor tours throughout October and indoor tours (Oct. 16-17), with more than 200 buildings in city neighborhoods and the suburbs open to the public. Free; openhousechicago.org

Courtesy Brookfield Zoo
Fall fun at Brookfield Zoo.

Little Park of Horrors: The drive-through only Halloween experience features horror displays with music and lighting effects. Oct. 21-24, 28-31. Wing Park, 1010 Wing St., Elgin, $10 advance tickets for timed entry; ticketweb.com

CSO for Kids: Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra introduce children to classical music at two daytime performances (Oct. 23), the orchestra performs John Williams’ score at a screening of “Home Alone” (Nov. 26-28) and the orchestra shares holiday music for the annual family concert “Merry, Merry Chicago!” (Dec. 17-23). Prices vary; cso.org

Jayme Thornton
The Laurie Berkner Band.

Laurie Berkner’s Halloween Party: The children’s musician invites families to her virtual party where they can sing along to original Halloween tunes and old favorites. Streams on Oct. 31, $20; laurieberkner.com

Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights: The zoo grounds are transformed into a land of twinkling lights. There are also photos with Santa, a light maze, an enchanted forest and much more. Nov. 19-Jan. 2. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark, $5 with some free nights; lpzoo.org

Christkindlmarket: Families can enjoy the return of this holiday tradition with its European feel and its wide array of gifts and food. Nov. 19-Dec. 24 at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, and Nov. 19-Dec. 31 outside Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison, Free; christkindlmarket.com

Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party: A puppet show starring Peter Rabbit and his favorite animal friends plus photos with the cast, cookies and cocoa. Nov. 20-Dec. 24. Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine, $42+; chicagochildrenstheatre.org

Chicago Halloweek: The Upside-Down Parade in Washington Park (noon-3 p.m. Oct. 23) features dancers, musicians, circus acrobats and more; Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade (6-8 p.m. Oct. 30) features floats, spectacle puppets and performances downtown on State Street; the Dia de los Muertos Celebration (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Maxwell Street Market includes music, a sugar skull workshop, pumpkin decorating and more. Free; chicagohalloweek.org

Millennium Park: The holidays get underway with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony (Nov. 19) and continue with the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (Nov. 19-March 6) and the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along (Nov. 26-Dec. 17). Free; millenniumpark.org

Compiled by Mary Houlihan, For the Sun-Times

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Fall, winter serve up lots of fun, attractions for the entire familyContributoron October 2, 2021 at 10:13 pm Read More »

Things to do in Chicago for theater and dance fansMary Houlihan – For the Sun-Timeson October 2, 2021 at 10:28 pm

Factory Theater restages “Last Night in Karaoke Town.” | Michael Courier

Chicagoans can find a range of plays, musicals and dance shows at local theaters large and small. Our guide has the latest on what’s on stage in the city.

Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment on stage at Chicago’s theaters. From local productions to Broadway hits, our guide has the latest on shows in the city. Bookmark this page and check back for updates and ticket information.

‘Songs for Nobodies’

Photo by Michael Brosilow
Bethany Thomas in “Songs for Nobodies.”

WHAT: “Songs for Nobodies” is Joanna Murray-Smith’s one-woman tour-de-force that celebrates the iconic work of Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas. Bethany Thomas stars in the story of the unexpected encounters between these divas and the ordinary women whose lives they changed. Rob Lindley directs.

WHEN: From Sept. 23-Oct. 31

WHERE: Northlight Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie.

TICKETS: $30-$89

VISIT: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit northlight.org.

‘A Recipe for Disaster’

Emily Madigan
The immersive “Recipe for Disaster” includes cocktail, wine and food samples.

WHAT: Chef Rick Bayless teams up with Windy City Playhouse for “A Recipe for Disaster,” an immersive experience. Bayless, artistic director Amy Rubenstein and associate artistic director Carl Menninger created the farcical play which revolves around a trendy restaurant where everything that could go wrong does. Audiences will sample cocktails, wine and food created by Bayless. David H. Bell directs. WHEN: Performances begin Oct. 6 in an open-ended run.

WHERE: staged at the Club Level at Petterino’s, 150 N. Dearborn.

TICKETS: $90-$130. For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit windycityplayhouse.com.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater: ‘As You Like It’

WHAT: Shakespeare meets The Beatles in Daryl Cloran’s adaptation of the classic romantic comedy “As You Like It.” Cloran, who also directs, sets the play in the ’60s and infuses it with the music of the Beatles. More than 20 musical numbers from the Fab Four’s songbook are performed by a cast led by Lakeisha Renee as Rosalind and Liam Quealy as Orlando.

WHEN: From Oct. 6-Nov. 21

WHERE: Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand

TICKETS: $49-$90. For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit chicagoshakes.com.

PrideArts: ‘4000 Days’

WHAT: PrideArts presents Peter Quilter’s “4000 Days,” a comedy-drama about a man who wakes up from a three-week coma and finds he remembers nothing from the past 11 years including his relationship with his partner; directed by Jay Espano.

WHEN: From Oct. 1-31

WHERE: The Broadway, Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway

TICKETS: $30. For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit pridearts.org

Second City

WHAT: The Second City’s 109th revue, not yet titled, is a comedic examination of how we’re all striving to find joy in a seemingly never-ending stream of apocalyptic change from conspiracy theories to social anxiety to navigating the current political landscape.

WHEN: Presented in an open-ended run beginning Sept. 30

WHERE: The Second City, 1616 N. Wells

TICKETS: $29-$55

VISIT: For more information on the festival and updated information regarding the Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, secondcity.com/chicago-shows/

‘Rent’

Amy Boyle
Cody Jenkins and Samantha Mbolekwa in “Rent.”

WHAT: The “Rent 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour” is the last chance to catch this celebrated touring production. Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning musical follows a diverse group of artists and friends struggling to follow their dreams. It’s the first production to open to a live audience in a Broadway in Chicago theater in more than a year.

WHEN: From Oct. 5-10

WHERE: CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe

TICKETS: $25+

VISIT: For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit broadwayinchicago.com.

More on stage…

Vicki Quade’s “Holy Ghost Bingo: God, Goblins & Games” returns Oct. 1-31 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $35. Visit greenhousetheater.org.

Black Ensemble Theater’s cabaret series begins with “The Feel Good Musical Revue” at 8 p.m. Oct. 1-2 and 3 p.m. Oct. 3 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark. Tickets: $45. Visit blackensembletheater.org.

The House Theatre of Chicago’s 10-part “Dracula: A Serial Audio Play” begins Oct. 1 with new episodes each week. Streams free at thehousetheatre.com.

Broken Nose Theatre presents an audio adaptation of its hit 2019 family drama “Kingdom.” Streams (pay-what-you-can) from Oct. 4-24 at brokennosetheatre.com.

Dance Doings…

Winifred Haun & Dancers premiere a new work, “When day comes,” and other dances including “Your nearest exit may be behind you,” “Bento” and “Finding the Light” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1-2 at Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn. Tickets: $24, $35. Visit winifredhaun.org.

The experimental company Zephyr Dance performs “Recurrences,” a re-staged, shortened reconstruction of elements from its piece “Allowances and Occurrences.” At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and 9 at The Martin, 2500 W. Chicago. Tickets: $10. Visit zephyrdance.com.

The Chicago Tap Summit, M.A.D.D. Rhythms’ annual celebration of tap, includes classes, panels, performances and more. From Oct. 1-3 at Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. Ticket prices vary. Visit maddrhythms.com.

Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival

WHAT: Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival returns Sept. 23-Oct. 17 with its always diverse roster featuring works from Chicago and around the world. The performances, in addition to the Goodman Theatre’s staging of “American Mariachi,” performed at a various venues are Lagartijas Tirades al Sol’s “Tijuana” (Sept. 23-26), which asks the question: What does democracy mean in Mexico today?; Teatro Tariakuri’s “La manera como luces esta noche” (Sept. 25-Oct., 17), a comedic fairy tale about a princess and the commoner who loves her; Combat Hippies’ “AMAL” (Sept. 30-Oct. 3), an examination of the impact of war; Casa de Teatro’s “Mal de Amores” (Oct. 8-10), a fusion of storytelling and song as an old man tells love stories and a woman sings boleros, baladas and rancheras; Urban Theater Company’s “Brujaja” (Oct. 9-10), which pairs theater, dance and drumming; Teatro Vista’s “Futurology presents: The Fifth World” (Oct. 10-11), a new serial audio play about a true crime producer who is entangled in myth’s as old as the world; Vision Latino Theatre’s “Y tu abuela, where is she?” (Oct. 11-24), about an interracial couple seeking to modify the genes of their unborn children; Agus, Sol y Sereno’s “Corazon de Papel” (Oct. 14-17), a depiction of post-Hurricane Puerto Rico told through puppetry; Aguijon Theater’s “La Gran Tirana: Descarga dramatica” (Oct. 15-Nov. 21), a new work inspired by La Lupe, the Queen of Latin Soul.

VISIT: For more information on the festival and updated information regarding the Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit clata.org.

Peacebook Festival

Photo by Madison Uphoff
Karen Olivo

WHAT: Collaboraction’s Peacebook Festival offers different perspectives on peace via films and solo performances including one by Tony Award-winner Karen Olivo (“West Side Story”). At 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25 (Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd): Carla Stillwell’s “Oh, Colonizers,” a satirical film which connects the dots between capitalism and the Jan. 6 insurrection; “Encounter Englewood,” videos showcasing the life and vibrancy of Englewood and short solo works performed by Ameena Matthews, Banks Performance Project, E’mon Lauren, John Johnson, Loretta “Firekeeper” Hawkins, Mica Cole and Teh’Ray “Phenom” Hale Sr. At 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2 (Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington): a screening of “Oh, Colonizers” and solo performances by Abad Viquez, Ada Cheng, Anthony Wolf, David Flores, Karen Olivo, Marvin Tate and Molly Brennan.

TICKETS: $5-$35

VISTI: For updated information regarding the festival’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit collaboraction.org.

‘Songs for a New World’

Courtesy of Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s season begins with Jason Robert Brown’s “Songs for a New World.” Pictured in rehearsal are Emily Goldberg (from left), Matthew Hunter, Averis I. Anderson and Nora Navarro.

WHAT: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s season begins with Jason Robert Brown’s “Songs for a New World,” which tells the stories of people facing a variety of life-changing crisis and features a score that blends pop, gospel and jazz.

WHEN: From Sept. 24-Oct. 24

WHERE: Howard Street Theatre, 721 Howard, Evanston

TICKETS: $42-$54

VISIT: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit theo-u.com.

‘Last Night in Karaoke Town’

Michael Courier
Factory Theater presents “Last Night in Karaoke Town.”

WHAT: Factory Theater restages “Last Night in Karaoke Town,” Mike Beyer and Kirk Pynchon’s comedy set in one of Cleveland’s oldest karaoke bars that may have to close its doors when the new owner announces he wants to change it into a cider bar. Directed by Kim Boler.

WHEN: From Sept. 24-Nov. 6

WHERE: The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard

TICKETS: $10-$25.

VISIT: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit thefactorytheater.com.

Steppenwolf: Tracy Letts

WHAT: Here’s a trio of treats from playwright Tracy Letts. Leading up to the Steppenwolf Theatre restaging of his play “Bug” in November, the company is streaming three short plays which Letts says, “share at least one thread: a world off-kilter… they feel very much like stories for 2021.” Rainn Wilson performs the monologue “Night Safari,” which poses questions about animal behavior and human biology; William Petersen, Karen Rodriguez and Mike Nussbaum voice the puppets in “The Old Country,” in which two men in a diner wax nostalgic; and Letts performs “The Stretch,” a monologue about a horse race that is not what it seems. Patrick Zakem directs the first two and outgoing artistic director Anna D. Shapiro directs the third.

WHEN: Streams from Sept. 29-Oct. 24

TICKETS: $20

VISIT: steppenwolf.org.

Lyric Opera: ‘The Elixir of Love’

WHAT: The Lyric Opera presents Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love,” a classic of the bel canto repertoire. The heartwarming comedy, directed by Daniel Slater, is the story of a naive waiter Nemorino (tenor Charles Castronovo) who pines for the flirtatious Adina (soprano Ailyn Perez) who also happens to be his boss.

WHEN: From Sept. 26-Oct. 8

WHERE: The Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker.

TICKETS: $39+

VISIT: For updated information regarding the Lyric’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit lyricopera.org.

‘American Mariachi’

WHAT: Jose Cruz Gonzalez’s “American Mariachi” is the story of a young woman, Luca (Tiffany Solano), who spends her days caring for her ailing mother, Amalia (Gigi Cervantes), but longs to shake up her life. When the mariachi songs on a forgotten album spark her mother’s memory, she sets out to create an all-female mariachi band, an unheard of idea in the 1970s, the time in which the play is set. It’s a “funny, tender-hearted story about family, tradition and memory,” says director Henry Godinez. The cast includes an ensemble of musicians from the Grammy-nominated group Sones de Mexico.

WHEN: From Sept. 18-Oct. 24

GOODMAN THEARE: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn

TICKETS: $25+

INFO: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit goodmantheatre.org.

Lyric Opera — ‘Macbeth’

WHAT: The Lyric Opera’s 67th season begins with “Macbeth,” the inaugural production of music director Enrique Mazzola. The new production of Verdi’s opera from Scottish director Sir David McVicar is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, a portrait of a power-hungry couple and their bloody ascent to the throne of Scotland. Roman Burdenko portrays Macbeth with Sondra Radvanovsky as Lady Macbeth. Sung in Italian with projected English subtitles.

WHEN: From Sept. 17-Oct. 9

WHERE: Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker

TICKETS: $39+

INFO: For updated information regarding the Lyric’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit lyricopera.org.

‘The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 — Sex!’

Rick Aguilar Studios
Ed Jones (from left), Grant Drager and David Cerda with (bottom, right) Ryan Oates in “The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5-Sex!”

WHAT: Hell in a Handbag Productions long-running parody series continues with “The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 — Sex!,” in which Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia explore their naughty side. Original cast members — David Cerda, Grant Drager, Ed Jones and Ryan Oates — star as the Geriatric Fab Four. Written by Cerda and directed by Madison Smith.

WHEN: From Sept. 16-Oct. 23

WHERE: Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview

TICKETS: $27-$45.

INFO: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit handbagproductions.org.

‘Forever Plaid’

WHAT: Drury Lane Theatre returns with “Forever Plaid,” Stuart Ross and James Raitt’s musical revue packed with hit tunes from the 1950s. Paul Stancato directs.

WHEN: From Sept. 17-Nov. 7

WHERE: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace

TICKETS: $59-$72.

INFO: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit drurylanetheatre.com.

The Neo-Futurists

Joe Mazza
“The Infinite Wrench” by the Neo-Futurists

WHAT: The Neo-Futurists kick off their season with the return of the late-night show “The Infinite Wrench,” in which the ensemble attempts to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes.

WHEN: Ongoing performances are at 7 p.m. Sundays

WHERE: Neo-Futurists, 5153 N. Ashland

TICKETS: $10

INFO: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit neofuturists.org.

‘Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992’

Courtesy of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Jazzma Pryor in “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.”

WHAT: Jazzma Pryor stars in Anna Deavere Smith’s tour-de-force solo show “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.” In it she portrays nearly four dozen people who were connected either directly or indirectly to the 1992 Los Angeles riots that erupted after the trial and acquittal of the police officers accused of assaulting Rodney King. The playwright shaped the piece from interviews that she conducted while researching the play. Tim Rhoze directs.

WHEN: From Sept. 11-26

WHERE: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes, Evanston

TICKETS: $25. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit fjtheatre.com.

‘The World Goes Round’

@BrandonDahlquistPhotography
Kevin Earley (from left), Allison E. Blackwell, Meghan Murphy, Joseph Anthony Byrd, Amanda Rose are featured in “The World Goes Round” at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

WHAT: The songs of musical theater team John Kander and Fred Ebb are the centerpiece of the revue “The World Goes Round.” The hit parade of songs includes selections from “Cabaret,” “New York, New York,” “All That Jazz,” “Funny Lady,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Maybe This Time” and more. The cast features Allison E. Blackwell, Joseph Anthony Byrd, Kevin Earley, Meghan Murphy and Amanda Rose; Marcia Milgrom Dodge directs and choreographs.

WHEN:From Sept. 15-Nov. 7

WHERE: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire

TICKETS: $50-$60. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit marriotttheatre.com.

‘Thirteen Days’

Photo by Steve Graue
Sheila Willis (from left), Cameron Feagin, Kat Evans, Julia Kessler and Maggie Cain star in “Thirteen Days” at City Lit Theater.

WHAT: “Thirteen Days” is Brian Pastor’s adaptation of Robert F. Kennedy’s memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The world-premiere play, performed by an all-female cast, is set in President John F. Kennedy’s Situation Room where he maneuvers his way through the conflicting counsel of his advisors as the world comes close to nuclear war. Leading the cast are Cameron Feagin as JFK and Kat Evans as Attorney General Robert Kennedy; Pastor directs.

WHEN: Sept. 10-Oct. 24

WHERE: City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr

TICKETS: $32. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit citylit.org.

‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’

WHAT: Citadel Theatre presents Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” a comedy about a teen who must cope with the mundane existence of his life in Brooklyn.

WHEN: Sept. 15-Oct. 17

WHERE: Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan, Lake Forest

TICKETS: $20-$45. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit citadeltheatre.org.

‘Kinky Boots’

Thomas J. King
Michael Wordly makes his Paramount Theatre debut as Lola in “Kinky Boots.”

What: Live performances return for a new season at the Paramount Theatre with Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s high-kicking “Kinky Boots.” This first regional production of the Broadway musical, directed by Trent Stork, stars Devin DeSantis as Charlie, the shoemaker attempting to save his failing shoe factory, and Michael Wordly as Lola, the fierce drag queen who shows him the way.

When: Aug. 18-Oct. 17

Where: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora

Tickets: $36-$74

For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit paramountaurora.com.

Theatre Y

WHAT: Theatre Y’s ambitious new adventure “You Are Here: The Emerald Camino Project” is a return of its urban pilgrimages, this time through Daniel Burnham’s Emerald Necklace — the boulevard system that links the public parks on Chicago’s West and South sides. The immersive 12-part walking experience was created with artists, community leaders and organizations across a dozen communities. “This is a joyful post-pandemic experience that connects Chicago’s diverse communities through the intersection of conversation and art,” says Theatre Y’s artistic director, Melissa Lorraine. If you are walking through the neighborhood in which you live, admission is free; all other participants are Theatre Y Members or encouraged to become members (for as little as $5/month).

WHEN: Aug. 21-Sept. 26 For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies as well as dates and times for each walk, visit theatre-y.com.

Blue Man Group

Caroline Talbot Photography
Blue Man Group

What: Those crazy characters in blue return for more goofy fun. The show, which encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner child, is a combination of art, music, comedy and technology.

When: Ongoing

Where: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted.

Tickets: $49-$89

For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit blueman.com.

Teatro ZinZanni

Michael Doucet
The artistry and the excitement of Teatro ZinZanni returns to Chicago starting July 8. Pictured: Lea Hinz.

What: The immersive, whirlwind theater experience that is Teatro ZinZanni has reopened featuring a new show with a cast of comedians, aerialists, acrobats, singers, dancers and a gourmet meal, it brings comedy, music and cirque back after a long pandemic hiatus. Included among the performers are powerhouse vocalists Storm Marrero and Cunio, aerial acts Lea Hinz and Duo 19, veteran comedians Frank Ferrante and Joe DePaul and acrobatic dancers Mickael and Vita.

When: Ongoing

Where: Spiegeltent ZaZou on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph

Tickets: $119-$189; limited show only tickets $69. Visit zinzanni.com/chicago.

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Things to do in Chicago for theater and dance fansMary Houlihan – For the Sun-Timeson October 2, 2021 at 10:28 pm Read More »

Chase Brown, Illini run past CharlotteTerry Towery | APon October 2, 2021 at 9:24 pm

Illinois running back Chase Brown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Champaign, Ill. Illinois won 24-14. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) ORG XMIT: ILCA114 | Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

Brown rushed for 257 yards and two touchdowns, the fourth-best single-game rushing performance in Illinois history

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Chase Brown rushed for 257 yards and two touchdowns and Illinois beat Charlotte 24-14 on Saturday.

It stands as the fourth best single-game rushing performance in Illinois history. His 80-yard scoring run as time expired in the third quarter was the longest run of the year for Illinois (2-4). The last Illini to rush for more than 200 yards in a game was Reggie Corbin, who ran for 213 yards against Minnesota in 2018.

“You really saw the skill set Chase Brown has,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. “He’s something.”

Brandon Peters was 10 of 19 passing for 78 yards and one touchdown for the Illini. Josh McCray rushed 16 times for 64 yards. Daniel Barker caught one pass for 10 yards and a touchdown.

“For Brandon, I think we can say it was a step forward for him,” Bielema said. “Overall, it was a step forward for the whole team. But we have to play Big Ten football and we’re not there yet.”

Chris Reynolds was 17 of 23 passing for 191 yards and two touchdowns for Charlotte (3-2).

Calvin Camp rushed seven times for 29 yards for the 49ers. Victor Tucker caught five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown, and Grant DuBose caught four passes for 70 yards. Elijah Spencer caught two passes for 34 yards and a touchdown.

“I’m disappointed,” Charlotte coach Will Healy said. “Call me crazy, but I fully expected to win the game when we came in today. I believe we had plenty of opportunities to do it, and we didn’t get it done.”

POWER RUNNING

Illinois outgained Charlotte on the ground 336 yards to 72.

Bielema was known for nurturing a hard-nosed running attack during his successful tenure at Wisconsin, and Saturday’s game was the first indication of that at Illinois.

“I mean, we have some things to clean up,” Bielema said. “But overall, I thought it was encouraging.”

Illinois’ two touchdowns in the second half both were on Brown runs, a 32-yard score midway through the third quarter and his 80-yard scamper as time expired in the third quarter.

AIR ATTACK

Illinois scored first on a 29-yard James McCourt field goal midway through the first quarter after a 17-play opening drive for the Illini. Charlotte answered with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Reynolds to Tucker with 1:31 left in the first quarter.

Illinois scored late in the second quarter with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Peters to Barker to make the score 10-7 Illinois.

Charlotte then drove 66 yards on 6 plays and scored on a 22-yard pass from Reynolds to Spencer to lead 14-10 at the half.

Coming into the game, Reynolds had thrown for nine touchdowns, 16th most in the nation.

“We have a long season ahead of us,” Reynolds said. “You can’t let something like this hurt you for the rest of the year. We have a lot of opportunities in front of us.”

HE SAID IT

Coach Bielema: “I told the guys in the locker room to enjoy the moment, hug your mom and all that stuff, and then let’s get busy because we have to win some Big Ten games now.”

THE TAKEAWAY

Illinois needed a win after a fairly disastrous start to the season. And while it was against a program that didn’t even play football before 2013, Bielema will take it.

Charlotte played with poise against its first ever Big Ten opponent and coach Healy has to be proud of his squad for its balanced play .

UP NEXT

Charlotte: At FIU on Friday night.

Illinois: Hosts conference rival Wisconsin on Oct. 9.

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Chase Brown, Illini run past CharlotteTerry Towery | APon October 2, 2021 at 9:24 pm Read More »

Blackhawks’ Dylan Strome trying to stay optimistic despite reduced roleBen Popeon October 2, 2021 at 7:56 pm

Dylan Strome learned to juggle this summer to improve his faceoff skills. | AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

Strome learned to juggle this summer in hopes of improving his faceoff abilities, but might need that skill to handle his volatile playing time, too.

Dylan Strome learned how to juggle this summer.

That new skill was intended to improve his faceoff abilities. But he might end up needing it to handle his volatile role on the Blackhawks this year, too.

Strome has been a near-complete afterthought in training camp so far, at best stuck in a fourth-line grinder role that doesn’t fit his offensive mindset and at worst relegated to the AHL-bound ground.

The 24-year-old forward opened camp last week alongside Ryan Carpenter and Jujhar Khaira, and that turned out to be the peak of his placement. His linemates during various practices since have included Brett Connolly, Alex Nylander and Cam Morrison. He’ll skate with Connolly and Adam Gaudette in Saturday’s game against the Blues in Kansas City.

Coach Jeremy Colliton has been coy throughout camp about exactly why Strome has been so neglected.

“We want to have possession in the offensive zone, we want to be a harder team to play against without the puck, so if he can help us there, it’ll help [his] cause to be in the lineup,” Colliton said when pushed Saturday.

Strome certainly feels the difference. After his preseason debut Friday, during which he played 15:05, he mentioned he started his last two camps placed on a line “right away” with Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat — an almost comical contrast to his partners this fall.

But he’s optimistic he can eventually force his way out of Colliton’s doghouse.

“I’m just staying positive,” he said. “You never know what can happen during the season. A lot happens; it’s a long season. So [I want to] come in, be positive, be happy around the rink, happy to be here, happy to see the fans.”

The Hawks’ Strome dilemma dates back to the final month of last season, when Strome was a healthy scratch for four of the last 10 games — including a particularly contentious April night in Nashville, when Strome took warmups but was then scratched without warning. Colliton later explained it was because Wyatt Kalynuk was a game-time decision, but Strome admitted it “pissed me off a lot.”

Still, Strome has proven he can be a productive playmaker when surrounded with talent and allowed to play center, his natural position. He’s only two years removed from his 51-points-in-58-games Hawks debut and his scoring rate over the past three seasons — 2.51 points per 60 minutes — ranked fifth on the team, behind only Kane, DeBrincat, Dominik Kubalik and Jonathan Toews.

It seemed like his opportunity might come in a different city in 2021-22, with the Hawks aggressively exploring all trade options this offseason and Strome clearly falling out of Colliton’s favor. But while a trade could conceivably still come, he has no choice for now but to try to recapture the magic in Chicago.

“Carrying the puck with speed is one thing I need to do better,” Strome said. “Sometimes I just get it and just throw it away when I know I can make plays. And I should be making plays, so I’m going to continue to work on that. Hopefully it translates to more ‘O’-zone time.”

Faceoffs are another thing. His faceoff winning percentage settled at 47.0% last season and 47.1% for his career. His struggles in that regard have contributed to his role reduction.

As a left-hand shot but a right-hand-dominant person, Strome realized he needed to strengthen and quicken his left hand, which sits lower on his stick during faceoffs and thus has more leverage. The solution was the aforementioned juggling — “literally, three balls and juggling,” he said, doing the motion subconsciously.

“If there’s one thing I can do to help myself play center, be in the opening night lineup, it’s faceoffs,” he added bluntly.

His early results, faceoffs-wise, are encouraging: he won seven of nine draws Friday. But time will tell if that alone will be enough.

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Blackhawks’ Dylan Strome trying to stay optimistic despite reduced roleBen Popeon October 2, 2021 at 7:56 pm Read More »