What’s New

Chicago House AC, Chicago’s new professional soccer team, announced a community partnership with My Block, My Hood, My City. Often affectionately known as “M3,” the local Chicagoland organization aims to inspire youth, empower communities, and build a better world, one block at a time. The two organizations will team up with an aligned mission and vision of making Chicago a better place to live, work, and play.

Founded in 2013 by Jahmal Cole, My Block, My Hood, My City (M3) provides opportunities for others to step outside their comfort zone and explore new communities, cultures, and cuisines in an effort to gain a greater understanding of the world. The organization believes in encouraging others to fully immerse themselves in new experiences, continuously soaking up new knowledge and expanding their network, and that each and every one of us needs to take responsibility for our communities – it is only through our efforts of service, empathy, and collaboration will we see our communities truly evolve.

“Do more than people expect – this is at the core of My Block, My Hood, My City and we are excited that Chicago House AC is bringing this to life through their fundraising efforts,” said Ernesto Gonzalez, M3’s Marketing Manager. “We are humbled to be a part of their inaugural season and cannot wait to see the team grow!”

Beginning on October 1st, 2021 at 10:00am, fans will be able to purchase a special Chicago House Nike Challenger jersey that features the M3 logo on the front of the kit. $5 from each jersey sale will be donated directly to the community organization, and will help fund the work that M3 is doing in the Chicago Community. These jerseys, along with a wide variety of Chicago House AC merchandise is available online at www.shop.chicagohouseac.com. Each kit purchased can either be shipped or picked up on-site at a House home match at SeatGeek Stadium at the merchandise tent.

As a further incentive to #WearHouse and support both organizations, every fan that purchases a jersey via the club’s online shop at up until Friday, October 8th at 12:00pm will receive a complimentary ticket to the match on October 9th. All customers will be contacted individually by a Chicago House AC staff member with instructions on how to redeem their ticket.

The partnership between the House and M3 will be on full display during the club’s October 9th fixture versus San Diego 1904 FC on Saturday October 9th at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL. M3 will be the Community Partner of the Match and fans will have the chance to learn more about their programs and impact at the stadium. As part of the partnership with M3, players will be wearing the kit during the match. Following the match, the game-worn jerseys will be donated to M3 for further fundraising and development efforts.

“Listening to, learning with and showing up for our community is at the heart of Chicago House AC‘s engagement strategy,” says Chicago House AC’s Director of Community Engagement, Mary Beth Johnson. “It’s an honor to support and team up with M3 who are an amazing example for our club on how we can take care of one another. This launch is just the beginning! We’re excited to explore, experience and evolve with M3 in the years to come.”

For more information on Chicago House AC’s new community partnership, please contact the club’s Director of Community Outreach, Mary Beth Johnson at [email protected] or visit the House’s website at www.chicagohouseac.com.

ABOUT My Block, My Hood, My City

Founded in 2013 by Jahmal Cole, My Block, My Hood, My City (M3) provides opportunities for others to step outside their comfort zone and explore new communities, cultures, and cuisines in an effort to gain a greater understanding of the world. The organization believes in encouraging others to fully immerse themselves in new experiences, continuously soaking up new knowledge and expanding their network, and that each and every one of us needs to take responsibility for our communities – it is only through our efforts of service, empathy, and collaboration will we see our communities truly evolve.

The post Chicago House AC Introduces Community Partnership With My Block, My Hood, My City appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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Fred Wilson, “Untitled (Venice Biennale),” 2003, Chromogenic print. The work is among those featured in “Who Says, Who Shows, What Counts: Thinking about History with the Block’s Collection” at the Block Museum of Art. | (C) Fred Wilson. Image courtesy the artist and Pace Gallery

Other shows will be contemplating guns, Paris and the 1871 Chicago fire.

In trying to decide what to call the current exhibition at Northwestern University’s Block Museum of Art, the curators realized that the title of a 1990 work by conceptual artist Louis Lawler nicely fit the bill: “Who Says, Who Shows, What Counts.”

“We kind of glommed on to that, because that summed up a lot of the things that we were thinking about,” said Essi Ronkko, the museum’s associate curator of collections.

The show’s concept, which derives in part from “Thinking About History,” a book by Sara Maza, a Northwestern professor of history, is pretty straightforward: art history is never static or monolithic. It changes depending on who is telling the story, which artists are being shown and what seems important at that moment.

According to Ronkko, the theme is broad enough to encompass works by a wide range of artists, such as Dawoud Bey, Kerry James Marshall, Catherine Opie, Edward Steichen and Kara Walker, but specific enough to provide a “backbone” for the exhibition.

The show, which is subtitled “Thinking about History with the Block’s Collection,” is the culmination of the museum’s 40th-anniversary celebration. “It was going to be 2020,” Ronkko said, “because we technically turned 40 in 2020, but for obvious reasons, it got postponed by a full year.”

It is also the culmination of a collecting initiative that began in 2018 with the help of the museum’s Board of Advisors, which provided the bulk of the funding. Like the show, the acquisitions were centered on artists who were thinking critically about the past and was meant to expand the scope of the museum’s holdings and diversify the perspectives it presents.

In all, 85 works will be on view through Dec. 5, filling virtually nearly the entirety of the two-story museum at 40 Arts Circle in Evanston. Visit blockmuseum.northwestern.edu.

Here is an overview of 10 other art and museum exhibitions worth checking out this fall:

Photo by Martin Giese, DuSable Museum of African American History
Installation view, Kara Walker: “Presenting Negro Scenes Drawn Upon My Passage through the South and Reconfigured for the Benefit of Enlightened Audiences Wherever Such May Be Found, By Myself, Missus K.E.B. Walker, Colored.”

Through Oct. 16: “Kara Walker: Presenting Negro Scenes Drawn Upon My Passage through the South and Reconfigured for the Benefit of Enlightened Audiences Wherever Such May Be Found, By Myself, Missus K.E.B. Walker, Colored,” Du Sable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place; dusablemuseum.org. This installation, which debuted at the Renaissance Society in 1997 and is now in the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, is a milestone example of Walker’s searing gaze at the brutal reality of slavery using black-paper cut-outs.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
“Girl With Balloon” is among the 80 works by the mysterious English street artist known as Banksy, in “The Art of Banksy.”

Through Oct. 31: “The Art of Banksy,” 360 N. State; banskyexhibit.com. Banksy is the pseudonym of a controversial and attention-grabbing British-based street artist, filmmaker and art-world provocateur whose identity remains unknown. This show, which was organized by Starvox Exhibits without the artist’s permission or involvement, features more than 80 works drawn from private collections worldwide.

Courtesy of the artist
Rick Ortega, “Espiritu de Cihuateteo,” 2018, oil on canvas, is featured in “Dia de Muertos – A Time to Grieve & Remember,” at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Through Dec. 12: “Dia de Muertos — A Time to Grieve & Remember,” National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th; nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org. This annual Day of the Dead show is always a viewer favorite, but this year’s 35th edition deserves special note. It pays tribute to the thousands of people in Mexico and the United States who have died from COVID-19, and includes work by two MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” winners: Sandra Cisneros and Amalia Mesa-Bains.

Digital image courtesy of the artist
Barbara Kruger, “Untitled (Truth),” 2013. Collection of Margaret and Daniel S. Loeb.

Through Jan. 24, 2022: “THINKING OF YOU. I MEAN ME. I MEAN YOU,” Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan; artic.edu. Barbara Kruger has been an important part of the contemporary art world for more than 40 years, using text and imagery to create media-savvy works with a socio-political bite. Selections in this large-scale retrospective will be spread across the museum, with other works featured on billboards and elsewhere in the city.

Courtesy of the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art New York
Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ “Untitled (Death by Gun)” (1990) is featured in “American Epidemic: Guns in the United States,” an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Columbia College Chicago.

Through Feb. 20, 2022: “American Epidemic: Guns in the United States,” Museum of Contemporary Photography, Columbia College Chicago, 600 S. Michigan; mocp.org. The nine featured artists, including Carolyn Drake, Andres Gonzalez and Kambui Olujimi, explore a range of cultural, economic and racial issues surrounding the surging number of guns in the United States.

(C) Estate of Andre Kertesz 2021
Andre Kertesz, “Chez Mondrian,” 1926. The Art Institute of Chicago, Julien Levy Collection, gift of Jean and Julien Levy.

Through Jan. 17, 2022: “Andre Kertesz: Postcards from Paris,” Art Institute of Chicago; artic.edu. Kertesz is recognized today as one of the great photographers of the 20th century, but when he arrived in Paris in 1925, such fame was still in the future. This show is the first to bring together his rare prints on carte postale or postcard paper during his early experimental years in the City of Light.

Oct. 8, 2021, through 2024: “City on Fire: Chicago 1871,” Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark; chicago1871.org. No event looms larger in Chicago history than the infamous 1871 fire, which destroyed hundreds of structures and left more than 100,000 people homeless. This semi-permanent exhibit marks the 150th anniversary of the massive conflagration with more than 100 artifacts from the museum’s collection as well as a reproduction of a large-scale cyclorama.

Chicago History Museum
Lithograph depicting the burning of the Tremont House on Dearborn Street during the Chicago Fire of 1871.

Oct. 16, 2021 – Jan. 31, 2022: “Tony Fitzpatrick: Jesus of Western Avenue,” Cleve Carney Museum of Art, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn; theccma.org. Fitzpatrick has gained national fame for his whimsical yet often pointed works with frequent references to his beloved Chicago. Sixty of his mixed-media works will be showcased in what is billed as his final museum exhibition.

Oct. 22, 2021 – Jan. 8, 2023: “Wild Color,” Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore; fieldmuseum.org. Each room of this exhibit is devoted to a different color in the natural world, with looks at such offerings as iridescent minerals and hues of animals that glow in ultraviolet light. According to museum press materials, the show will include “vibrant visuals, large-scale media projections and soundscapes to create multi-sensory atmospheres.”

Courtesy of the artist and Andrew Kreps Gallery New York
Andrea Bowers, “Radical Feminist Pirate Ship Tree-Sitting Platform.” Recycled wood, rope, carabineers, misc. equipment and supplies.

Nov. 20, 2021 – March 27, 2022: Andrea Bowers, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago; mcachicago.org. This retrospective, co-organized by the MCA Chicago and Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, is the first to survey more than 20 years of Bowers’ work. This activist, Los Angeles-based artist confronts a range of contemporary issues, such as immigration and transgender rights, through her installations, drawings and videos.

Kyle MacMillan is a local freelance writer.

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Steppenwolf Theatre presents the virtual production of “The Old Country,” by ensemble member Tracy Letts and directed by Patrick Zakem. | Sarah Hahm

There’s plenty to choose from, ranging from a pre-Broadway run to a collaboration with chef Rick Bayless to a stream of three short plays by Tracy Letts.

As the world continues to adjust to an ongoing new normal, Chicago’s theater community is back with a generous lineup of live events and a few streamed offerings for the fall and winter months ahead.

There’s plenty to choose from, ranging from a pre-Broadway run to a collaboration with chef Rick Bayless to a stream of three short plays by Tracy Letts, and so much more.

Keep in mind, there are safety protocols in place at all venues, so visit the websites listed for individual theater’s updated information regarding COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies.

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.

“Thirteen Days”: Brian Pastor’s adaptation of Robert F. Kennedy’s memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis is performed by an all-female cast; directed by Pastor. To Oct. 24. City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, $32; citylit.org

“Brighton Beach Memoirs”: Neil Simon’s comedy about a teen who must cope with the mundane existence of his family life in Brooklyn. To Oct. 17. Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan, Lake Forest, $20-$45; citadeltheatre.org

“The World Goes Round”: John Kander and Fred Ebb’s musical that celebrates the duo’s songbook via tunes from “Cabaret!,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Funny Lady” and more. To Nov. 7. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, $50-$60; marriotttheatre.com

Rick Aguilar Studios
Ed Jones (from left), David Cerda, Grant Drager and Ryan Oates star in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ “The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – SEX!”

“The Golden Girls — The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – SEX!: The long-running parody of the television classic returns with a new show that explores the ladies’ naughty side; directed by Madison Smith. To Oct. 23. Hell in a Handbag Productions at Leather Archives and Museum, 6418 N. Greenview, $27-$45; handbagproductions.org

“Macbeth”: A 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. To Oct. 9. Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker, $39+; lyricopera.org

“Forever Plaid”: Stuart Ross and James Raitt’s musical revue packed with tunes from the 1950s. To Nov. 7. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, $59-$72; drurylanetheatre.com

Liz Lauren
Tiffany Solano (from left, as Lucha), Molly Hernandez (as Isabel), Amanda Raquel Martinez (as Gabby), Gloria Vivica Benavides (as Soyla) and Lucy Godinez (as Boli) are shown in a scene from “American Mariachi” at the Goodman Theatre.

“American Mariachi”: Jose Cruz Gonzalez’s comedy-drama about a young woman who comes up with a radical idea: create an all-female mariachi band; directed by Henry Godinez. To Oct. 24. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, $25+; goodmantheatre.org

“The Infinite Wrench”: The return of the Neo-Futurists’ ongoing and every-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. The Neo-Futurists, 5153 N. Ashland, $10; neofuturists.org

“Songs for Nobodies”: 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; Rob Lindley directs. To Oct. 31, Northlight Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $30-$89; northlight.org

“Songs for a New World”: Jason Robert Brown’s musical tells the stories of people facing a variety of life-changing crisis and features a score that blends pop, gospel and jazz. To Oct. 24. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard, Evanston, $42-$54; theo-u.com.

“Sense & Sensibility”: Lifeline Theatre presents an audio adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel of two sisters searching for love. Streams to Oct. 31, Free; lifelinetheatre.com.

“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. To Nov. 6. The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard, $10-$25; thefactorytheater.com

Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: Teatro Tariakuri’s “La manera como luces esta noche” (To Oct., 17), a comedic fairy tale about a princess and the commoner who loves her; 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. Locations and prices vary; clata.org.

Cory Weaver
Ailyn Perez and Charles Castronovo star in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of “The Elixir of Love.”

“The Elixir of Love}: Donizetti’s comic opera is the story of a naive waiter Nemorino who pines for the flirtatious Adina who also happens to be his boss; directed by Daniel Slater. To Oct. 8. Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker, $39+; lyricopera.org.

“Night Safari,” “The Old Country,” “The Stretch”: A trio of short plays from playwright Tracy Letts: Rainn Wilson performs a monologue which poses questions about animal behavior and human biology; William Petersen, Karen Rodriguez and Mike Nussbaum voice the puppets in a piece about two men in a diner waxing nostalgic; and Letts performs a monologue about a horse race that is not what it seems. Streams to Oct. 24, $20; steppenwolf.org.

“4000 Days”: Peter Quilter’s 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. To Oct. 31. The Broadway, Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, $30; pridearts.org

“The Second City’s 109th Revue”: 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. Ongoing. The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, $29-$55; secondcity.com/chicago-shows/

“Holy Ghost Bingo: God, Goblins & Games”: Vicki Quade’s comedy examines Halloween traditions, scary movies, condemned board games, haunted churches, the best candy and the worst costumes. To Oct. 31. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, $35; greenhousetheater.org.

Brett Beiner Photography
The cast of Drury Lane Theatre’s “Forever Plaid” includes (from left) Bryan Eng, Michael Ferraro, A.D. Weaver and Yando Lopez.

“Dracula: A Serial Audio Play”: The House Theatre of Chicago’s 10-part adaptation of the classic story streams with a new episode each week. Streams to Dec. 3. Free; thehousetheatre.com

“Kingdom”: Broken Nose Theatre presents an audio adaptation of Michael Allen Harris’ family drama about a couple who, after Florida legalizes same sex marriage, come to terms with their differing opinions on the necessity of getting married. To Oct. 24. Pay-what-you-can; brokennosetheatre.com

“Rent 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour”: Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning musical follows a diverse group of artists and friends struggling to follow their dreams. Oct. 5-10. CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, $25+; broadwayinchicago.com.

“A Recipe for Disaster”: Chef Rick Bayless teams up with Windy City Playhouse for this immersive farce which revolves around a special event at a trendy restaurant where everything that could go wrong does. Audiences will sample tastes of cocktails, wine and food created by Bayless. David H. Bell directs. Oct. 6-ongoing. Club Level at Petterino’s, 150 N. Dearborn, $90-$130; windycityplayhouse.com

“As You Like It”: Daryl Cloran’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy is set in the ’60s and infused with the music of The Beatles. Oct. 6-Nov. 21. Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, $49-$90; chicagoshakes.com

Spenser Davis
William Anthony Sebastian Rose II is photographed in the recording studio for Broken Nose Theatre’s audio adaptation of “Kingdom.”

“The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice”: Kelvin Roston Jr. stars in Shakespeare’s tragedy which sets the audience in the middle of the action; co-directed by Charles Newell and Gabrielle Randle-Bent. Oct. 7-Nov. 21. Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, $56-$76 in person, $35-$50 streaming version; courttheatre.org

“The Humans”: Stephen Karam’s drama about a family holiday gathering that unravels into tantrums and unspoken secrets; directed by Steve Scott. Oct. 7-Nov. 14. Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr, $35+; redtwist.org

“House of the Exquisite Corpse“: A horror peepshow, puppet theater anthology where hallways, rooms and hidden doors unveil worlds that terrify and amaze. Oct. 7-30. Rough House at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, $21-$26; roughhousetehater.com

“Fields of Fire”: Cabinet of Curiosity presents an outdoor immersive experience, a choreographed event with story and music all orbiting a grand tree. Oct. 7-10. Boler Park, 3601 Arthington, $25, free for Lawndale residents; cocechicago.com

“Legally Blonde”: The musical based on the film follows Elle Woods transformation from sorority girl to Harvard law student. Oct. 7-Nov. 20. Metropolis Performing arts Centre, 111 W Campbell, Arlington Heights, $40; metropolisarts.com

Derek Van Barham
Kevin Webb stars in “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.”

“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”: Joss Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon and Zack Whedon’s internet musical about a supervillain wannabe who shares his plans to crush his nemesis, win the woman of his dreams and join the Evil League of Evil; directed by Ed Rutherford. Oct. 8-Nov. 6. Black Button Eyes Productions at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, $30; drhorriblechicago.eventbrite.com

Playwrights Unit Readings: “The Madness of Mary Todd” by Terry Guest, “La Fuente De Cascabeles” by Exal Iraheta, “Expatriate” by Steve Pickering, “Rust” by Nancy Garcia Loza, “You Deserve to Be Here” by Alex Lubischer, “Boxing Play” by Marisa Carr and “Rack Up” by Eliza Bent. Oct. 9-Nov. 4. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Free; goodmantheatre.org

“This Wide Night”: Chloe Moss’s drama about two formerly incarcerated women who test their friendship outside prison walls; directed by Georgette Verdin. Oct. 11-Nov. 13. Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, $45; sgtheatre.org

Joe Martinez
Linda Reiter and Aila Ayilam Peck star in Shattered Globe Theatre and Interrobang Theatre Project’s Chicago premiere of “This Wide Night.”

“The Relocation of Nokwsi”: A virtual puppet production inspired by author Robert Hicks Jr.’s grandfather’s journey away from his people — the Cherokee, Paiute, Yakama, and Shoshone — to live and work in Chicago. Streams Oct. 11-Nov. 11, free with suggested donation; chicagochildrenstheatre.org

“The Jigsaw Bride: A Frankenstein Story”: Joseph Zettelmaier’s gothic horror tale where something or someone lies in the ruins of Dr. Frankenstein’s castle; directed by Hayley Rice. Oct. 13-Nov. 14. First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st and Rt. 83, Oak Brook, $49, $59; firstfolio.org

“Born Yesterday”: Garson Kanin’s classic play about an uneducated young woman who goes in search of an education; directed by Sean Michael Barrett. Oct. 15-Nov. 7. Saint Sebastian Players at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, $25; saintsebastianplayers.org

“Fannie, The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer”: E. Faye Butler stars as the famed civil rights activist in Cheryl L. West’s biographical play which defines what it means to be a true revolutionary; directed by Henry Godinez. Oct. 15-Nov 14. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, $25+; goodmantheatre.org

Sean Smyth
Joshua Paul Wright as Paul and Anna Gallucci as Billie in “Born Yesterday” at Saint Sebastian Players.

“The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe: A Love Story”: David Rice’s immersive play follows the writer as he grapples with love and madness after the death of his beloved wife. Oct. 15-Nov.7. Oak Park Festival Theatre at Pleasant Home, 217 Home, Oak Park, $44; oakparkfestival.com

“Hamlet”: Shakespeare’s classic tragedy; Charles Askenaizer directs and performs the role of Hamlet. Oct. 21-Nov. 21. Invictus Theatre, 1106 W. Thorndale, $30; invictustheatreco.com

“Eurydice”: Sarah Ruhl’s take on the ancient myth is told from the perspective of Eurydice rather than Orpheus; directed by Kathy Scambiatterra. Oct. 23-Nov. 21. The Artistic Home at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, $34; theartistichome.org

“What the Constitution Means to Me”: Heidi Schreck’s play breathes new life into the U.S. Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of American women; directed by Oliver Butler. Oct. 26-Nov. 21. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, $30+; broadwayinchicago.com

“An Evening with Groucho”: Frank Ferrante’s Groucho laugh-filled portrait of Groucho Marx celebrates the style and spirit of the comedian. Oct. 26. Spiegeltent ZaZou, Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph; $39.50-$59.50; eveningwithgroucho.com

Jenn Udoni
Marcus D. Moore and Shadana Patterson star in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of “The Last Pair of Earlies.”

“The Last Pair of Earlies”: The world premiere of Joshua Allen’s drama about a married couple who face a life-altering question: Are we still enough for each other? Directed by Wardell Julius Clark. Oct. 27-Dec. 12. Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, $40; raventheatre.com

“Ragtime”: Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens musical based on E.L. Doctorow’s novel about the search for the American Dream; directed by Stacey Flaster. Oct. 28-Nov. 7. Music Theater Works at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $20-$108; musictheaterworks.com

“Love in the Time of Jonestown”: The New Coordinates’ radio play stream of Omer Abbas Salem’s drama, which explores the splendid ache of acceptance and the profound bliss of betrayal; directed by Sophiyaa Nayar. Streams Oct. 28-Nov. 21, $15; thenewcoordinates.org

“Hit ‘Em on the Blackside”: Congo Square Theatre’s sketch comedy series returns for 12 new online episodes. Streams Oct. 29-Dec. 10, free; congosquaretheatre.org

“War of the Worlds”: A Theatre in the Dark’s virtual audio version of H.G. Wells’ Martian invasion tale. Streams Oct. 29-3, $15 donation; atheatreinthedark.com

“Pump Boys & Dinettes”: The musical set in a North Carolina dinette and filled with toe-tapping music; directed by Robert Reddrick. Oct. 30-Dec. 12. Porchlight Music Theatre at Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, $45-$74; porchlightmusictheatre.org

Kevin Berne
Gabrielle McClinton and Sidney Dupont in the Berkeley Repertory Theatre production of “Paradise Square”

“Paradise Square”: The pre-Broadway run of a new musical set in 1863 in the Five Points area of Lower Manhattan where Irish immigrants settle alongside free-born Black Americans and those who escaped slavery; directed by Moises Kaufman with choreography by Bill T. Jones. Nov. 2-Dec. 5. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph; broadwayinchicago.com

“Beautiful — The Carole King Musical”: The musical chronicles the career of the pop singer-songwriter and features her hit songs. Nov. 2-Nov. 7. CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, $31+; broadwayinchicago.com

“The Magic Flute”: Mozart’s opera in which a prince and princess triumph over obstacles in their search for wisdom, enlightenment and love. Nov. 3-37. Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker, $49+; lyricopera.org

“Remember This — The Lesson of Jan Karski”: Academy Award nominated actor David Strathairn stars in Clark Young and Derek Goldman’s solo play about the World War II hero who risked his life to carry the first eyewitness reports of the Holocaust to the White House where his warnings were met with inaction and disbelief. Nov. 4-14. The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, $43-$75; chicagoshakes.com

Michael Brosilow
Royen Kent and Emilie Modaff (front, left to right) with Abigail Cline and Melanie Vitaterna (back, left to right) star in Kokandy Productions’ 2020 production of “Hundred Days.”

“Sister Act”: The musical comedy about a disco diva who witnesses a murder and is disguised as a nun and put in protective custody; directed by Reneisha Jenkins. Nov. 5-Jan. 9. Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, $35-$85; mercurytheaterchicago.com

“Hundred Days”: The Bengsons and Sarah Gancher’s new musical explores the question: “How do we make the most of the time that we have?; directed by Lucky Stiff. Nov. 7-Jan. 9. Kokandy Productions at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, $38; kokandyproductions.com

“Cinderella”: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s enchanting musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale; directed by Brenda Didier. For ages 5 and up. Nov. 10-Jan. 9. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, $36-$74; paramountaurora.com

Michael Brosilow
Steve Key (left) and Namir Smallwood star in Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of “Bug” by ensemble member Tracy Letts.

“Bug”: Tracy Letts’ searing, paranoid drama returns with the actors from the production that was shut down in March 2020 — Carrie Coon, Namir Smallwood and Randall Arney; David Cromer directs. Nov. 11-Dec. 12. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, $20-$110; steppenwolftheatre.org

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”: Clark Gesner, Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa’s musical in which the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions. Nov. 11-Dec. 23. Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan, Lake Forest, $20-$45; citadeltheatre.org

“The Snow Queen”: Lanise Antoine Shelley’s adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fable; directed by Amber D. Montgomery. Nov. 12-Jan. 2. House Theatre of Chicago at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, $20-$50; thehousetheatre.com

“God of Carnage”: Yasmina Reza’s play uncovers what happens when two couples meet for a civilized discussion about a playground altercation between their two young sons; co-directed by Derek Bertelsen and Robert Tobin. Nov. 12-Dec. 12. AstonRep Theatre at The Edge Theatre, 1133 W. Catalpa; astonrep.com

“Florencia in the Amazon”: Mexican composer Daniel Catan’s opera, about a glamorous diva on a life-changing adventure on the Amazon, is suffused with magical realism. Nov. 13-28. Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker; $39+; lyricopera.org

Fighting Words Festival: Readings of new plays: “Phantom Queens” by Jessica Johnson, “Child’s Play” by Frank Garland” and “The Mark” by Jillian Leff. Nov 13-14. Babes with Blades at The Factory Theatre, 1623 W. Howard, free, stream also available; babeswithblades.org

“Kiss Me Kate”: The musical follows the hijinks as a married couple battle on stage and off during a production of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Nov. 17-Jan. 16. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, $50-$60; marriotttheatre.com

“Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody”: Bob and Tobly McSmith’s parody of the iconic romantic comedy follows nine quirky couples looking for love; directed by Tim Drucker. Nov. 17-Jan. 2. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln, $29-$59; ticketmaster.com

Jeremy Daniel
James Parks and Kayla Catan are shown in a scene from the off-Broadway production of “Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody.”

“Frozen”: The musical adaptation of the popular Disney film. Nov. 19-Jan. 22. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, $33; broadwayinchicago.com

“Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”: The musical based on the classic film features a hit parade of Berlin’s songs including “White Christmas.” Nov. 19-Jan. 9. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, $54-$74; drurylanetheatre.com

“Mr. Dickens’ Hat”: The world premiere of Michael Hollinger’s play with music about a pair of bumbling thieves who attempt to steal a hat said to have been worn by the famous author and the young girl out to foil their plan and free her father from debtor’s prison; directed by David Catlin. Nov. 26-Jan. 2. Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $30-$89; northlight.org

“A Christmas Carol”: Larry Yando returns as Ebenezer Scrooge in the annual staging of Charles Dickens classic holiday story; directed by Jessica Thebus. Nov. 20-Dec. 31. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, $25+; goodmantheatre.org

“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”: A stage adaptation of the classic children’s holiday book by Eric Kimmel. Nov. 20-Dec. 12. Strawdog Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice; strawdog.com

“When Harry Met Rehab”: Spike Manton and Harry Teinowitz’s comedy features Dan Butler (“Frazier”) in a humorous yet poignant look at an alcoholic on the edge of clueless annihilation; directed by Jackson Gay. Nov. 24-Jan. 30. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, $42-$85; whenharrymetrehab.com

“Stove Toucher”: Kurt Naebig performs his solo show about getting everything you wanted and then watching it all fall apart. Nov. 26-Dec. 19. Buffalo Theatre Ensemble at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn; $42; atthemac.org

“The Second City Holiday Revue”: Seasonal holiday fun with the comedy troupe. Nov. 26-Dec. 23. Copley Theatre, North Island Center, 8 E. Galena, $37; paramountaurora.com

“Christmas Dearest”: David Cerda returns as actress Joan Crawford who has lost sight of what the holidays really mean until she’s visited by three ghosts who set her straight; directed by Derek Van Barham. Nov. 27-Dec. 31. Hell in a Handbag Productions at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster, $32; handbagproductions.org

“This Ability”: Chicago Children’s Theatre’s virtual play about a young autistic person who comes to the rescue when a celebrity cat goes missing; directed by Daniel Carlton. Streams Dec. 3-Jan. 3, Free with donation; chicagochildrenstheatre.org

“8-Track: The Sound of the ’70s”: A fast-paced musical journey through the decade; directed by Jamal Howard. Dec. 3-Jan. 23. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard, Evanston; theo-u.com.

Liz Lauren
The Ghost of Christmas Present (JQ) is surrounded by his crew (Pos and Jax) in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of “Q Brothers Christmas Carol.”

“The Play That Goes Wrong”: A classic murder mystery set during the opening night of a play where everything that can go wrong does. Dec. 14-Jan. 30. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower, 175 E. Chestnut; broadwayinchicago.com

“Q Brothers Christmas Carol”: A hip-hop reinterpretation of the holiday classic; directed by GQ and JQ and developed with Rick Boynton. Dec. 8-23. The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand, $38-$56; chicagoshakes.com

“Dishwasher Dreams”: Comedian Alaudin Ullah takes a journey from colonial India in the 1930s to Spanish Harlem in the 1970s to present day Hollywood in a complex story of searching for the American Dream; directed by Chay Yew. Dec. 9-Jan. 22. Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor, Glencoe, $35-$90; writerstheatre.org

“Miracle on 34th Street”: Lance Arthur Smith’s musical adaptation of the classic holiday film. Dec. 10-19. BrightSide Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville; brightsidetheater.com

“Christmas Karol: An Uptown Holiday Celebration of Diversity”: Jay Espano’s devised play about a jaded cafe owner and former social worker who faces the night she dreads the most: the annual Christmas carol concert at her cafe. Dec. 11-Jan. 2. The Broadway, Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway; pridearts.org

“Pretty Woman — The Musical”: The musical based on the popular movie features a score by Grammy-winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and a book by the movie’s director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton. Dec. 14-19. CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe; broadwayinchicago.com

“Billy Elliot the Musical”: Elton John and Lee Hall’s Tony Award-winning musical about a young boy’s desire to express himself through dance; directed by Kyle A. Dougan. Dec. 23-Jan. 2. Music Theater Works at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $20-$108; musictheaterworks.com

Compiled by Mary Houlihan

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Wednesday (Chloe Grace Moretz, from left), Morticia (Charlize Theron), Gomez (Oscar Isaac) and Pugsly (Javon Walton) go on vacation in “The Addams Family 2.” | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures

Too dark for kids, too dumb for adults, the animated sequel relies on puns and pop-culture references to enliven its tired plot.

We often talk about how the best animated films work on two levels, with bright visuals and silly humor and uplifting messages and catchy tunes to keep the little ones entertained, along with the occasional one-liner or visual reference sure to sail over the kids’ heads while scoring with the adults in the audience.

The flat and uninspired “Addams Family 2” is the wrong kind of “twofer,” in that it’s often too dark and grotesque and bizarre for children, but also profoundly unfunny when it tries to appeal to the grown-ups. As much as I’d love to say this is a movie the whole family can enjoy, it’s more like this is a movie the whole family can skip altogether.

Originally created by Charles Addams in 1938 for a series of cartoons in the New Yorker, the Addams family has been adapted for a cult TV series in the mid-1960s, a number of animated television shows, a pair of well-executed live action films in the 1990s, a Broadway musical and most recently the mediocre animated feature film “The Addams Family” in 2019 and now this equally underwhelming sequel, which features a tired plot, just-OK visuals, a pun-filled screenplay and the return of Snoop Dogg playing Cousin Itt as a cool-cat rapper — and that latter element is even more cringe-inducing than it sounds.

“Addams Family 2” kicks off with Wednesday Addams (Chloe Grace Moretz) yearning to distance herself from her helicopter parents, while her little brother Pugsley (Javon Walton) has discovered girls and is taking courtship lessons from creepy Uncle Fester (Nick Kroll). Sensing the children’s unrest, Gomez (Oscar Isaac, sounding for all the world like Triumph the Insult Comic Dog) and Morticia (Charlize Theron) suggest a cross-country road trip, and why not call this movie “Addams Family Vacation” instead of “Addams Family 2?”

Anyway. There’s lot of slapstick hijinks, and exchanges like this, at dinner, as the adults await the children’s arrival:

Morticia: “Please, Uncle Fester, wait for the children.”

Uncle Fester: “Children? I thought we were having chicken!”

But these people aren’t cannibals, so that doesn’t make any — ah, what’s the use.

The main storyline has Bill Hader voicing a mad scientist called Cyrus Strange, who has planted the idea in Wednesday’s head that she’s not the biological daughter of Gomez and Morticia — and that resonates with Wednesday, seeing as how she’s brilliant and serious and dour, while the rest of the family is so upbeat and cheerful and also kind of dumb. The Addams clan crosses the country in a tricked-out, steampunk RV, with Thing (a disembodied hand) at the wheel, wearing a fitness watch (ha ha) while the filmmakers employ such overplayed pop hits as “Jump Around” in an attempt to inject energy into the slapstick bits, and jokes on the order of Gomez saying Cousin Itt is in Florida for spring break and cracking, “Ghouls Gone Wild, am I right?” We’re even subjected to Lurch singing “I Will Survive” in a falsetto voice at a biker bar, Lord help us all. (On another occasion, Gomez observes, “Billie Eilish is a little too sunny for my taste, but I’m still a fan.” It’s as if the screenplay was written by software invoking random pop culture references.)

Weirdly enough, “Addams Family 2” has a big finale not all that different from the climax of “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” in that two giant mutant creatures do battle and we don’t care.

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A girl and woman were stabbed and several people were displaced after a man set fire to an apartment and barricade himself on the Far South Side. | Sun-Times file

Police found the child and a 31-year-old woman stabbed and a man barricaded inside a residence about 2:25 p.m. in the 1400 block of East 79th Street.

An 11-year-old was among two people stabbed, several people were displaced after a man set an apartment on fire Thursday in Avalon Park on the Far South Side.

Police found the girl and a 31-year-old woman stabbed and a man barricaded inside a residence about 2:25 p.m. in the 1400 block of East 79th Street, Chicago police said.

The 11-year-old was stabbed in the leg, while the woman was stabbed in her arm and leg, police said. Both were taken to Trinity Hospital, where they were in good condition, police said.

The suspect, a 38-year-old man, allegedly set an apartment on fire and jumped from a third floor window, police said. Seven people were displaced, but there were no reported injuries resulting from the fire, authorities said.

As of about 4 a.m. Friday, the man was in police custody and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment to unknown injuries, police said.

SWAT were involved, and police said this was a domestic-related incident.

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