Chicago White Sox’s Yoan Moncada, left, celebrates with third base coach Joe McEwing after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Chicago, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) | Nam Y. Huh/AP

The Astros clinched home-field with a 10-4 victory against the A’s

The White Sox will open the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Thursday, October 7.

Entering Saturday’s games, the Astros’ magic number to clinch home-field advantage was one, so either a win for them or a White Sox loss would decide where the first round of the playoffs would begin.

Though the Sox beat the Tigers 5-4 Saturday, the Astros won over the Athletics, so the Sox will start the best-of-five division series with two games in Texas.

When they last played in Houston June 17-20, the Sox were swept in four games. It’s worth remembering that they were without Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert at that time, and when the Sox played the Astros in Chicago in July, they won the series.

“You cannot predict any series in the postseason,” manager Tony La Russa said. “Obviously, we’d have liked to start at home. […] But if we were starting here, we’d do the same thing [and] play as hard as we can.”

Marshall doubtful for first round

Evan Marshall (flexor strain) threw a simulated game Saturday, but his status for the American League Division Series against the Astros is still uncertain.

Marshall has been on the I.L. since June 29, and how he feels on Sunday will determine if he is available once the division series starts on Thursday. The main test will be whether he feels prepared to throw on back-to-back days.

“The playoffs, you gotta be ready to throw five times in five games,” Marshall said. “Maybe that’s not on the table for round one. I hope it is, but if I continue to progress the way that I am and push through what I’m dealing with, maybe I’m able to help the team out for round two.”

Marshall’s velocity was consistently around 90-91 miles per hour, he said, and he expected that in a game he would be up a few ticks from there. Being 100 percent healthy isn’t going to be necessary for Marshall to be up for doing his part in the postseason.

“There’s certainly still something going on in there,” he said of his throwing arm. “But we’re at the time of the year now where biting my lip to get a couple of huge outs might be the way to go.”

La Russa happy with options

La Russa had outfielder Adam Engel in his starting lineup Saturday and intends to write him in again on Sunday. With the final two games of the regular season, La Russa is weighing his choices for his postseason rosters.

On that front, he has the good problem of a lot of options.

“Harder is when you don’t have options. That’s harder,” La Russa said. “When you have more options and you almost have too many good players, that’s a dream come true for a coaching staff and a manager.”

The Sox will have a team workout Tuesday, and La Russa said he plans to have a simulated game to give players like Engel and Andrew Vaughn the chance for some at-bats against taxi squad pitchers.

La Russa also wants to keep them ready because of what they can do with their gloves.

“They have offensive plusses, but defensively they’re exceptional,” La Russa said. “And this is baseball, where offense and defense, if you can do both, you’re extra valuable.”

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NBAE via Getty Images

The idea that the Sun haven’t played their best game yet should terrify the Sky. They can’t afford to let the Sun get into a rhythm or take it to a Game 5, making Game 3 a must-win.

The Sky need to make a statement in Game 3 of their best-of-five WNBA semifinals series against the Connecticut Sun and that statement needs to be: we’re in control.

The team did its job stealing Game 1 in a double-overtime thriller that will go down in the WNBA history books thanks to Courtney Vandersloot. In Game 2, they looked like a team that could potentially steal another.

In the fourth quarter, exhaustion set in and attention to detail lapsed for the Sky leading to their 11-point loss and an even series.

If the series is even, the Sun are in control.

“When they get offensive rebounds it kind of demoralizes you a little bit,” Allie Quigley said. “We need to be tougher on the boards and executing on offense.”

The Sky went into the fourth quarter of Game 2 with a one-point lead over the Sun when Alyssa Thomas went into overdrive.

She scored 10 points in the fourth to finish with 15 points and 11 rebounds in her fourth game back on the court since tearing her Achilles in January. The Sky were ultimately outscored 21-9 in the last 10 minutes of the game.

The Sun had four other players finish scoring in double figures and none of them were WNBA MVP, Jonquel Jones.

“We still haven’t played our best game yet,” Brionna Jones said.

The idea that the Sun haven’t played their best game yet should terrify the Sky. They can’t afford to let the Sun get into a rhythm or take it to a Game 5, making Game 3 a must-win.

To secure the first one at home, Kahleah Copper and Azura Stevens will need to show up in a big way.

Copper is averaging 16.25 points in the playoffs for the Sky. In their single-elimination games against the Wings and the Lynx Copper had 23 and 16. Against the Sun, Copper was held to 13 points in both games but was impactful in other ways beginning with her defense.

Stevens meanwhile had 15 points and 8 rebounds against the Lynx and Sylvia Fowles. In both games against the Sun, she was less productive on offense her presence has been critical in freeing up Candace Parker in the post.

“I’m doing all that I can to compliment her as a player,” Stevens said ahead of the semifinals series. “Teams really key in on her. As someone that plays alongside her a lot, I’m always trying to think of ways I can help alleviate that pressure.”

Ahead of the series, the Sky were pegged as the underdog because of their seeding. The No. 6 in front of the team’s name doesn’t depict how well they match up against the Sun.

In their three regular-season games, the Sky gave the Sun three of their toughest matchups of the year. Part of that was because they were playing without Jones, another part is because of their depth.

Which presents the final aspect to the Sky’s success in Game 3, their bench.

The changes Wade made to his starting five following the Olympic break have paid dividends when their firepower is working. Sun coach Curt Miller called them an offensive juggernaut.

Against the Lynx, the bench combined for 20 points with Diamond DeShields scoring 14. In Game 1 of the semifinals DeShields, Stefanie Dolson and Astou Ndour-Fall had nine apiece. On Thursday those three combined for 13.

At their best, this team is getting everybody involved. That’s what they need Sunday afternoon if they are going to take control of this series back.

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The White Sox take on Altuve and the Astros beginning on Thursday. | Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

A tantalizing coin flip of a best-of-five series between the Sox and Astros starts Thursday.

Lance Lynn has been there before. Dallas Keuchel, Craig Kimbrel and Yasmani Grandal, too. We’re talking veteran White Sox who know all about what it’s like to play for all the marbles.

Most of the key Sox have had merely a small taste of postseason baseball — last year’s best-of-three series loss to the Athletics.

But that’s why Tony La Russa — who turns 77 Monday — is large and in charge, right? Against the Astros in a tantalizing coin flip of a best-of-five divisional series that starts Thursday, La Russa’s vast well of playoff experience might be the best thing the Sox have going for them. Of course, Astros manager Dusty Baker, 72, has been around the block, too, as have 2017 champions-with-an-asterisk Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman, among others.

As the regular season winds to Sunday’s close, La Russa is liking the mix of his team.

“You’ve got some really special young guys and you’ve got some real high-quality veterans,” he said, “and the key is the young guys have the attitude that they don’t know it all and they’re willing to listen.”

Monstrous talent aside, it’s reason No. 1 La Russa believes Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez, to name two, are ready to meet the moment.

“You’d be surprised how often some young players have been patted on the back, told they’re special, not held accountable, [had] people making excuses for them. It creates an, ‘It’s not me, it’s him’ attitude. But not these guys. No way.”

Anybody else ready for this series to get cracking?

Here’s what’s happening:

SUN 3

Lions at Bears (noon, Fox-32)

After getting smacked around in Cleveland by the team with the fewest wins this century, can the Bears (ahem) step up in class and avoid getting smacked around by the team with the second-fewest wins this century?

Sun at Sky, Game 3 (noon, ESPN)

Connecticut’s Jonquel Jones, the WNBA’s MVP, walks into Wintrust Arena expecting nothing less than a pivotal “W” in a 1-1 semifinal series.

Cubs at Cardinals (2:15 p.m., Marquee)

It’s Game 162, Cubs fans. You might not have heard, but only one of these teams is headed to the playoffs.

Steelers at Packers (3:25 p.m., Ch. 2)

Believe it or not, the Steelers haven’t had to face Aaron Rodgers even once since he beat them in Super Bowl 45 way back on Feb. 6, 2011. That’s just not fair.

Buccaneers at Patriots (7:20 p.m., Ch. 5)

Here it is: Tom Brady’s much-anticipated return to Gillette Stadium. Alas, injured wingman Rob Gronkowski won’t be with him.

MON 4

Raiders at Chargers (7:15 p.m., ESPN)

With the Chiefs starting slowly and the rest of the AFC West playing lights-out, here’s your most entertaining division in the NFL, folks.

TUE 5

Cavaliers at Bulls (7 p.m., NBCSCH)

Man, we can’t wait to see Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan and all the other Bulls newcomers out there strutting their stuff. Is the preseason opener too soon to start talking playoff ramifications?

WED 6

Sun at Sky, Game 4 (7 p.m., ESPN)

There’s a spot in the Finals on the horizon for one of these teams. Sure would be nice to see a Sun-set in a brilliant Sky.

THU 7

USMNT vs. Jamaica (6:30 p.m., ESPN2, Univision)

This World Cup qualifying match in Austin, Texas, is a gotta-have for the U.S. men, who enter tied for second in points with Canada and Panama — behind Mexico — in an eight-team group. Only the top three are assured of making it to Qatar.

White Sox at Astros, Game 1 (TBD)

Not to tell La Russa how to do his job, but we’d draw up a game plan that involves hitting the daylights out of ‘Stros starter Lance McCullers Jr.

FRI 8

White Sox at Astros, Game 2 (TBD)

Here we are, back on the playoff grind. We’d like to say the nerves have stopped jangling, but we’re only human. Fortunately, Abreu isn’t.

Pelicans at Bulls (7 p.m., NBCSCH)

So nice to see you again, Tomas Satoransky and Garrett Temple. Have we remembered to thank you for your immeasurable contributions to Chicago basketball?

SAT 9

Oklahoma vs. Texas (11 a.m., Ch. 7)

Nothing beats the scene inside or outside Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, where everything you could think of — pancakes, shrimp grits, Coke, the playoff hopes of the loser — is being fried on the Texas State Fair grounds.

Wisconsin at Illinois (2:30 p.m., BTN)

The Badgers are such an abject disaster offensively, first-year Illini coach Bret Bielema actually has a chance — and a dang good one — to knock off his old school.

Notre Dame at Virginia Tech (6:30 p.m., ACC)

We get goosebumps remembering how crazy cool it is when the Hokies take the field to “Enter Sandman.” Speaking of which, somebody please wake up the Irish offense.

Wild at Blackhawks (7:30 p.m., NBCSCH)

Here’s your preseason finale, Hawks fans, and you know what comes next — trying to be kind of good again.

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury 3 (approx. 10 p.m., ESPN/Fox PPV)

Fury has a draw and a TKO in this heavyweight trilogy that was supposed to come to a screaming boil in July, but he tested positive for COVID-19. Not that Wilder’s camp believes it.

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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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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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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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“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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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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