Chicago’s vibrant arts scene is bustling with a variety of performances and events this April, ranging from theatre and dance to music and family activities.
Zora Howard’s “Bust,” a Pulitzer Prize finalist, showcases a couple observing their neighbor’s unexpected encounter with police from their porch. Directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz, this co-production with Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre will run from April 19 to May 18 at the Goodman Theatre, located at 170 N. Dearborn. Tickets range from $25 to $85. For more information, visit goodmantheatre.org.
In another theatrical offering, Mickle Maher’s “Berlin” presents an adaptation of Jason Lutes’ acclaimed graphic novel. The story intricately weaves intersecting narratives set during the decline of Weimar Germany. Directed by Charles Newell, the performance will take place from April 19 to May 11 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, with tickets priced between $42 and $90. More details can be found at courttheatre.org.
Shattered Globe Theatre is set to impress with Brendan Pelsue’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, “A Tale of Two Cities.” The vibrant narrative explores themes of power, privilege, and politics, with Michael Burke directing the production scheduled from April 18 to May 31 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. Ticket prices range from $15 to $52, and tickets can be purchased at sgtheatre.org.
MPAACT will stage Shepshu Aakhu’s “Machine Made,” which delves into the memories of Chuck Bowen, a significant figure in the Chicago Democratic Party of the 1950s. Now in his mid-90s, Bowen continues to have influence among the powerful. This performance runs from April 18 to June 1 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, with tickets available for $22 to $50. For more information, visit mpaact.org.
In a different genre, Alton Brown Live: Last Bite is an event not to be missed. The famed foodie will reflect on his lengthy career in food media while sharing favorite culinary mega-hacks and performing humorous food songs. Showtimes are scheduled for 3 and 7:30 p.m. on April 19 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, with tickets ranging from $30 to $129. To learn more, visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, fresh from her Tony-nominated performance in “Days of Wine and Roses,” will be gracing the stage with classics from the American songbook alongside contemporary Broadway favorites. Her performances are set for 7:30 p.m. on April 18 and at both 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on April 19 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Tickets range from $89 to $139, and further details can be found on steppenwolf.org.
In the world of dance, “Riverdance 30 – The New Generation” will take to the stage. This rejuvenated version of the original show features new choreography, updated costumes, and cutting-edge lighting and projection techniques. Performances are scheduled from April 22 to 27 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph. Tickets are priced between $35 and $95. For ticket information, visit broadwayinchicago.com.
In addition, the Red Clay Dance Company will showcase Vershawn Sanders-Ward’s “Written on the Flesh,” inspired by Isabel Wilkerson’s acclaimed book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” This production, which also features the premiere of Bebe Miller’s new work “Field: New Ground,” runs from April 17 to 19 at the Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan. Tickets are $30, and more can be found at dance.colum.edu.
For music lovers, Grammy Award-winning singer-guitarist Peter Frampton will celebrate 60 years of touring on April 17 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. With tickets starting at $30, this is a perfect opportunity to relive the magic of his 1976 album “Frampton Comes Alive!” Visit ticketmaster.com for tickets.
Additionally, Jeff Tweedy’s annual benefit shows are a must-see. Scheduled for April 18 and 19 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield, Tweedy will perform hits from Wilco’s catalog while sharing quirky anecdotes. Tickets are priced at $100. More information can be accessed at jamusa.com.
Kishi Bashi will perform his orchestral arrangements from the album “Kantos,” alongside the Chicago Philharmonic, on April 19 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets begin at $59. For details, visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman will weave together stories, photos, and music in a captivating show on April 21 at Chicago Theatre, with tickets starting at $56. More details can be found on ticketmaster.com.
British singer-songwriter James Bay will also be touring, promoting his recent album “Changes All the Time” on April 22 at Vic Theatre. Tickets range from $35 to $55. Visit jamusa.com for more information.
On the museum front, “Living Without the Gods: Shaurya Kumar” focuses on the illicit trade and looting of religious artifacts, running through September 16 at the South Asia Institute, 1925 S. Michigan. Admission is free but requires registration. Visit saichicago.org to register.
A new series of programs tied to the upcoming exhibit “American Prophets: Writers, Religion and Culture” opens with “Making New Gods,” a discussion featuring authors exploring religious beliefs in speculative fiction on April 22 at Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State. Admission is free, and more information can be found at americanwritersmuseum.org.
For film enthusiasts, the classic Jim Henson creation “Labyrinth” will be screened live with a band performing David Bowie’s original score on April 23 at Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine. Tickets are priced between $34.50 and $59.50. Visit jamusa.com for ticketing details.
Lastly, family fun awaits at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Spring Egg-Stravaganza, featuring multiple egg hunt zones, Easter Bunny photos, live music, and more. This event is scheduled for April 19 from 7:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Tickets are available for $25. Visit lpzoo.org/events for information.
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