This summer, Chicago’s vibrant performing arts scene showcases a diverse array of events that cater to different tastes.
Among the highlights is Invictus Theatre’s ambitious production of Tony Kushner’s ‘Angels in America.’
This monumental two-part play delves into the social, sexual, and religious challenges faced by the nation during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.
Under the direction of Charles Askenaizer, a single cast performs both parts—’Millennium Approaches’ and ‘Perestroika’—in repertory, allowing audiences to experience the full spectrum of Kushner’s powerful narrative.
The performances will run from June 13 to September 7 at the Windy City Playhouse, located at 3014 W. Irving Park.
Tickets are priced between $25 and $38, available for purchase at invictustheatreco.com.
In a lighter vein, Sandy Rustin’s musical ‘Always Something There’ pays tribute to the 1980s teen film genre.
Following a woman who wakes up on her 45th birthday as her 18-year-old self, the show explores her journey to rewrite her past amidst the nostalgia of an era defined by hits from Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Culture Club.
Directed by James Vásquez, the musical will run from June 18 to August 10 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, where tickets range from $70 to $93.
More details can be found at marriotttheatre.com.
For those looking for comedy, The Second City e.t.c. is presenting ‘The Chaos Theory of Everything,’ a fresh sketch and improv revue featuring a talented cast that includes Tim Metzler, Meghan Babbe, and others.
This ongoing performance is held at The Second City, 230 W. North, with tickets starting at $39, and information can be accessed at secondcity.com.
Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater will host Colette Gregory’s solo show ‘Black Best Friend’ from June 12 to 14.
Through satirical sketches and comedic songs, Gregory tackles the often-used tropes surrounding Black media, providing an insightful and humorous critique.
Tickets for this show are priced at $25, available at steppenwolf.org/lookout.
BrightSide Theatre is bringing the beloved musical ‘Pippin’ to life from June 13 to 29 at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College in Naperville.
Directed by Jeffrey Cass, this classic tale about a prince’s search for happiness is sure to delight audiences.
Tickets are available for $32 to $37 at brightsidetheatre.com.
In the realm of music, Riccardo Muti will return to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a series of concerts featuring trumpeter Esteban Batallán performing concertos alongside works by Haydn and Schubert from June 12 to 14.
Following that, the CSO chorus will join the orchestra to perform Verdi’s Requiem Mass from June 19 to 21 and June 24.
Tickets for these performances start at $55 and can be purchased at cso.org.
Folk music lovers can catch the trio I’m With Her—comprising Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins—on June 13 at Thalia Hall.
Their new album ‘Wild and Clear and Blue’ features beautifully arranged harmonies that push the folk genre’s boundaries, with tickets priced at $52.73.
On June 14, Liz Callaway will present a Grammy-nominated tribute to Stephen Sondheim at the Studebaker Theater, sharing music and anecdotes from her career working with the legendary composer.
Tickets are available for $60 to $100.
For country music enthusiasts, Dierks Bentley, Zach Top, and The Band Loula will perform on June 14 at Credit 1 Amphitheatre, with tickets starting at $31.
The local museum scene is abuzz with the ‘Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature’ exhibit at the Driehaus Museum, running until August 17.
This exhibition highlights the Scottish artist’s contributions to botanical art, combined with his legacy in folk music.
Concerts celebrating McEwen’s musical side will feature artists like Skerryvore and Iona Fyfe, scheduled for June 12 at Old Town School of Folk Music.
Tickets for the concert are priced at $45.
Film lovers won’t want to miss the African Diaspora International Film Festival from June 13 to 15 at Facets.
This festival features a selection of twelve films that celebrate the stories and experiences of people of color.
Tickets for films range from $13 to $65 and can be obtained at facets.org.
For families, ‘Patterned by Nature’ is a captivating series of installations at the Chicago Botanic Garden that runs until September 21.
This exhibition includes nature-inspired art and upcycled fashion and is included in the admission, which varies.
Another exciting family event is ’21Minus’, an opportunity for Chicago youth artists under 21 to showcase their creativity at the Museum of Contemporary Art on June 14.
Expect workshops, performances, and interactive experiences with a pay-what-you-can admission from $1 to $19, available at mcachicago.org.
Festival-goers can also look forward to the Puerto Rican Fest, featuring food, art, and entertainment from June 12 to 15 at Humboldt Park.
The festival coincides with the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade on June 14, highlighting the community’s culture.
On the same weekend, Andersonville Midsommarfest will take place, celebrating Swedish heritage with a range of activities.
Further art and music festivities can be found at the Old Town Art Fair and Wells Street Art Festival, both occurring on June 14 and 15.
These longstanding events will showcase the work of hundreds of artists and craftspeople, inviting the community to engage in the arts while enjoying delicious food and entertainment.
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