Chicago’s vibrant arts scene is set to flourish this spring with a variety of theatrical productions, dance performances, music concerts, film festivals, and family-friendly events.
Among the much-anticipated theatrical performances is the circus-themed revival of ‘Cats,’ directed by Trent Stork.
This production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, inspired by T.S. Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,’ will feature an array of circus performers including jugglers, aerialists, and acrobats.
It will run from April 30 to June 15 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora, with tickets priced from $28 to $85.
For more information, visit paramountaurora.com.
Another notable production is British playwright Lolita Chakrabarti’s reimagined play ‘Hymn,’ now set on the South Side of Chicago.
The drama follows two middle-aged Black men, portrayed by James Vincent Meredith and Chiké Johnson, as they delve into the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal between brothers and fathers.
Directed by Ron OJ Parson, this show runs from April 29 to May 25 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand, with tickets priced between $49 and $92.
Visit chicagoshakes.com for more details.
Steve Scott will direct Taylor Mac’s ‘Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus,’ which features two lowly servants tasked with cleaning up after the bloody aftermath of Shakespeare’s tale.
This play will be on stage from April 24 to June 1 at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr, with tickets available for $35.
For more, check redtwisttheatre.org.
Curious Theatre Branch will present ‘The Infinity Play,’ a unique piece by Paul William Brennan that comprises ten interconnecting scenes.
In this performance, players will alternate cleaning up messes left by previous artists, only to make an even bigger mess.
Performances are scheduled from April 25 to May 18 at Jarvis Square Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis, with a pay-what-you-can admission policy.
More details can be found at curioustheatrebranch.com.
Additionally, Story Theatre will present ‘At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen,’ crafted by Terry Guest, and centered around themes of Blackness, southern queerness, and the intricate world of drag.
Guest stars alongside Paul Michael Thomson, with direction by Mikael Burke.
Shows will run from April 26 to May 11 at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $40.
Visit thestorytheatre.org for info.
Alan Ball’s play ‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress’ will also grace the stage, showcasing five bridesmaids each avoiding a wedding reception for their own personal reasons.
This production will take place from April 25 to May 18 at St. Sebastian Players at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, with tickets priced at $35.
Visit saintsebastianplayers.org for more details.
In the realm of dance, Ballet 5:8 will perform new works, including ‘The Cave’ by Rubio Slager and ‘Celestia’ by Seyong Kim, alongside the fan-favorite ‘The Space in Between,’ inspired by C.S. Lewis’s ‘The Great Divorce.’
The performance is slated for April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Theater, 205 W. Randolph, with tickets priced between $17 and $86.
For tickets and more, visit harristheaterchicago.org.
In the music scene, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will see Klaus Mäkelä participating in a residency while preparing to take on the music director role in the 2027-28 season.
Mäkelä will perform alongside pianist Daniel Trifonov, featuring works by Brahms, Boulez, and Dvořák from April 24 to May 4 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan, with tickets starting at $75.
Visit cso.org for information.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds will return to the stage following a pandemic delay, performing songs from their upcoming 2024 album, ‘Wild God,’ as well as classics.
The concerts are scheduled for April 28-29 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston, with tickets costing $79.
For details, visit saltshedchicago.com.
Bob Mould will showcase his new album ‘Here We Go Crazy,’ along with fan favorites, when he performs with Jon Wurster and Jason Narducy on April 25-26 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark.
Tickets are $35 and $40, available at metrochicago.com.
Indie rock quartet Mamalarky will also be touring to promote their latest album ‘Hex Key’ on April 30 at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, with tickets priced at $15 and $18.
For more information, visit lh-st.com.
Renowned folk artist Robbie Fulks will perform original tunes at Space in Evanston on April 25-26, with tickets costing $25.
Visit evanstonspacemusic.com for more.
In the museum scene, the Intuit Art Museum invites the public to preview its new exhibition, ‘Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago,’ detailing the impact of immigration on self-taught art.
The free preview event is scheduled for April 25 at 756 N. Milwaukee, ahead of the official reopening on May 23.
For more information, visit art.org.
Film enthusiasts will have a chance to attend the Doc10 Film Festival showcasing acclaimed documentary films.
Highlights will include the opening film ‘Move Ya Body: The Birth of House’ and the Sundance Audience Award-winning ‘Prime Minister.’
The festival runs from April 30 to May 4 at locations such as the Davis Theater and Gene Siskel Film Center, with ticket prices ranging from $16 to $18.
More information can be found at doc10.org.
Young filmmakers will also get their spotlight at the CineYouth Film Festival from April 25-27 at Facets, showcasing films by directors aged 22 and under.
Admission is free but reservations are recommended. Visit chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth for details.
Families can enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at the Lyric Opera House’s ‘Explore Your Lyric’ event, featuring performances, games, and activities on April 26.
Tickets are $10, with discounted admission for children. Visit lyricopera.org for more.
Additionally, ‘A Tale of Peter Rabbit,’ adapted by Trista Baldwin, will enchant families from April 25 to May 11 at Wirtz Center, Northwestern University.
Tickets range from $8 to $20. More information can be found at wirtz.northwestern.edu.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss Expo Chicago, the Midwest’s largest art show from April 24-27 at Navy Pier, featuring over 170 galleries and contemporary art from around the world, with tickets starting at $40.
Visit expochicago.com for tickets.
Finally, the One of a Kind Show will return, featuring over 350 vendors and a plethora of original, handcrafted goods from April 25-27 at The Mart.
Admission is $15, while children under 12 enter free. More details can be found at oneofakindshowchicago.com.
Chicago’s arts scene is undoubtedly bustling, offering something for everyone this spring!
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