28 things to do in Chicago June 18-24

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3 hours ago

Theater

Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman star in “Iceboy! Or The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O’Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh,” a new satirical musical with a score by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Jay Reiss and a book by Erin Quinn Purcell and Reiss. In 1938, a Broadway star (Megan Mullally) adopts a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal (Grey Henson) who unexpectedly becomes a theatrical sensation and inspires playwright Eugene O’Neill (Nick Offerman). Offerman will not appear June 20-24. Marc Bruni directs. From June 20-Aug. 9 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets: $44-$189. Visit goodmantheatre.org.

Zachary Keller and Helen Krushinski star in “Water for Elephants,” running from June 23-July 5 at Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.

“Water for Elephants,” an adaptation of Sara Gruen’s novel with music and lyrics by Pigpen Theatre Co. and a book by Rick Elice, is the story of a young man who finds a new home and a new life with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus. Jessica Stone directs. From June 23-July 5 at Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $30-$130. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Daryl D. Brooks’ “Men of Soul” celebrates some of the greatest soul singers of all time including Ray Charles, Luther Vandross, Lionel Richie, Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Bill Withers and more. Brooks directs. From June 20-Aug. 2 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. Tickets: $69. Visit blackensemble.org.

“Uncle Vanya” runs from June 18-July 5 at The Edge Off-Broadway Theatre, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave.

AstonRep Productions presents Liisa Repo-Martell’s adaptation of “Uncle Vanya,” Anton Chekhov’s drama in which a family in Czarist Russia is forced to confront the lives they’ve lived — and the ones they never will. Derek Bertelsen directs. From June 18-July 5 at The Edge Off-Broadway Theatre, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave. Tickets: $25. Visit astonrep.com.
YI Love Jewish and Arts Judaica present the Chicago premiere of L.M. Feldman’s “A People,” a theatrical journey that delves into 5,000 years of Jewish history through vignettes, music and monologues. Avi Hoffman directs. From June 18-July 5 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets: $32. Visit theaterwit.org.
Deanna Ortiz’s solo show, “Funny Slut,” recounts her hilarious story of working in social media for the adult entertainment industry. At 7:30 p.m. June 20-21 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $25. Visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.
Couch Penny Ensemble presents Tim Crouch’s “An Oak Tree,” which features two actors, one of whom is new to the play each night and has neither seen nor read it. Bryce Lederer directs. From June 19-July 5 at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $24, $36. Visit greenhousetheater.org.
Collaboration Theatre presents The Belonging Bash, an all-day indoor-outdoor party to raise funds for its new House of Belonging and its summer youth program, The Light. In the afternoon, enjoy a family-friendly block party outdoors; later move indoors for a night of comedy, music and DJs. From 2 p.m.-midnight June 20 at Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave. Tickets: $20+. Visit collaboraction.org.

Music

Carín León tours behind his new album, “Muda,” which the Grammy-winning Mexican superstar says is closing a chapter in his career where he ventured into new musical territory.

Carín León tours behind his new album, “Muda,” which the Grammy-winning Mexican superstar says is closing a chapter in his career where he ventured into new musical territory. The 14 tracks continue to showcase his versatility with genres including ska, funk, pop, blues, salsa and more. At 8 p.m. June 18 at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. Tickets: $81+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and narrated by actor Harry Lennix, anchors a program of works by American composers also including Duke Ellington’s “Harlem,” Charles Ives’ “Three Places in New England,” Bohuslav Martinu’s “The Rock” and Jessie Montgomery’s “Banner.” At 7:30 p.m. June 18 and 20 and 3 p.m. June 21 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: $39+. Visit cso.org.

Brandy Clark performs June 18 at Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles.

Brandy Clark is one of the most respected and influential voices in modern music. In addition to her stellar solo work, she’s a go-to songwriter for artists such as Alicia Keys and Kacey Musgraves. Along with her longtime collaborator, Shane McAnally, she composed the music for the Tony Award-nominated musical comedy, “Shucked.” At 7:30 p.m. June 18 at Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets: $46.75-$78.75. Visit arcadalive.com.

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave is among the musicians featured in Blues on the Fox June 20 at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora.

Blues on the Fox returns with a roster featuring the “supafunkrock” of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the Memphis blues rock of Eric Gales, Texas blues phenom Ally Venable and California blues ensemble Tommy Castro & the Painkillers. At 3 p.m. June 20 at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora. Tickets: $44. Visit riveredgeaurora.com.

Icelandic singer-songwriter Ásgeir performs June 24 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.

Icelandic singer-songwriter Ásgeir has been lauded for his intricate folk-pop, lush production and wistful, emotive falsetto. He tours behind the recently released, “Julia,” his first fully self-written album filled with warm, soul-searching songs. Oyeme opens at 8 p.m. June 24 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Tickets: $39.96. Visit thaliahallchicago.com.
Summerfest rolls into downtown Milwaukee June 18-20, June 25-27 and July 2-4 with its usual stellar lineup including Garth Brooks, Ed Sheeran, Post Malone, Megan Moroney, Don Toliver, Jelly Roll, Carín León, Muse, Cody Johnson, Alex Warren, Father John Misty, Third Eye Blind and more. For more information, visit summerfest.com.

Museums

An 1823 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence is among the items featured in the “Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence” exhibit at American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave.

“Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence” includes an 1823 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence and a 1776 British first edition of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.” Plus works by authors that reference the Declaration including Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harvey Milk and Martin Luther King Jr. From June 18-Sept. 7 at American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave. Admission: $10; children 12 and younger free. Visit americanwritersmuseum.org.
“History of Her: Women Who Shaped Chicagoland” examines how generations of women grew into influential leaders, innovators and advocates for their communities. Themes explored via artifacts, photographs, video and other archival materials include women in politics, journalism, social work, the arts and sports. To Aug. 9 at Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Admission is free, donations accepted. Visit elmhursthistory.org.

Movies

“You Had To Be There” is among the moves featured in Summer Sneaks from June 21-22 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.

Summer Sneaks offers a preview of six of the summer’s most exciting indie releases beginning with Nick Davis’ “You Had to be There,” about a 1972 Toronto production of “Godspell” starring many soon to be comedy icons (Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, etc.). Other films include Piotr Winiewicz’s “About a Hero,” Mischa Richter’s “Summer Tour,” Virgilio Villoresi’s “Orfeo,” Adam Meeks’ “Union County” and Paula Gonzalez-Nasser’s “The Scout.” From June 21-22 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. Tickets: $15.50. Visit siskelfilmcenter.org.
The Shedd Aquarium hosts a screening of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 thriller, “Jaws,” and a preshow talk with shark researcher Dr. Steve Kessel, director of marine research at the Shedd. At 7 p.m. June 24 at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. Tickets: $25, $45. Visit musicboxtheatre.com.

Family fun

“Whirlwind” runs from June 19-Aug. 30 at Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview.

“Whirlwind” is a new exhibit designed to explore the capabilities of wind and air. Balance balls on streams of air to learn about the Bernoulli Principle of velocity and pressure, a green screen allows kids to see themselves flying high in the sky, launch small rockets and watch them soar and more. From June 19-Aug. 30 at Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. Tickets: $20, children 1 and under free. Visit kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
Bucketlisters and Navy Pier present retro fun with Summer Skate, which transforms the Pier’s Crystal Gardens into a lakeside roller rink offering fun for all ages. An arcade featuring classic games surrounds the skate floor. From June 18-Sept. 7 at 600 E. Grand Ave. Tickets: $20.38, children 3-11 $17.50. Visit bucketlisters.com.

Flip Circus sets up its red and white striped tent beginning June 19-30 at Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Ct., Vernon Hills.

Flip Circus, new summer fun under the big top from the creators of Circus Vazquez, visits six suburban locations. Performers from around the world include magicians, comedians, jugglers, trapeze artists, acrobats and more. The circus sets up its red and white striped tent beginning June 19-30 at Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Ct., Vernon Hills. Tickets: $22.88+. For dates in Aurora, Gurnee, Lombard, Schaumburg and North Riverside, visit flipcircus.com.
The MCA’s Teen Creative Agency, a collective of teenagers from the Chicago area, presents 21 Minus, an annual showcase of teen creativity. This year the event features live performances with a lineup of music, dance and performance art. From 1-6 pm June 20 at Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Admission: free or pay-what-you-can $5-$19. Visit mcachicago.org.

Juneteenth celebrations

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center celebrates Juneteenth with a day filled with live music, wellness activities, educational and cultural programming, family fun, local vendors and more. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 19 at 740 E. 56th Place. Admission is free. Visit dusablemuseum.org.
Bronzeville’s Sixth Annual Juneteenth Celebration focuses on celebrating resilience, culture and the power of living life fully. Includes live music and cultural performances, family activities, community engagement and a special recognition of fathers. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 20 on South King Drive from 37th Street to 38th Street. Admission is free. Visit eventbrite.com.

Juneteenth Festival in West Pullman includes live music and dance performances, family games and activities including bounce houses and amusement rides, food from local Black-owned restaurants and a resource fair.

Juneteenth Festival in West Pullman features live music, family activities, food from Black-owned restaurants, a resource fair and more. From 1-6 p.m. June 19 in the parking lot at 821 W. 115th St. Admission is free. Visit farsouthcdc.org/festivals.

Festival fun

The 25th annual Chicago Pride Fest takes places from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 20-21 on Halsted Street from Addison Street to Grace Street.

The 25th annual Chicago Pride Fest celebrates LGBTQ+ life, culture and community. There’s music on three stages, a Teen Pride Space, drag performances, a pet parade, dance exhibitions, guest speakers, art vendors and more. Performers include Durand Bernarr, G Flip, Willa Ford, MNEK, Flyana Boss, Caroline Kingsbury, Nini Coco, Anthony Rapp and more. From 11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 20-21 on Halsted Street from Addison Street to Grace Street. Admission: $20 suggested donation. Visit northalsted.com.
The 68th annual Gold Coast Art Fair includes more than 200 juried artists offering a diverse range of work in painting, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, ceramics and more. There’s also paint and sip classes, henna art, children’s art activities and more. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 20-21 at DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street. Tickets: $15, 12 and under free. Visit amdurproductions.com.
Check out motorcycles and hot rods at the Motoblot Street Festival plus punk, rock and psychobilly bands, a pin-up contest, a film festival, a motorcycle builder’s challenge and more. From 4-10 p.m. June 19 and noon-dusk June 20-21 on Halsted Street from 35th Street to 37th Street. Tickets: $20.47+, 12 and under free. Visit motoblot.com.