26 things to do in Chicago Oct. 22-28

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3 hours ago

Theater

In Stephanie Alison Walker’s “Adirondack Chair Circle,” a group of suburban moms are ready to take on the school board in an attempt to ban the controversial books in the school library. The cast includes Caroline Neff, Katrina Lenk, Wendy Mateo, Sadieh Rifai and David Darrow. Pam MacKinnon directs the world premiere. From Oct. 22-Dec. 6 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $20-$149. Visit steppenwolf.org.

La’Tevin Alexander stars in “The Royale,” running from Oct. 22-Nov. 29 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe.

Marco Ramirez’s boxing drama, “The Royale,” inspired by the Black heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, is the story of a young boxer (La’Tevin Alexander) in the 1905 Jim Crow era who has his sights set on being the next heavyweight champion. Tyrone Phillips directs. From Oct. 22-Nov. 29 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe. Tickets: $35+. Visit writerstheatre.org.

Issachah Savage stars in the title role in “Omar,” running from Oct. 23-28 at Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Dr.

Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels’ Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, “Omar,” tells the true story of Omar ibn Said (tenor Issachah Savage), an enslaved Islamic scholar whose memoir became an act of survival and resistance. The score fuses the musical traditions of West Africa and the American South. Kaneza Schaal directs; Kazem Abdullah conducts. From Oct. 23-28 at Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Dr. Tickets: $73+. Visit lyricopera.org.

The cast of “The Book of Mormon,” which runs from Oct. 23-Nov. 1 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.

Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone’s musical comedy, “The Book of Mormon,” tells the story of a mismatched pair of missionaries sent to Africa to spread the good word. From Oct. 23-Nov. 1 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $49-$154. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Babes With Blades present “King Lear,” Shakespeare’s tragedy about a king (Lynne Baker) who divides his kingdom into thirds for his three daughters and the unforeseen struggles that follow his decision. Alison Dornheggen directs. From Oct. 22-Nov. 21 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets: $37. Visit babeswithblades.org.
St. Sebastian Players stage Leslie Darbon’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple mystery, “A Murder Is Announced,” in which the residents of an English village are baffled when a newspaper publishes a notice inviting them to a “murder.” Aliza Feder directs. From Oct. 23-Nov. 15 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey Parkway. Tickets: $35. Visit saintsebastianplayers.org.
Before We Are History features works by queer voices from the early days of the AIDS epidemic. It includes a one-weekend double bill of Jeff Hagedorn’s “One” and Lee Raines’ “Blood Spill;” a two-weekend run of Robert Chesley’s “Jerker” and a one-night staged reading of Robin Swados’ “A Quiet End.” From Oct. 23-Nov. 8 at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave. Tickets: $30, pay-what-you-can for the reading. Visit openspacearts.org.
Seven Thirty Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning “Memphis The Musical.” Set in 1950s Memphis, it’s the story of a white radio DJ with a deep love of R&B and the talented Black singer who dreams of her big break. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at Studebaker Theatre, Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: $35+. Visit fineartsbuilding.com.

Dance

“The Middle of Forever” will make its world premiere at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St.

Winifred Haun & Dancers perform two world premieres — Haun’s “The Middle of Forever” and Regina Charly-Beth’s “Traces from Before” — and a reprise of an audience favorite, “Trashed,” created by Haun and circus artist Emma Serjeant. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. Tickets: $39. Visit winifredhaun.org.

Comedy

Funny Is Female Comedy Festival features more than 50 comedians from around the country including headliners Chicago native Marina Franklin and late-night darling Ariel Elias. Plus there’s industry panels, workshops and networking opportunities. From Oct. 22-25 at Comedy Plex, 1128 Lake St., Oak Park. Tickets: $10-$30. Visit comedyplex.com.

Music

Tedeschi Trucks Bandcomes to town for a four-night residency Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 26-27 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.

Tedeschi Trucks Band comes to town for a four-night residency. Led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, the 12-piece band dives into tunes from the recent release, “Future Soul.” Pulling from a variety of influences, including funk, rock, blues, soul and punk, it’s the band’s most unique album to date. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23-24, 26-27 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets: $52+. Visit ticketmaster.com.

The Buena Vista Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.

Buena Vista Orchestra is a Cuban music ensemble featuring a revolving lineup of musicians from groups like The Buena Vista Social Club, Afro-Cuban All Stars, the bands of Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo, Chucho Valdés and more. The group’s music showcases a signature blend of traditional Cuban rhythms with contemporary influences. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Tickets: $39.50-$100. Visit jamusa.com.
The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, Chicago’s community for innovative and experimental music, presents the inaugural Ubuntu Festival. Over three evenings, AACM artists will perform, including saxophonist Edwin Daugherty, vocalist Dee Alexander, vibraphonist Thaddeus Tukes, saxophonist Ernest Dawkins, Ugochi Nwaogwugwu and African Soul Ensemble. From 5-9 p.m. Oct. 22-24 at Carruthers Center, 700 W. Oakwood Blvd. Tickets: $40. Visit aacmchicago.org.
Civic Orchestra of Chicago begins its season of monthly performances with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”), Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” Ives’ “Variations on “America” and Hernández’s “Parallax (or 33,000 Stolen Sunsets).” At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Tickets: pay-what-you-can starting at $5. Visit cso.org.

After the breakup of the Smith Westerns, drummer-vocalist Julien Ehrlich and guitarist Max Kakacek formed the band Whitney. Their soulful blend of folk rock/Americana continues on their most recent release, “Small Talk.” Greg Mendez opens. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets: $40. Visit metrochicago.com.

Museums

“Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing” offers a glimpse into the conservation process of garments and accessories associated with John Adams, George and Martha Washington and Abraham and Mary Lincoln, alongside rare objects and documents that provide historical context. To July 18 at Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Admission: $17-$24. Visit chicagohistory.org.

Chicago Brand Museum, founded by advertising veterans Fred Richards and Elisabeth Emory, houses a constantly evolving collection of vintage packaged goods and other design artifacts.

Chicago Brand Museum, founded by advertising veterans Fred Richards and Elisabeth Emory, houses a constantly evolving collection of vintage packaged goods and other design artifacts. It’s a nostalgic tour of the past 100 years that captures the evolution of design, advertising and everyday life. At 2412 S. Michigan Ave. Admission: $10-$25. Visit thechicagobrandmuseum.com.

Movies

Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp star in the 1990 movie “Edward Scissorhands.”

Before Johnny Depp returns as Ebenezer Scrooge in the holiday film, “Ebenezer,” catch him in one of his earliest films, “Edward Scissorhands.” The 1990 modern fairy tale is screened with the Chicago Philharmonic performing Danny Elfman’s ethereal score. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Tickets: $53+. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
Enjoy a 30th anniversary screening of the iconic horror film, “Scream,” followed by a behind-the-scenes conversation and Q&A with one of its stars, David Arquette. At 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $41-$71. Visit paramountaurora.com.

Family fun

The Lyric Opera’s Opera in the Neighborhoods presents Frances Pollock and Jessica Murphy Moo’s “Earth to Kenzie,” at 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Music Institute of Chicago, Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston.

“Carmela Full of Wishes,” an adaptation of Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson’s children’s picture book, is a story about a young Latina girl who dreams of her dad getting his papers fixed so he can finally come home. Sonya Madrigal directs and choreographs. From Oct. 25-Nov. 15 at Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave. Tickets: $42. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
The Lyric Opera’s Opera in the Neighborhoods presents Frances Pollock and Jessica Murphy Moo’s “Earth to Kenzie,” the story of a young girl who finds refuge and builds confidence via video games and imaginary space adventures. At 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Music Institute of Chicago, Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Admission is free; reservations required. Visit lyricopera.org.

Halloween happenings

The Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade returns to its original location along Columbus Drive from Balbo Drive to Jackson Boulevard this year.

Luma8 presents the 12th annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a free family-friendly event featuring floats, puppets and performances created by participants from Chicago’s cultural organizations, youth programs and artists. Come in costume and join in the fun. This year from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 24 the parade returns to its original location along Columbus Drive from Balbo Drive to Jackson Boulevard. Visit artsinthedark.org.

“The Spirit Cabinet” features master magician Dennis Watkins performing classic spiritualist magic from Oct. 28-31 at The Magic Parlour, 50 W. Randolph St.

“The Spirit Cabinet” features master magician Dennis Watkins performing classic spiritualist magic in which unseen forces move objects and messages are delivered from the beyond. From Oct. 28-31 at The Magic Parlour, 50 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $99-$148. Visit themagicparlourchicago.com.
Halloween Boo Bash is an all-ages event featuring karaoke, campfire ghost stories, pumpkin decorating, outdoor games, costume contests and food. From 4-7 p.m. Oct. 25 at American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $35. Visit americanbluestheater.com.
Gallagher Way Pumpkin Party includes music by Dreamtime Shakers, a magician, face painters, balloon artists, stilt walkers, KidCreate activities, photo ops and a pumpkin giveaway. From 1-5 p.m. Oct. 24 at Clark and Addison Streets. Admission is free. Visit gallagherway.com.
Boys and girls, moms and dads can show off their costumes at Spooky Sing-Along (10:30 a.m. Oct. 25, $23), which features favorite songs of the season performed by Old Town School teaching artists Will Fancher, Skylar Grieco and Lorena Estevez, with shadow puppets by Leah Lara. Día de los Muertos Celebration (7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, suggested donation $10) honors the Mexican tradition with Tierra Roja and other guest artists. At Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Visit oldtownschool.org.