Jodie Jacobs – Page 21 – Chicago Theater and Arts

Around Town in July: Find fun musical show outdoors and interesting artworks indoors

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's annual Shake Fest — Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s annual Shake Fest

Check Chicago Park District neighborhood parks for pop, hip hop and blues takes on William Shakespeare’s words thanks to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Shakes Fest.

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater has partnered with local music and dance groups to bring a musical revue of the Bard’s words to six CPD parks where their antics prove that the Bard isn’t boring. Shows are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in different Chicago neighborhoods. They all start at 6:30 p.m.

So bring a chair or blanket this week to West Pullman Park, 401 W. 123rd St. on July 14, to the West Town Ukranian Village’s Eckhart Park, 1330 W. Chicago Ave on July 15 or Little V neighborhood’s Piotrowski Park, 4247 W. 31st St. on July 16.

Or go next week to Austin’s neighborhood Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave. on July 21, Englewood’s Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave., July 22 or Chinatown’s
Ping Tom Memorial Park, 1700 S. Wentworth Ave., July 23.

For more information visit Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Shakes Fest.

Get to know Wrightwood 659 , an unusual exhibition space west of Clark Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Housed in what appears to be just a four or 5-story building outside, Wrightwood 659 has open spaces, stairwells and changeable exhibition spaces for art and architecture exhibits, inside.

Currently there are four very different exhibits on view that are up only through July 30, 2022: “American Framing,” “Rirkrit Tiravanija: Who’s afraid of yellow, red and green,” “Moga: Modern women and daughters in 1930’s Japan and “We shall defy: Shahidul Alam.”

For more information visit Wrightwood 659/exhibitions.

Jodie Jacobs

More shows to see in July

Shakespeare's world premiere production of It Came From Outer Space, (Photo by Liz Lauren) — The townspeople of Sand Rock—Heckie (Sharriese Y. Hamilton), Frank (Jonathan Butler-Duplessis), Maizie (Ann Delaney), Ellen Fields (Jaye Ladymore), George (Alex Goodrich)— in Chicago Shakespeare’s world premiere production of It Came From Outer Space, (Photo by Liz Lauren)

You don’t have to wait until fall to get back into the show-going groove. The Chicago area is still vibrant this summer. Here are three shows to put on the calendar now.

At Chicago Shakespeare

Maybe you remember when the Broadway mega-hit, “Six the Musical” first opened in Chicago and you wished you saw it before it went on to Broadway. Six the Musical

A show about the six wives of Henry the Eighth written Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society did its world premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017. Its North American premiere was at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in May, 2019 where it was directed by Jamie Armitage and Lucy Moss and was a sell-out before going on to Broadway.

Now Chicago Shakespeare has mounted “It Came from Outer Space,” another musical that has been so popular it has been extended and is likely on its way to Broadway. Directed by Laura Braza, the production opened June 22 to run about a month but has been extended to July 31, 2022.

Based on the Universal Pictures’s 1950’s cult sci-fi classic, the production was commissioned and developed into a musical comedy by Chicago Shakespeare with creative producer Rick Boynton. Book is by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair with music by Kinosian and lyrics by Blair, the pair who won a Jeff Award for their “ Murder for Two” in 2011 before the show went to Off Broadway.

The plot: Amateur astronomer John Putnam meets a spaceship in the desert but no one in his town believes him until the “visitors” appear causing chaos. Try to catch it at Chicago Shakespeare’s theater Upstairs before it moves on. For tickets and more information visit Chicago Shakespeare.

At Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire

Don’t worry about age when seeing the “Wizard of Oz”, the Marriott Theatre’s current show for children (and all ages). Directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller and lasting just one hour, the production, as always with the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, zooms in on the important parts and songs leaving audiences with something to hum, to discuss among themselves and talk about with whomever they bring.

Opened July 8, the show runs through Aug. 7, 2022 and then returns Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2022. It’s OK to sing along to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” Ding Dong the Witch is Dead,” and leave humming “somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

The plot: A tornado sweeps Dorothy Gale and dog Toto from their Kansas farm to the Land of Oz. There they journey to the Emerald City to see the Wizard so they can return home. On the way they meet and become friends with a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire is at 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire at Milwaukee Avenue on the south side of Half Day Road (Rt. 22). For tickets, show dates and times visit www.MarriottTheatre.comoor call (847) 634-0200.

At Northlight Theatre

“Dear Jack, Dear Louise” at Northlight Theatre from July 7 through Aug. 7, 2022, takes audiences back to the times of World War II.

The Plot: Army doctor Capt. Jack Ludwig writes to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring New York actress and dancer during World War II. The story relates the problems of Olivier Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig’s parents’ courtship.

For more information and tickets visit Northlight Theatre. Northlight Theatre is in the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts at 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL

For more show ideas visit Three play alternatives to computer time.

Jodie Jacobs

A trip into the past

I picked up Destination Heartland: A guide to Discovering the Midwest’s Remarkable Past by author Cynthia Clampitt, thinking it was a travel book. It’s not. Beautifully written, Destination Heartland is a well-documented probe into historically significant places in what may loosely be defined as the middle western region of the United States of America. It a fascinating read.

If planning a driving trip across the region you may want to know what to see and where to stop along your route or where to deviate from it to catch something special. Those destinations can easily be found in the pamphlets put out by each state and in the rest stops along your route.

Many of them are in Clampitt’s book but they are not grouped by state. For example: Fishtown in Michigan’s scenic Leelanau Peninsula, a rewarding stop when doing the Traverse City area, is across the page from the Amana Colonies, a Germanic, culturally rewarding stop but one that is off I 80 in Iowa.

Knowledgeable about food, Clampitt includes an Amana restaurant recommendation, stating the “menu will look familiar to those who love German food from J”jagershnitzel” to rouladaden.” She also includes a recipe.

Her descriptions are colorful and true. Having traveled to most of the destinations in the book, I love how her words paint the view such as in Fishtown, “”weathered wooden buildings hugging and even overhanging the water.”

Another example is Mineral Point, WI where she relates its Cornwall roots saying the miners “built Mineral Point into a prosperous town of tidy Golden buildings,” (BTW Mineral Point and its golden buildings has become an artist colony and yes, it’s worth a visit).

Be prepared on the next page to cross state lines west to visit Minneapolis, a city known for its mills.

For a better idea of how her destinations are organized look at the Table of Contents.

First, she speaks of the interesting origin of the word “Midwest.” In Chapter 2, Clampitt invites readers to “Living History Venues.”

Chapter 3 mentions vintage sites, historic homes and museums while Chapter 4 talks about historic towns and enclaves and Chapter 5 talks about experiencing history with reenactment and other opportunities.

As to where to stay or eat, in Chapter 6 she recommends the DeSoto House Hotel in the historic (most of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places) Galena, IL. The hotel is a fun stop with a fine staircase and political history. Plus, it is the oldest, continuously operating hotel in IL.

The next page takes readers to The Village Tavern in Long Grove, IL that opened in 1847, followed by a visit to The Whitney (mansion and restaurant) in Detroit, MI.

Clampitt unapologetically takes readers on several history field trips. Along the way, readers are treated to fine prose and good historic information. They may also want a notebook at hand to jot down some places to consider as destinations on the next road trip.

Clampitt is the author of Midwest Maize: How corn shaped the US, Heartland and Waltzing Australia. Heartland is published by the University of Illinois Press, 2022.

Jodie Jacobs

Three play alternatives to computer time

Midsummer's Dream by Midsommer Flight in five Chicago parks. — Midsummer Night’s Dream by Midsommer Flight in five Chicago parks.

Chicago theaters companies and venues are not on summer break. Here are three shows to put on the calendar when looking for more than a day at the beach or time off from the computer.

Irish playwright John Millington Synge’ lyrical classic, “The Playboy of the Western World,” is at City Lit Theater now through Aug. 14, 2022. Directed by Brian Pastor, the play is set in a pub in County Mayo, it follows Christy Mahon who leaves after announcing he has killed his father (he hasn’t). The theater is upstairs the Edgewater Presbyterian church at 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago. For tickets and more info visit City Lit Theater Company or call (773) 293-3682. Masks and proof of vax required.

“Ends,” an award-winning socio-political drama by Chicago playwright David Alex, opens DayJasFran entertainment venue July 14 and runs through July 31 at Dreamers OLO, 5419 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Directed by Davette J. Franklin, the play pits the ideas and experiences of 30-year-old African-American Kingsley in his forest cabin against Vietnam veteran Gober who wants to escape society. For tickets and more information visit, Dayjasfranentertainment. ENDS (BY DAVID ALEX) – Davette J Franklin (davjasfranentertainment.com)

Midsommer Flight is doing Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” outdoors in five Chicago parks. They are free, 90’minute shows with no intermission running July 15 to Aug. 21, 2022. Directed by Beth Wolf, the season opens in Lincoln Park, Stockton Avenue between Armitage and Dickens, July 15-17. For the complete schedule visit A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Midsommer Flight.

Around Town: Remembering July Fourth in Highland Park

Chicago area events are holding a minute of silence for the tragic deaths and gun injuries at the July 4th parade in downtown Highland Park. Some area events have been canceled and/or rescheduled and some church services have been scheduled.

Concerts:

The Concert in the Plaza on Tuesday, July 5 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville has been canceled. Kaleidoscope Eyes, a Beatles tribute band, will play on Tuesday, August 23. See the Lake County Forest Preserves LCFPD.org/concerts concert schedule for more information. The LCFP statement read: “Our hearts are with all those impacted by the tragic event that took place in Highland Park, and we recognize the importance of solidarity during this difficult time.”

Ravinia Festival, located at the south end of Highland Park, has cancelled all concerts through July 10. for more information visit Ravinia Festival.

Community Vigils

Visit Welcome to Highland Park, IL (cityhpil.com) for service information. The site will be updated. So far, five congregations are holding vigils, four on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. A Vigil is also held at Veterans Park at St. Johns and Central Avenues in Highland Park. For more HP information visit Welcome to Highland Park, IL (cityhpil.com)

Spend the night in good company with Pearl!

Felicia P. Fields and band. (Photo courtesy of Writers Theatre)

4 Stars

Closing out their 2021-2022 season at the Writers Theatre in Glencoe is Pearl’s Rollin’ with the Blues: A Night with Felicia P. Fields now through July 24, 2022.

Singing the blues is what Tony Award nominee Felicia P. Fields does best and boy, does she belt. With the help of her mighty talented 5-piece band, she takes the audience on a road trip through the blues.

Created by Fields and Ron OJ Parson who collaborated on WT’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, they celebrate the pioneers of the past including Big Mama Thornton, Son House, Howlin’ Wolf and other blues greats.

They tell stories, engage with the audience and throw everything up for grabs as people listen in amazement.

Look out if you’re sitting at a table as no subject is taboo. But it’s all in good fun and laughs.

On a more serious side, Fields shares her journey about transferring to a high school on the north side of Chicago and the racism she encountered there.

Pearl’s Rollin’ with the Blues is a joyful concert celebration featuring Fields with music director Chic Street on guitar, Ricardo Jimenez on horn and harp, Frank Menzies at the keyboard, Harold Morrison on drums and Julie Poncé on base.

This show, an original and nothing like you’ve ever seen before, takes the blues to new heights.

(Writers Theatre is helmed by Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Interim Artistic Director Bobby Kennedy).

DETAILS: “Pearls Rolling in the Blues” is at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, through July 24,2022. Runtime: 90 minutes, no intermission. For tickets and more information visit Writers Theatre.

(Writers Theatre requires all seated patrons to wear a mask during performances. If you attend without a mask, Writers Theatre will provide one for you. Visit writerstheatre.org/covid-safety for details).

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Mira Temkin

Three feel good holiday weekend events

Capital Fourth fireworks (Photo Courtesy PBS) — Capital Fourth fireworks
(Photo Courtesy PBS)

From patriotic and pop music to spectacular fireworks, this weekend’s July 4th events are opportunities for every age group to salute the United States of America with joy.

Many Chicago area towns have fireworks but if looking for something downtown Chicago or a way to celebrate from home, check out the following suggestions:

July 2

Fireworks at Navy Pier hosted by Hilton

Watch the sky over Navy Pier Saturday night as Hilton which now has a hotel on the Pier, hosts an incredible fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. Watchers can receive “diffraction glasses,” courtesy of Hilton (while supplies last so get there early. The glasses add even more visual interest to the fireworks. accompanied by holiday-themed music, is just one of the many free programs celebrating the Fourth of July.

“Nothing says summer in Chicago like fireworks at Navy Pier. We’re grateful to Hilton for helping Chicago’s favorite destination light up the sky by presenting our spectacular July 2 fireworks display,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “Navy Pier is known as the People’s Pier for a reason. We hope that all of our neighbors come out to enjoy the free programs planned for the holiday weekend and throughout the year, ” said Gardner.

While waiting for the fireworks, stopt at the Navy Pier Beer Garden to hear Manny Torres followed by a Creedence tribute band and then the alternative rock Pino Farina Band.

The Pier has numerous dining choices including the very casual Billy Goat’s Tavern, mid-casual Harry Caray’s Tavern and the more elaborate cuisine of the Offshore Rooftop. Visit Navy Pier | Navy Pier for food and drink options.

Independence Day Salute: Grant Park Music Festival

Get a ticketed seat ($26-$80) in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or sprawl for free on the Great Lawn to hear the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra. The program includes such popular and patriotic music as John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare, George Gershwin and Armed forces medleys and a Sousa march from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Pavilion is in Millennium Park at Randolph St and Michigan Ave. (Don’t bring alcoholic beverages. There will be beer and wine)

July 4

A Capitol Fourth on PBS

, the annual PBS 4^th of July salute from Washing DC 7 pm CT. host country Music star Mickey Guyton. Program featuring pop, T&B, classical, country and Broadway stars led by pops conductor Jack Everly.

Along with Guyton, performers include Chita Rivera, Darren Criss, Cynthia Erivo, Yolanda Adams Gloria Gaynor and several more entertainers.

The fireworks start a couple of hours after the entertainment (when it gets dark in DC.) They are among the best in the country.

Have a happy, safe Fourth of July weekend!

Jodie Jacobs

June art and crafts fairs

art fairs are a chance to visit other areas. (J Jacobs photo) — Art fairs are a chance to visit other areas. (J Jacobs photo)

Art festivals, almost back to pre-pandemic numbers in 2022, are a fun way to visit areas in and around Chicago.

June 18 & 19

The biggie: the 64th Annual Gold Coast Art Fair with 300 exhibitors, is not on the Gold Coast but in Grant Park’s Butler Field at Lake Shore Drive and East Monroe St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info: www.amdurproductions.com

June 25 & 26, 2022

Hubbard Woods-Winnetka

For old timers used to Hubbard Woods being a small shopping and residential area between Winnetka and Glencoe, its current ID may be confusing But now Hubbard Woods is part of Winnetka. So if looking for the 9th Annual Art in the Village Fine Art Fair go to Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Rd. in what Winnetka calls its “Desidgn and Dine District.” The fair, featuring more than 80 exhibitors, runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. For more information visit North Shore Art League

Deer Park

The northwest bedroom-style suburb is holding its Deer Park Art Show with about 100 artists on an easy to find busy road. The show will be at 20530 N. Rand Rd. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit Amdur Productions.

Naperville

A west suburban town with an excellent Children’s Museum is holding its 62nd Fine Art & Artisan Fair in another local attraction: the historic Naperville Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Featuring 120 artists, the show is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.napervillewomansclub.org

July 4

Hinsdale

Along with a parade and other activities, Hinsdale will host the America Craft and Art show in Burlington park this holiday weekend. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit Craft Productions/Hinsdale.

Jodie Jacobs

Around Town: June Festivals

Toronzo Cannon appears at the Pritzker Pavilion June 9, 2022. (Photo by Mike White)

More than TGIF, is TGIJ

J is for June. This is the month where North Halsted Street is a blaze with rainbow colors, Millenium Park has three entertainment stages and Jay Pritzker Pavilion resounds with the Blues and Grant Park’s Classics.

Sing the Blues

Or just be moved by its mood and rhythm when Chicago celebrates its hometown sound at the annual Blues Festival June 9-12.

The city has expanded the Festival to add blues bands to Chase’s Promenade North and South Stage to the Pritzker Pavilion stage . Check the Blues Band Schedule for Dates, Times and Stage.

In addition, Blues Festival bands will be at the Riverwalk June 9-10 and join with Taste of Chicago in Austin June 11 and Bronzeville June 12.

Pride Fest and Parade

Dress up if you want but join in the LGBTQ+ fun at Chicago Pride Fest June 18-19. .Come for the food, stage shows and entertainment. Return the next weekend for the city’s famed Pride Parade.

Pride Fest is on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days. A $15 donation is suggested to cover costs. All Ages are welcome. Not welcome are backpacks, large bags and outside beverages. For more information visit Pride Fest About.

Then, dance,, hoot and howl with thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters June 26 for the 52 Annual Pride Parade along a four-mile route. The parade of floats, performers, bands and marchers starts off at noon from Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown. Then winds through the city’s north side (map) including Northalsted and Lakeview to end near Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.

Pride in the Park

Pride celebrations continue June 25-26 in Grant Park (entrance on Monroe) with a ticketed ($60 Sat. $50 Sun. $105 two-day pass) music and food festival, Saturday 2 to 10 p.m. and Sunday 3 to 10 p.m. For tickets and other information visit Pride in the Park.

Music in the park

Two music series to know: Millenniums Park Music Series and Grant Park Music Festival.

Go over to Millennium Park for its Music Series, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 9.m. for a variety of singers and instrumentalists. Held in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, seating is free. The series opens June 20 with renowned Nigerian Afrobeat saxophonist, composer Femi Kuti.

For classical music in the Pritzker Pavilion, check out the Grant Park Music Festival. It opens June 15 with Mozart Symphony No. 35, 6:30 to 8 p.m.. Seats up front are ticketed and reserved. Further back and bring your own chair or blanket seating is free.

Jodie Jacobs

Three neighborhoods get Taste of Chicago in June prior to Grant Park in July

Taste of Chicago (Photo courtesy of City of Chicago

Following a couple of years of virtual and shortened versions of Taste of Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced May 21, 2022, some surprising plural Tastes and other changes.

Taste will first sharpen appetites for a day in three neighborhoods: Austin, Pullman and Little Village in June before moving to Grant Park for three days in July.

The neighborhood expansion is a double-barrel initiative for Taste of Chicago which began in 1980. It’s a chance for Taste goers to get to know other areas of the city and for food vendors to bring their “tastes” to a neighborhood.

Austin is Saturday, June 11, noon to 8 p.m. around 5720 W. Chicago Ave., the event will feature blues bands from Chicago Blues Festival presented by Soul City Blues and a dozen food vendors. For band times and food vendor list visit Taste Austin.

Pullman is Saturday, June 18, noon to 8 p.m. in Pullman Park. 11101 S. Cottage Grove. For the music schedule (hosted by Charise Bennett of Komikal 1 Entertainment) and food vendors visit Taste Pullman.

Little Village is Saturday, June 25, noon to 8 p.m. at Ortiz De Dominguez School, 3000 W. Lawndale Ave. For music schedule and vendors visit Taste Little Village.

Grant Park is Friday through Sunday, July 8-10, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Buckingham Fountain near Jackson and Columbus. There are 32 food vendors, two stages and SummerDance. For the Main Stage and Goose Island Stage plus the SummerDance times and vendors visit Taste Grant Park.

Another change is that no food tickets will be sold. Food vendors will take cash and credit cards.

All events are free.

For more information visit City of Chicago/Taste.

Jodie Jacobs