Events – Page 2 – Chicago Theater and Arts

Jeff Awards announced

Goodman Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre tied for the most (six) awards in the category of “Large Theater” when the annual Equity Jeff Awards ceremony was held Sept 30. Red Orchid Theatre received four awards in the “Mid-Size” category.

The Jeff Awards were for outstanding theater work and performances July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 chosen from 82 productions that were eligible as “Jeff Recommended.”

To better understand the importance to Chicago’s theater community of these Jeff Awards know that 44 award recipients were recognized from 193 nominees in 34 categories of “excellence in theater production.”

Co-hosted by Chicago entertainers Lillian Castillo and Kelvin Roston, Jr., with actor Janet Ulrich Brooks as announcer, the program featured performances from 10 nominated productions.

The Goodman Theatre’s awards were for “The Penelopiad” as an Ensemble (Play) and for Original Music in a Play (Samuel Davis), plus “The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at the Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years” for E. Faye Butler as Perfomer in a Supporting Role and Scenic Design by Arnel Sancianco). Also, Scenic Design by Todd Rosenthal and Costume Design by Ana Kuzmanic for “The Matchbox Magic Flute,” brought awards to Goodman.

Steppenwolf Theatre was recognized with awards for “Purpose” for Production (Play), Direction (Phylicia Rashad) and New Work (Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins), plus for “Little Bear Ridge Road” for Direction (Joe Mantello), Performer in a Principal Role (Laurie Metcalf) and New Work (Samuel D. Hunter).

In the musical category Marriott Theater and Drury Lane Productions tied for the most awards with four.

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at Marriott Theater received awards for Production, Direction (Jessica Fisch), Performer in a Principal Role (Kaitlyn Davis) and Performer in a Supporting Role (Andrew Mueller).

At Drury Lane, “Ain’t Misbehavin” garnered awards for Production, Ensemble, Direction (E. Faye Butler) and Performer (Lorenzo Rush Jr.).

For all Equity Awards visit Homepage | The Joseph Jefferson Awards (jeffawards.org)

Jodie Jacobs

Chicago Air and Water Show back in town

U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights (Photo credit: Sgt. Brian Collett Courtesy of U.S Army Parachute Team)

Photos courtesy of DCASE (Dept of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) and the City of Chicago)

Figure now where you want to watch Chicago’s famed Air and Water Show, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 10 and 11, but also Aug. 9 in 2024.

The extra day isn’t a misprint or a rescheduling of the show. It is the Friday before the big weekend when pilots practice and check out the territory and weather.

North Avenue Beach is ground zero but the planes will be seen zooming overhead up and down Chicago’s lakefront. This year features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.

Tip: Looked forward to every year, the experienced visitors know that Friday is good because the beach venue is the least crowded and many of the performers, including those featured, will be around.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels (Photo credit Patrick L. Pyszka, City of Chicago)

Typically, the Blue Angels perform towards the end of the afternoon, but crowds gather early on the beach, so plan to spend the day watching all the action (bring sunscreen and hat protection).

Crowds is an understatement. Begun in 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show, has become the largest and oldest, free admission exhibition of its kind in the United States, attracting more than two million viewers during its two-day event.

Among this year’s showstoppers are military performers from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U. S. Air Force and the National Guard.

In addition, are aerobatics by such civilian pilots as Bill Stein and Kevin Coleman plus barnstormer Susan Dacy.

Susan Dacy

For more information and the schedule visit City of Chicago :: Chicago Air and Water Show

Jodie Jacobs

Around Town Now and Coming

Timelapse of Corpse Flower Bloom

Video of Corpse Flower courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden

Now while the “Corpse Plant is open and the odor happens

Go over to the Chicago Botanic Garden on Lake Cook Road just east of US 41 (Edens Expressway) but park in the first lot you come to because “Stinky Spike” is in the Plant Science Center on your right opposite that parking lot (just after the admission booth you pass where you pay for parking if not a member).

The Science Center daily hours for members are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for nonmembers.

Spike is a huge flower now in full bloom and smelling like really bad, decayed food. The odor is to attract pollinators. The odor is strong while the bloom lasts from 24 to 26 hours.

“At 7 feet 6 inches, Spike is our tallest corpse flower ever. Another corpse flower, Sumatra, had a gorgeous bloom June 7 and is powering down, ” said Botanic Garden officials. Both are in the Plant Science Center.

Also known as titan arum, the corpse flower comes from Sumatra rainforests and have been at the Chicago Botanic Garden since 2003. Both Spike and Sumatra are on display.

Watch on webcam at Titan Arum | Chicago Botanic Garden

Coming Illuminarium

An out-of-this-world, multi-sensory experience opens at Navy Pier Friday, June 28, in the 32,000 square-foot space that was the Crystal Gardens.

What: Experience one of two features: WILD: A Safari Experience or SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond. Both features use cutting-edge cinematic production and virtual reality.

Experiences will typically be 45 to 60 minutes. Tickets begin at $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for children, plus taxes and fees.

Jodie Jacobs

Grant Park Music Festival ages well

Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park hosts music and dance performances. (J Jacobs photo) — Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park hosts Grant Park Music Festival and other music and dance performances. (J Jacobs photo)

Grant Park Music Festival now and then

NOW

Sit on the grass or bring a chair or reserve a seat to hear great classical music interspersed with special programs. It’s summer as celebrated downtown Chicago at the Pritzker Pavilion. The Blues Fest was just here but now a summer-long music festival starts.

Grant Park Music Festival opens tonight, June 12, 2024, with the Dvorak Cello Concerto played by Alban Gerhardt and continues this week with Christian Tetzlaff playing Edward Elgar’s Violin Concerto. At the podium is Carlos Kalmar who has been conduction the Grant Park Orchestra since 2000.

And so goes the Grant Park Music Festival in 2024 with free tickets for those who don’t mind sitting further back of the Pritzker Pavilion or with a low price, often $27, for reserve seats closer up. Visit GPMF Schedule, orgpmf.org or call (312) 742-7647 for more information.

(Common is performing July 20 so tickets are higher. Visit Common :: Grant Park Music Festival.

THEN

Summer concerts started in Grant Park in the 1930s and became a tradition in 1935. By 1944 the Chicago Park District started the Grant Park Orchestra to be led by Conductor Nikolai Malko. He was followed by such renowned conductors as Irwin Hoffman, Leonard Slatkin, David Zinman, Zdenek Macal and Hugh Wolff.

The Grant Park Chorus was formed in 1962 by Thomas Peck and then led by Michael Cullen and guest conductors. Christopher Bell took over in 2002.

In 1962, the Grant Park Chorus was established under the direction of Thomas Peck. It was subsequently led by Michael Cullen (1994–97) and a series of guest conductors until the appointment of current Chorus Director Christopher Bell in 2002.

As to location, the Grant Park Music Festival was in the bandshell at the south end of Grant Park then moved in 1978 to the Petrillo Bandshell named for former musicians’ union president James C. Petrillo who joined with then mayor Anton Cermak to start a music festival in Grant Park.

When Millennium Park opened in 2004 with Jay Pritzker Pavilion designed by architect Frank Gehry, it became home to the Grant Park Music Festival and other music performances and festivals.

Best US chefs and restaurants named by James Beard Foundation

James Beard Awards and Events

The James Beard Awards for Best chefs and Restaurants announced in Chicago, June 10, 2024

Best Chefs by region

Best Chef: California: Ajime Sato, Sozai, Clawson Milord Maynard Llera, Kuya Lord, Los Angeles, CA

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH): Hajime Sato, Sozai, Clawson, MI

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA): Harley Peet, Bas Rouge, Easton, MD

Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI): Christina Nguyen, Hai Hai, Minneapolis, MN

Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY): Matt Vawter, Rootstalk, Breckenridge, CO

Best Chef: New York State: Charlie Mitchell, Clover Hill, Brooklyn, NY

Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT): David Standridge, The Shipwright’s Daughter, Mystic, CT

Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA): Gregory Gourdet, kann, Portland, OR

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR): Valerie Chang, Maty’s, Miami, FL

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV): Paul Smith, 1010 Bridge, Charleston, WV

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK): Rene Andrade, Bacanora, Phoenix, AZ

Best Chef: Texas: Ana Liz Pulido, Ana Liz Taqueria, Mission, TX

The Following awards are for Outstanding Chefs, Restaurants and contributions

Outstanding Chef: Michael Rafidi, Albi, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Restaurant: Langbaan, Portland, OR

Best New Restaurant: Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, LA

Outstanding Restauranteur: Erika Whitaker and Kelly Whitaker, ID EST (The Wolf’s Tailor, BRUTØ, Basta, and others), Boulder, CO

Emerging Chef: Masako Morishita, Perry’s, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Bakery: ZU Bakery, Portland, ME

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Atsuko Fujimoto, Norimoto Bakery, Portland, ME

Outstanding Hospitality: Lula Cafe, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Wine and Beverages Program: Lula Drake Wine Parlour, Columbia, SC

Outstanding Bar: Jewel of the South, New Orleans, LA

Watch theChef/restaurant awards livestream Chef awards that were on June 10. 2024 James Beard Awards Presented by Capital One Restaurant and Chef Awards (youtube.com)

Chef Art Smith at Navy Pier

(Photo by Carole K. Brewer)

From the Reunion website:

“The food does not have to be elegant, complicated, or fancy. We find that busy people like simple food—the busier they are, the simpler the food. Our menu at REUNION is straightforward, down-home Southern food with a few more contemporary dishes.”

Agree, but it should taste good. And the restaurant interior should be a little more atmospheric than the standard food court inside Navy Pier.

Having followed James Beard awards and nominations for several years, I was looking forward to trying award-winning chef, Art Smith’s restaurant, “Reunion,” at the front of Navy Pier.

The outside wasn’t open when our group visited but it did look inviting. Inside, not so much.

The menu also looked inviting. But it did matter what you ordered as far as taste goes.

My friend and I ordered the three Chicken Sliders on the “First Bites” section of the menu because we hoped it would be a taste treat of Smith’s famous Southern Chicken. Except for the honey, the sliders were barely edible and not encouraging as to trying other chicken dishes.

However, another member of our group ordered the crab cakes, also on the “First Bites” menu. They were little but she declared them “spectacular.” Coming from the DC area where she gets Maryland crab cakes, that’s a high recommendation. She also liked that they were mostly crab and not mostly filling.

Would be happy to hear what you think if you have been to chef Art Smith’s restaurant at Navy Pier.

(Photo courtesy of Reunion website)

Navy Pier is at 700 Grand Avenue, Chicago.

For more information visit Reunion Restaurants.

Jodie Jacobs

The Cicadas are coming

Cicadas-Website_Graphics-2024-4

(Lake County Forest Preserves Banner)

We keep hearing that “the cicadas are coming.” But how much do we know about these insects or what to expect during their 2024 appearance?

Well, we know from 17 years ago that they are very nosy and seem to be everywhere. Also, that they are about 5 inches long, harmless to humans, loved as food by birds and that some homes with young trees are wrapping those in netting so that the cicadas don’t climb them to lay their eggs in young branches.

Illustrations of cicada eggs on a tree branch.

(Lake County Forest Preserve photo of Samantha Gallagher drawing)

A great place to learn more is “Celebrating Cicadas,” a special Dunn Museum exhibition at the Lake County Forest Preserves (LCFP) headquarters, 1899 W Winchester Rd. Libertyville.

Opened April 27 and going to Aug. 4, 2024, it includes terrific pictures done by science artist Samantha Gallagher. Among the works is an interactive piece called “Cicada Parade” that visitors can manipulate to mimic cicada sound.

Also, the LCFP is holding a free CicadaFest on Sunday, June 9 from 12–4 pm at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. (Overflow parking at the Lutheran Church to the north of Ryerson has buses).

Because this cicada phenomenon only comes every 17 years, the cicadas are featured in “Horizons,” the LCFP Spring publication as “17 Years, 64 Degrees, 100 Decibels.” See Horizons | Lake County Forest Preserves (lcfpd.org).

You get the 17 years bit but did you know the ground has to warm up to 64 degrees for the cicadas to tunnel up and that their sound reaches 100 decibels?

In addition, this 17-year cycle is also different because it includes two different broods, Brood XIII and Brood XIX, according to LCFP’s “Words of the Woods” POD Cast Host Brett Peto. Both broods will likely converge in Illinois near Springfield. The broods are part of the periodical (Magicicadas) cicadas. That’s periodical because there are also the annual cicadas that you probably have heard in treed areas in the summer.

“The next time both broods will appear at the same time is 2245,” said Peto

I really don’t bother with podcasts very often but Words of the Woods podcast, hosted by Peto is excellent. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts.

Peto will also be emcee of Cicada Fest June 9.

For more information visit Celebrating Cicadas | Lake County Forest Preserves (lcfpd.org)

Jodie Jacobs

LCFP Beer Garden opens

Now that the weather is encouraging outdoor dining consider going over to Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The LCFP has opened the Beer Garden at Independence Grove.

What to expect: picturesque view and craft brews on tap, in cans and as beer flights plus wine, hard cider, non-alcoholic beverages, packaged snacks and fire pits.

There is a seasonal menu through Untappd, a geosocial networking service used through a mobile app that updates weekly. You can receive notifications and check out a calendar of upcoming events.

“The beer garden has truly become a beloved spot,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “It offers families a unique recreational experience and a wonderful chance to enjoy time spent in nature as the weather turns warmer.”

Seasonal Hours
Tentative hours pending staffing levels and weather: Beginning May 4: Friday–Sunday, 1–9 pm. Special hours: Monday, May 27, 1–9 pm., Beginning May 28: Tuesday–Thursday, 5–9 pm and Friday–Sunday, 1–9 pm.

New Brew Festival: Brews & Views from 4–8 pm on Friday, May 31. There will be a $20 punch card to try 10 different brews, each served in a 3.5-ounce pour, as well as an appetizer. Local breweries include 9th Hour Brewing Co., Glunz Family Winery, Harbor Brewing Co., Liquid Love Brewing Co., Mickey Finn’s Brewing, Phase Three Brewing Co., Ravinia Brewing and Roaring Table Brewing. Non-alcoholic options and food will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome at the Beer Garden but tastings are for adults 21 and over.

Independence Grove Parking:
Parking is free for Lake County residents. Nonresidents are charged per car from spring–fall: $6 Monday–Thursday; $12 Friday–Sunday and holidays. After Labor Day, parking fees are collected on weekends only.
For weather updates or to learn if the Beer Garden is open, view status map here.

Pets Not Permitted
With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

Host an Event
The Beer Garden can be reserved for special events such as birthday parties, reunions, picnics, corporate retreats and other celebrations. Available to rent late spring through late fall, the Beer Garden features semiprivate and full buy-out options, and casual lakeside seating. To reserve the space for an event, fill out an event inquiry form or call 847-968-3473. For catering arrangements, contact Relish Events at Independence Grove at 847-665-9221 or [email protected].

Jodie Jacobs

Tony award nominations announced

When the 77th Tony Award Nominations were announced this week it turned out that Alicia Keys’ semi-autobiographical, jukebox musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” for which she wrote the music and lyrics, and a play by David Adjimi about a rock band recording its album, took top honors with each receiving 13 nominations.

The awards ceremony will take place at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, June 16, hosted by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.

Here are the shows nominated for Best Musical, Best Play and also Best Leading Actor and Best Leading Actress in a play.

Shows that qualified for a nomination opened between April 28, 2023 and April 25 of this year, 2024.

Here are nominees for best new play and musical plus best actor and actress. For the full list visit Tony nominations.

Best New Play

“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”

“Mary Jane”

“Mother Play”

“Prayer for the French Republic”

“Stereophonic”

Best New Musical

“Hell’s Kitchen”

“Illinoise”

“The Outsiders”

“Suffs”

“Water for Elephants”

Best Leading Actor in a Play

William Jackson Harper, “Uncle Vanya”

Leslie Odom Jr., “Purlie Victorious”

Liev Schreiber, “Doubt”

Jeremy Strong, “An Enemy of the People”

Michael Stuhlbarg, “Patriots”

Best Leading Actress in a Play

Betsy Aidem, “Prayer for the French Republic”

Jessica Lange, “Mother Play”

Rachel McAdams, “Mary Jane”

Sarah Paulson, “Appropriate”

Amy Ryan, “Doubt”

Jodie Jacobs

RhinoFest is back

(L to R) Holly Holsinger and Claudia Cromly in MARIE CURIE HORROR STORY as part of Rhinoceros Theater Festival 2024. (Photo by Bob Perkos)

If you used to look forward to seeing the shows of Rhinoceros Theater Festival, (RhinoFest) or if you just are interested in creative theater and performances, mark May 25-June 30, 2024, on the calendar.

Also, write in the tickets and more information date of May 6. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a $20 suggested price.

Originally instigated by some of the Bucktown Arts Fest folk as a two-day add-on, it has grown over the years. RhinoFest has been adding more days and been held at more or different neighborhood sites. It also moved to different months.

This year, for its 35th festival, it will be held at six locations throughout the Chicago area from the end of May to end of June and feature more than 50 shows ranging from new plays and works in progress to concerts and revivals.

The 2024 festival will start with a Full Moon Vaudeville concert 7 p.m. on May 25 at Facility Theatre, (1138 N. California Ave) with an art/folk/cabaret act featuring The Crooked Mouth.

Locations: Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. in Humboldt Park, Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. in River West, Labyrinth Arts Club, 3658 N. Pulaski Ave. in Irving Park; Perceptions Theater, 1825 East 79th St. in the South Shore neighborhood; Experimental Sound Studio, 5925 N. Ravenswood Ave. in the Ravenswood neighborhood and Women and Children First Bookstore 5233 N. Clark St. in the Andersonville neighborhood.

For more information visit RhinoFest.com

Jodie Jacobs