The arts world has been kind this season, Chicago. From Hanson (yes, that Hanson) at House of Blues, to a musical focused on the life and love of deceased Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert, we've compiled some of the city's best fall offerings spanning dance, theater, art and music. So cozy up with a pumpkin latte and an afghan throw and get ready to mark your calendars.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet at Music Box Theatre
Who: Music Box Theatre
What: A live broadcast of Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet at London’s Barbican Theatre
When: Nov. 3, 7 p.m.
Where: 3733 N. Southport Ave.
Why: Arguably best known for his sardonic, slightly psychopathic Sherlock Holmes, Benedict Cumberbatch has now taken on the titular role in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Music Box will be live-broadcasting a production from London’s Barbican Theatre. Sherlock fans best get in line early.
For more information visit Music Box’s website.
Ayad Akhtar’s Disgraced
Who: Goodman Theatre
What: Disgraced
When: Sept. 12 – Oct. 18
Where: 170 N. Dearborn St.
Why: Originally produced in Chicago by American Theatre Company, Disgraced went on to win the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama before going on to Broadway. The controversial play is now back at Goodman with direction via Kimberly Senior, who also directed its three previous productions.
For more information visit Goodman Theatre’s website.
William Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Chicago Shakespeare
Who: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
What: William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, as imagined by Stupid F---ing Bird playwright Aaron Posner and Teller of magic duo Penn and Teller fame.
When: Sept. 8 – Nov. 8
Where: 800 E. Grand Ave.
Why: Posner, who wrote the comedic Chekhov spinoff Stupid F---ing Bird, teams up with magician Teller to create this circus-themed version of Shakespeare’s fantastical play. Add in songs by Tom Waits and his wife, musician/songwriter Kathleen Brennan and acting from Chicago staple Larry Yando, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
For more information visit Chicago Shakespeare’s website.
The Black White Love Play (The Story of Chaz and Roger Ebert)
Who: Black Ensemble Theater
What: The Black White Love Play – a musical tribute inspired by the relationship of deceased Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert and his wife Chaz.
When: Oct. 4 – Nov. 15
Where: 4450 North Clark St.
Why: The musical has the blessing of Chaz Ebert and is both written and directed by Black Ensemble Executive Director Jackie Taylor.
For more information visit Black Ensemble Theater’s website.
Treasure Island at Lookingglass Theatre
Who: Lookingglass Theatre
What: Treasure Island
When: Oct. 7 – Jan. 31
Where: Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave.
Why: Tony award-winner Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses, Arabian Nights) both adapted and directs this version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel.
For more information visit Lookingglass Theatre’s website.
Co-World premiere of Fulfillment
Who: American Theatre Company
What: Fulfillment
When: November – December 2015
Where: Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave.
Why: This staging marks the co-world premiere of the work from playwright Thomas Bradshaw. Also, the show marks the beginning of the company’s first season without longtime artistic director PJ Paparelli, who was killed in a car accident in May.
For more information visit American Theatre Company’s website.
La Revolution Francaise
Who: American Music Theatre Project and FWD
What: La Revolution Francaise
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28
Where: Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.
Why: From the writers of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables comes La Revolution Francaise, originally conceived as a rock opera and now converted to a full book musical. Thalia Hall will host the first-ever public staged reading of the work.
For more information visit Thalia Hall’s website.
Natya Dance Theatre premieres Varna – Colors of White
Who: Indian dance company, Natya
What: Varna – Colors of White – an evening of dance art
When: Oct. 22-24
Where: Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan Ave.
Why: The Indian dance company celebrates 40 years with this world premiere work, which features the ancient art of Bharatantyam (South Indian classical dance) as well as prestigious musicians from India and ancient texts and poems.
For more information visit Natya’s website.
AYA
Who: Aerial Dance Chicago and Elements Contemporary Ballet
What: AYA
When: October 10 and 17
Where: Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave.
Why: Elements and Aerial Dance collaborated once before in 2014 – the result was Surge, which the Chicago Tribune called “seamlessly thrilling.” They’re giving it another go with AYA, an evening-length aerial ballet.
For more information visit Aerial Dance Chicago’s website.
Chicago premiere of Jessica Lang Dance
Who: Jessica Lang Dance
What: A new work from New York-based Jessica Lang Dance
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 6
Where: Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive
Why: Commissioned specifically for the inaugural Chicago Architecture biennial, Lang’s new piece pays homage to the work of architect Steven Holl. The performance also marks the company’s Chicago debut.
For more information visit Harris Theater’s website.
Joffrey Ballet’s Sylvia
Who: Joffrey Ballet Chicago
What: North American premiere of Sylvia, from choreographer John Neumeier
When: Oct. 14-25
Where: Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph St.
Why: The Joffrey celebrates 60 years with this North American premiere from Milwaukee-born choreographer John Neumeier. Sylvia is described as a ballet of “deception, unrequited love, suspense, obsession and abduction.” All the great intense ballet things.
For more information visit Joffrey Ballet’s website.
Hubbard Street’s Forsythe
Who: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
What: An evening of dance devoted to American choreographer William Forsythe
When: Oct. 15-18
Where: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, 1147 W. Jackson Blvd.
Why: The program, presented by the world-renowned William Forsythe Company, features Forsythe’s Quintett, One Flat Thing, reproduced, and the first ever U.S. production of N.N.N.N., a piece in which four male dancers perform “an ever-more-complex interplay of 16 limbs,” according to British dance critic Jann Parry. Forsythe, who got his start as an apprentice at Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet, has since gone on to receive a Laurence Olivier Award in addition to being appointed a Commandeur des Arts et Lettres by the Government of France.
For more information visit Hubbard Street’s website.
Hanson at House of Blues
Who: Hanson
What: Concert
When: Oct. 7-8
Where: House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St.
Why: The '90s boy band is back, breaking hearts and MMMBoping it up in Chicago. The pop trio has written other music since then, most notably their 2013 album Anthem.
For more information visit House of Blues’ website.
International Beethoven Project’s UnFest
Who: International Beethoven Project
What: A series of classical music events
When: Sept. 18-27
Where: Various locations
Why: This is this eighth season for International Beethoven Project, a group that celebrates the spirit of all things Beethoven. Opening night of the group’s eight-day night UnFest promises classical and non-classical music, art, dance, circus and even drinks, cheese and dessert. Beethoven never sounded so good.
For more information visit International Beethoven Project’s website.
Arlo Guthrie: Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary tour
Who: Singer songwriter Arlo Guthrie
What: Benefit concert
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 8
Where: Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.
Why: Commemorating the 1967 song that catapulted him to fame, singer-songwriter and folk legend Arlo Guthrie will perform his 1967 song Alice's Restaurant in its entirety for the first time in over a decade. The night will feature the 18-minute antiwar anthem and Thanksgiving favorite in addition to other Guthrie tunes. Proceeds from the concert benefit the Old Town School of Folk Music's student financial aid and youth outreach programs.
For more information visit Old Town School of Folk Music’s website.
Low at Thalia Hall
Who: Indie rock band Low
What: Concert
When: 9 p.m. Sept. 19
Where: Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.
Why: The Minnesota-based band releases its new album, Ones and Sixes, worldwide Sept. 11. Take a listen, then catch them live in Pilsen.
For more information visit Thalia Hall’s website.
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell: The Traveling Kind Tour
Who: Bluegrass musicians Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
What: Concert
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 19
Where: The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.
Why: Harris and Crowell won a Grammy award in 2014 for Best Americana album. The album marks the first official collaboration between the duo since Crowell joined Harris’ band back in 1975.
For more information visit The Vic’s website.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Who: Various jazz artists
What: Music fest
When: Sept. 26 – 27
Where: Various Hyde Park locations
Why: This is the ninth anniversary for the fest, which this year hosts more than 35 bands on 14 stages. Musicians include Angel d’Cuba, Fat Babies, Henry Threadgill and David Virelles, and Regina Carter and Xavier Davis, among others.
For more information visit Hyde Park Jazz Festival’s website.
The Polyphonic Spree: 15th Anniversary Tour
Who: Psychphonic ensemble The Polyphonic Spree
What: Concert
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 8
Where: City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St.
Why: Originally conceived by frontman Tim DeLaughter, the choral symphonic pop rock band has ranged in size from 13 to 27 members and now marks its 15th year of existence.
For more information visit City Winery’s website.
Andy Warhol's Silver Clouds (Photo / Justin Ennis, Flickr)
Loyola University Museum of Art’s 10th Anniversary, with Andy Warhol’s Silver Clouds
Who: Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
What: Exhibition highlighting 10 years of LUMA acquisitions
When: Through Oct. 11
Where: LUMA, 820 N. Michigan Ave.
Why: Originally a collaboration from Andy Warhol and engineer Billy Kluver, Silver Clouds consists of a bunch of helium-filled, pillow-like forms made from silver plastic film. (But it’s Andy Warhol, so it’s cool okay?) LUMA’s reprising the “clouds” as part of its 10th anniversary – attendees can also check out The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama.
For more information visit LUMA’s website.
Giant Bronze Sculpture at the Art Institute
Who: Brooklyn-based artist Ursula von Rydingsvard
What: The installation of Bronze Bowl with Lace, a 20-foot statue
When: Oct. 8-April 24
Where: The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave.
Why: There’s just something special about craning your neck up at a giant bronze statue. This one stands almost 20 feet tall and the lace at the top is illuminated from within by a special lighting system. So it’s basically the Eiffel Tower of the Midwest. Ish.
For more information visit The Art Institute’s website.
Expo Chicago
Who: Expo Chicago
What: An exposition of artwork from 140 galleries from around the world
When: Sept. 17-20
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Why: In addition to all the art, Art Expo also hosts panel discussions, curated video and film works and a special exhibitions program showcasing regional and national museums.
For more information visit Expo Chicago's website.
The Renaissance Society Celebrates 100 years: Paul McCarthy Drawings
Who: Renaissance Society at University of Chicago
What: Drawings from L.A.-based artist Paul McCarthy
When: Nov. 8-Jan. 24
Where: The Renaissance Society, 5811 S. Ellis Ave., Cobb Hall, 4th Fl.
Why: Founded in 1915 by a group of U. of C. faculty members, the independent society acts as a non-collecting museum focused on flexible, experimental ethos. A perfect setting for the work of Paul McCarthy, whose line drawings explore sex and mythology, bodies and violence. Oh, and Walt Disney characters.
For more information visit The Renaissance Society’s website.
Walk Around in a Giant Hot Air Balloon
Who: Artist Kris Martin
What: His sculpture T.Y.F.F.S.H, a former hot air balloon complete with basket
When: Through Oct. 4
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Why: Attendees can walk through a decommissioned hot air balloon as part of the museum’s S, M, L, XL series, which highlights four interactive works which aim to challenge viewers traditional notions of sculpture and space. Plus, ya know, the fun of being inside a giant hot air balloon.
For more information visit the Museum of Contemporary Art’s website.
