Arts & Entertainment
From Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris to a Benefit for Ukraine, Here Are 5 Arts and Culture Picks for the Weekend
(Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago)
Sometimes I wish arts organizations sold their product with the zeal of an infomercial huckster:
“For a limited time only, experience a beloved painter, music in a historic cathedral and a spelling bee filled with song! But wait — there’s more art! Act now, and witness dancers soaring under strobe lights and dancing to Earth, Wind & Fire! Want more? Then how ‘bout a play about stand-up comics — it’s so funny you won’t have time to cry! Don’t wait! These offers are not available in stores!”
“Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris” – Art Institute of Chicago
Frida goes to France. It opened a week ago, so maybe the crowds have died down — because the art and life of Frida Kahlo always draws a crowd. This exhibition tells the little-known story of a cross-cultural exchange between the beloved Mexican painter and Mary Reynolds, an avant-garde artist and bookbinder at the center of the Paris art world. Through July 13
“We Stand with Ukraine” – St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
Members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Ukrainian musicians join forces for a musical tribute to the resilience of Ukraine. Set inside the beautiful St. Nicholas cathedral (check out the mosaics and massive chandelier), the concert benefits injured soldiers and the Ukrainian Medical Association. Tickets are $40, a bargain for a benefit in a rare setting. April 13, 2 p.m.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is playing in Aurora. (Amy Nelson)
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” – Paramount Theatre, Aurora
The composer of this wise and witty show — William Finn — died this week. What better way to celebrate his artistry than by seeing his most popular show? “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is one of those crowd-pleasing musicals that can make you laugh or cry. Here, Paramount Theatre in Aurora tells the tale of six middle school underdogs vying to be the best of the bee. Through April 27
Parsons Dance – Auditorium Theatre
The Auditorium lost the Joffrey to the Civic Opera House a few years ago, but they’ve made up for it with a robust calendar of dance. This New York-based troupe returns to Chicago after 30 years with a show that pays tribute to both Earth, Wind & Fire (“Shining Star”) and Brazilian music. There’s also a dance featuring 150 gravity-defying leaps under the flickering of strobe lights. April 12
“Obliteration” – The Revival
The Revival is a South Loop improv theater, and here they host a fusion of stand-up comedy and theater. A big hit at Steppenwolf’s LookOut festival last summer, “Obliteration” is the story of two comedians trying to make sense of the world. It’s written by Gift Theatre’s Andrew Hinderaker and performed by Michael Patrick Thornton and Cyd Blakewell. Expectations are high for this one. Through May 4
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.
