Arts & Entertainment
From the Old Town Art Fair to ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ Here Are 5 Arts Picks for the Weekend
Images on display at the “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e” exhibit. (Margo Hawk)
Whether you watch a $45 million military parade this weekend or attend a No Kings rally, you’re going to need some alternative programming, a palate cleanser, a digestif, if you will. There’s always much to do in a place voted Best Big City in the U.S. eight years in a row. So find a show and get a ticket — it’s a vote of confidence in our priceless shared culture.
Old Town Art Fair – Old Town Triangle Historic District
Art fairs come and go, but the Old Town Art Fair has barely budged in 75 years. Heck, when it was first staged in 1948, Old Town wasn’t even that old. The fair features live music, a stunning garden walk, and, most importantly, work by more than 200 artists from across the country, including local heroes like Firebird Community Arts. This family-friendly event takes place rain or shine. And probably for another 75 years. June 14-15
“To Steve With Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim” – Studebaker Theater
Liz Callaway made her Broadway debut in a Stephen Sondheim show and worked with the composer over the years. After his death, Callaway recorded an album of Sondheim songs that earned a Grammy nomination in the same category as Bruce Springsteen (spoiler: neither won). Now she returns to her hometown — her father was legendary journalist and “Chicago Tonight” creator John Callaway. Expect to hear a story or two about dad, an insider’s thoughts on Sondheim and great songs sung by a voice as sparkling as prosecco. June 14
“Hokusai & Ukiyo-e” – Cleve Carney Museum of Art, Glen Ellyn
Japan’s shogun era comes to life through paintings, prints and immersive recreations. This exhibition focuses on 17th century Edo (modern day Tokyo) where masterful artists such as Hokusai flourished in the popular style known as Ukiyo-e. The U.S. premiere of the show is on campus at the College of DuPage, and it comes complete with an interactive manga exhibit. The museum has upped its game in recent years, so here’s a chance to dive into waves of art, innovation and history.
The cast of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” at the Joffrey Ballet. (Jeff Busby)
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” – Joffrey Ballet
Down the rabbit hole you’ll go in this adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic book of imagination that Hedy Weiss calls “wonderfully innovative.” The Chicago premiere is a design extravaganza with puppets, costumes, projections and 46 Joffrey dancers moving to the exquisite choreography of Tony Award-winning Christopher Wheeldon. It adds up to a wild blend of absurdity, menace and beauty — just the sort of boundary-pushing one would hope to see at the Lyric Opera House. Through June 22
“42 Balloons” – Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Recent musicals at Chicago Shakes have been stellar (“Six,” “Sunny Afternoon” and “Illinoise”). Now they’ve snagged a lofty North American premiere from the producers of “Six.” It’s based on the true story of “Lawnchair Larry,” who put together a cluster of balloons to fulfill his dream of soaring high into the sky. With a score inspired by ‘80s pop music, “42 Balloons” should have a smooth liftoff from Navy Pier with little chance of rapid unscheduled disassembly. Through June 29
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.
