Arts & Entertainment
From Studio Ghibli to a Farewell to Links Hall, Here Are 8 Arts and Culture Picks for the Weekend
“Angels in America” is at the Windy City Playhouse through Sept. 7, 2025. (Aaron Reese Boseman Photography)
So much is happening this week that we’ve expanded our recommendations. There are lots of celebrations on the horizon in Chicago — openings, closings, anniversaries, festivals — but’s it’s only a party if you show up. With a boatload of entertainment options out there, hop on board and grab a paddle.
The Special Consensus – Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn (6/27) and Woodstock Square Historic District in Woodstock (6/29)
Chicago’s premiere bluegrass ensemble celebrates its 50th (!) anniversary. Yes, founder Greg Cahill has been the cornerstone of Special Consensus since Gerald Ford was president. The new LP “Been All Around the World” has a delightful title song — “delightful” as far as murder ballads go — that features notable alums from the band’s long history. Friday, June 27, and Sunday, June 29
“Angels in America” – Invictus Theatre Company at the Windy City Playhouse
Angels, ghosts and historical figures inhabit this haunting, metaphorical play that playwright Tony Kushner subtitled “A Gay Fantasia on National Themes.” Kushner’s two-part epic won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. Here, both plays (“Millennium Approaches” and “Perestroika”) are presented in repertory by a single cast, which means one poor actor has to portray Roy Cohn all summer long. Through Sept. 7
“The Color Purple” – Goodman Theatre
The musical version of Alice Walker’s prize-winning novel arrives at Goodman Theatre 20 years after its Broadway debut. This cultural touchstone features a heroine fighting against tremendous odds as she navigates loss to find love and empowerment. Expect a rich musical backdrop of gospel, jazz and rhythm-and-blues with live music and a 21-member cast. The early word is that this production needs to be experienced. Through July 27
A still from “Spirited Away.” (Courtesy of Studio Ghibli)
“Destination Ghibli: Celebrating 40 Years” - Music Box Theatre
The Music Box celebrates 40 years of Japan’s beloved animation studio Studio Ghibli, which was co-founded by the visionary director Hayao Miyazaki. Here’s a chance to see 14 gorgeously animated films on the big screen, including “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke.” (Note: Most of it is family-friendly, but “Princess Mononoke” is gory and frightening.) Presented in partnership with the Japanese Arts Foundation. Begins Friday, June 27
CAKE: Chicago Alternative Comics Expo – Irish American Heritage Center
This is the place to be this weekend to explore the world of independent comics and comic book artists. Nicknamed CAKE, the expo is inspired by Chicago’s long legacy of underground and alternative comics. CAKE has loads of funky exhibitors, special guests and workshops — and I’m guessing pretty good people watching, too. Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29
Rhythm Fest – Epiphany Center for the Arts
A one-day riot of rhythm from Third Coast Percussion, the Grammy Award-winning quartet of classically trained percussionists. Expect virtuosity, precision and a healthy dose of wit, because these fellows find rhythm and fun in everyday objects. A full day of performances from friends and collaborators — including Glenn Kotche of Wilco — takes place in the splendid spaces of the Epiphany Center for the Arts. Saturday, June 28
Third Coast Percussion. (Courtesy of Third Coast Percussion)
“Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains” – Dunn Museum, Libertyville
Alex Ross is the boss of superhero artists. You don’t even have to like DC or Marvel to marvel at the artistry Ross puts into each painting. Look at how he composes his action-packed images and be wowed by his hyper-realistic technique. More than 100 pieces of artwork spanning two decades of his phenomenal career make this well worth a trip to the expanded museum in Lake County. Opens Sunday, June 29
“Dusk” – Links Hall
Last but not least, it’s the end of an era at the venerable Links Hall. An all-day event celebrates nearly 50 years of dance and performance to honor the closing of the arts incubator. There will be a marathon set of performances by alumni and a sunset ceremony — followed by a dance party — as Links Hall sinks into a bittersweet sunset. Saturday, June 28
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.
