Arts & Entertainment
From Shakespeare Outdoors to the History of Fashion, Here Are 5 Chicago-Area Weekend Picks
Nestor Gomez in in “80 Minutes Around the World: Immigration Stories.”
If you can’t “get out of town,” as the Cole Porter song says, at least get out of your house or apartment. Or just get off Mom’s couch, if that’s where you’re stuck. (No judgement — we’ve all been there, and by “we” I mean “me.”) Start the second half of 2025 on sure footing — see something, do something. Maybe even take Mom.
“Twelfth Night” – Oak Park Festival Theatre
Shakespeare’s comedy of tangled romance launches the 50th season of this beloved outdoor theater. (Fun fact: in 1975, David Mamet acted in their first production.) Expect mistaken identities and bawdy jokes, and don’t be late or you’ll miss that great opening line “If music be the food of love, play on…” If you’re looking for a bargain on the Bard, walk-up sales are “pay what you can” on Wednesday and Thursday nights. July 5-Aug. 16
“No Grown-Ups Allowed” – The Second City, UP Comedy Club
They don’t really mean it. Grown-ups are, in fact, allowed. Hey, someone’s gotta pay for the tickets. This July, Saturdays at 2 p.m. is the time to inspire the hilarious young people in your life. Kids shout out suggestions and join in the fun of a one-hour sketch and improv show with family-friendly songs and skits. Last summer the show had a sold-out run, so make plans for your junior jokers.
Untitled by Chiffon Thomas is displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. (Karl Puchlik)
“City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago” – MCA Chicago
Thirty artists and collectives from the 1980s till now convey Chicago’s essential role in the story of queer art and activism. Taking its title from the city motto “Urbs in Horto,” the show speaks to artists’ view of Chicago as a sanctuary for people of all races, genders and sexualities. Featuring Nick Cave, Roger Brown and many more, the exhibition sounds more urgent than it did just a year ago. Opens July 5
“80 Minutes Around the World: Immigration Stories” – Steppenwolf Theater
A profusion of performance hosted by Nestor Gomez, who has won the Moth StorySLAM 80 times (Really? Really. I checked). Gomez welcomes storytellers and comedians who share stories by immigrants, refugees and allies – all reflecting on the experience of migrants and their descendants. Part of Steppenwolf’s Summer LookOut Series. Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6
“Dressed in History” – Chicago History Museum
Time is running out to see this retrospective on fashion and clothing – it goes back into the archival closet on July 27. The exhibition is a salute to the museum’s vast and storied costume collection and includes everything from wool bathing suits to a Christian Dior gown to a pair of Air Jordan 1s, none of which you can try on. It’s a custom-fit look at wearable artifacts that have added to Chicago lore.
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.
